Definition

A political movement that starts from ordinary people, as opposed to the usual method of starting from billionaires in mahogany-paneled rooms. It's democracy's version of a garage band, complete with more enthusiasm than funding.

Example Usage

"Our grassroots campaign raised three thousand dollars through bake sales, which in political terms is roughly enough to buy half a yard sign."

Related Terms

Intermediate

barrel

In politics, a container for pork—and we're not talking about meat. Barrel refers to pork barrel spending, the time-honored tradition of politicians funneling taxpayer money to their home districts for projects ranging from essential infrastructure to museums dedicated to obscure vegetables. It's how bridges to nowhere get built and how representatives prove they're "bringing home the bacon," even if that bacon costs $500 million.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Advanced

Deep State

A conspiracy theory suggesting that a shadowy network of government insiders secretly runs everything, which gives career bureaucrats way more credit for coordination than anyone who's ever watched a government IT system crash deserves.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Beginner

Constituent

A fancy word for "voter" that politicians use when they want to sound like they actually remember you exist between elections. You're a constituent when they need your vote and a statistic the rest of the time.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Intermediate

party discipline

The degree to which party members vote according to party leadership's wishes rather than their own judgment or constituents' interests. Strong in parliamentary systems, theoretical in American politics.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Intermediate

Whistleblower

A brave soul who reports illegal activity at their workplace and is rewarded with legal protection and social ostracism in roughly equal measure. The corporate equivalent of the kid who reminded the teacher about homework.

⚖️ Legal🏛️ Government / Politics
Beginner

congressional

Pertaining to Congress, the legislative branch that turns campaign promises into actual laws (or at least committee meetings about laws). In the U.S., it refers to anything involving the House of Representatives and Senate, from congressional hearings to congressional districts. When you hear 'congressional approval,' someone's either getting confirmed for a position or legislation is crawling through the bureaucratic gauntlet.

🏛️ Government / Politics

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Intermediate

media planning

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