#separator:tab #html:false #tags column:4 Politics The process of deciding who gets what, when and how in a society tp-political-science State An organization with authority over a territory and population tp-political-science Sovereignty Supreme authority within a territory tp-political-science Legitimacy Widespread belief that authority is rightful tp-political-science Weber's three types of authority Traditional, charismatic and legal-rational tp-political-science Power The ability to get others to do what they otherwise would not tp-political-science Social contract Idea that government rests on an agreement among the governed tp-political-science Thomas Hobbes Wrote Leviathan; argued strong rule prevents chaos tp-political-science John Locke Argued for natural rights to life, liberty and property tp-political-science Jean-Jacques Rousseau Wrote about the general will and popular sovereignty tp-political-science Montesquieu Advocated separation of powers tp-political-science Democracy Government by the people, directly or through representatives tp-political-science Direct democracy Citizens decide issues themselves tp-political-science Representative democracy Citizens elect officials to decide for them tp-political-science Autocracy Rule by one person with unlimited power tp-political-science Oligarchy Rule by a small group tp-political-science Monarchy Rule by a king or queen tp-political-science Constitutional monarchy A monarch whose powers are limited by a constitution tp-political-science Totalitarianism A government seeking total control of public and private life tp-political-science Authoritarianism Strong central power with limited political freedom tp-political-science Theocracy Government ruled by religious authorities tp-political-science Liberalism Ideology stressing individual liberty and limited government tp-political-science Conservatism Ideology valuing tradition and gradual change tp-political-science Socialism Ideology favoring collective or public ownership tp-political-science Communism Ideology of classless society with common ownership tp-political-science Fascism Ultranationalist, authoritarian ideology tp-political-science Anarchism Opposition to all forms of government tp-political-science Libertarianism Ideology maximizing individual freedom and minimizing the state tp-political-science Nationalism Devotion to one's nation and its interests tp-political-science Capitalism Economic system with private ownership and markets tp-political-science Parliamentary system Executive is chosen by and accountable to the legislature tp-political-science Presidential system Executive is elected separately from the legislature tp-political-science Semi-presidential system Shares power between a president and a prime minister tp-political-science Unitary state Power concentrated in a central government tp-political-science Federal system Power divided between national and regional governments tp-political-science Confederation A loose league of independent states tp-political-science Bicameral legislature A legislature with two chambers tp-political-science Proportional representation Seats awarded in proportion to votes tp-political-science Plurality system The candidate with the most votes wins, even without a majority tp-political-science Majority system Winner needs more than half of votes tp-political-science Duverger's law Plurality systems tend toward two parties tp-political-science Coalition government Several parties share power tp-political-science Vote of no confidence Legislature's vote to remove a government tp-political-science Political party Group that organizes to win elections tp-political-science Interest group Organization seeking to influence policy tp-political-science Civil society Voluntary associations outside government and business tp-political-science Political culture Shared attitudes about politics tp-political-science Political socialization How people acquire political beliefs tp-political-science Civil liberties Freedoms protected from government interference tp-political-science Civil rights Guarantees of equal treatment tp-political-science Rule of law Everyone, including officials, is subject to the law tp-political-science Judicial independence Courts free from political pressure tp-political-science Constitutionalism Government limited by a constitution tp-political-science Bureaucracy Appointed officials carrying out policy tp-political-science Patronage Rewarding supporters with jobs or favors tp-political-science Corruption Misuse of public office for private gain tp-political-science Clientelism Exchanging benefits for political support tp-political-science Public policy Government decisions and actions on public problems tp-political-science Public good A good available to all, like national defense tp-political-science Collective action problem Individuals benefit from a shared effort without contributing tp-political-science Rational choice theory People act to maximize their own benefit tp-political-science Median voter theorem Parties move toward the center to win the median voter tp-political-science Realism International relations theory: states seek power in an anarchic world tp-political-science Liberalism in IR Cooperation and institutions can produce peace tp-political-science Constructivism Ideas and identities shape international politics tp-political-science Anarchic international system No higher authority above states tp-political-science Balance of power States counter strong rivals to prevent domination tp-political-science Hegemony Dominance of one state over others tp-political-science Soft power Influence through attraction and culture, not force tp-political-science Hard power Influence through military or economic force tp-political-science Deterrence Preventing attack by threatening retaliation tp-political-science Security dilemma One state's defense measures make others feel less secure tp-political-science Collective security States agree to respond together to aggression tp-political-science Alliance Formal agreement for mutual support tp-political-science Treaty Binding agreement between states tp-political-science Sanctions Penalties used to pressure a country tp-political-science International organization Group of states or bodies cooperating, such as the UN tp-political-science Nongovernmental organization Private group working on public issues across borders tp-political-science Human rights Rights belonging to all people tp-political-science Globalization Increasing connection of economies, cultures and politics tp-political-science Diplomacy Managing relations between states by negotiation tp-political-science Foreign aid Assistance given by one country to another tp-political-science Revolution Fundamental change of a political system, often rapid tp-political-science Coup Sudden seizure of power by a small group tp-political-science Failed state A state unable to provide basic order and services tp-political-science Democratization Process of becoming more democratic tp-political-science Political efficacy Belief that one's participation matters tp-political-science Turnout Share of eligible citizens who vote tp-political-science Gerrymandering Drawing district lines to benefit a party or group tp-political-science Referendum Direct popular vote on a question tp-political-science Initiative Citizens propose laws by petition tp-political-science Recall Voters remove an official before the term ends tp-political-science Federalism and subsidiarity Decisions made at the lowest level able to handle them tp-political-science Comparative politics Comparing political systems across countries tp-political-science