Session 1 GOV

Power

The ability or capacity to influence or control the behaviors of people, organizations, or the course of events. Power can manifest in various forms, including political, economic, and social.

Political Power

The authority to make decisions and enforce laws within a political entity, often derived from a formal position or role in government. Political power can influence governance, policy-making, and the exercise of rights.

Authority

The legitimate power granted to an individual or organization to make decisions and enforce rules within a specified domain. Authority can derive from law, customs, or organizational hierarchy.

Liberty

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views. Liberty is a fundamental principle in democratic societies, ensuring individual rights and freedoms.

Legitimacy

The right and acceptance of an authority, usually a governing law or a regime. Legitimacy is crucial for the stability and functioning of political systems, as it fosters trust and compliance among the populace.

Ideology

A set of beliefs or principles that guide an individual or group in political, economic, or social matters. Ideologies shape policies and influence the way society is organized.

Transparency

The quality of being open and honest about government actions, decisions, and processes, allowing citizens to have insight into the workings of their government. Transparency is essential for accountability and fosters trust between the government and the public.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state, often regarded as the ultimate power within a given territory. Sovereignty encompasses both the legal right to rule and the practical ability to enforce laws and policies independently.

Jurisdiction

The official power to make legal decisions and judgments within a specific area or over certain subjects. Jurisdiction defines the authority of courts and other legal bodies.

Monopoly on violence

The state is the only entity with the legal right and authority to use or authorize physical force within its borders

Government

Politics

The practice and theory of influencing people and decisions in governance, often concerning power dynamics and resource allocation.

State

A political entity with a centralized government that holds sovereignty over a defined territory and population.

Nation

A group of people who share a common identity, culture, language, or history, often inhabiting a specific territory and aspiring for self-governance.

Civic Nationalism

A form of nationalism that emphasizes shared citizenship, common values, and political commitment among individuals, regardless of their ethnic or cultural backgrounds.

Ethnic Nationalism

A form of nationalism that prioritizes the interests and culture of a specific ethnic group, often linking national identity to shared ancestry, language, and traditions.

Regime

A government or ruling system in power, typically characterized by its structure, principles, and the authority it holds over a state.

Democratic Regime

A type of government in which power is derived from the people, typically through free and fair elections, and characterized by the protection of civil liberties and political rights.

Authoritarian Regime

A government system in which power is concentrated in a single authority or a small group, often limiting political freedoms and civil rights, and maintaining control through coercion.

Political Centralism

A political system where decision-making authority is concentrated within a central governing body, often prioritizing national policy and coherence over local autonomy.

Unitary State

A form of government where power is held by a central authority, and regional or local governments have little to no autonomy, emphasizing a uniform policy across the entire state.

Political Decentralism

A political system that distributes decision-making authority away from a central governing body, allowing for greater local autonomy and flexibility in governance.

Federal State

A political system where power is divided between a central government and regional or local governments, each having authority over specific areas, allowing for both national coherence and local autonomy.

backsliding

A process in which a democratic regime deteriorates or regresses toward authoritarianism, often characterized by the weakening of democratic institutions and norms.