BACKMAN VOCAB LIST 3-3

Constituency

a body of voters in a specified area who elect a representative to a legislative body. ie electoral district

Partisan

Fervently supportive of a political party or a particular cause

Sovereignty

Supreme power or authority especially of a state to govern itself or another state

Autocratic

relating to a ruler who has absolute power.

Oligarchy

Ruled by a small elite stratum of a population

Plutocracy

Ruled by the wealthy

Populism

a political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups.

Tyranny

Cruel and oppressive government or rule.

Totalitarianism

A type of Government that emerged in the 20th century that is centralized and dictatorial and requires complete obedience to the state.

Demagoguery

politics that seek support by appealing to the desires and prejudices of ordinary people rather than by using rational argument.

Kleptocracy

Rule or abuse of power by thieves

Regal

Demonstrating style, mannerisms, and attitude associated with royalty and its privileges

Imperious

assuming power or authority without justification

Edict

an official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority.

Mandate

To state and enforce both a requirement for citizens, as well as some penalty if the requirement is not met

Manifesto

a public declaration of policy and aims, especially one issued before an election by a political party or candidate.

Jingoism

extreme patriotism, especially in the form of aggressive or warlike foreign policy.

Sage

A wise man figure characterized by wisdom and shrewdness

Pundit

A public media figure or expert who makes comments or judgments about culture or politics in an authoritative manner

Esoteric

intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.

Enigmatic

Intriguingly or subtly puzzling or mysterious or obscure

Quixotic

exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.