Political Systems

Brexit

The UK voted to leave the European Union in June 2016.

Sovereignty

The ability of a state to act without internal or external influence.

Globalization

The process by which trade and technology have made the world more connected and interdependent.

Leave Campaign

The campaign led by Dominic Cummings advocating for the UK's exit from the EU.

State

A political institution with international recognition that governs a population in a defined territory.

Bureaucracy

A set of appointed officials and government workers who implement policies.

International Recognition

The formal acknowledgment of a state's status by other states.

Regime

A type of government, such as liberal democracy or authoritarianism.

Regime Change

A fundamental change in the rules and system of government, which can occur through revolution or coup d'état.

Coup d'état

The overthrow of a regime based on widespread popular support.

Nation

A group of people sharing a common identity, culture, or language.

Nationalism

A strong sense of identity and belief in a group's destiny.

Democracy

A system of government characterized by free and fair elections and protection of civil rights.

Authoritarianism

A system where elections are not free and civil rights are restricted.

Liberal Democracy

A political system with free elections and protection of civil liberties.

Totalitarian State

An authoritarian government that controls nearly all aspects of citizens' lives.

Illiberal/Flawed/Hybrid Democracy

A system with flawed elections and restricted civil rights.

Rule of Law

A principle where government officials are subject to the same laws as citizens.

Rule by Law

A situation where laws are applied arbitrarily, and officials are not held accountable.

Transparency

The ability of citizens to know government actions.

Democratization

The transition from an authoritarian to a democratic regime.

Democratic Consolidation

The development of stable democratic institutions and protections of civil liberties.

Democratic Backsliding

A decline in the quality of democracy and citizen participation.

External Sovereignty

A state's ability to defend its territory without relying on others.

Internal Sovereignty

A state's sole authority to enforce laws within its territory.

Power

The ability to compel someone to act against their will.

Authority

The legitimate power a state holds over its citizens.

Theocracy

A system of government based on religious rule.

Coercion

The use of force or threats to compel action.

Sources of Legitimacy

Factors that justify a government's right to rule, including elections, a constitution, nationalism, tradition, religion, economic performance, and support from a dominant party.

Traditional Legitimacy

The right to rule based on long-standing societal practices.

Charismatic Legitimacy

The right to rule based on personal qualities or extraordinary characteristics.

Rational-Legal Legitimacy

The right to rule based on an accepted set of laws.

Unitary System

A political system where power is centralized in the national government.

Federal System

A political system where power is divided among multiple levels of government.

Devolution

The granting of powers from the central government to regional governments.

4 Characteristics of a State

Government makes legally binding decisions for the state, must have a permanent population, must have a territory with defined borders, international recognition

How is stability strengthened?

Free and fair elections, political efficiency, peaceful transfer of power, strong economy.