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Aardvarking is recruiting candidates for public office with the main objective of having their names begin with the letter A.

The practice of aardvarking is …

An absentee ballot is a vote cast by someone who is unable to visit the official polling place on Election Day.

This type …

The “Acela corridor” refers to the Northeast megalopolis that stretches roughly from Washington, D.C., through New York City, to Boston.

Named after Amtrak’s high-speed Acela …

The “advance man” is someone who makes arrangements and handles publicity for the candidate during a campaign.

The advance man travels to a location ahead …

“Advice and Consent” is a critical phrase in the United States Constitution that outlines a key aspect of the checks and balances among the three …

Agitprop is political propaganda, especially in the form of art or literature, which is used to advance a political stance.

The term originated …

The “aisle” refers to the space which divides the majority side from the minority on the House and Senate floor.

When debating, members frequently refer …

To “Akinize” is to try to diminish a political foe by likening his or her words to remarks on “legitimate rape” made by …

“All things to all men” is a phrase applied to politicians who seem to be making contradictory promises and statements so that they can appeal …

The term “alternative facts” was a phrase coined by White House adviser Kellyanne Conway to defend a false statement by press secretary Sean Spicer about …

“Amen corner” is a term used in politics to refer to a group of people or legislators who always support or agree with a particular …

Ronald Reagan’s critics often referred to the president as an “amiable dunce.”

The phrase was meant to suggest that Reagan was friendly and likeable, but …

“Appeasement” is a diplomatic policy in which nations attempt to make peace by making concessions to an aggressive nation. Appeasement is often linked with the …

“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 …

An armchair strategist is a person who creates plans and military strategy without being directly involved in the area. The term is often used in …

“Arsenal of democracy” is a term that was first coined by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in a radio address to the nation on …

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

According to this worldview, politics is a matter …

Astroturfing is an artificially-manufactured political movement designed to give the appearance of grassroots activism.

It involves presenting a biased or skewed view of public …

“Astrotweeting” is the creation of fake Twitter profiles to show support for a political candidate.

Bill White described the practice in an Texas Monthly interview …

An “attack dog” in politics is a person, usually a politician or a political operative, who is designated to aggressively challenge and criticize the opposition.…

An “autopsy report” is a comprehensive examination and analysis performed by a political party, organization, or think tank following an electoral defeat.

The primary objective …

A “back channel” is an unofficial means of communication between two nations or two political entities.

“Backchanneling” is also used as a verb, to refer …

A “backbencher” is a junior member in the British House of Commons who occupies the back benches of Parliament, sitting behind party leaders and top …

A “backgrounder” is an off-the-record briefing for members of the news media.

Reporters are free to report on what they learn at a background briefing …

The term “bafflegab” is used to describe language or speech that is intentionally vague, misleading, or difficult to understand.

In politics, it is often used …

The term “bagman” is used to describe a person who acts as an intermediary or messenger, delivering or collecting money or other valuable items on …

The Baily memorandum was circulated among members of the Democratic party in 1956, arguing that Catholic voters were a key demographic that could be harnessed …

A balanced ticket is a paring of political party candidates designed to appeal to a broad swathe of the electorate. A balanced ticket normally includes …

“Ballot box stuffing” is a term that refers to the practice of illegally submitting more than one vote in a ballot in which …

The term “ballyhoo” refers to a type of political propaganda that is designed to create a public spectacle or spectacle and attract attention to a …

To be on the “bandwagon” is to follow a group that has a large and growing number of followers.

A bandwagon is literally a wagon …

In politics, a “bargaining chip” refers to something that is used as leverage in a negotiation, an attempt to pass legislation, or an effort to …

A barnstormer travels around the country or state making political appearances during a political campaign.

The phrase was first used when pilots would travel around …

The terms “battleground state” and “swing state” refer to states that have closely divided support for Democratic and Republican presidential candidates.

They are …

The term “bean counter” is a slang term used to refer to individuals who are perceived as overly focused on financial or budgetary concerns, often …

“Bed-wetting” refers to someone who expresses doubt or excessive worry about a political outcome.

The term “bed-wetting” in politics has roots in psychological analogies.

Much …

In politics, a “bellwether” refers to a geographic area whose political beliefs and voting preferences reflect that of a wider area.

For example, a county …

“Beltway bandits” describes a private business or political entity that operates inside the Beltway, the interstate highway that encircles Washington, D.C.

More specifically, the …

“Better red than dead” is a phrase that reflects the belief that, despite the widespread perceived dangers of communism and the Soviet Union, it was …

Broadly speaking, “big government” is a political term that refers to how much influence the federal government has on the day-to-day lives of American citizens.…

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 …

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

The opposite of “big tent” …

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

A bill originating in the House is …

In politics, a Bircher is an adherent to the teachings and philosophies of the John Birch Society, an anti-communist organization founded in 1958.

The heyday …

“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 …

A blanket primary is a primary election whereby each voter can select one candidate per office regardless of party.

This primary is different from open …

The term “bleeding hearts” refers to people who care deeply  — so deeply that their hearts bleed — about the suffering of the needy. The …

The Blue Dog Democrats are a coalition of moderate House Democrats.

The group is dedicated to fiscally conservative legislation and a strong national defense. They …

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

A “blue state” is one whose voters elect primarily Democratic candidates.

