COGOPO Unit 0 Vocab - Introducing the Case Study Countries

Devolution

The transfer of power from a central government to regional or local governments, allowing for greater autonomy and decision-making at the local level.

Fusion of Powers

The merging of executive and legislative branches in a political system, contrasting with the separation of powers.

Glorius Revolution

A political revolution in England during 1688 that resulted in the overthrow of King James II and the ascendance of William and Mary to the throne, establishing constitutional monarchy.

Pariamentary Sovreignty

The principle that Parliament has the supreme legal authority in the UK, enabling it to create or end any law without being subject to any other body.

Traditional Sovreignty

The idea that the government is legitimate even if rights are limited just becuase the government has been such a way for a long period of time.

Corruption

The abuse of power by public officials for personal gain, undermining public trust and effective governance.

Democratization

The process of becoming democratic.

Federal System

The division of power between central and local governments

Narco-traffickers

Illegal networks that make, transport, and sell drugs.

Sovreignty

Freedom from external control

Authoritarian

Concentration of power in one leader/elite

Illiberal Democracy

Elections take place but rights are limited

Rule of Law

Everyone must follow the rules of the law despite political or social status

Rule by Law

Rulers or people of power are above the law, and instead use it to control their citizens

Semi-presidential System

Power is shared between an elected president and a prime minister

Military Coup D’etat

Where the miitary takes over the government of it’s own country

Federal Character Principle of Nigeria

Advocates for fair representation of all ethnic groups

Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People

Group representing the Ogoni people to protect them and their rights

Prebendalism

Government workers treat public office as personal prize

Resource Curse

Country with abundant resources that experiences corruption, slow economic growth, etc.

Government

People who are the governing authority of a political unit

Guardian Council

12 member unelected council

Regime

Mode of rule or management that exists during a duration of time in a country

Sharia Law

Laws of Islam/Quran

Supreme Leader

Figure who holds total authority over a country

Chinese Communist Party

Supreme governmental authority in China

Foreign Direct Investment

Investing in a company from another country

National People’s Congress

3000 deputies under the CCP

Standing Committe of the Politburo

Center of the CCP’s power and leadership

Unitary System

Supreme power rests in a single authority or party