Political ideas vocab AP Euro Unit 3

peaceful transference of power

a fundamental democratic principle stating that electoral outcomes must be accepted and political control handed over without violence, coercion, or subversion.

loyal opposition

a non-governing minority party or group that disagrees with the policies of the ruling administration while remaining faithful to the state, its constitution, and its fundamental democratic system

good faith

engaging in public debate and governance with honesty, sincerity, and the genuine belief that opposing viewpoints stem from real convictions rather than malicious intent

wishful thinking

the cognitive bias where a person's preference for a candidate, party, or policy directly distorts their expectation of an election or political outcome. Supporters confuse what they want to happen with what is likely to happen

demagoguery

A style of political leadership that wins public support by stoking the emotions, fears, prejudices, and passions of ordinary people instead of using rational arguments, evidence, or sound policy

social construct

an idea, category, or value that does not exist physically in the objective world, but exists because people in a society collectively agree to recognize and maintain it

political prisoner

a person who is deprived of their liberty—such as through arrest, detention, or incarceration—by a government primarily because of their political beliefs, peaceful opposition, or activities that challenge the ruling authorities

oligarchy

a form of government or power structure in which nearly all political, economic, and social control rests with a small, elite group of people

nation-state

a sovereign political unit where a centralized government rules over a population that shares a common national identity, culture, language, or history

nation

a large group of people who share a collective identity, common culture, history, language, or ancestry, and often a desire for self-determination, distinct from a formal sovereign state

jingoism

an extreme form of aggressive nationalism characterized by blind belief in a country's superiority and a strong preference for military force and threats over diplomacy in foreign affairs

summary justice

a legal and political process where a judgment or trial is carried out swiftly without the usual formal procedures, protections, or lengthy trials of standard law

vigilante justice

unauthorized actions taken by individuals or groups to enforce laws, investigate crimes, or punish perceived wrongdoers outside of the official legal system. a form of contentious politics or a direct challenge to the state's monopoly on the legitimate use of force and the rule of law

patronage

The power of a government official or party leader to distribute public jobs, grants, contracts, or political appointments as rewards to loyal supporters (often linked to clientelism or the spoils system)

civic virtue

the set of habits, values, and personal qualities that enable a citizen to put the common good of society ahead of their own private interests

civic society

voluntary, non-governmental, and non-profit organizations that operate independently of both the state (government) and the market (business)

political legitimacy

the widely accepted belief that a government, regime, or leader has the rightful authority to rule and that their laws and decisions deserve obedience

potemkin village

any fake construct, facade, or staged event created by a government, organization, or leader to project an illusion of wealth, progress, or democracy while hiding severe internal problems or poverty

raison d’etat

a political principle stating that the supreme and permanent interests of a nation—such as its survival, security, independence, and territorial integrity—override all moral, ethical, legal, or religious considerations

selective enforcement of law

The practice where government officials, police, or prosecutors use their discretionary power to apply or prosecute laws against some individuals or groups while ignoring violations by others.

political theatre

staged or performative political acts done for appearance or public impact, or dramatic works (plays, films) that explore political and social issues. 

invented enemies

a manufactured, exaggerated, or artificial group or individual labeled as a threat by leaders or movements to build internal unity, shift blame, and consolidate power.

subject v. citizen

a subject owes allegiance to a ruler or monarch and has limited political rights, while a citizen is a member of a free political community where sovereignty rests with the people

kleptocracy

a form of government where leaders and ruling elites systematically abuse their power to steal national wealth and public funds for personal enrichment. 

corruption

the abuse of entrusted power or authority for private or personal gain.

kickback

an illegal payment, favor, or cut of funds given to a politician or political party in exchange for preferential treatment, a favorable vote, or a lucrative government contract.

bribe

The offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving of money, gifts, or any item of value to corruptly influence the official actions, duties, or decisions of a public official

extortion

the coercive practice where a public official or political group unlawfully demands money, services, or favors by threatening harm, the misuse of political authority, the withholding of vital resources, or negative policy outcomes

graft

The illegal or unethical use of a politician's authority or office to gain money, property, or special advantages for themselves or their associates.

nepotism

the act of using power or influence to give unfair jobs, promotions, or special advantages to family members instead of picking people based on skill or meri