Political Glossary
Quick Jump to Terms
Civil Rights
The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality. Includes protections for voting rights, equal treatment under law, and freedom from discrimination.
↑ Back to topCoalition Building
The process of forming alliances between different political groups or interests to achieve common goals or increase political influence.
↑ Back to topConstitutional Originalism
A legal philosophy that interprets the Constitution as it was understood at the time it was ratified, emphasizing the original meaning and intent of the framers.
↑ Back to topElectoral College
The system used to elect the U.S. President, where states are allocated electoral votes based on their congressional representation. A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win.
↑ Back to topFederalism
A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (states). Defines the relationship between federal and state governments.
↑ Back to topFiscal Conservatism
A political-economic philosophy advocating for lower taxes, reduced government spending, minimal debt, and free market policies.
↑ Back to topGrassroots Activism
Political action that originates from ordinary people at the local level, rather than being orchestrated by traditional power structures or political organizations.
↑ Back to topEconomic Nationalism
Policies that emphasize domestic control of the economy, labor, and capital formation, often through protectionist policies or restrictions on foreign ownership.
↑ Back to topNonviolent Resistance
A strategy for social change that rejects the use of violence, instead using methods such as civil disobedience, boycotts, strikes, and peaceful protests.
↑ Back to topPolitical Polarization
The divergence of political attitudes away from the center toward ideological extremes, often resulting in increased partisan division and decreased political compromise.
↑ Back to topPopulist Movement
Political movements that appeal to ordinary people who feel their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups. Can emerge from either left-wing or right-wing ideologies.
↑ Back to topProgressive Movement
Political philosophy advocating for social reform, economic regulation, environmental protection, and expansion of democratic processes. Emphasizes government action to address social and economic inequalities.
↑ Back to topProtectionism
Economic policy that restricts international trade through tariffs, quotas, and other regulations to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
↑ Back to topPolitical Realignment
A dramatic change in the political system characterized by a durable new pattern of voting behavior, party coalitions, or policy regime. Often follows significant historical events or social changes.
↑ Back to topStates' Rights
Political position that emphasizes the rights and powers retained by state governments rather than the federal government, based on the 10th Amendment to the Constitution.
↑ Back to topThis glossary is regularly updated to reflect current political terminology and movements. Terms are defined based on their common usage in American political discourse.
Social Conservatism
Political ideology that emphasizes traditional values, religious beliefs, and established social institutions. Often focuses on issues of family, morality, and cultural stability.
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