Superpac

Definition

A political action committee that can raise unlimited funds and spend unlimited amounts on political campaigns, though not directly coordinating with candidates.

Example Usage

The billionaire donated $10 million to a SuperPAC supporting the candidate.

Origin

Emerged after the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court decision

Fun Fact

The 2020 election saw over $1.4 billion spent by SuperPACs, more than doubling previous records.

Source: Campaign finance terminology

Related Terms

Intermediate

motion to table

A procedural move to kill or postpone consideration of a matter, effectively shelving it indefinitely without having to vote against it directly. It's parliamentary cowardice disguised as procedural efficiency.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Intermediate

electoral

Anything related to elections or the elaborate systems we've created to choose leaders while making sure some votes count more than others. It's the adjective that transforms simple voting into complex political machinery involving districts, colleges, and enough math to require a flowchart. The word that makes democracy sound more sophisticated than 'most votes wins.'

🏛️ Government / Politics

Intermediate

whipping

In politics, the art of "encouraging" party members to vote the party line through various techniques ranging from gentle persuasion to outright threats about committee assignments. Whips are the enforcers of legislative loyalty, keeping rebellious members in check and counting votes like a bookie tracking bets. The term comes from fox hunting's "whipper-in" who kept hounds from straying—an oddly appropriate metaphor for managing politicians.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Beginner

assemblyman

A male member of a state legislative assembly, typically the lower house where laws are debated before moving up the political food chain. It's basically a state-level lawmaker who answers constituent emails and attends ribbon-cutting ceremonies. The gender-specific term that makes HR departments nervous but remains in official use in several states.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Beginner

reelection

The moment when a politician asks voters to give them another term because surely this time they'll deliver on all those promises. It's democracy's sequel, where incumbents leverage name recognition and fundraising advantages while challengers cry 'time for change!' Success depends on whether constituents believe 'better the devil you know' or 'fool me once, shame on you.'

🏛️ Government / Politics

Advanced

suspension of the rules

A House procedure for considering non-controversial bills with limited debate and no amendments, requiring two-thirds approval but bypassing normal parliamentary obstacles. It's the express checkout lane of legislation.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Translate This Term

See “Superpac” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Intermediate

corps

A large military formation of tens of thousands of troops, typically composed of multiple divisions and commanded by a l...