Definition

Research institutions producing policy analysis and recommendations, theoretically non-partisan but usually funded by interests that appreciate certain conclusions. Academic-sounding organizations that manufacture the intellectual ammunition for predetermined political battles.

Example Usage

Three different think tanks released studies on tax policy this week, each reaching conclusions that perfectly aligned with their donors' preferences.

Origin

American term from the 1950s-60s, originally referring to secure rooms for defense planning

Fun Fact

Washington DC has over 400 think tanks, leading critics to note that for every policy position, there's a credentialed expert available to support it

Source: Policy research and political influence terminology

Related Terms

Beginner

amendments

Official changes to laws or constitutions, proving that even the people who wrote the rules knew they'd need to fix them later. In legislative bodies, they're the modifications proposed to bills, usually adding provisions that have nothing to do with the original purpose. Constitutional amendments are particularly special—they're nearly impossible to pass but apparently easier than admitting the founders didn't think of everything.

🏛️ Government / Politics
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nominee

Someone officially proposed for a position, election, award, or honor by another person or group — they're not in yet, but they're on the shortlist. In politics, it's the person chosen to represent a party in an election. The term also applies to proxy ownership situations where assets are registered in someone's name on behalf of the actual owner.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Intermediate

ex officio

Holding a position by virtue of one's office rather than by election or appointment to that specific role. The 'you're already here, might as well join this committee too' principle of government organization.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Intermediate

franking

The privilege allowing legislators to send mail to constituents at taxpayer expense, theoretically for official business. In practice, it's publicly funded campaign literature with a congressional seal instead of a stamp.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Intermediate

Bureaucracy

A system designed to ensure that a task requiring one person and ten minutes instead requires forty-seven people, sixteen forms, and roughly eight months. It's the governmental equivalent of being stuck in an infinite loading screen.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Beginner

bellwether

A constituency, state, or demographic that reliably predicts overall election outcomes. Named after the practice of putting bells on lead sheep, these predictive regions supposedly show which way the flock is heading.

🏛️ Government / Politics

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