Recent Articles

List of political metaphors

The following is a list of common political metaphors:

Relating to the executive

• figurehead Head of State
• a puppet government of a foreign power
• a lame duck leader

Relating to the legislature

• blank check legislation
• pork barrel legislation or patronage
• a bill rider

Relating to elections

• a third rail issue
• stalking horse
• a dark horse candidate
• mudslinging

Others

• a straw man argument
• Government in the sunshine
• a sacrificial lamb candidate