| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| civil rights | Fundamental freedoms and protections from government interference, such as freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly. |
| civil society | Organizations and institutions that exist between the individual and the state, including NGOs, community groups, and advocacy organizations that operate independently of government. |
| drug trafficking | The illegal production, distribution, and sale of controlled substances across state boundaries or within a state. |
| election fairness | The principle that elections are conducted according to established rules, free from fraud, coercion, or manipulation. |
| equality under law | The principle that all individuals are subject to the same legal standards and protections regardless of status or identity. |
| foreign direct investment | Investment by foreign individuals or companies in productive assets within a country, such as factories, businesses, or infrastructure. |
| internal actors | Individuals, groups, or organizations within a state that influence government decisions and policies, such as civil society organizations, protest movements, and separatist groups. |
| mass protest movements | Large-scale collective action by citizens organized to oppose government policies or demand political change. |
| media bias | The systematic favoritism or prejudice in media coverage that benefits certain political actors or viewpoints over others. |
| political corruption | The abuse of public power or position by government officials for personal gain or private benefit. |
| private capital | Money and financial resources invested by private individuals and businesses rather than by the government. |
| regime stability | The ability of a political system to maintain continuity and resist collapse or fundamental change. |
| regime type | The form or system of government that determines how political power is organized and exercised. |
| rule of law | The principle that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are subject to and accountable to the law. |
| separatist group violence | Armed or violent actions by groups seeking to break away from a state or establish independent political control over a territory. |
| state authority | The power and legitimacy of a government to make and enforce laws and policies within its territory. |
| transparency | The degree to which government operations, decisions, and information are open and accessible to the public. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| causation | A relationship where one variable directly produces or causes a change in another variable. |
| comparative political research | The systematic study of political systems across different countries to identify similarities, differences, and patterns. |
| correlation | A statistical relationship where two or more variables change together in a consistent pattern. |
| empirical statements | Claims based on observable facts and objective evidence that can be verified or disproven. |
| Failed States Index | A ranking system that assesses the stability and governance capacity of countries based on various indicators. |
| Freedom House | An international organization that measures and reports on political rights and civil liberties across countries. |
| GDP growth rate | The percentage change in a country's GDP over a specific time period. |
| GDP per capita | The average GDP per person, calculated by dividing total GDP by the population. |
| Gini index | A statistical measure of income inequality within a population, ranging from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality). |
| Gross domestic product (GDP) | The total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country. |
| Human Development Index (HDI) | A measure of human development that combines life expectancy, education, and income indicators. |
| inferences | Conclusions drawn from evidence and analysis rather than directly stated facts. |
| institutional interactions | The relationships and processes through which different governmental institutions work together or influence one another. |
| normative statements | Claims based on values, beliefs, and judgments about what ought to be rather than what is. |
| political systems | The structures and institutions through which a government exercises authority and makes decisions. |
| qualitative information | Non-numerical data such as descriptions, observations, and interpretations used to understand political phenomena. |
| quantitative information | Data expressed in numerical form that can be measured and analyzed mathematically. |
| quantitative methods | Research techniques that use numerical data and statistical analysis to study political phenomena. |
| regime stability | The ability of a political system to maintain continuity and resist collapse or fundamental change. |
| Transparency International | An international organization that measures and monitors corruption levels in countries worldwide. |
| variables | Factors or characteristics that can change and potentially influence political outcomes or policies. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| authoritarian regime | A system of government characterized by centralized power, limited political freedoms, and restricted citizen participation in decision-making. |
| democratic regime | A system of government in which power is held by the people through elections and representative institutions, with protections for individual rights and freedoms. |
| governments | The set of institutions or individuals legally empowered to make binding decisions for a state. |
| nations | Groups of people with commonalities including race, language, religion, ethnicity, political identity, and aspirations. |
| political power | The authority and ability to make binding decisions and enforce policies within a political system. |
| political systems | The structures and institutions through which a government exercises authority and makes decisions. |
| regime | The fundamental rules that control access to and the exercise of political power, typically enduring from government to government. |
| sovereignty | The right and power of a state to govern itself without outside interference and to exercise independent legal authority over a population in a particular territory. |
