Definition

The mythical state where both political parties agree on something, which happens about as often as a solar eclipse during a leap year on a Tuesday. When politicians say they want bipartisan support, they mean they want the other side to completely agree with them.

Example Usage

"We achieved a truly bipartisan agreement -- both parties equally hate it, which means it's probably the fairest deal we'll ever get."

Related Terms

Advanced

engrossed bill

The official copy of a bill as amended and passed by one chamber, certified accurate before sending to the other chamber. It's the legislative equivalent of showing your work before submitting the assignment.

🏛️ Government / Politics
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conference committee

A temporary joint committee formed to reconcile differences when the House and Senate pass different versions of the same bill, essentially democracy's couples therapy. Members negotiate behind closed doors to create compromise legislation both chambers can accept.

🏛️ Government / Politics
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rent-seeking

Using political influence to increase one's wealth without creating new value—manipulating regulations, seeking subsidies, or lobbying for favorable rules. It's capitalism's laziest form: rigging the game instead of playing it.

🏛️ Government / Politics
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pairing

An arrangement where two legislators on opposite sides of an issue agree to abstain from voting, canceling each other out, allowing one or both to miss the vote. It's the gentleman's agreement of parliamentary procedure.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Advanced

Executive Privilege

The presidential right to keep certain information private, which is basically calling "no tag-backs" on sensitive documents. It's the constitutional equivalent of "I know something you don't know" but with significantly higher stakes.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Beginner

backbencher

A rank-and-file legislator without a leadership position, literally sitting in the back rows of parliament and metaphorically sitting in the back rows of power. They vote as told and dream of the frontbench.

🏛️ Government / Politics

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