Terms Glossary

Racketeering is a form of organized crime that involves the use of coercion, fraud, or violence to obtain money, property, or services from victims. It is often associated with political corruption and occurs when a person or group extorts money or favors from government officials, businesses, or in...

The Railroad Commission is a state agency responsible for regulating the railroad industry in the United States. It is typically composed of three commissioners and has jurisdiction over aspects of the railroad industry such as freight rates, operations, safety and environmental concerns. The Railro...

Ranked choice voting is an electoral system that allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. Instead of simply selecting one candidate, voters are able to indicate which candidate they would most prefer to win, as well as which candidates they would be willing to accept as an alternativ...

A ranking member is a senior member of a political party, usually holding an elected or appointed position of authority. Ranking members are usually part of the two-party system, and their role is to represent their party's interests in government and politics. Ranking members are typically appointe...

Reagan Republican is a term used to describe a segment of the Republican Party that supports the policies of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. Reagan Republicans usually advocate for lower taxes, smaller government, more limited government regulations, and a strong national defense. They also sup...

To reapportion is to redraw congressional districts and electoral maps to ensure more equal representation for voters. It is an important part of the democratic process and is essential to maintaining fair elections. Reapportionment is necessary in order to make sure that all citizens have an equal ...

A recall election is a type of election in which voters are given the opportunity to remove an elected official from office before their term ends. This is a powerful tool for citizens to use to ensure that elected officials are living up to their campaign promises and serving the people rather than...

A recount is the process of re-examining the vote cast in an election to ensure accuracy, in order to verify the declared result. It is usually done in close or contested elections where the margin of victory is small and can be overturned. Recounts are an important part of the democratic process, a...

Redistricting is the process of redrawing legislative district boundaries to provide equal representation for all voting constituents. It is meant to ensure that each voter has an equal opportunity to elect their representatives, regardless of party affiliation. Redistricting is often used to favor ...

A referendum is a direct vote by eligible citizens in which they can express their opinion on a specific political issue or proposed law. It is a form of direct democracy, allowing citizens to have a say in the political process without relying on their representatives in the legislature. Referendum...

The Reform Party is a political party that was founded in 1995 by Ross Perot. The Reform Party seeks to move away from the traditional two-party system in the United States and advocate for more independent candidates and better representation for the people. It is based on the idea that American po...

Registering to vote is the act of officially enrolling oneself on a list of eligible voters in a given electoral district. It is a crucial part of the democratic process that allows citizens to cast a ballot and express their opinion on the issues facing their community, country, and world. Register...

Repealing is the process of formally withdrawing or ending a law, policy, or decision. It is the opposite of enacting or creating a law, and it is often used as a tool of political reform.

Representation is the act of having a voice in the political system. It is when a person, group, or organization is given the opportunity to express their wishes, concerns, and beliefs in the political process. Representation is considered essential for democracy and is an important part of the poli...

Representative democracy is a form of government in which citizens elect representatives to act and speak on their behalf. In this system, citizens can organize and express their opinions by voting for candidates who share their beliefs. This helps to ensure that the government is responsive to the ...

A representative sample is a small group that accurately reflects the larger group it comes from. In other words, it’s a miniature version of the population, chosen so that the opinions, traits, or behaviors of the sample match those of the whole. 

A republic is a state or country in which the people possess the supreme power, and elect representatives to exercise their power for them. It is a form of government in which power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and not by a monarch or by any other single individual. A rep...

The term "Republican" generally refers to a member of the Republican Party, one of the two major political parties in the United States, alongside the Democratic Party. Founded in the mid-19th century with an initial stance against slavery expansion, the Republican Party has evolved into a conservat...

Republicanism is a political philosophy that emphasizes liberty, the rule of law, and civic virtue. Republicanism is a broad concept that has experienced many interpretations across time and cultures. The term's origins can be traced back to Ancient Greece and the Roman Republic. Republicanism reeme...

The metaphor of the "revolving door" describes the movement of individuals between public service roles and positions in private sectors, particularly industries that can benefit from government policy decisions. In essence, a public servant might leave their role to join a private company, only to ...

A roster is a list or register of people or things. The term is used in various contexts, from sports teams listing their players to organizations charting their members or employees. The term originates from the early Dutch word "rooster," meaning a grid or schedule, reflecting its organized nature...

Rule of law is a legal doctrine that maintains that no one is above the law, and that individuals, institutions, and governments must be held accountable to the law. This means that all citizens are subject to the same laws, regardless of their position or status, and that the laws must be fair and ...

A run-off election is a second round of voting in which the two candidates with the most votes from the first round face off in a single-winner contest. This type of election is used when no one candidate receives an absolute majority of the vote. In America, run-off elections are regularly held for...

A running mate is an individual who is chosen by a political candidate to join them on their ticket when running for office. This individual is typically of the same party affiliation as the candidate and will join them in the general election, if successful in the primaries. For example, in the 202...