obstructionism etymology

Etymology

Obstructionism is a compound word derived from two Latin roots:

  • Obstruere: "to block, to hinder, to obstruct"
  • Ismus: "ism, doctrine, practice"

Meaning and Origin

Obstructionism describes the practice or tactic of deliberately impeding or hindering the progress of a project, legislation, or other process. It typically involves delaying, blocking, or disrupting proceedings to prevent or slow down an outcome desired by the opposing party.

The term "obstructionism" originated in the 19th century in the United States political context. It was first used to describe the tactics employed by the Democratic Party to oppose the Reconstruction era policies of the Republican Party. The Democrats used various means to obstruct legislation and government initiatives, including filibusters (extended speeches to delay votes) and refusing to confirm presidential nominees.

Over time, the term "obstructionism" has been applied more broadly to describe any tactic used to hinder progress or prevent a desired outcome. It is often used in political and legislative settings to describe the behavior of minority parties or groups who oppose the majority's agenda.

obstructionism relate terms

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