Question

What was the "bread and circuses" program?

Answer 1

"Bread and circuses" is metonymic for a superficial means of appeasement. In the case of politics, the phrase is used to describe the generation of public approval, not through exemplary or excellent public service or public policy, but through diversion; distraction; or the mere satisfaction of the immediate, shallow requirements of a populace, as an offered "palliative."

Answer 2

Wow! metonymic and palliative. You should cite whatever source you copied that from . Wikipedia, the Star Trik episode or Hells on Wheels episode that both quote it. O r maybe you could translate instead of copy and paste.