Rubber stamp (politics)

Rubber stamp (politics)

A rubber stamp, as a political metaphor, refers to a person or institution with de jure considerable formal power but little de facto power, one that rarely disagrees with more powerful organs. For example, in a dictatorship, the legislature may be little more than a "rubber stamp" of approval on the dictator's decrees. Conversely, in a constitutional monarchy, the monarch is typically a "rubber stamp" to an elected parliament, even if he or she legally possesses considerable reserve powers and/or disagrees with the parliament's decisions.

The term itself likely stems from the commonplace practice of subordinate employees or officials being deputized and given the authority to sign the name of their superior or employer. In situations where this superior official's signature may frequently be required for routine paperwork, a literal rubber stamp is used, with a likeness of their hand-written signature. This could also be utilized personally by the individual named on the stamp, to prevent hand fatigue and save time when a large number of documents need to be signed. In essence, the term is meant to convey an endorsement without careful thought or personal investment in the outcome, especially since it is usually expected as the stamper's duty to do so. In the situation where a dictator's legislature is a "rubber stamp," the orders they are meant to endorse are formalities they are expected to legitimize.

The metaphor can also be used as a verb, "to rubber-stamp".

Among auditors and military personnel, the synonymous term "pencil whip" is common.


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • rubber stamp — 1. adjective Of a person, organisation, or process, making decisions or approving matters routinely or without real power, as rubber stamp politics, a rubber stamp committee. 2. noun a) A piece of rubber or similar material with a design or text… …   Wiktionary

  • Politics of Russia — The politics of Russia ( the Russian Federation) take place in a framework of a federal presidential republic. According to the Constitution of Russia, the President of Russia is head of state, and of a multi party system with executive power… …   Wikipedia

  • Politics of the Republic of China — The politics of the Republic of China (ROC) takes place in a framework of a Semi presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President is head of state and the premier (President of the Executive Yuan) is head of government, and… …   Wikipedia

  • Politics of North Korea — North Korea This article is part of the series: Politics and government of North Korea Constitution Ju …   Wikipedia

  • Politics of the Democratic Republic of the Congo — Wikisource has original text related to this article: [http://fr.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution de la R%C3%A9publique d%C3%A9mocratique du Congo The constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo] Politics of the Democratic Republic of… …   Wikipedia

  • Politics of Vietnam — The politics of Vietnam takes place in a framework of a single party socialist republic. The central role of the Communist Party of Vietnam is reaffirmed in the current constitution, adopted in April 1992. Though Vietnam remains a single party… …   Wikipedia

  • Politics of Laos — The politics of Laos takes place in a framework of a single party socialist republic. The only legal political party is the Lao People s Revolutionary Party (LPRP). The head of state is President Choummaly Sayasone, who also is secretary general… …   Wikipedia

  • Временное правительство России — Не следует путать с Временным Всероссийским правительством («Уфимской Директорией»). Временное правительство России …   Википедия

  • Paul Hackett — Paul Lewis Hackett III (born March 30, 1962) is a lawyer and veteran of the Iraq War who unsuccessfully sought election to the United States Congress from the Second District of Ohio ( [http://nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/pdf/congdist/OH02… …   Wikipedia

  • Soviet Union — USSR and CCCP redirect here. For other uses, see USSR (disambiguation) and CCCP (disambiguation). Soviet redirects here. For the term itself, see Soviet (council). For other uses, see Soviet (disambiguation). Union of Soviet Socialist Republics …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”