Terms Glossary

The definition of oligarchy is a system of government in which a small group of people holds the majority of power. This small group of people, often wealthy or well-connected individuals, are able to manipulate the political system to their own interests, often at the expense of the majority of the population. Oligarchy stands in stark contrast to democracy, which is a system of government in which power is held by the people. Examples of oligarchy can be seen throughout the history of the United States. For example, during the Gilded Age of the late 1800s and early 1900s, a small group of wealthy business people and politicians manipulated the political system to their own advantage. This led to a lack of economic opportunity for the middle and working classes, as well as a lack of political representation for marginalized groups. Today, oligarchy is still pervasive in American politics. Moneyed elites and powerful corporations have a disproportionate influence over the political process, leading to policies that further entrench their own power and wealth while leaving the majority of people behind. This is why reform-minded individuals and groups are fighting to ensure that the political system is more inclusive and responsive to the needs of everyday people.

An open primary is a type of primary election in which any registered voter can participate, regardless of their political party affiliation. This means that voters do not have to be a member of a specific party to vote in that party's primary. Open primaries have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to increase voter participation and reduce the influence of party insiders.

In the United States, open primaries are currently used in several states, including California, Washington, and Louisiana. For example, in California, the top two candidates from the primary election, regardless of party, move on to the general election. This has led to an increase in the number of independent and third-party candidates appearing on the general election ballot.

Open primaries have been shown to increase voter turnout, as well as produce more moderate candidates. In a study by FairVote, states that used open primaries had an average voter turnout of 28%, compared to 19% for states with closed primaries. Additionally, candidates in open primary states are more likely to appeal to a wider range of voters, rather than just their party base.

One of the key benefits of open primaries is that they give more power to the voters, rather than party insiders. With open primaries, all registered voters have a say in who appears on the general election ballot, regardless of their party affiliation. This can lead to a more representative government, as well as more competitive elections.

In summary, open primary is a way of conducting primary elections where all registered voters, regardless of political affiliation, can participate. It is used in several states in the US and has been shown to increase voter turnout and produce more moderate candidates. It gives more power to the voters and can lead to more representative government and more competitive elections.

The definition and meaning of an outside game is a strategy employed by reformers to shape political outcomes outside of the traditional political institutions. This strategy focuses on mobilizing public opinion and creating alliances with civil society, business, and media groups to influence policy makers. Examples of successful outside games include the civil rights movement and the push for marriage equality. Outside games are particularly useful when the traditional political process is too slow to make desired changes or when the political system is unlikely to make the desired change. Outside games are also used to supplement existing legislative efforts, by creating a coalition of groups to support the initiative. In addition, outside games can be used to draw attention to issues and build a constituency for reform.

Definition: Oversight is the action of overseeing, or the power to do so. It refers to the ability to oversee the activities of a certain organization or institution, with the primary goal of ensuring that they are conducted in a responsible and accountable manner. Oversight is typically carried out by a third party, such as an independent commission, with the purpose of providing an external review of practices and policies. In this way, oversight can help to identify issues and areas in need of improvement, while creating an environment in which those responsible are held to account. Examples of oversight can range from monitoring the activities of a public agency to ensuring that a private company is adhering to its contractual obligations. Oversight is most often framed in a positive light, as a way to ensure that those in positions of power are held accountable for their actions. This is especially important in democratic societies, where citizens must have trust and confidence in their government officials. Oversight is also a key part of any effort to promote transparency and accountability, as it ensures that the public has access to information about the activities of those in power.