Comparative Governments in World History, Vocabulary Set #3

Human Nature

The intrinsic traits and behaviors that are characteristic of all humans.

State of Nature

A theoretical condition before any government or social structure where individuals live freely without imposed rules.

Power

The ability of one individual to influence or control another.

Authority

The recognized right to wield power, which encourages compliance through moral obligation rather than coercive means.

Legitimacy

The quality that makes power and authority accepted or justified.

Liberty

The freedom of individuals to take part in the government and express opinions, including voting and holding office.

Equality

The principle that all citizens deserve equal treatment and have equal influence in government.

Negative Liberty

Freedom from interference by others, allowing individuals to make personal choices without coercion.

Positive Liberty

The freedom to make one’s own decisions, which includes having a role in the governing processes affecting one's life.

Formal Equality

The concept that everyone has the same legal rights and political privileges.

Equality of Opportunity

The guarantee that all individuals have the same chances for success in life regardless of their background.

Equality of Outcome

The idea that government should ensure equal results for all individuals, promoting social and economic equality.

Property

A legal relationship where ownership rights to an object or resource are recognized, involving both rights to use and responsibilities for it.

Political Feminism

The ongoing movement advocating for equal rights for women and opposing gender discrimination, focusing on voting rights and gender equality.

Political Realism

The view that power dynamics are central to political relationships, and policies should prioritize national interests over moral considerations.

Political Idealism

A belief that politics should align with ethical values, promoting the best possible societal structure.

Citizenship

The status of being a recognized member of a political community, entailing rights and responsibilities towards the state.

Distributive Justice

The perceived fairness regarding how rewards and resources are distributed among individuals.

Veil of Ignorance (John Rawls)

A theoretical construct ensuring fairness by requiring that decisions be made without knowledge of personal benefits, promoting equality.

Civil Disobedience

The act of intentionally breaking an unjust law to bring attention to its immorality, accepting the legal consequences.

Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)

A key leader in the Indian independence movement, known for promoting nonviolent resistance against British rule.

Martin Luther King Jr.

A prominent U.S. leader in the civil rights movement who advocated for nonviolent resistance against racial injustice.