Bellwether

In politics, a bellwether (often, incorrectly, bellweather or bellwhether) is a region whose political tendencies match in microcosm what occurs in a wider area. For example, a bellwether constituency in a Westminster-style election is one which tends to swings back and forth between parties, generally electing the same party as which wins the overall vote.

Related Topics:
Politics - Constituency - Westminster

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The term bellwether originates from the middle English bellewether, and refers to the practice of using a castrated ram (or ?wether?) with a bell around his neck to lead a flock of sheep.

Related Topics:
Middle English - Castrated - Ram - Wether

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