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“One minute speeches” refers to a procedure that allows members of a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress, to speak briefly on a particular matter.

Political patronage is the system of rewarding political allies with government jobs, especially prestigious positions which pay well and demand little in the way of work.

A “witch hunt” is a politically-motivated, often vindictive investigation that feeds on public fears.

The New Deal was a series of government programs created during the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The “veepstakes” is the process and speculation surrounding the selection of a vice presidential candidate during a presidential election cycle.

The term “sine die” is a Latin phrase that literally means “without a day” or “without setting a day.”

A “political junkie” is an individual with an insatiable appetite for all things related to politics—be it elections, governance, policy analysis, or the intricate dance of political maneuvering.

“Quiet diplomacy” refers to one state’s efforts to influence the behavior of another state through discreet negotiations or actions.

A power grab is an attempt by an individual or group to acquire or consolidate power in an unlawful or unethical manner.

A “rubber chicken circuit” is the nickname given to the endless parade of dinners that political candidates must attend during a campaign for office in order to meet donors and…

During the Cold War, the division between western Europe and the Soviet bloc countries was called the “iron curtain.”

A “happy warrior” is a politician or political activist who remains optimistic and cheerful even in the face of adversity or contentious political battles.

A “live pair” refers to a situation where two lawmakers have agreed to not vote on a particular matter.

The term “whiz kids” refers to any intellectually gifted, precocious young people who possess exceptional talent and the confidence to effectively utilize it in various fields.

To “work the room” is to move through a crowd, greeting people and engaging them in conversation.

An imperial presidency is characterized by having greater powers than those clearly provided for in the U.S. Constitution, as it pertains to the executive branch.

“Rendezvous with destiny” was a phrase used by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1936 when he accepted the Democratic nomination to run again for the presidency.

President Lyndon B. Johnson’s combination of charm, persuasion, and sheer intimidation came to be known as the “Johnson treatment.”

“Happy Days Are Here Again” is the title of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s official campaign song in 1932.

“Ratfucking” is the art of carrying out dirty tricks and crafty maneuvers, usually in the name of winning an election.

In politics, a “rainmaker” is an individual who can raise campaign funds for others.

A bill is a proposed law introduced in either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate.

The Previous Question — sometimes referred to as a “PQ” — is a tool of the minority that affords the opportunity to offer an amendment to the Rule being considered…

The “military industrial complex” is a term referring to all the components of a nation’s military establishment, including the private businesses involved in producing weapons and other military equipment.

“Swiftboating” refers to the use of dishonest or misleading tactics to attack or smear the reputation or character of a political opponent.

A political animal is one who is fascinated by politics and who thrives on being closely involved in politics.

The person who has his “finger on the button” has the power to launch a nuclear weapon.

“The desk” is another name for the rostrum where the presiding officer and various clerks of the chamber sit.

The “art of the possible” is idea that politics is a matter of pragmatism, instead of idealism.

Pax Americana refers to a period of relative peace and stability that extended throughout the area of American influence, beginning with the end of World War II.