It is the opposite of a red state, which elects primarily Republican candidates.…

Blue-slipping is a term that originates from the United States Congress and refers to a procedural action taken by the House of Representatives to assert …

A “body man” is an assistant or valet who follows a political figure around the clock, providing logistical assistance for daily tasks ranging from paperwork …

A Boll weevil Democrat was a conservative southern Democrat in the mid 1900s, largely known for his opposition to civil rights.

They used …

A “bomb thrower” is used metaphorically to describe a person — often a politician or political operative — who uses provocative, inflammatory, or extreme rhetoric …

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

Boodle can also be used to mean a large collection of something. …

A “boondoggle” is a wasteful or extravagant project with no practical value. Usually, a boondoggle makes use of public funds and carries at least a …

“Borking” is attacking a person’s reputation and views for the purposes of denying them a political appointment.

Borking is characterized by intense scrutiny …

The “Bradley effect” is a polling phenomenon involving high support for non-white and non-female candidates in opinion polls not reflected by election results.…

A “bridge builder” is a politician or diplomat who actively works to create or improve relationships, foster cooperation, and promote understanding among diverse groups or …

A brokered convention takes place when no one candidate wins a majority delegates during the presidential primary to earn their party’s nomination in …

A bully pulpit is a public office or position of authority that provides the holder with an opportunity to speak out and be listened to …

“Bundlers” refers to individuals or organizations that raise large sums of money from multiple donors to support a political campaign or cause.

These bundlers are …

“Bundling” refers to the practice of collecting contributions from multiple donors and submitting them to a political campaign or political action committee (PAC) as a …

“Bunk” is empty or nonsense talk.

In 1820, Rep. Felix Walker from Ashville, North Carolina justified his long-winded and somewhat irrelevant remarks about the Missouri …

A “by-election” is an election held to fill a political office that has become vacant between regularly scheduled elections.

Typically, they occur when the incumbent …

A “cabal” is a group of people involved in a secret plot or conspiracy.

Cabal can also refer to the plot itself, or to the …

“Camelot” is a reference to President John F. Kennedy’s administration.

Kennedy’s brief, ill-fated presidency has been highly mythologized; some people point to it …

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

Typically, it means telling delegates and voters that your rival can’t possibly …

The “candy desk” is where a supply of candy is kept in the U.S. Senate.

Sen. George Murphy (R-CA) originated the practice of keeping a …

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 …

A “carpetbagger” is a politician who runs for office or tries to appeal to a constituency in a geographic area where he or …

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 …

Cats and dogs are are leftover “stray” bills on minor subjects saved for days when the House or Senate have light floor schedules.

It is …

A “cattle call” is a public event at which a big group of candidates for public office all speak.

The term comes from the acting …

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 …

The “cemetery vote” refers to a form of voter fraud, in which votes are cast in the names of registered voters who have, in fact, …

A “charm offensive” refers to a coordinated campaign of personal engagement, public relations efforts, and sometimes even flattery, aimed at winning the favor or support …

The Chatham House Rule is a system for holding discussions on potentially controversial topics, particularly in politics and public affairs.

At a meeting held under …

The “Checkers speech” was a televised address given by then-Senator Richard Nixon on September 23, 1952 as he was fighting to retain his …

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

A “Cherokee Strip” is the seating area in the U.S. Senate chamber when some members of the majority party mist sit on the side of …

“Chicago-style politics” is a phrase used to characterize a supposedly offensive tough, “take-no-prisoners” or “hardball” approach to politics.

It often refers more specifically …

“Chicken in every pot” was Republican campaign slogan of the late 1920s. The slogan is often incorrectly attributed to Herbert Hoover; it became a means …

A “chilling effect” is a situation in which rights are restricted, often because of indirect political pressure or overbroad legislation. Chilling effect is usually used …

“Chum” is campaign gear such as bumper stickers, lawn signs, and campaign buttons.

The concept of chum draws its metaphorical origins from the practice of …

A “city on a hill” is used to refer to America’s supposed standing in the world, as a “beacon of hope” which other nations can …

In politics, a “clean sweep” occurs in an election when a candidate or party achieves an overwhelming or complete victory, winning in all or almost …

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 …

A “clothespin vote” is a colorful term referring to a vote given to the “less objectionable” candidate despite a distaste for him or her. It’s …

“Cloture” is legislative term referring to a motion or process by which debate is brought to a quick end.

From the French word meaning “the …

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 …

The “coattail effect” is a phenomenon whereby a political candidate or leader’s popularity leads to improved vote totals for fellow party candidates further down the …

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

These trips …

The Committee of the Whole is a procedural device used to expedite debates in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The House of Representatives uses this …

The “Compact of Fifth Avenue” resulted from a meeting in 1960 between aspiring presidential candidate Richard Nixon met Nelson Rockefeller in Rockefeller’s New York City …

A “concession speech” is the speech a candidate delivers after the vote results are clear, when they publicly acknowledge that they’ve been defeated in an …

The term “cone of silence” refers to a situation or environment where sensitive information is strictly safeguarded from unauthorized individuals, including the media and sometimes …

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 …

The Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress.

It is a comprehensive and authoritative reference source …

A “contested convention,” sometimes also referred to as a “brokered convention,” occurs when no single candidate for president secures the majority of delegates …