A superpower is a state with significant military power and global influence. The term was coined in 1944, when there were three superpowers: the US, the British Empire, and the Soviet Union. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 left the US as the sole superpower, leading to anti-American sentiment. China is seen as […]
Political attack ads work to varying degrees of effectiveness, as seen in the 2004 US presidential campaign and the infamous “Daisy” ad in 1964. However, campaigners must be cautious in their use and focus on campaign-related issues. Ads that attack a person’s character or personal issues can backfire and bring notoriety to the opponent. Despite […]
Donald Trump’s election win caused a surge in traffic to the Canadian immigration website, with 200,000 users visiting on election night, up from 17,000 the previous week. The immigration process is slow and expensive, with three basic ways to move to Canada: having a special skill or profession, joining immediate family, or seeking political asylum. […]
The 21st century Tea Party is a political organization in the US that values fiscal responsibility, limited government, and free markets. It opposes government intervention and has staged anti-tax protests and rallies. Larger organizations like Tea Party Patriots and National Tea Party Federation connect local groups and promote clear communication. The party has been accused […]
Street money is used to influence elections by buying votes, often in low-income minority neighborhoods. It can be distributed through local party offices or by offering cash or compensation for voting. Politicians may claim ignorance of how the money is used. Street money is money that is used to influence the outcome of an election […]
The term “brain trust” refers to a group of close advisers, originally used in politics. It was first coined in 1899 by an Ohio newspaper and later applied to FDR’s group of advisers during his presidential campaign. Other presidents, such as Wilson and Jackson, also had advisory groups, known as “The Inquiry” and “Kitchen Cabinet,” […]
A 527 group is a non-profit organization that engages in political actions, such as clarifying issues surrounding a candidate’s candidacy or lobbying for specific laws. They can be political action committees subject to stricter rules. They are independent of the candidate running for office and can influence voter opinion, but the politician has no control […]
Public opinion is the intent and desire of the general population on political matters, determined through polls and personal contacts. It is important for politicians to consider public opinion to win elections and pass legislation. Politicians may go against public opinion for various reasons. Public opinion can change, and politicians must keep an eye on […]
Comparative politics is a scientific method used in political science to compare two or more countries and draw conclusions based on those comparisons. It involves setting dependent and independent variables to test hypotheses and establish empirical relationships between variables. This method is similar to the scientific method in the physical sciences. The best-known examples involve […]
Dirty politics, including slander, libel, and forgery, has been present in American elections since George Washington’s time. Examples include Edmund Muskie’s leaked letter and Richard Nixon’s staff of experts. Candidates may use any means necessary to win, and dirty politics can occur at any level of public service. Few campaigns in the modern era have […]
Stumping is a crucial part of political campaigning, involving persuasive speeches and fundraising. The term comes from standing on a stump while speaking, providing a platform for candidates. Stump speeches are tailored for each location and aim to engage the audience. Stumping is also used to raise funds for campaigns, with even small donations making […]
Tribal politics is not limited to Native Americans and can be seen in various political groups based on common ethnic or cultural factors. It involves a decision-making process and maintaining order within the group. Religion, political party affiliations, and ethnic background can also be the basis for tribal unity. However, tribal politics can create barriers […]
Iowa’s early primary election is important in American politics as it serves as a litmus test for candidates and allows for early evaluation of voters. Iowa’s diverse demographics and political leanings make it a crucial state for candidates to win over. Candidates who perform poorly in Iowa may drop out of the race, while those […]
A campaign surrogate acts on behalf of a political candidate, appearing at events and bolstering their image. Spouses are common surrogates, with name recognition to draw crowds. Other types include politicians, the President, and interest leaders, such as African-American or Hispanic community leaders. A campaign surrogate is a term used to describe a person who […]
A campaign surrogate is a person who represents a political candidate at events they cannot attend or to boost their image. Spouses are common surrogates due to name recognition and authority. Other types include politicians, the President, and interest surrogates like community leaders. A campaign surrogate is a term used to describe a person who […]
Left-wing politics favors a strong central government to create economic and social equality through income redistribution and government regulation. The right-wing prefers a fair regulatory environment where individuals compete without interference. Leftists prioritize the collective group, while the right-wing prioritizes the individual. In the US, Democrats represent the left, and Republicans represent the right. Political […]
Swiftboating is a term used to describe vicious smear campaigns, often marked by ad hominem attacks and unethical tactics. It originated in 2004 when an organization accused John Kerry of lying about his military service. The internet has made swiftboating easier, and anyone in the news can be targeted. Swiftboating is a slang term commonly […]
Partisan politics in the US is divided into two opposing political ideologies based on party membership. Some celebrate it as evidence of diverse viewpoints, while others see it as negative for reducing productive discussion and dividing people. Many politicians use party affiliation as the heart of their campaign and vote solely on party lines. The […]
David Ben-Gurion offered the presidency of Israel to Albert Einstein after Chaim Weizmann’s death, but Einstein declined due to his lack of experience with people. Einstein’s theories of relativity revolutionized science, and he was known for his support of pacifism and civil rights. He died in 1955, and his brain was removed during the autopsy […]
Gradualism is slow political change through incremental reforms, while revolutionary change abruptly alters society. Karl Marx advocated for revolutionary change, while the US implemented Progressive Era reforms through the democratic process. Gradualism has been debated in politics, with some arguing for stability and others for faster change. Gradualism is slow and continuous political change brought […]
- 1
- 2
