Caucussed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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caucussed
[ˈkɔː.kəs ]
Definition
political meeting
Caucussed refers to the action of holding a meeting or assembly of members of a political party or group to discuss policies or select candidates. It is often associated with political procedures in the United States, particularly during election seasons.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The party caucussed to select their candidate for the upcoming election.
- During the caucus, members caucussed over proposed changes to the party platform.
- Senators caucussed late into the night to finalize their strategy.
- The local council caucussed to address the community's concerns.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Political Science
- Caucuses are a crucial part of the democratic process in the United States, often influencing the selection of party nominees for elections.
- They can take various forms, such as closed (only registered party members can participate) or open (anyone can join), impacting the dynamics of the decision-making process.
- Some political parties rely more heavily on caucuses than primaries, leading to different strategies from candidates.
Historical Significance
- The first organized political caucus in the U.S. was the Democratic-Republican Party's meeting in 1800.
- Caucus systems contributed to the rapid political mobilization during the American Revolution and the development of participant-driven democracy.
- In recent years, caucuses have faced criticism and calls for reform due to their sometimes confusing and exclusionary nature.
Cultural Context
- Caucusing practices are embedded not only in American politics but also in various legislative bodies around the world, often representing minority interests.
- In many indigenous cultures, informal caucus-like meetings are used to make community decisions collectively.
- The term is also employed in corporate and nonprofit settings when stakeholders meet to discuss strategies and collaborations.
Modern Usage
- With the rise of digital communication, virtual caucuses are becoming increasingly common, allowing for a broader range of participation.
- The term has been adopted into various fields beyond politics, including business and community organizing, signifying collective decision-making.
- Social media platforms have changed how people caucus, allowing for real-time discussions and brainstorming sessions.
Origin of 'caucussed'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'caucus' originated from the 18th century, possibly derived from the Algonquin word 'cau’cau' meaning 'to gather'.
- It was first used in a political context in the American colonies, referring to a meeting of local leaders to discuss and decide on issues.
- The spelling 'caucussed' refers specifically to the past action of holding such meetings.
The term 'caucus' is believed to have originated in the early 18th century from the Algonquian word 'caucauasu', meaning 'to council' or 'to advise'. Initially used in American colonial times to describe a gathering of political leaders or local factions, it became more formalized as political parties evolved. The usage of 'caucussed' is a derivation referring specifically to the act of gathering for political discussion or decision-making. In the context of U.S. politics, caucuses gained prominence during the 19th century as a way for parties to coordinate their candidates and policies prior to elections. Over the years, the practice has become an integral part of the political landscape, particularly in the context of presidential primaries and local party organization.