Political Strategy Terminology

verb to contrive or plot, especially in a secret or underhanded manner

• The group of conspirators decided to machinate a plan to overthrow the government.
• She's always machinating something behind the scenes.
• I heard they were machinating a way to cheat on the test.
• The wheels of power machinate in mysterious ways.

noun a tentative measure taken or statement made to see how a new policy or action will be received

• The government often uses a trial balloon to test public opinion before implementing a new policy.
• The company floated a trial balloon to see how employees would react to a potential change in office hours.
• The team decided to throw out a trial balloon to gauge interest in a team outing.
• She always sends out a trial balloon before making any big decisions in her personal life.

noun a compound noun formed by combining the noun 'can' with the present participle of the verb 'kick', used to describe the act of delaying or avoiding a decision or action

• The practice of can-kicking in politics often leads to delayed decisions and ineffective governance.
• Stop can-kicking and make a decision already!
• Politicians are experts at can-kicking when it comes to controversial issues.
• Avoiding the problem is just like can-kicking down the road, it will catch up eventually.

noun a belief or ideology that prioritizes having or eating cake over other considerations or responsibilities

• Cakeism is a term used to describe the practice of advocating for both sides of an argument in order to avoid making a decision.
• I can't stand people who engage in cakeism, just pick a side already!
• Stop cakeism-ing and make up your mind!
• Her cakeism approach to politics leaves everyone confused about where she really stands.