AP COMP

Democratic consolidation

The process where a democracy matures, becoming stable and deeply rooted in society.

One-party state

A political system where only one party is allowed to govern.

Totalitarian government

A regime that seeks total control over all aspects of public and private life.

Authority

The recognized right to exercise power, often tied to legitimacy.

Sources of power and authority

The origins of political power, such as constitutions, religion, or ideology.

Federal states

A political system where power is shared between a central government and regional entities.

Unitary states

A system where all political power resides in a central government.

Devolution

The transfer of powers from a central government to subnational entities without constitutional guarantees.

Multi-ethnic state

A state with multiple ethnic groups coexisting, often influencing politics.

Liberal Democracy

A democracy emphasizing individual rights, rule of law, free elections, and political freedom.

Illiberal Democracy

A regime with elections but limited political freedom and rule of law.

Political Systems

Structures for organizing and governing a society, such as democracies, authoritarian regimes, or monarchies.

Regime

A government, especially an authoritarian one.

Sovereignty

The ability of a state to govern itself without external interference.

Democracy

A system where power is vested in the people, typically through free and fair elections.

Authoritarianism

A system where power is concentrated in the hands of a leader or small elite, with limited political freedom.

Rule of law

The principle that everyone, including leaders, is subject to the law.

Governmental Transparency

Openness in government actions and decision-making, allowing public observation.

Theocracy

A government system where religious leaders rule based on divine guidance or religious laws.

Human Development Index (HDI)

A composite measure of a country's average achievements in health, education, and income.

Correlation

A relationship between two variables, where changes in one are associated with changes in the other.

Causation

A relationship where one event directly leads to another.

GINI

A measure of income inequality within a country ranging from 0 (Equal) to 1 (maximum inequality).

GDP per capita

A measure of a country's economic output divided by its population, indicating average income.

Freedom House

An organization that rates countries on political rights and civil liberties, categorizing them as free, partly free, or not free.

Fragile States Index

A ranking of countries based on their vulnerability to conflict or collapse.

Control of media

The degree to which governments regulate or influence media outlets.

Free and fair elections

Elections conducted with transparency, equality, and without coercion.

Independence of government branches

The degree to which the executive, legislative, and judicial branches operate without undue influence from each other.

Degree of political participation

The level of citizen involvement in political activities, such as voting, protesting, or joining political organizations.

Independent Election Commission

A body responsible for overseeing the integrity and fairness of elections.

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.

Gender quotas

Policies mandating a certain percentage of women in political organizational positions.

Political legitimacy

The general belief that a government has the right to rule and exercise authority.

Sources of political legitimacy

The foundations upon which governments claim authority and justify their rule.

Political efficacy

The belief that individuals can influence political decisions and that the government is responsive.

Political stability

The endurance and consistency of a political system and its institutions over time.