Final answer:
Another word for negative campaigning is 'mudslinging'. It refers to the practice of attacking an opponent's character instead of discussing policies, and has been used historically as well as in modern times with the assistance of social media and political action committees.
Step-by-step explanation:
Another term for negative campaigning is mudslinging. This form of politicking involves attacking the character or reputation of an opponent, often instead of addressing specific policy issues. Negative campaigning can leave a lasting digital footprint due to the widespread use of social media. Furthermore, it tends to be favored because short, negative messages are more easily consumed by the public than lengthy political discourse.
Historically, negative campaigns have been used extensively, as seen with the 1828 "Coffin Handbill" used by John Quincy Adams against Andrew Jackson. In modern times, political action committees and organizations engage in negative campaigning to influence elections, sometimes using tactics that can be considered shadow campaigns. However, some scholars believe that the effectiveness of negative ads may decline as the backlash from the public grows and as alternative methods of campaigning gain traction.