Key Concepts in Political Science: Government, Legitimacy, and State Functions

Government

Institutions, rules, and procedures that guide a territory and its citizens.

Means of Coercion

How government gets people to follow the rules.

Means of Revenue

How government gets money/resources to operate.

Politics

The process of making decisions when interests differ.

Scarcity

Having limited resources.

Political Theory

The study of political ideas and theories.

Comparative Politics

Study of how politics works in different countries.

American Politics

Study of U.S. public policy and political participation.

International Relations

Study of relationships between countries.

Normative Approach

Asks how the world should work; based on values/opinions.

Empirical Approach

Asks how the world does/did work; based on facts and data.

Social Contract Theory

Citizens consent to create a state.

State of Nature

Life without government.

Consent

The basis of a state's legitimacy.

Explicit Consent

Direct consent, such as an oath or pledge.

Tacit Consent

Implied consent, such as obeying laws or accepting benefits.

Public Goods

Goods that benefit the whole community and are non-excludable.

Non-Excludable

No one is prevented from using the good.

Collective Action Problem

Individual self-interest gets in the way of a collective good.

Free Rider Problem

Someone benefits from a public good without contributing.

Capacity

A state's ability to perform core functions and provide services.

Autonomy

A state's ability to act independently from outside pressures.

State Strength

How well a state performs its functions and handles threats.

Bureaucracy

Offices and agencies that carry out state functions.

Strong State

Has transparent decisions, fair courts, open criticism, and controlled corruption.

Weak State

Applies laws unequally, protects allies, punishes rivals, and restricts debate.

Rule of Law

Everyone receives fair treatment and due process.

Rule by Law

Leaders use laws against opponents and avoid accountability.

Public Sphere

Space where citizens discuss issues and debate ideas.

Legitimacy

The accepted right of the state to exercise authority.