Unit 1 Vocab AP Comp. Gov.

Regime

The rules or system that decides how a country is run, no matter who is in charge. Think of it as the “operating system” of a country. Even if leaders change, the overall rules and institutions stay the same.

Example : The U.S. has had the same democratic regime since 1789, even though presidents change every 4–8 years.

Government

The people currently in power who make and enforce the laws. Governments change often (elections, coups, resignations), but the regime usually stays in place.

Ex: Biden’s administration is the current U.S. government, but the U.S. regime is democracy.

Legitimacy

When citizens believe their government has the right to rule. Without legitimacy, people may resist or rebel against the government.

Ex: Britain’s monarchy has legitimacy because people accept the Queen/King as symbolic leaders.

Sovereignty

A country’s ability to govern itself without outside control. A sovereign state makes its own decisions—laws, policies, borders without interference.

Ex: The U.S. is sovereign; Puerto Rico is not, since it is under U.S. control.

Democratization

The process of moving from an authoritarian system toward more democracy. Involves free elections, rule of law, and citizen rights.

Ex: Nigeria has moved toward democracy since ending military rule in the 1990s.

Parliamentary System

A democracy where people vote for lawmakers, and those lawmakers choose the leader (Prime Minister). The leader comes from the legislature, so executive and legislative branches are closely tied.

Ex: The U.K. has a parliamentary system, people elect Parliament, and Parliament chooses the Prime Minister.

Presidential System

A democracy where people vote separately for lawmakers and for a president. The president is independent from the legislature. This creates separation of powers.

Ex: The U.S. has a presidential system.

Federal System

Power is shared between a central government and state/local governments. Both levels have some independent power.

Ex: The U.S. and Russia are federal systems.

Unitary System

Most or all power is held by the central (national) government. Local governments exist but have little independence.

Ex: France and China are unitary.

Consolidated Democracy

A democracy that is stable, respected, and unlikely to collapse. Elections are free, fair, and accepted; government is not in danger of dictatorship.

Ex: The U.S. and U.K. are consolidated democracies.

Democratic Capitalism

A mix of democracy and a free-market economy. Citizens have both political freedoms and economic choice.

Ex: The U.S. is a democratic capitalist country.

Authoritarianism

A government that limits political freedoms and centralizes power. Leaders control politics tightly but may allow some economic or social freedoms.

Ex: Russia under Vladimir Putin.

Autocracy

A government controlled by one person with absolute power. One person makes nearly all decisions without checks or balances.

Ex: North Korea under Kim Jong Un

Communism

A system where the government controls the economy and eliminates private property. Goal is complete equality, but often leads to authoritarian control.

Ex: Cuba and North Korea claim communist systems.

Hybrid Regime

A mix of democracy and authoritarianism. Elections exist but are unfair, and freedoms are limited.

Ex: Russia is considered a hybrid regime.

Illiberal Democracy

A government with elections but weak protection of rights. Looks like a democracy but restricts freedoms like press, speech, or fair courts.

Ex: Hungary today is often described as illiberal.

Liberalism (political ideology)

Belief in individual rights, freedoms, and limited government. Supports democracy, equality, and free expression.

Ex: U.S. Constitution reflects liberal principles.

Monarchy

A government ruled by a king, queen, or royal family. Can be absolute (total power) or constitutional (limited by laws).

Ex: Saudi Arabia = absolute monarchy; U.K. = constitutional monarchy.

Socialism

A system where the government controls parts of the economy to reduce inequality. Citizens still have some private property, but government provides welfare, healthcare, education.

Ex: Sweden combines socialism with democracy.

Theocratic System

A government ruled by religious leaders or based on religious law. Religious texts/teachings guide policies and laws.

Ex: Iran’s government is theocratic.

Totalitarianism

Government has total control over political, economic, and private life. No freedoms; citizens are controlled in nearly every way.

Ex: Nazi Germany under Hitler.

Charismatic Legitimacy

Power is accepted because of a leader’s personality or charm. People follow leaders they admire or believe in strongly.

Ex: Nelson Mandela and Fidel Castro both had charismatic legitimacy.

Traditional Legitimacy

Power is accepted because it’s based on customs or long-standing practices. People trust authority because “it’s always been that way.”

Ex: Monarchies, like Japan’s emperor.

Rational-Legal Legitimacy

Power is accepted because it comes from fair laws and institutions. Leaders must follow rules, and authority comes from laws, not people.

Ex: The U.S. president is legitimate because the Constitution sets rules for election.