#737b. Politics. [contention for governmental authority or influence]. -- N. politics; political science; candidacy, campaign, campaigning, electioneering; partisanship, ideology, factionalism.
election, poll, ballot, vote, referendum, recall, initiative, voice, suffrage, plumper, cumulative vote, plebiscitum[Lat], plebiscite, vox populi; electioneering; voting &c. v.; elective franchise; straight ticket [U.S.]; opinion poll, popularity poll.
issue; opinion, stand, position; program, platform; party line.
[ideologies] democracy, republicanism; communism, statism, state socialism; socialism; conservatism, toryism; liberalism, whigism; theocracy; constitutional monarchy.
[political parties] party &c. 712; Democratic Party[U.S: list], Republican Party, Socialist Party, Communist Party; Federalist Party[U.S. defunct parties: list], Bull Moose Party, Abolitionist Party; Christian Democratic Party[Germany: list], Social Democratic Party; National Socialist Worker's Party[Germany, 1930 -1945], Nazi Party; Liberal Party[Great Britain:list], Labor Party, Conservative Party.
ticket, slate.
[person active in politics] politician[general], activist; candidate[specific politicians: list], aspirant, hopeful, office-seeker, front-runner, dark horse, long shot, shoo-in; supporter, backer, political worker, campaign worker; lobbyist, contributor; party hack, ward heeler; regional candidate, favorite son; running mate, stalking horse; perpetual candidate, political animal.
political contribution, campaign contribution; political action
political district, electoral division, electoral district, bailiwick.
electorate, constituents.
get-out-the-vote campaign, political education.
negative campaigning, dirty politics, smear campaign.
[unsuccessful candidate] also-ran, loser; has-been.
[successful candidate] office holder, official, occupant of a position; public servant, incumbent; winner.
V. run for office, stand for office; campaign, stump; throw one's hat in the ring; announce one's candidacy.
Adj. political, partisan.
Phr. "Money is the mother's milk of politics " [Tip O'Neill].