Political Processes & Tactics Vocabulary

prolonged speaking to delay legislative action

“The senator's filibuster lasted fourteen hours.”

manipulating electoral boundaries for advantage

“Gerrymandering created safe seats for the party.”

a meeting of party members to select candidates or decide policy

“The Iowa caucus launches the primary season.”

authority granted by electoral victory

“The landslide gave him a clear mandate.”

a direct vote on a specific issue

“The referendum decided the constitutional question.”

a direct vote on a major political question

“The plebiscite determined independence.”

an alliance of parties or factions

“No party won outright, so a coalition governed.”

supported by two major parties

“The infrastructure bill had bipartisan support.”

an official whose term is ending with reduced power

“The lame duck president made few initiatives.”

exchanging political favors, especially votes

“Logrolling passed both senators' pet projects.”