Political Dictionary

An essential guide to the language of power

Word of the Day Sunday, October 25, 2026
Demagogue

A demagogue is a politician whose rhetoric appeals to raw emotions such as fear and hatred in order to gain power, rather than using rational arguments.

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Word Games

Real or Snollygoster?

Bradley effect
  1. AThe "Bradley effect" is a campaign strategy in which a candidate…
  2. BThe "Bradley effect" is a fundraising phenomenon in which early…
  3. CThe “Bradley effect” is a polling phenomenon involving high…

Three definitions, one real. Spot the snollygosters.

Play today’s round → Puzzle No. 35

Define It

is an electoral system where voters rank candidates in order of preference, instead of for just one…

Five definitions, the term blanked out. Name all five.

Play today’s round → Puzzle No. 35

Recently added

All new terms →
Watershed Election

A “watershed election” is an election which represents a major shift away from the current political situation and often marked by sweeping changes in party control, policy direction, or voter…

Presidential Fever

“Presidential fever” is the overwhelming, fervent desire to be elected president of the United States. Presidential fever can also refer to an extreme love of the office of the presidency.

Yellow Dog Democrat

A yellow dog Democrat was a Southern voter who was unwavering in their loyalty to the Democratic party.

Time in the Barrel

“Time in the barrel” refers to a period when a political candidate, party, or policy is subjected to intense scrutiny or attack by the media, opposition, or public opinion.

Blue Slips

Blue slips are a long-standing Senate tradition that allows a Senator to signal opposition to a federal judicial nominee from their home state.

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