Political Junkies
Check-out these resources for the political die-hard -- from the best of the blogs to essential books, must-read online publications and favorite quotations.
What Is The Alternative Minimum Tax?
The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), part of the U.S. federal tax code, was authorized by Congress in 1969. It mandates a tax rate of 26-28 percent for taxpayers in a certain tax bracket.
The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), part of the U.S. federal tax code, was authorized by Congress in 1969. It mandates a tax rate of 26-28 percent for taxpayers in a certain tax bracket.
What Is An Appropriation?
An appropriation is money designated for a specific purpose by a state or federal legislature.
An appropriation is money designated for a specific purpose by a state or federal legislature.
What Is An Earmark?
Earmarks are funds provided by the Congress for specific projects or programs in such a manner that the allocation (a) circumvents a merit-based or competitive allocation process; (b) applies to a very limited number of individuals or entities; or (c) otherwise curtails the ability of the Executive Branch to independently manage the agency budget
Earmarks are funds provided by the Congress for specific projects or programs in such a manner that the allocation (a) circumvents a merit-based or competitive allocation process; (b) applies to a very limited number of individuals or entities; or (c) otherwise curtails the ability of the Executive Branch to independently manage the agency budget
A Guide To Political Terminology (aka Jargon)
Every profession has its own special language, and the profession of politics is no different. Check out this evolving glossary of political terminology.
Every profession has its own special language, and the profession of politics is no different. Check out this evolving glossary of political terminology.
What Does It Mean When Congress Is In Recess?
A Congressional session runs for one year, 3 January to sometime in December. When Congress is in a recess, business has been put "on hold."
A Congressional session runs for one year, 3 January to sometime in December. When Congress is in a recess, business has been put "on hold."
What Does It Mean When Congress Adjourns?
A Congressional session runs for one year, 3 January to sometime in December. Adjournment means that Congress is out of session, it is closed to business. This is in contrast to a recess, which we might think of as "time off" or "pause."
A Congressional session runs for one year, 3 January to sometime in December. Adjournment means that Congress is out of session, it is closed to business. This is in contrast to a recess, which we might think of as "time off" or "pause."
Sex and Politics In America
When sex is involved, Americans and the media respond to political entanglements with a Puritanical bent. This article provides an overview of US political sex scandals.
When sex is involved, Americans and the media respond to political entanglements with a Puritanical bent. This article provides an overview of US political sex scandals.
Politics and The Olympics
The Olympic games are reknowned as a global event that transcended politics. However, political actions on the part of athletes and nations have colored the quadrennial games. Read on for a brief history, followed by highlights of games marked by politics. The U.S. has played a role in three of those "political" games.
The Olympic games are reknowned as a global event that transcended politics. However, political actions on the part of athletes and nations have colored the quadrennial games. Read on for a brief history, followed by highlights of games marked by politics. The U.S. has played a role in three of those "political" games.
Today In Political History
An ever-growing calendar of political events that have helped shape the United States of America.
An ever-growing calendar of political events that have helped shape the United States of America.
How Much Is A Billion?
Context for understanding large numbers like a billion and a trillion.
Context for understanding large numbers like a billion and a trillion.
Party In Power - Congress, White House
This chart shows the party in power in the Senate, House and White House from 1950 - 2006.
This chart shows the party in power in the Senate, House and White House from 1950 - 2006.
Current Quotations and Quips
An evolving list of quips and quotes from politicians and politicos in the news.
An evolving list of quips and quotes from politicians and politicos in the news.
Calendar of Elections and Major Political Events
This list details all important political dates for calendar 2004.
This list details all important political dates for calendar 2004.
Polling Report
This non-partisan resource on trends in public opinion has information on the election as well as the state of the nation. Stay up-to-date with an RSS feed.
This non-partisan resource on trends in public opinion has information on the election as well as the state of the nation. Stay up-to-date with an RSS feed.
Political Ideology Assessment Tool
A political journalist and a historian have developed a matrix to measure political idealogy across two spectrums: economics (left/right) and personal liberary (authoritarian/libertarian). They have positioned candidates on this matrix; there is also a quiz for self-assessment.
A political journalist and a historian have developed a matrix to measure political idealogy across two spectrums: economics (left/right) and personal liberary (authoritarian/libertarian). They have positioned candidates on this matrix; there is also a quiz for self-assessment.
Political Money Online
Using the Federal Election Commission database, this site provides details on campaign contributions in state and national races.
Using the Federal Election Commission database, this site provides details on campaign contributions in state and national races.
eVote
A site designed to "keep score" in the game of American politics, with regular news about politics (not policy).
A site designed to "keep score" in the game of American politics, with regular news about politics (not policy).
DisInfopedia
This wiki is a directory of public relations firms, think tanks, industry-funded organizations and industry-friendly experts that work to influence public opinion and public policy on behalf of corporations, governments and special interests.
This wiki is a directory of public relations firms, think tanks, industry-funded organizations and industry-friendly experts that work to influence public opinion and public policy on behalf of corporations, governments and special interests.