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the political philosophy of the People’s party.
(lowercase) any of various, often antiestablishment or anti-intellectual political movements or philosophies that offer unorthodox solutions or policies and appeal to the common person rather than according with traditional party or partisan ideologies.
(lowercase) grass-roots democracy; working-class activism; egalitarianism.
(lowercase) representation or extolling of the common person, the working class, the underdog, etc.:
populism in the arts.
Contemporary Examples

That might leave some liberal ideologues cold, but it is a Populism that produces results.
Hillary Clinton’s Own Populist Path Andrei Cherny December 17, 2013

And it is a “problem-solving Populism” that marries the twin impulses of Populism and progressivism.
Hillary Clinton’s Own Populist Path Andrei Cherny December 17, 2013

The former Massachusetts governor is expressing something more than knee-jerk Populism here.
China, Trade Warrior David Frum February 15, 2012

There has to be something more to a Populism that seems to be only getting stronger.
A Populist Frankenstein Lee Siegel November 25, 2009

Economic justice and Populism are two incredibly powerful driving forces in Iranian politics.
Iran’s Intimidation Worked Karim Sadjadpour June 11, 2010

Historical Examples

To discredit a new proposition it was only necessary to observe that it was as dead as Populism.
Contemporary American History, 1877-1913 Charles A. Beard

In the days of Populism they were more open-minded than the Americans.
The Old World in the New Edward Alsworth Ross

During the past year the great political change from Republicanism to Populism had taken place in Kansas.
The History of Woman Suffrage, Volume IV Various

At one edge is the Populism of the prairies; at the other, the capitalism that is typified in Pittsburgh.
The Frontier in American History Frederick Jackson Turner

The mission of Populism did not end when free silver had been driven like a wedge into all the parties.
The New Nation Frederic L. Paxson

noun
a political strategy based on a calculated appeal to the interests or prejudices of ordinary people
n.

1893; see populist + -ism. Originally in reference to the political theories of the U.S. Populist Party (also People’s Party).

The belief that greater popular participation in government and business is necessary to protect individuals from exploitation by inflexible bureaucracy and financial conglomerates. “Power to the people” is a famous populist slogan.