The person presently holding a particular political office. Generally, an incumbent seeking re-election has a better chance of winning than those challenging the incumbent.

The act of a political candidate presenting his or her ideology as being "above" and "between" the "left" and "right" sides of a traditional democratic "political spectrum". It involves adopting for oneself some of the ideas of one's political opponent.

A legislature consisting of two separate chambers or houses. The US Congress consists of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Cooperation on an issue or issues by two political parties, usually the two major parties controlling a government.

A face-to-face meeting of party members for selecting delegates to a state or national nominating convention.

A figure with moderate political opinions and policies.

The legislative branch of the US federal government, endowed with all law-making powers by the Constitution. The US Congress is composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

All the people, especially the voters, who are served by a particular elected official, especially the constituents of a legislator.

The amount by which budget expenditures exceed government revenues, or income, in a given fiscal year.

The use of obstructionist tactics, especially prolonged speech making, for the purpose of delaying legislative action.