July Political Vocabulary Quiz

The US has used the concept of "pressing the reset button" with Russia as a way to express the idea of erasing the past and starting over again with diplomacy. This phrase is often used metaphorically to describe a fresh start or a new beginning in a relationship or situation. By "pressing the reset button," the US aims to reset and improve diplomatic relations with Russia, leaving behind any previous conflicts or disagreements.

A bureaucrat is someone who works for a government institution. They are responsible for implementing and enforcing policies and procedures within the government. Bureaucrats are typically involved in administrative tasks, decision-making, and ensuring that government operations run smoothly. They play a crucial role in the functioning of the government and are often involved in policy formulation and implementation.

When something gains popularity, prominence, or influence, it often attracts attention and generates a strong reaction from those who oppose it. This negative reaction is commonly referred to as a backlash. It is a response to the perceived negative consequences or effects of the popularity or influence gained by something. The term "backlash" implies a resistance or pushback against the prevailing trend or idea, often fueled by dissatisfaction or disagreement.

A reimbursement is a form of financial compensation provided to cover an expense or loss that has been incurred. It involves the repayment or refunding of money that was initially spent or lost. This can occur in various situations such as when an employee is reimbursed for business-related expenses, or when an individual is compensated for damages or losses they have suffered. Reimbursement ensures that individuals or organizations are not left financially burdened by expenses or losses that were not their fault, and helps to restore their financial position.

The first step in the Supreme Court Justice confirmation process is a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. This is where the nominee is questioned by the committee members to evaluate their qualifications, legal expertise, and suitability for the position. The hearing allows senators to gather information about the nominee's background, experience, and judicial philosophy before deciding whether to support their confirmation. It is an important part of the process that ensures a thorough evaluation of the nominee before a final vote is taken.

A framework is a basic conceptual structure used to solve or address complex issues. It provides a foundation or structure upon which solutions can be built. It helps to organize and guide the thought process, allowing for a systematic approach to problem-solving. A framework provides a set of rules, principles, or guidelines that can be applied to various situations, making it a useful tool for tackling complex problems.

Members of Congress must pay close attention to the needs and desires of their constituents if they want to get reelected. Constituents refer to the people who live in the specific district or area that a member of Congress represents. By understanding and addressing the concerns of their constituents, politicians can build a strong connection with the people they serve, which increases their chances of being reelected. This is because constituents are the ones who vote for their representatives, and their satisfaction and support are crucial for a successful political career.

Obama has spent most of July working with Congress to overhaul the US healthcare system. This means that he has been actively involved in making significant changes and improvements to the existing healthcare system in the United States. The word "overhaul" implies a comprehensive and thorough transformation, suggesting that Obama has been focused on making extensive reforms to the healthcare system rather than simply making minor adjustments or continuing with the current system.

During the 2008 presidential campaign, Joe Biden and Sarah Palin were chosen as the running mates for Barack Obama and John McCain, respectively. A running mate is a person who is selected by a presidential candidate to run for the position of vice president. They are expected to support and complement the presidential candidate's campaign, bringing additional expertise and appeal to the ticket. Biden and Palin were chosen as running mates to help their respective candidates gain support and appeal to a wider range of voters.

During times of war or national difficulty, citizens typically come together and support their president. They unite and rally around their leader, showing solidarity and loyalty. This phrase implies that the citizens stand by the president and offer their support and encouragement in challenging times, rather than abandoning or criticizing them.

In an election, the candidate who is already holding the office that they are running for is known as the incumbent. This term refers to the current officeholder who is seeking re-election. They have the advantage of already having experience and a track record in the position they are running for, which can influence voters' decisions.

A subsidy is a form of financial assistance paid, usually by the government, to an individual, business or business sector. It is provided to support and promote certain activities or industries that are considered important for the economy or society. Subsidies can be in the form of direct payments, tax breaks, or reduced fees. They are intended to help reduce the financial burden and encourage growth and development in specific areas.

The term "Blue Dogs" refers to a coalition of conservative House Democrats. This group is known for their moderate and fiscally conservative views, often aligning themselves with Republicans on certain issues. They are considered a coalition because they work together to advance their shared conservative agenda within the Democratic Party. This term is derived from the phrase "Yellow Dog Democrat," which refers to a staunchly loyal Democratic voter who would vote for a yellow dog before voting for a Republican.

When Colin Powell endorsed Obama just before the election, it was very big news. This means that Colin Powell publicly supported and approved of Obama's candidacy, which was significant because Powell was a well-respected figure in politics and his endorsement carried weight.

A roll call vote is a vote in which the names of those voting for and against a motion may be recorded. This means that instead of a simple voice vote or a show of hands, each person's vote is individually recorded and documented. This type of vote is often used in formal settings or when a more accurate record of the voting is needed.