Unit 1: Modern Nation-State — Key Terms (Vocabulary)

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts from the notes on politics, nation-states, Weber, and related terms.

Politics

The process of making collective decisions for a group and the use of power by one person or group to influence others.

Externalities

Socially negative side effects of individual decisions that affect others who are not part of the decision-making group.

Monopoly of legitimate violence

The state's claim to be the sole authority to use or threaten physical force within its territory. Proposed by Max Weber

Coercion

Forcing behavior through threats, sanctions, or force.

Persuasion

Influencing others’ behavior through argument, incentives, or socialization rather than force.

Agenda setting

The process by which news sources and journalists influence what issues people think about.

Lobbyists

Individuals who attempt to influence public policy on behalf of clients or causes.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Independent organizations that advocate for causes and influence policy and public opinion outside of government.

Public administrators

Officials who implement policies and may have to prioritize issues for political or budgetary reasons.

Journalists

Actors who report and frame news, influencing which issues gain public attention.

Head of Government

The main holder of political power in a government (e.g., Prime Minister); leads the administration.

Head of State

The symbolic leader of a country (e.g., monarch or president in ceremonial role).

States

A broad term for those who hold power and influence within a territory, including offices and influential groups.

Governments

The formal institutions and leaders currently exercising political power in a country.

Regimes

The long-term set of institutions and practices that determine how leaders are selected and replaced.

Nations

Groups with common cultural or linguistic identities tied to a geographic region.

Ethnicity

Identity-group bound by culture or ancestry, not necessarily tied to a specific geographic area.

Citizenship

Formal membership in a state with associated rights and duties.

Nation-state

A modern form of state characterized by external recognition, sovereignty, legitimacy, territorial control, and a sense of national identity among citizens.

Sovereignty

The recognized supreme authority of a state within its borders.

Legitimacy

Widespread belief that the state has the right to govern and exercise power, often linked to the monopoly on violence.

Decolonization

Post-World War II process by which former colonies gained independence.

Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648)

Religious conflict within the Holy Roman Empire that devastated much of Europe and influenced later state formation.

Treaty of Westphalia (1648)

Coalition-wide settlement that laid groundwork for modern nation-states and recognized state boundaries.

Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815)

Series of conflicts that accelerated nation-state formation through conscription and centralized state power.

Max Weber

Sociologist who defined the modern state as the entity with a monopoly on legitimate use of force and outlined three pure authority types.

Traditional authority

Authority based on long-standing customs and hereditary rule.

Charismatic authority

Authority based on the personal qualities of a leader seen as extraordinary or inspirational.

Legal-rational authority

Authority based on impersonal rules and formal law, typical of modern bureaucracies.

Living “for” politics

Treating politics as a vocation or calling, a life devoted to political work.

Living “off” politics

Using politics as a means of income or personal advancement.

Ethic of conviction (Gesinnungsethik)

Acting according to one’s principles regardless of consequences.

Ethic of responsibility (Verantwortungsethik)

Considering the foreseeable consequences and taking responsibility for actions.

Qualities of a politician

Passion, sense of responsibility, and proportion in judgment and conduct.

Executive Power

The power confided in a unitary branch/person to enforce laws under their own judgement. Ex: President of the United States of America

Judicial Power

The power of a specified and unitary branch to interpret laws and administer justice. Ex: Supreme Court of the United States

Legislative Power

The power vested in a designated branch to create, amend, and repeal laws. Ex: United States Congress.

Territoriality

The principle that a state has authority and jurisdiction over a specific geographic area and its inhabitants, defining its boundaries and governance.