Polity 01 – Centre-State Dynamics & Foundations of Political Science

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Polity 01 lecture on political science fundamentals, state vs. government, nationalism, and federal dynamics.

State

A permanent political organization possessing defined territory, permanent population, a government, and sovereignty, and usually recognised by other states.

Government

The agency or machinery that runs the state, formulates laws, and enforces them; changes frequently through elections.

Sovereignty

The supreme, independent authority of a state to govern itself without external control.

Nation

A community sharing common beliefs, history, territory, and political ideals, though not necessarily possessing sovereignty.

Nationalism

An ideology involving patriotism, patriotic symbols, and self-sacrifice that unites, liberates, or divides peoples and states.

Centre-State Dynamics

The constitutional and political relationship that allocates powers and responsibilities between India’s central and state governments.

Federalism in Action

Practical functioning of a federal system where powers are constitutionally divided and exercised by different tiers of government.

Civil Liberties

Basic freedoms (speech, assembly, etc.) that protect individuals from arbitrary government interference.

Fundamental Rights

Constitutionally guaranteed civil liberties that are justiciable and enforceable in a court of law.

National Self-Determination

The principle that a people should freely choose their sovereignty and international political status without external compulsion.

Ethnic Nationalism

A form of nationalism defined by shared ethnicity, language, or culture rather than civic ideals.

Democratic Self-Rule

Governance based on popular consent where citizens collectively determine political decisions and leadership.

Monopoly of Legitimate Force

Max Weber’s concept describing the state’s exclusive right to use or authorise physical force within its territory.

Recognition (International Law)

Formal acceptance by existing states that an entity qualifies as a sovereign state under international norms.

Patriotism

Love for and devotion to one’s country, often expressed through symbols and acts of allegiance.

Policy Formulation

The stage in governance where authorities design laws, rules, or programs to address public issues.

Democratic Participation

Citizen involvement in political processes such as voting, protests, or public consultations to influence governance.

Federal Principles

The doctrines that power is constitutionally divided between central and regional governments, each sovereign in its sphere.

Citizenship

Legal membership in a state that grants rights and duties such as protection, voting, and allegiance.

Division of Powers

Constitutional allocation of legislative, executive, and fiscal responsibilities between different levels of government.

International Order

The set of rules, institutions, and power relationships that structure relations among states globally.

Diplomatic Engagements

Official interactions between states aimed at managing conflicts, negotiating treaties, and fostering cooperation.

Council of Ministers (India)

Body headed by the Prime Minister that aids and advises the President and is collectively responsible to Parliament.

Shared Political Ideals

Common values—such as democracy or liberty—that bind members of a nation and guide its political identity.