Brooks AP Comp Gov 25-26 core terms (know the full definition)

sovereignty

A state's independent, supreme authority over it's territory

government

the set of institutions or individuals legally empowered to make binding decisions for a state

state

A political organization that combines a permanent population with governing institutions to exercise control over a defined territory with international recognition. Has a monopoly on the legitimate use of force. Based on the recognized right to self-determination

legitimacy/authority

When power is accepted as rightful

regime/political system

The fundamental institutions, ideology, norms, and procedures of a type of government. E.g. liberal democracy, authoritarian, theocracy

globalization

The increase in global communication, trade, investment, and migration between states since WW2

bureaucracy

A hierarchical organization in which lower-level officials implement regulations according to objective criteria. Part of the executive.

federalism

A codified constitution specifies that the national government shares sovereignty with sub-national governments

unitary government

The national government has full sovereignty. No semi-sovereign sub-national governments.

parliamentary system

A political system where the head of government

is chosen by the legislature, creating a fusion of powers between it and the executive.

presidential system

A political system where the head of government is chosen by the voters in a direct election. This creates separation of powers btw. exec and legislature.

cleavages

Divisions in a society with political implications such as race, class, nationality, rural/urban.

political party

organization that tries to influence government policy by getting candidates elected. E.g. Labor Party, United Russia, Communist Party of China.

party system

the number and size of political parties, and the nature of the relationship between them. E.g. multi, dominant, two-party.

electoral system

The rules that turn citizen preferences into seats held by elected officials. E.g. First Past the Post, proportional.

nationalism

An ideology that emphasizes service to and pride in one's nation-state

political socialization

The process whereby an individual comes to take on the political culture of their country

social movement

A decentralized movement emerging from civil society to create broad political or social change

democracy (liberal/substantive)

A political system where the state's legitimacy is based on the freely given consent of its citizens. Features not only free and fair elections, but broad protection of civil rights, including for minority groups, an independent judiciary, free media, active civil society groups, and civilian control of the military.

rule of law

When the law is applied equally to everyone, even government officials.

civil rights

Basic freedoms of citizens that are protected by law

civil society

Voluntary, non-government, non-profit groups in society

transparency

the principle that government decisions and information should be visible to the public.

interest group

A centralized group that tries to influence specific government policies

procedural/illiberal/electoral democracy

A political system that has regular, relatively free and fair elections, but is missing other features of a democracy

authoritarianism

A political system where the state's legitimacy is based on use or threat of use of force. Power is concentrated in a small group of individuals. Lacks the features of a liberal democracy.

rule by law

Where the law is applied arbitrarily, and government officials are not subject to the same rules and penalties as citizens.

corruption

The abuse of public office for private gain. Major forms include clientelism, nepotism, bribery, voter fraud.

political ideology

A structured set of beliefs about the way society should function. E.g. conservative, liberal, communist, fascist

socialism

The historical stage before communism according to Marx. The state owns productive assets, the economy is run through central planning. Can also refer to socialist ideology as well as redistributionist/progressive economic policies such as universal healthcare.

populism

A political approach that tries to appeal to ordinary people, and blames elites for problems.

politics

How people gain and keep power

nation

a reasonably large group of people with a common culture that occupy a territory. Bound by a unity arising from shared beliefs, customs, history, goals.