Laffer curve A theoretical argument which stipulates that tax revenue will be raised on the basis of tax cuts for the rich. The assumption behind the Laffer curve is that implementing punitive levels of taxation against the rich is ultimately self-defeating. Reagan firmly believed in the Laffer curve but critics claim that he agreed with it simply in order to reduce the role of the state. The Laffer curve is associated with laissez-faire economics.

Laissez-faire economics A free market system in which the role of the state is minimal. The most ardent supporters of this economic approach derive from the libertarian-right of the political spectrum. Those on the left of the political spectrum are opposed to laissez-faire economics, believing state regulation to be a prerequisite of a fairer society. In party terms support for laissez-faire economics is strongest within the GOP. Those who favor laissez-faire economies claim that it generates economic wealth and that in turn benefits all members of society. To use an analogy associated with John F. Kennedy, a rising tide lifts all boats.

Lame-duck Congress These occur in even numbered years when Congress has to reconvene following the mid-term elections (as in November 2010) to take care of unfinished legislation. Some lawmakers who return for this session lost their bids for re-election and will not sit in the next Congress. Defeated lame-duck lawmakers, knowing they will not have jobs in the new Congress, either tend to simply go through the motions while debating and voting on remaining legislation or, in worse cases, attempt to hinder or even damage the law-making process.

Latent A term describing a group of politically like-minded people that is not represented by any interest group. One example to consider would be soccer moms.

Lawfare Where the legal system is used in order to score political points against one’s opponents.

Layer-cake federalism A term derived from Morton Grodzins depicting the fact that both federal and state government have distinct areas of responsibility.

Leak The release of either classified or politically embarrassing information by a government employee to a member of the press (such as the information provided by the whistle-blower Edward Snowden).

Legal counsel Legal representation within a court of law. On the basis of the Supreme Court ruling on Gideon v. Wainwright (1963), Americans have the right to legal counsel regardless of income. The judgment sought to uphold both the sixth amendment (commonly known as the confrontation clause) and the fourteenth amendment. Other relevant cases here include Escobedo v. Illinois (1964) and Strickland v. Washington (1989). Combined together, they had the effect of guaranteeing the accused the right to free good-quality legal counsel before – as well as during – a trial.

Legal rights Those rights laid down in a system of formal rules, such as the right to possess private property. Legal rights are enforceable by law and are therefore distinct from moral rights (which exist merely as a claim). The legality of property rights holds a great deal of importance for the American people.

Legislative success rates A measure as to the percentage of recorded votes where the President has taken a position that Congress has agreed. It is dependent upon a number of factors such as the strength of congressional leadership, the ability of the President to persuade and the party composition within Congress. For obvious reasons, the legislative success rate will be higher during a period of unified government.

Legislature A law-making body and one of the three branches of government. At the federal level Congress consists of two elected chambers (the House of Representatives and the Senate). The Senate has been directly elected by the people since the early-20^th century, whereas members of the House have always been directly elected by the people. The states also have their own law-making bodies.

Lemon test Established in Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971), the Supreme Court uses this test to determine whether a particular practice violates the establishment clause of the first amendment.

Libel Written false statements that damage a person’s reputation. Such statements can be regulated by the government but are often difficult to distinguish from permissible speech.

Liberal democracy The joining together of two sets of principles; liberal freedoms such as the freedom of speech alongside a democratic method for choosing representatives. This democratic method involves periodic competitive elections in which almost all adults are entitled to vote. A liberal democracy is therefore liberal in the sense that the power of decision-makers is limited, and democratic in the sense that competition exists for power between politicians and political parties.

Liberal–conservative ideology A way of describing political beliefs in terms of a position on the spectrum running from liberal to moderate to conservative. This is the conventional spectrum as used in the states. Socialism has rarely been a force within American politics.

Libertarians Those who prefer a limited role for the government, but tend to be tolerant of lifestyle issues. Libertarianism is therefore a mix of classical liberalism on economic matters and social liberalism in relation to the culture wars.

Likert scale A method of measuring party identification. There is a seven point scale used to measure party identification, with strong Democrat at one end and strong Republican at the other. In between the two extremes are the classifications of ‘lean Democrat/Republican’ and ‘weak Democrat/Republican.’

Limited government Where the scope and scale of the federal government is constrained to that which is necessary for the common good. Limited government is one of the core principles of the American political system. The founding fathers sought to restrict the role of government to that which is considered essential, thereby maximizing individual freedom.

Literacy tests A method by which people were set a series of questions to prove their ability to vote. They included such questions as ‘how many bubbles are there in a bar of soap?’ and the intention of such tests was to deter would-be voters (mainly black and poorly educated) by ridicule and humiliation. Literacy tests remain one of the worst examples of racism within American history.

Litmus test A criterion of some kind that acts as proof of someone’s commitment to the cause. For the Republicans, this may entail support for tax relief or opposition to abortion under any circumstances. Candidates may be more interested in proving their commitment to the cause as opposed to seeking bipartisan agreement. Soon after the 2010 mid-terms, congressional freshmen from the GOP adopted a hawkish position on the debt ceiling crisis as proof of their commitment to limiting the role of government.

Living Constitution A way of interpreting the Constitution that takes into account evolving national attitudes and circumstances rather than the text alone.

Lobbying Those methods used by insider groups in order to influence the content and character of policy-making or the law makers themselves. The term derives from the lobby area within Congress, where lobbyists are able to meet with law makers. A skillful lobbyist can often find a means of getting around existing legislation in order to exert maximum influence upon politicians and the political process. Lobbying is regulated by federal law but the first amendment protects lobbying activities. The first amendment has always made it difficult to impose effective control upon the activities of lobbyists.

Log-rolling Where members of Congress work with others to add amendments to bills. The term relates to pork-barrel politics.