| states | Political organizations that combine a permanent population with governing institutions to exercise control over a defined territory with international recognition. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| authoritarian regime | A system of government characterized by centralized power, limited political freedoms, and restricted citizen participation in decision-making. |
| citizen participation | The involvement of citizens in the political process, including voting, activism, and engagement in civic affairs. |
| democratic regime | A system of government in which power is held by the people through elections and representative institutions, with protections for individual rights and freedoms. |
| free and fair elections | Electoral processes in which all eligible citizens have the right to vote, candidates can compete openly, and results are determined by genuine voter choice without manipulation or coercion. |
| hybrid regimes | Political systems that combine elements of both democratic and authoritarian governance. |
| illiberal democracies | Regimes that hold elections but lack protections for individual rights and freedoms, combining democratic procedures with authoritarian practices. |
| military regimes | Authoritarian governments in which the military holds political power and controls the state. |
| one-party states | Authoritarian regimes in which a single political party holds exclusive control over government and typically prohibits opposition parties. |
| rule of law | The principle that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are subject to and accountable to the law. |
| separation of powers | The division of government authority among distinct branches—typically executive, legislative, and judicial—to prevent concentration of power. |
| state control of media | The degree to which a government influences, censors, or controls the content and distribution of information through media outlets. |
| theocracy | A form of government in which religious authority and political authority are unified, with religious law serving as the basis for governance. |
| totalitarian governments | Authoritarian regimes that seek to control all aspects of citizens' lives, including political, economic, social, and cultural activities. |
| transparency | The degree to which government operations, decisions, and information are open and accessible to the public. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| authoritarian regime | A system of government characterized by centralized power, limited political freedoms, and restricted citizen participation in decision-making. |
| citizen participation | The involvement of citizens in the political process, including voting, activism, and engagement in civic affairs. |
| civil rights | Fundamental freedoms and protections from government interference, such as freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly. |
| democratic consolidation | The process by which a democratic regime matures through established election rules, separation of powers, and protection of civil liberties, making it resistant to reverting to authoritarianism. |
| democratic regime | A system of government in which power is held by the people through elections and representative institutions, with protections for individual rights and freedoms. |
| democratization | A transition from an authoritarian regime to a democratic regime, characterized by increased competition, fairness, and transparency in elections, greater citizen participation, and protection of civil rights and liberties. |
| independent judiciary | A court system that operates free from political interference and can enforce laws and protect civil rights impartially. |
| multiparty competition | A political system in which multiple political parties compete for power and representation. |
| political corruption | The abuse of public power or position by government officials for personal gain or private benefit. |
| proportional representation | An electoral system where political parties receive seats in the legislature proportional to the number of votes they receive, often resulting in multiple parties being represented. |
| rule of law | The principle that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are subject to and accountable to the law. |
| separation of powers | The division of government authority among distinct branches—typically executive, legislative, and judicial—to prevent concentration of power. |
| transparency | The degree to which government operations, decisions, and information are open and accessible to the public. |
| universal suffrage | The right of all adult citizens to vote in elections regardless of gender, race, or other characteristics. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| constitutional reforms | Formal changes to a constitution that alter the structure, powers, or distribution of authority within a political system. |
| constitutions | Formal written or unwritten documents that establish the structure, powers, and procedures of a government and define the rights of citizens. |
| devolution | The transfer of political power and authority from central government to regional or local governments. |
| Islamic Sharia law | A legal system based on Islamic religious principles and teachings that governs civil and criminal matters in some countries. |
| legislatures | Elected or appointed bodies responsible for making laws and can serve as a source of political authority. |
| managed democracy | A system that maintains democratic institutions and procedures while concentrating power through mechanisms that favor one party or leader. |
| military forces | Armed organizations that can serve as a source of political power and authority in maintaining regime stability or effecting political change. |
| military rule | A form of government in which the military directly controls political power and governance. |
| multiparty republic | A system of government where multiple political parties compete for power and the state is governed as a republic. |
| political parties | Organized groups that compete for political power and can serve as sources of authority in political systems. |
