porkbarrel

Definition

Government spending allocated specifically to regional projects designed to curry favor with voters, regardless of actual merit or necessity. It's taxpayer money masquerading as economic stimulus, usually strategically timed before elections.

Example Usage

Critics called the $500 million bridge-to-nowhere project pure pork-barrel spending aimed at keeping the senator's district happy.

Source: Political and government terminology

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party discipline

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question period

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adjourn

The legislative equivalent of 'let's call it a day,' where lawmakers formally suspend proceedings until a specified future time—or indefinitely if they're really over it. This parliamentary procedure transforms heated debates into awkward silence as everyone shuffles out, usually right before something controversial was about to get voted on. It's how Congress officially decides they've had enough of each other's company for one day, week, or session.

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pay-go

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🏛️ Government / Politics

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