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“Guns before butter” refers to the debate over how governments should use their revenue: should resources be used to build up the military, or should they be spent on domestic…

The practice of backing up diplomatic efforts with a visible show of military might.

A “fifth column” is a group which operates in secret, usually within enemy lines, in order to help further a cause which they secretly support.

“Bird-dogging” is a term that originates from hunting, where a bird dog is trained to sniff out and point towards game birds, but in politics it takes on a unique…

“Third-rate burglary” is a phrase which President Richard Nixon’s press secretary used to describe the Watergate break-in.

A “grand design” refers to any kind of deliberate plan of action. In politics, the term is usually used to mean an overarching strategy or a long-term plan.

“I am the law” is a phrase attributed to Frank Hague, the mayor of Jersey City from 1917 until he retired in 1947.

A “hatchet man” is an operative in charge of doing political dirty work — or dirty tricks — both during a campaign and sometimes as part of normal government functions.

To be “on the fence” is to be hesitant about taking a political stance.

The phrase “fuck around and find out” conveys a challenge or warning.

The phrase “heartbeat away from the presidency” refers to the fact that the vice president will automatically succeed the presidency in the case of the president’s death, disability, or resignation.

“Dyed in the wool” is a phrase referring to people who hold very strong opinions and are unwilling to change them.

“John Q. Public” is a generic name used in the United States to denote a typical member of the general public or an average citizen.

The “Final Solution” was a euphemistic name used by Nazi leaders for their plan to exterminate all of the Jews in Europe.

A “captive candidate” is one who is allegedly “owned” by special interests or political groups. Calling someone a “captive candidate” is similar to saying that they are the puppet or…

In politics, gridlock is a situation in which the government is unable to pass new legislation, often because the presidency and the Congress are controlled by different political parties.

The grassroots are the ordinary people in a region, or in a political party.

A “boodle” refers to a large sum of bribe money or graft money.

A “three martini lunch” is a long, leisurely lunch, usually associated with either business or backroom political dealings.

The Fair Deal was a package of economic and social reforms put forward by President Harry Truman, with the stated purpose of giving all Americans access to education, healthcare, and…

In politics, a “fat cat” is a rich and influential person, usually one who donates generously to political campaigns.

Karl Marx famously declared that religion is the opiate of the people.

In politics, a “big tent” refers to an inclusive party which encourages a wide swathe of people to become members.

In politics, “slow-walk” is a term used to describe an effort to prevent legislation or a political process from moving forward by intentionally slowing it down to a crawl.

The “political graveyard” refers to the careers of politicians who have experienced a significant decline of their political influence and electoral viability.

The “Era of Good Feeling” refers to a period in U.S. history from about 1815 until about 1825, characterized by a sense of optimism and positivity.

The “can’t win technique” is a campaign strategy used during the primary season.

A “one-house bill” is a bill introduced by a lawmaker for the purpose of grandstanding or to demonstrate their effort to fulfill political promises without the ability to actually pass…

A whistleblower refers to an individual who exposes illicit activities, misconduct, or unethical practices occurring within a political entity, government institution, or related organizations.

The term “Speaker Emerita” is a title bestowed on a former Speaker of the House of Representatives in the United States who has left the position but continues to serve…