Politics U 1&2 Exam Glossary

Political significance

the level of importance, impact, or consequence an event, policy, or action has on the distribution of power, governance, and public life within a society

Power

capacity to influence, shape, or control the behavior of people, policies, and institutions within a society

Political Actors

any individual, group, or organization that actively attempts to influence political decisions, policies, or the governance of a society (government leaders, states, NGOs)

Political Interests

The goals, objectives, or desired outcomes that political actors seek to achieve, often shaped by values, ideology, security concerns, or economic considerations.

Political Change

Transformations in political structures, power distributions, policies, or relationships between actors over time

Political Perspectives

Different viewpoints or theoretical frameworks used to analyse global politics, including realism, liberalism

Sovereignty

The supreme authority of a state to govern itself without external interference, including control over territory, population, and policy decisions.

State

A political entity with defined territory, permanent population, effective government, and capacity to enter relations with other states.

Culturally Homogenous

A population sharing common cultural characteristics such as language, ethnicity, religion, or traditions, often contributing to national identity

Liberal Democracy

A political system combining democratic elections with protection of individual rights, rule of law, and limited government power

Liberalism

(Political Theory) A perspective emphasizing cooperation, interdependence, and the possibility of mutual gains in international relations

Democracy

A system of government where political power derives from the people, exercised through voting, representation, and participation in decision-making

Federalism

a system of government where power is divided between a central, national authority and individual state or regional governments (federal, state, local)

Responsible Government

A parliamentary system where the executive (cabinet/ministry) is accountable to the legislature and must maintain its confidence to remain in power

Separation of Powers

The division of government into distinct branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent concentration of power

Media

Organizations and platforms that gather, produce, and disseminate information and news, influencing public opinion and holding power to account (Fox News, X)

IGOs

Organizations formed by agreement between states to pursue common goals (e.g., United Nations, World Bank, NATO). 

NGOs

Non-profit organizations operating independently of governments to address social, humanitarian, environmental issues (Oxfam, GreenPeace)

IGGs

the formal organizations, regimes, and networks that set rules, coordinate policies, and manage challenges that cross national borders (United Nations)

TNCs

Companies operating in multiple countries with integrated production and distribution networks, wielding significant economic and political influence. (Shell, Coca Cola)

Legitimacy

The perceived right of an authority or government to exercise power, based on acceptance by those governed that the authority is justified and proper.

Consent of the Governed

The principle that government authority derives from the agreement and approval of the people being governed.

Coercion

The use or threat of force to compel compliance, contrasting with power based on consent or legitimacy.

National Interests

The goals and priorities a state pursues to protect and advance its security, prosperity, territorial integrity, and values.

Global Interconnectedness

The growing linkages between states, peoples, and economies through trade, communication, migration, and shared challenges requiring collective responses.

Foreign Policy

A state's strategy and actions in managing relationships with other states and international actors to pursue national interests

Military Power

Economic Power

Diplomatic Power

Political Power