APCG terms review

Sovereignty

The state's ability to govern itself independently of internal/external interference. Example: China's control over its internal affairs without external intervention.

Authority

The legitimate use of power by a government or leader. Example: The authority of the U.S. President to execute laws.

Power

The ability to direct or influence others. Example: The power of the Chinese Communist Party to control policy.

Legitimacy

Citizens' belief in the government’s right to rule. Example: acceptance of the Iranian government among its citizens.

Regime

The rules/norms of politics (can be democratic or authoritarian). Example: The democratic regime in the UK vs. the authoritarian regime in China.

Government

The individuals who currently hold power. Example: The cabinet of the Prime Minister in the UK.

State

Political entity with a monopoly on force. Example: The military and police forces of Russia.

Nation

Cultural/ethnic identity. Example: The Kurdish spread across multiple states.

Parliamentary System

Political system where the prime minister is selected by the majority party in Parliament. Example: The United Kingdom's system where the Prime Minister is chosen by the majority party in the House of Commons.

Presidential System

Political system where presidents are directly elected with separated powers. Example: The United States, where the President is directly elected and has separate powers from Congress.

Semi-Presidential System

Political system with a dual executive; one president and one prime minister. Example: Russia, where there is both a President and a Prime Minister.

Head of State

Symbolic leader (e.g., monarch or president). Example: The Queen of the United Kingdom.

Head of Government

Day-to-day leadership of the government. Example: The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Federal State

Power constitutionally divided among various levels of government. Example: Nigeria, where power is divided between the federal, state, and local governments.

Unitary State

Centralized government with most authority held by a single central entity. Example: China, where most authority is held by the central government in Beijing.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature with two chambers, such as the House of Commons and House of Lords in the UK. Example: The UK's Parliament with the House of Commons and House of Lords.

Unicameral Legislature

A legislature with a single chamber, such as China’s National People’s Congress. Example: China's National People’s Congress.

Independent Judiciary

Judicial system where courts can review government actions. Example: The UK Supreme Court's ability to review government actions.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional. Example: The power of the Supreme Court in Nigeria to review and invalidate laws.

Electoral System (FPTP)

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins. Example: The UK's system.

Proportional Representation

An electoral system where parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive. Example: The electoral system in Russia before it was changed to mixed and then proportional representation.

One-Party System

A political party system where only one party is allowed to hold power. Example: China, where the Communist Party maintains sole power.

Dominant-Party System

A political system where multiple parties exist, but one is disproportionately influential. Example: Russia's United Russia party.

Civil Society

NGOs, unions, and advocacy groups operating outside of state control. Example: Amnesty International operating in multiple countries including the UK, Russia, and China.

Political Socialization

The process by which citizens form their political beliefs. Example: Citizens in the UK learning about their political system through school and media.

Social Cleavages

Divisions in society that affect political choices. Example: Ethnic divisions in Nigeria affecting political alliances.

Political Efficacy

Citizens’ belief in their ability to influence politics. Example: Citizens in the UK protesting government policies.

Civil Liberties

Personal freedoms protected by law from governmental interference. Example: Freedom of speech in the UK.

Civil Rights

The rights of citizens to receive equal treatment under the law. Example: Equal rights for all ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Protests & Social Movements

Organized efforts to promote social change. Example: The Occupy movement in the UK.

Reform

Gradual policy or structural change. Example: Electoral fixings in the UK.

Revolution

Rapid, radical change of regime. Example: Iran leading to a new theocratic government.

Coup d’état

A military takeover of government. Example: A hypothetical military coup in Nigeria.

Globalization

Growing economic/political interconnectedness across nations. Example: The effect of multi-national corporations like BP have on the UK and other nations.

Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs)

IMF plans requiring austerity, privatization, and reduced government spending. Example: SAPs imposed on Nigeria in the 1980s.

Neoliberalism

Economic policy favoring free-market principles, deregulation, and privatization. Example: Privatization of industries in the UK under Thatcher.

Rentier State

A country relying heavily on revenue from natural resources. Example: Nigeria's dependency on oil revenues.

Welfare Policy

Government policies designed to improve citizens' well-being. Example: The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

Environmental Policy

Government strategies to manage environmental challenges. Example: The UK's policies on carbon emissions.

Education Policy

Government guidelines regarding the education system.