P

“Packing” refers to the strategic manipulation of electoral district boundaries to concentrate as many voters of one party as possible into a single district.

The …

“Packing the galleries” is an outdated practice in which campaign managers would fill up the seats at a political convention with their own supporters.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

An individual with strong political opinions who does not hesitate to express them.

Typically, a park bench orator speaks out about their views in public.…

A “party boss” is a high-ranking individual within a political party, typically at the state or local level, who wields significant influence over …

The term “party faithful” refers to individuals who demonstrate unwavering loyalty and commitment to a specific political party.

These individuals are dedicated supporters and advocates …

The term “party line” refers to the officially agreed-upon policy positions of a political party.

It can also refer to the way in which members …

A patriot is a person who loves, supports, and defends one’s country.

The term “patriot” is derived from the Latin word “patriota,” which means “fellow …

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 …

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 …

“Peace at any price” is a phrase closely associated with the politics of appeasement, and especially with British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and his …

“Peace through strength” is the accumulation of military power and security assets by a country to encourage an amenable diplomatic atmosphere with other countries.

Origin

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 …

A pecking order is a social hierarchy which spells out the specifics of how the power structure operates.

Origin of “Pecking Order”

The term was …

A “pen and pad briefing” is a briefing held by lawmakers or White House officials at which video and photography is not allowed.

It’s similar …

The term “permanent campaign” was first coined by Sidney Blumenthal in his 1980 book, The Permanent Campaign.

The book explained how the breakdown in …

Petitioning is a phase in a campaign where organizers collect signatures from eligible voters to achieve a specific political objective.

This objective can vary widely, …

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 photo-op is short for a “photo opportunity,” an event specifically staged for television news cameras or photographers to increase a politician’s exposure.

A photo-op …

“Ping pong” refers to reconciling the differences between a House-passed bill and a Senate-passed bill by amendments between the chambers, rather than forming a conference …

Pinko is a pejorative word for someone with left-wing views.

Over time, the term has evolved and is now often used in a slightly comical …

Rough and tumble, attack-dog style political campaigns are sometimes referred to as pitbull politics.

In the same way, a pitbull politician is one who is …

Plausible deniability is the ability to deny any involvement in illegal or unethical activities, because there is no clear evidence to prove involvement.…

To “play in Peoria” is a phrase meaning how well something will appeal to the heartland or mainstream America.

Peoria is an actual city in …

The “plumbers” were a covert White House Special Investigations Unit established during the presidency of Richard Nixon.

The group’s task was to stop …

A pocket veto is a legislative tactic that allows the president to indirectly veto a bill.

The U.S. Constitution requires the President to sign a …

To “poison the well” is to pre-emptively present adverse information to an audience, with the intention of discrediting or ridiculing what another politician intends to …

“Poke the bear” refers to the act of deliberately challenging or provoking a powerful individual, group, or nation, often with the risk of eliciting an …

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

They are also sometimes called political …

A political football is an otherwise non-partisan issue which politicians try to capitalize on and turn to their advantage.

Something is said to be a …

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

This can be …

“Political jujitsu” refers to the strategic practice of using an opponent’s actions, statements, or strategies against them to gain an advantage, much like the martial …

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

“Political suicide” is an unpopular action that is likely to cause significant harm to their reputation, electoral success, or power within their organization.

These actions …

“Politics ain’t beanbag” Is an old-fashioned way of saying that politics can be rough.

People express roughly the same idea when they call politics “…

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 …

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

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 …

“Potomac fever” is the condition where a politician is gripped by a desire to stay in government, whether to make a change or for power’s …

The “power behind the throne” is said to be someone who does not hold an official leadership position but who effectively wields control.

The phrase …

A “power broker” is someone who wields indirect political power, either by influencing the outcomes of elections or by exercising influence over key decision …

“Power corrupts” refers to the statement made by the 19th century British historian Lord Acton who declared that “power tends to corrupt, and absolute power …

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

This can take …

“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 …

A “press gaggle” is an informal briefing by the White House press secretary that, unlike a backgrounder, is on the record.

However, video recording …

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

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

“Probe with bayonets” refers to a cautious yet assertive approach to assessing the weaknesses or reactions of an opponent, often before making a significant move …

The “professional left” consists of left-leaning political pundits, paid activists, and the heads of progressive institutions.

Critics might use the term to highlight a perceived …

Psephology is the scientific study and statistical analysis of elections and voting.

Through employing various quantitative methods and data analysis, psephologists seek to …

A “puppet state” is a country that claims to be independent, but is actually controlled by an outside state or other foreign power.

Origin of

A “purple state” features roughly even numbers of Democratic and Republican supporters in a presidential election.

It’s also a term used for a swing state …

A “push card” is a small, easy access, wallet-sized campaign sign typically given to a potential voter during door-to-door canvassing or at an event.

They’re …

A “push poll” is a form of interactive marketing in which political operatives try to sway voters to believe in certain policies or candidates under …

To “pussyfoot” is to proceed with caution, to move warily but steadily or to sidestep an issue as to not take a side.

It is …

The phrase “put politics aside” is an appeal to transcend partisan or ideological divides in order to address an issue of mutual concern.

Often invoked …