How to Expand Your Political Vocabulary

So you didn't know what the Bush Doctrine was either? Not to worry. It takes time to get used to the extensive lingo of the politically versed. Educating yourself in this area can even be likened to learning a foreign language. But while talking to passionate folks and watching the local news station may help you in your political education, reading is going to be a must. So dust off those reading glasses and get started.

Instructions

1. Pay attention to current events by reading national newspapers such as The New York Times and Washington Post, particularly the news and op-ed pages. If the columns and editorials boggle you, concentrate on the letters to the editor, and see if you understand the phrases used. Make a list of words and phrases you don't understand, whether in letters, articles or columns, and look them up or "google" them for future reference.

2. Read books and magazines in addition to newspapers. Hundreds of political books for every taste sit on library shelves, waiting to be checked out. And they continue to be published every month. These can be wide ranging and informative. For broader scope, begin with overviews of conservative and liberal politics that take a historical angle and not simply an assessment of the current presidential administration. Magazines include not only Time and Newsweek, but The Nation and The Economist.

3. Watch television programs such as Meet the Press and Frontline, as well as news analysis. The comedy shows that satirize the news are fun, but may not expand your political vocabulary as much as you'd like. Tune into speeches and debates, which you can find on the Internet if you miss the live network broadcasts.

4. Surf through the expanse of political blogs on the web. Popular hits include the Daily Kos, Huffington Post, Politico and Real Clear Politics. But of course so many more exist out there. These can clarify news items and offer insightful analysis. Be aware of bias and spin; every blog will necessarily push a certain agenda, but can still enlighten readers. Look up nonpartisan fact-checking groups to check accuracy on issues.

5. Join a local political group of interested people with whom you can converse on national politics and history. Local political issues can also serve as an introduction to many political terms and concepts.

Tips & Warnings

• Understand that situations such as a banking crisis may be just too large and complex for the average educated person to completely comprehend, unless he has a background in economics. Just do your best to get the main facts. Nobody can be an expert on every issue. Pick and choose.