Shadow Government

Definition

Either an actual unelected bureaucracy running actual policy, or a conspiracy theory that makes people shout on internet forums—it's increasingly hard to tell which.

Example Usage

Conspiracy theorists believe the shadow government consists of global elites, but it's mostly just career bureaucrats who've worked there for 30 years.

Origin

From actual concept of 'shadow cabinet' in parliamentary systems (opposition leaders who would replace current cabinet if elected).

Fun Fact

The actual 'shadow government' is the civil service—unelected officials who implement policy and outlast every elected politician.

Source: Government structure/conspiracy terminology

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