Definition
An amendment or provision added to legislation specifically to make it unpalatable to opponents or even proponents, sabotaging the bill's chances. It's political sabotage dressed as policy contribution.
Example Usage
The opposition inserted a poison pill amendment requiring unanimous consent for implementation, ensuring the bill would pass but never take effect.
Origin
Borrowed from corporate takeover defense terminology in the 1980s
Fun Fact
The most effective poison pills are ones that supporters can't vote against without looking hypocritical, like adding massive tax increases to progressive legislation or environmental deregulation to business bills.
Source: Legislative strategy literature and political tactics research
Related Terms
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See “poison pill” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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