Glossary

  • Petition

    A formal written request.

  • Philanthropist

    a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.

  • Pink collar jobs

    jobs that were predominantly held by women, especially in service (example: secretary, typist) and care-taking (example: nurse, teacher)

  • Plaintiff

    a person who brings a suit to court.

  • Polio

    an illness caused by a virus that mainly affects nerves in the spinal cord or brain stem.

  • Poll taxes

    a payment required to vote, commonly used by Southern states to keep Black citizens from voting.

  • Populism

    A political approach that seeks to appeal to ordinary people who feel ignored by “elite” groups.

  • Pragmatic

    dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.

  • Precedent

    Principle or rule that applies in future similar circumstances.

  • Precedents

    A court decision that is considered an authority and influences future decisions.