Political Vocabulary

Authoritarianism

A political system or ideology that places strong emphasis on centralized authority and limits on individual political freedoms.

Libertarianism

A political philosophy that places a strong emphasis on individual freedom and limiting government power.

Liberalism

A political tradition emphasizing individual rights, political equality, and government based on consent and the rule of law.

Conservatism

A political tradition emphasizing tradition, social stability, gradual change, and preservation of established institutions.

Capitalism

An economic system based primarily on private ownership, voluntary exchange, and markets.

Socialism

A broad range of ideologies that favor greater social or collective ownership or control of economic resources.

Populism

A political approach that portrays politics as a struggle between ordinary people and a powerful or entrenched elite.

Civil liberties

Individual freedoms protected from government interference, such as freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

Federalism

A system in which governmental powers are divided between a national government and state or regional governments.

Separation of powers

A system that divides government authority among separate branches to prevent excessive concentration of power.

Free market

An economic system in which prices and production are determined largely by voluntary exchange and competition rather than government direction.

Welfare state

A government system that provides programs intended to support people’s economic and social well-being.