What does pork barrel politics mean?

Answer 1

This is when public (taxpayer) money is used by politicians without serving the interests the common good of its citizens . Instead, it is used to benefit specific interests of a small group of people in the government ,most usually for political support or financial contributions

Answer 2

Bridges to nowhere, Grants to Universities for the study of some obscure project, process or phenomenon, road projects, building projects, Environmental protection of the Preble's mouse, Shipbuilding projects for unwanted and un-needed Naval Vessels, billion dollar bombers, military base expansions, new National Parks and Monuments. Any number of things that insure that Federal dollars are spent in a particular State or District without undergoing the full scrutiny of the Legislative process.

Answer 3

In politics the term "pork barrel" is a negative one. It means that legislation is passed or special projects of the government are sent to a Congress representative's home district to improve the area of that officials constituents. Such tactics are also meant to gain re-election.

It more general terms, it does not always reside in Congress. Executive branch officials, can as example, avoid having an army base in their home State not be closed in order to save jobs and to take credit for doing so.

Answer 4

A spending bill passed by Congress that benefits only a small group of citizens, usually with the intent of securing votes to reelect the bill's sponsor.