Dictionary

a priori: Arriving at a conclusion through simple reasoning without the aid of external influences or experiences.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): A highly influential non-profit organization engaging in the preservation of human rights.

advocacy: Pushing forth a cause or creating a defense to protect the beliefs of self or others.

affirmative action: The term that addresses broad non-discriminatory rights for all who suffer racial inequalities.

altruism: The act of selflessness to promote others' interests and welfare without expectation of reward.

asymmetrical warfare: Battles undertaken outside of normal conventions and tactics in which two opponents are unmatched by wide margins and implementing diverse weaponry.

autocracy: When the power to rule lies with one person, it is known as an autocratic government.

ballot initiative: Also called propositions and ballot measures, a vote that goes directly to the people and may be nonbinding or become law based on outcome.

bill: A public or private initiative that is presented into law through a number of government entities.

bi-partisan: Agreement and reconciliations by two opposing parties.

blog: Shortened from "web log," a personal, business or political web site that offers commentary that is often of a personal bias and diary-like in nature.

blogosphere: The implied widespread social community of those who participate in or own blogs.

Blue Dog Democrat: A select coalition of Democrats in the House of Representatives that works toward economic balance and whose name references the famous paintings of Louisiana artist George Rodrigue.

budget: An adjustable prediction of future expenses and income at any level.

bureaucracy: The structure within any organization.

campaign finance reform: A reference to legislative action that controls financial limits for political candidates and their parties.

capitalism: A large-scale system that allows private individuals, groups and corporations to operate as private entities for profit.

caucus: A meeting of like-minded individuals to promote the advancement of a selected cause, law or potential political candidate.

censorship: The control or elimination of words or actions.

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA): An organization within the U.S. Government given oversight of foreign analysis, public relations and covert information gathering.

civil rights: The privileges allowed by law to individuals that include free speech, the guarantee of equality and the power to vote.

closed primary: An election in which only registered members of a party are allowed to vote.

communism: A political structure that on the surface promotes equality, but historically has resulted in a stronghold by a single individual who recruits an elite circle of supporters.

congress: A body of legislators operating within a government's congressional system.

conscription: The drafting of individuals, generally for military action.

conservative: Generally, an adherence to long-standing, traditional values and maintaining a caution for any excess.

constituent: Any individual who has a voice within a specific district, or the country, and has voting rights to determine the outcome.

creationism: Typically a theological belief that the universe and life itself resulted from a supreme being; namely, God.

Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA): A system of promoting organic and sustainable crops or products through larger-scale purchasing commitments by buyers.

Darwinism: Based on the theories of Charles Darwin that included evolutionary passage through distinctive elements including natural selection and probabilities.

debate: Interaction through the presentation of arguments from differing viewpoints.

decriminalization: The acceptance of an act that was once subject to criminal judgment.

deficit: The buildup of debt without promise or replacement of incoming funds.

democracy: Structuring in which individuals grouped together either make a collective decision or decide as a larger coalition to appoint a leader as their representative.

dirty tricks: Sometimes employed in politics through underhanded and unethical allegations of an opponent.

donation: A contribution of any type, including monetary and time, toward a person or a cause.

doublespeak: Words that inform or cover up in a nicer way as opposed to harsher or more truthful terms and intentions.

eco-terrorism: Proposed or actual criminal acts on behalf of environment issues.

egalitarian: A person who holds the belief that all are equal on some or all levels of society.

environmentalist: An enthusiast or advocate for protecting and nurturing the environment.

ethnic cleansing: An attempt at creating a perceived purity in a group or society through any means.

evolution: Change, whether over time or through reproduction, mutation and migration.