Politics Vocabulary

Flashcards of key vocabulary from the lecture notes on politics, democracy, states, nations, political culture and authoritarian rule

Democracy

A concept of government where there is no universally agreed definition, but the core principle is self-rule.

Demokratia

The Greek term for democracy, meaning rule (kratos) by the people (demos).

Stable and Accountable Political Institutions

A key feature of a well-functioning democracy.

Individual Rights

Protection of these, such as civil liberties and civil rights, is a key indicator of democracy's health.

Political Opposition

An active, effective, and safe presence of this is important for a democracy.

Political Culture

Important for the proper functioning of democracy.

Independent and Diverse Media

Subject to few political controls and free to share a wide variety of opinions.

Checks and Balances

An effective system of this among institutions helps to have an effective political system.

Independent Judiciary

Essential for upholding the rule of law in a democracy.

Rule of Law

Societies are governed using clear, stable, and just laws to which all residents are equally subject.

Direct Democracy

A pure form of self-rule where all qualified citizens participate in shaping collective decisions.

Representative Democracy

Citizens cede governing powers to elected officials, who are held accountable at elections.

Liberal Democracy

A representative democracy based on limited government and the constitutional protection of individual rights.

Illiberal Democracy

A democracy that is weakened from within, often associated with populism and hybrid regimes.

Full Democracy

A regime with strong democratic features, including strong institutions and respect for individual rights.

Flawed Democracy

A regime that meets most conditions for democracy but faces significant weaknesses.

Democracy Index

Index that distinguishes between ‘Full democracies’ and ‘Flawed democracies’.

Political Freedoms and Civil Liberties

Respected in full democracies.

Political Participation

Opportunities for this are important for a healthy political culture.

Accountability of Government

A key strength of democratic systems.

Media Freedom

Infringements on this are considerd a weakness of flawed democracies.

Special Interests

Elected officials are often influenced by this, undermining fair representation.

Voter Turnout

Varies and is often declining, raising questions about participation rates.

Election Manipulation

Complex registration, voter intimidation, tampering with systems, miscounting ballots, and hacking can be used for this

Democratic Backsliding

Recent reversals and new threats to democracy.

State

A legal and political entity with a specific population and recognized borders.

Max Weber's Definition of the State

A human community that successfully claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory.

Government

The institutions, rules, and processes through which states are governed.

Population

States contain this; without it, the territory would be little more than real estate.

Territory

States operate within this, marked by borders, and control movement across those borders.

Sovereignty

The sole authority to impose laws and taxes within a territory.

Legitimacy

Acceptance by residents and other states of a state's jurisdiction and authority.

Nation

A cultural and historical concept describing a group of people who identify with one another.

Nation-State

A state whose citizens share a common national identity.

Multinational State

A state in which multiple national groups live under a shared government.

Stateless Nation

A national group divided among several states, such as the Kurds.

Quasi-State

A state recognized under international law but with limited government control over its territory.

De Facto State

A state that controls territory and provides governance but is not recognized under international law.

Failed/Fragile/Failing State

A state with so many internal problems that it has stopped functioning effectively.

Nationalism

The right of a people to possess its own government.

Political Culture

The sum of individual and group values, beliefs, attitudes, norms, and expectations regarding politics and government.

Elite Political Culture

The values and expectations of those closest to power, which can differ from the general population.

Civic Culture

A moderate political culture where most citizens accept the obligation to participate in politics while acknowledging the authority of the state.

Post-Materialism

A shift in political culture where citizens emphasize the quality of life over materialist values.

Political Trust

The belief that rulers are generally well intentioned and effective in serving the interests of the governed.

Authoritarian Rule

Characterized by centralized government, power held by the ruling elite, and limits on the freedoms of citizens.

Totalitarianism

Denies individual freedom altogether to maximize control and mobilize a population.

Hybrid Regimes

Combine elements of democracy and authoritarianism, leaning towards the latter.

Coercion

Efforts to make people act against their will; a core feature of authoritarian regimes.

Patronage

An unofficial network where holders of power provide resources to their supporters.