Glossary

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.

Plaintiffs

the people who bring a suit to court.

Plenary power

the absolute and unlimited authority granted to a governing body over a specific area or subject

Polarization

division into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs.

Police Power

the inherent and broad authority of a state government to enact laws protecting the public’s health, safety, morals, and general welfare, stemming from the powers reserved to the states by the Tenth Amendment.

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.

Popular Vote

the vote for a U.S. presidential candidate made by the qualified voters, as opposed to that made by the Electoral College.