Politics

Political Inquiry Process

The systematic approach to exploring political concepts, processes, practices, issues, and trends.

Political Spectrum

A system for classifying different political positions, typically ranging from left (change, revolution) to right (stability, order).

Democracy

A governing system where the public has greater involvement in politics, emphasizing fairness and political opportunity.

Autocracy

A system of government where power is concentrated, political participation is restricted, and decision-making is unilateral.

Misinformation

The unintentional spreading of false information.

Disinformation

The intentional spreading of false information.

Political Polarization

The divergence of political attitudes to ideological extremes, which can lead to legislative gridlock and social division.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)

A commission aimed at acknowledging and addressing injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada, focusing on reconciliation and calls to action.

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)

A framework established by the UN to protect the rights of Indigenous peoples globally, emphasizing justice, democracy, and human rights.

Nationalism

Identification with and support for one’s own nation, often to the exclusion of other nations.

Patriotism

The quality of being patriotic; devotion to and vigorous support for one’s country.

Sovereignty

The supreme power or authority within a territory, including self-governance and freedom from external control.

Residential Schools

Institutions established to assimilate Indigenous peoples, often resulting in cultural genocide.

Ethnic Nationalism

A form of nationalism that defines the nation in terms of ethnicity, potentially leading to conflicts between different ethnic groups.

Political Economy

The study of how economic theory and methods influence political ideology and policy.

UN Emergency Principles

Regulations under which the UN can intervene to provide humanitarian assistance, without imposing martial law.

Tragedy of the Commons

A situation in which individuals use a shared resource according to their own self-interest and, in doing so, ultimately deplete that resource.

Indigenous Sovereignty

The inherent rights of Indigenous peoples to govern themselves and make decisions about their land, culture, and economy.

First Past the Post

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins, often leading to a lack of proportional representation.

Overton Window

The range of policies politically acceptable to the mainstream population at a given time.

Fascism

A political ideology that emphasizes national superiority and often involves authoritarian and dictatorial power.

Just War Theory

The doctrine that attempts to ensure war is morally justifiable through a series of criteria.

Globalization

The process of interaction and integration among people, companies, and governments worldwide.

Climate Justice

The recognition that climate change impacts are not distributed equally and that marginalized populations often bear the brunt of its effects.

Philanthropy

The desire to promote the welfare of others, typically through the donation of money, resources, or time.

NGO (Non-Governmental Organization)

An organization that operates independently from the government, typically to address social or political issues.

Economic Recession

A significant decline in economic activity across the economy lasting longer than a few months, typically visible in GDP.

Crown Corporations

State-owned companies in Canada that operate as independent businesses to provide goods and services.

Participatory Budgeting

A process in which citizens directly decide how to spend part of a public budget.

Civil Society

The aggregate of non-governmental organizations and institutions that manifest the interests and will of citizens.

Political Activism

The efforts to promote, impede, or direct social, political, economic, or environmental change.

Human Rights

The basic rights and freedoms that belong to all individuals, regardless of nationality or background.

Social Contract

The theory that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to surrender some freedoms in exchange for protection of others.

Bureaucracy

A system of government in which most decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.

Pluralism

A political system in which multiple groups coexist and compete for influence and power.

Populism

A political approach that seeks to represent the interests of ordinary people, often against the elite.

Decentralization

The distribution of authority from a central government to regional or local governments.

Civic Engagement

The participation of citizens in political processes and community activities.

Election Integrity

The assurance that elections are conducted fairly, accurately, and transparently.

Federalism

A system of governance that divides powers between a central authority and regional political units.

Civil Rights

Entitlements that ensure individuals have political and social freedom and equality.

Checks and Balances

A governance system that prevents one branch of government from becoming too powerful by giving each branch some influence over the others.

Grassroots Movement

A movement driven by the ordinary people of a community that focuses on local issues to effect larger societal change.

Lobbying

An effort to influence the decisions of government officials, typically through direct interaction and pressure.

Activism

Actions taken to promote, impede, or direct social, political, economic, or environmental change.

Political Participation

The various ways individuals engage in the political process, including voting, activism, and other civic responsibilities.

Voting Rights

Legal protections that guarantee individuals can participate in elections, often a focus of movements advocating for equality.

Social Movements

Collective actions by groups aimed at promoting or resisting social change.

Constitutionalism

The principle that government is limited by a constitution that safeguards individual rights and freedoms.