Related:

• EPAULET, n. An ornamented badge, serving to distinguish a military officer from the enemy -- that is to say, from the officer of lower rank to whom his death would give promotion.
  -- Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary...
• ARENA, n. In politics, an imaginary rat-pit in which the statesman wrestles with his record.
  -- Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary...
• DELEGATION, n. In American politics, an article of merchandise that comes in sets.
  -- Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary...
• MUGWUMP, n. In politics one afflicted with self-respect and addicted to the vice of independence.
  A term of contempt. -- Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary...
• Politics, n. A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles.
  The conduct of public affairs for private advantage. -- Ambrose Bierce "The Devil's Dictionary...
• PRESIDENCY, n. The greased pig in the field game of American politics.
  -- Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary...
• PUSH, n. One of the two things mainly conducive to success, especially in politics.
  The other is Pull. -- Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary...
• RECOUNT, n. In American politics, another throw of the dice, accorded to the player against whom they are loaded.
  -- Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary...
• INFLUENCE, n. In politics, a visionary _quo_ given in exchange for a substantial _quid_.
  -- Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary...