AP COGO Unit 1 :Systems,regimes and power

Authoritarian

a system where political power is concentrated in a single leader or a small elite that rules without constitutional responsibility to the public

Federal system

a form of government where power is divided between a central national authority and constituent regional governments

Devolution

= transfer of power to subnational units

Democracy

a system of government where power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through elected representatives

Sovereignty

supreme, independent authority and lawmaking power over a territory and its people

Nation

group sharing culture/identity.

Regime

the fundamental rules and system of politics (endures over time)

Government

the specific leaders/institutions currently in power (changes frequently).

Democracy countries

UK, Mexico

Authoritarian countries

China,Iran

Hybrid countries

Russia, Nigeria

Unitary system

a form of government where supreme authority is concentrated in a single central body

Revolution

a massive, fundamental, and usually violent mass uprising that fundamentally changes a country's political system or regime

Coup

seizure of power by military/elites

Reform

gradual change within the system.

political legitimacy

popular acceptance and recognition by the public of a government's right to exercise authority and make binding decisions. It converts power into authority, ensuring citizens obey laws voluntarily rather than through coercion. It generally implies a moral justification for rule.