Terms Glossary

The definition of national debt is the total amount of money owed by the federal government of the United States to its creditors, including individuals, businesses, and foreign governments. This debt is the result of borrowing by the government to cover budgetary deficits and other expenses. National debt can be thought of as a burden on the nation's taxpayers, as a large portion of the money borrowed must eventually be paid back with interest. It can also be seen as a means of financing current spending and investments, as the government can use debt to pay for infrastructure projects and other initiatives. Reform-minded individuals view national debt as a risk to the nation's long-term economic stability, as the debt burden must eventually be repaid by taxpayers. This burden can also limit the government's ability to respond to economic downturns or fund new investments in the future. Reformers argue that the government should reduce borrowing and strive to balance its budget, while also investing in programs that will help reduce economic inequality and raise economic growth.

Definition and Meaning of Natural Right: Natural right is a concept that suggests that individuals should have certain inherent rights that cannot be taken away. These rights are seen as being fundamental to a person's life and well-being, and include things such as the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Natural rights are seen as existing independently of any political or legal system, and thus should be respected by any government or other political or legal entity. This concept is closely linked to the idea of individual autonomy and self-determination, and is often seen as a way to promote greater political independence and weaken the two-party system. Natural rights are seen as the foundation for many of the freedoms that are seen as essential to a functioning democracy, such as the right to vote, to free speech, and to freedom of assembly.

The definition and meaning of a naturalized citizen is a person who was not born a U.S. citizen, but legally became a citizen through the naturalization process. Naturalization is a process that involves a formal application, background check, and the passing of an English language and civics test. Once naturalized, a person acquires all the same rights and privileges as a person born in the United States. In addition to giving more rights to those who become naturalized citizens, it also diversifies the political landscape by providing a voice to more independent candidates, who are not tied to the traditional two-party system. Naturalized citizens are able to vote, hold office, and help to shape the future of the United States. They can also petition for family members to become citizens, which is an invaluable contribution to the fabric of the American society.

Neoconservatism is a political ideology that is characterized by a commitment to conservative social and economic principles combined with a reform-minded approach to foreign policy. Its definition is rooted in the idea that an assertive foreign policy is the best way to maintain a strong national security, and that pro-active efforts to promote democracy and regime change abroad will ultimately lead to global stability. Neoconservatism has been associated with prominent figures such as former US President George W. Bush and Senator John McCain, and has been a central theme of US foreign policy since the Cold War. Its core tenants include a strong support for democracy promotion and nation building, as well as a hardline stance toward hostile states, such as Iran and North Korea. Neoconservatives also advocate for free trade, limited government, and a strong military presence abroad. At its core, neoconservatism is a reform-minded approach to foreign policy. It seeks to promote democratic values and strengthen the global order by promoting democracy and regime change, while also maintaining a strong national defense. Neoconservatism is not a single unified ideology, but rather a set of principles that have been adopted by many prominent political figures in the United States.

New Federalism is a reform-minded definition and meaning that refers to the devolution of power from the federal government to state and local governments. It seeks to increase the autonomy of state and local governments in order to give them more control over the implementation of policy and the organization of their respective societies. New Federalism seeks to balance the power between state and local governments on the one hand and the federal government on the other. It involves the decentralization of government programs and the transfer of authority and resources from the federal government to state and local governments. An example of this would be the transfer of responsibilities for certain health care programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare, from the federal government to state governments. New Federalism also seeks to empower state and local governments to develop and implement their own policies, rather than relying on the federal government to dictate policy.

The Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is a landmark reform that guarantees all citizens the right to vote regardless of sex. The amendment was ratified in 1920, after decades of advocacy from many dedicated activists and organizations. The amendment reads: "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." This amendment guaranteed all American women the right to vote and was a major advancement in the fight for equal rights and representation. This amendment also helped to bridge the gap between the sexes in regards to political power and agency. In essence, the Nineteenth Amendment is an amendment to the United States Constitution guaranteeing the right of all citizens to vote regardless of sex. The amendment was ratified in 1920 and has been a cornerstone of the American political landscape ever since. Its impact can be seen in the increased representation of women in all levels of politics, from local town councils to the United States Congress. The Nineteenth Amendment has been a major step forward in the fight for gender equality, giving women a voice in the public discourse.

Non-partisan refers to a political system or process that is not affiliated with or controlled by any particular political party. This can include elections, appointments, and policy-making processes that are open to candidates or participants from a wide range of backgrounds and viewpoints.

In the United States, non-partisan elections are often used at the local level, such as for school board or city council races. In these elections, candidates do not have to declare a party affiliation and are instead judged on their qualifications and experience. This can create a more open and inclusive political process that is not dominated by the two major parties.

Non-partisan approaches to policy-making can also be effective in fostering more collaborative and consensus-based decision-making. For example, some states have established non-partisan redistricting commissions to draw legislative districts, which can help to reduce the influence of partisan politics on the redistricting process.

Non-partisan approaches can be an important way to break the stranglehold of the two major parties and create a more diverse and representative democracy. By removing the party label, non-partisan processes can allow independent candidates to be judged on their own merits and help to create a more level playing field.

According to data from the Pew Research Center, around 40% of American voters identify as independents, which suggests that there is a significant demand for non-partisan approaches in the United States. By encouraging the use of non-partisan processes and supporting the efforts of independent candidates to participate in the political process, we can create a more open and inclusive political system that works for everyone.