ELEVEN TERMS AFFECTING OUR LIVES

This is a list of some of the terms active in the political world. I chose them randomly in hopes that it clears the air on some political jargon that you come across without giving any thought to their origin. This is a brief overview; go online, look them up, and learn more about our political world.

Demagogue – This is when a political leader seeks support without using rational judgment but rather appeals to popular desires and prejudices. Donald Trump is a classic example of this practice.

 Filibuster: In legislative practice, the parliamentary tactic used in the United States Senate by a minority of the senators-sometimes even a single senator-to delay or prevent parliamentary action by talking so long that the majority either grants concessions or withdraws the bill. For example, presently, this is the practice the Republicans will use to put a stop to the “Voting Right Bill” sponsored by the Democrats.

Gaffe: An unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator; a blunder.

Gerrymandering – Gerrymandering is a practice intended to establish an unfair political advantage for a particular party or group by manipulating the boundaries of electoral districts. In Buffalo, Puerto Ricans/Latinos are victims of this practice.

G.O.P.  – This is an acronym for Grand Old Party, referring to the Republican Party.

Hard money: Used in conjunction with federal elections. These funds must be raised in accordance with the regulations set out by the FEC. Hard money is not able to be donated by unions or corporations directly but has to come from individuals. A corporation can, however, make contributions through political action committees. As of 2012, an individual may only donate a maximum of $2,700 USD. Hard money may be spent on political adverts and campaigns for a particular candidate.

Purple state: Another term for a swing state. A state which could vote Democratic (blue) or Republican (red).

SuperPAC – An independent political action committee that may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, and individuals but is not permitted to contribute to or coordinate directly with parties or candidates.

Xenophobia/Xenophobic — An intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries and cultures.

Wedge issue:  a political issue that divides a candidate’s supporters or the members of a party. Political campaigns use wedge issues to soften tension within a targeted population. A wedge issue may often be a point of internal dissent within an opposing party, which that party attempts to suppress or ignore discussion because it divides “the base”.

Wonk: An elected official who takes an enthusiastic or excessive interest in the specialized details of a particular subject or field, especially political policy.

Sources: https://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2016-37385625

https://jenebaspeaks.com/2016/10/politics-for-dummies-top-75-political-terms-you-should-know/

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euphemism