In finance and accounting, Capital generally refers to financial wealth, especially that used to start or maintain a business, and political capital as used here refers to an extension of this idea to the realm of political power. (The term political capital can also be used to refer to the legislative seat of government of a state, such as South Africa, where the legislative, executive and judicial branches are physically separated.) Political capital is primarily based on public figure's favorable image among the populace and among other important personalities in or out of the government. A politician gains political capital by virtue of their position, and also by pursuing popular policies, achieving success with their initiatives, performing favors for other politicians, etc. Political capital must be spent to be useful, and will generally expire by the end of a politician's term in office. In addition, it can be wasted, typically by failed attempts to promote unpopular policies which are not central to a politician's agenda. American President George W. Bush claimed to have earned "political capital" after the 2004 elections.
