Glossary

A person empowered to decide matters at issue; judge; umpire.

The wealth, whether in money or property, owned or employed in business by an individual, firm, corporation, etc.

The protection, preservation, management, or restoration of wildlife and of natural resources such as forests, soil, and water.

Corrupt or dishonest proceedings.

A good relationship, as of a business with its customers or a nation with other nations.

The policy of extending the rule or authority of an empire or nation over foreign countries, or of acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies.

To bring about (a settlement, for example) by working with all the conflicting parties.

A leader in a political party who controls votes and dictates appointments; "party bosses have a reputation for corruption"

To withdraw formally from an alliance, federation, or association, as from a political union, a religious organization, etc.

The practice of appointing applicants to public offices as a reward for their loyalty to the political party in power. The term comes from a statement by a senator in the 1830s: “To the victor belong the spoils.” Reform of the system commenced in the 1880s with the introduction of merit as the basis of appointment to office.

An illegal combination of industrial or commercial companies in which the stock of the constituent companies is controlled by a central board of trustees, thus making it possible to manage the companies so as to minimize production costs, control prices, eliminate competition, etc.