| popular support | The backing and consent of the general population, which can legitimize political power and authority. |
| regime stability | The ability of a political system to maintain continuity and resist collapse or fundamental change. |
| single-party dominance | A political system in which one political party maintains control over government and limits competition from other parties. |
| sources of authority | The foundations or legitimacy upon which political power is exercised and accepted in a political system. |
| sources of power | The origins or bases from which political authority and control derive in a political system. |
| theocracy | A form of government in which religious authority and political authority are unified, with religious law serving as the basis for governance. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| centralization | The concentration of governmental power at the national level rather than distributing it among regional or local governments. |
| devolution | The transfer of political power and authority from central government to regional or local governments. |
| ethnic cleavages | Deep social divisions within a state based on ethnic or cultural differences that can influence the structure of government. |
| federal system | A system of government in which power is divided among different levels of government, with local governments retaining a degree of autonomy in providing services while the national government reserves certain powers. |
| local autonomy | The degree of self-governance and independent decision-making authority granted to local or regional governments. |
| supranational organizations | Organizations with sovereign authority over member states that can enforce decisions and policies affecting national governments. |
| unitary system | A system of government in which power is concentrated at the national level, resulting in more uniform policies across the state. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| authoritarian regime | A system of government characterized by centralized power, limited political freedoms, and restricted citizen participation in decision-making. |
| authority | The legitimate power held by a government or political system to make and enforce decisions. |
| constitutional provisions | Formal rules and principles outlined in a constitution that can serve as a source of legitimacy for a government. |
| democratic regime | A system of government in which power is held by the people through elections and representative institutions, with protections for individual rights and freedoms. |
| dominant political party | The leading political party whose endorsement can serve as a source of legitimacy for a government. |
| economic growth | An increase in a country's total economic output and productive capacity over time. |
| governmental effectiveness | A source of legitimacy based on a government's ability to accomplish its goals and serve its constituents. |
| ideology | A source of legitimacy based on a system of beliefs and values that guides a government's policies and actions. |
| nationalism | A source of legitimacy based on citizens' identification with and loyalty to their nation. |
| political legitimacy | The acceptance and recognition by citizens that a government has the right to exercise authority and make binding decisions. |
| popular elections | A source of legitimacy in which constituents vote to select their leaders or representatives. |
| regime | The fundamental rules that control access to and the exercise of political power, typically enduring from government to government. |
| religious heritage and organizations | A source of legitimacy derived from a government's connection to religious traditions and institutions. |
| tradition | A source of legitimacy derived from long-established customs and historical practices of governance. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| central power | The authority and control exercised by the national or federal government over a country. |
| charismatic leadership | Leadership based on a leader's exceptional personal qualities and ability to inspire devotion and followership. |
| citizen participation | The involvement of citizens in the political process, including voting, activism, and engagement in civic affairs. |
| delegation of power | The assignment of governmental authority and decision-making responsibilities to lower levels of government or officials. |
| democratization | A transition from an authoritarian regime to a democratic regime, characterized by increased competition, fairness, and transparency in elections, greater citizen participation, and protection of civil rights and liberties. |
| devolution | The transfer of political power and authority from central government to regional or local governments. |
| economic development | The process of improving living standards, increasing productivity, and building sustainable economic growth in a country or region. |
| election results | The official outcomes and vote counts from electoral processes that determine winners of political offices. |
| electoral competition | The degree to which multiple political parties compete for votes and representation in elections. |
| institutionalized laws | Formal legal systems and rules that are established, recognized, and enforced by government institutions. |
| peaceful resolution of conflicts | The use of non-violent methods to settle disputes and disagreements between groups or within society. |
| peaceful transfer of power | The orderly and non-violent handover of governmental authority from one leader or party to another. |
| policy effectiveness | The degree to which government policies successfully achieve their intended goals and outcomes. |
| policy innovation | The development and implementation of new or improved government policies to address public issues. |
| political corruption | The abuse of public power or position by government officials for personal gain or private benefit. |
| political efficacy | Citizens' belief that they can understand and influence political processes and government decisions. |
| political legitimacy | The acceptance and recognition by citizens that a government has the right to exercise authority and make binding decisions. |