The term “war room” in politics has a somewhat different connotation compared to its original military usage, where it referred to a room …

Pork barrel projects describes the appropriation of government spending for localized projects, usually secured primarily to bring money to a representative’s district.

Origin of “Pork

The term “casework” refers to assistance provided by members of Congress to constituents who need help while filing a grievance with the federal government or …

“Hardball” refers to a straightforward, often aggressive strategy employed in politics to achieve one’s goals.

It typically involves a no-nonsense attitude, where individuals are focused …

The term “checks and balances” refers to the separation of powers that results from divided branches of government outlined in the U.S. Constitution.…

In political discourse, the term “establishment” refers to the traditional, institutionalized power structures and key players within a political system, which can include party leaders, …

The term “clown car” is often used pejoratively in politics to describe a large and unwieldy field of candidates vying for a particular office, usually …

A “smoke-filled room” is used to describe a situation where politicians or other powerful individuals gather in a private, enclosed space to make …

A peanut politician is one who practices politics on a petty scale and who is chiefly motivated by narrow self-interest.

Peanut politicians are also often …

K Street refers to the area in downtown Washington, D.C. where many lobbyists, lawyers and advocacy groups have their offices.

The term has become synonymous …

“Dog whistle politics” is the practice of sending out coded political messages or subtle signals, which are designed to be understood only by …

A “conference committee” is a temporary joint committee specifically created to reconcile differences between House-passed and Senate-passed versions of a bill.

Comprising an equal number …

A “hopper” refers to a physical box or an electronic system where proposed bills or resolutions are submitted in a legislative body.

The concept comes …

In politics, cloakrooms are spaces adjacent to the chambers of the Senate and the House where politicians from both parties can gather to discuss Congressional …

Logrolling refers to a quid pro quo exchange of favors.

In politics, it generally refers to vote-trading by lawmakers to ensure that each …

The “yeas and nays” is a recorded roll call vote of members of the House or Senate.

The term “yeas” refers to votes in favor …

“Inside the Beltway” is a term used to describe the political landscape and culture within the Capital Beltway, the Interstate 495 highway that encircles …

A pork chopper is a union official who is in his position because of self-interest, not because he has the best interest of the other …

“Packing the galleries” is an outdated practice in which campaign managers would fill up the seats at a political convention with their own supporters.

In …

A “codel,” or congressional delegation, is a group of members of the United States Congress who travel together on official business.

These trips …

A “false flag” describes covert operations designed to deceive by creating the appearance that activities are being carried out by groups or nations other than …

A pooh bah is a person with great and often unchecked political power.

A pooh-bah may hold political office but is an ineffective leader who …

The term “ex officio” comes from the Latin phrase “from the office,” and in politics it refers to someone who is part of a political …

“Feeding at the public trough” is using government funds to enrich oneself.

Feeding at the public trough refers to activities which are, strictly speaking, legal, …

“Pressing the flesh” refers to shaking hands, usually in a warm and effusive manner. It is an integral part of most political campaigns …

A caucus is an informal meeting of local party members to discuss candidates and choose delegates to their party’s convention.

It can also refer to …

“Are you any better off” is a phrase commonly used in politics to question whether the policies and actions of a particular candidate or political …

A “big lie” is an extreme distortion of the truth, used for the purpose of spreading propaganda. It is often somewhat outrageous.

In theory, people …

“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 …

Impeachment is the process by which a public official, such as the President of the United States, can be removed from office for …

“Whistle-stopping” is practice of making political speeches or appearances in many different towns during a short period of time.

The practice has lost some of …

“Riddick’s Senate Procedure” is a comprehensive reference work that serves as the definitive guide to the rules, practices, and precedents governing the United States Senate.…

The phrase “rising tide lifts all boats” expresses the idea that if the economy improves, every participant in the economy will be in an improved …

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

Those faithful Democrats swore that …

The “Phoney War” refers to a period of relative inactivity and low-intensity military operations at the beginning of World War II.

It was a time …

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 …

“One man, one vote” is a slogan used to express an ideal of equal representation for all citizens.

One man, one vote is also often …

In American politics, the term “mugwumps” was first used to describe those who left the Republican party in favor of the Democrats in …

In politics, a fishing expedition is a pejorative phrase to describe an investigation that lacks a clear scope and defined purpose.

Fishing expeditions are usually …