Chapter 2 Vocabulary (Textbook) Flashcards
asymmetric federalism
A system in which power is divided unevenly among regional bodies – for example, some regions are given greater power over taxation or language rights that others, a more likely outcome in a country with significant ethnic divisions
autonomy
The ability of the state to wield its power independently of the public or international actors
capacity
The ability of the state to wield power to carry out basic tasks, such as defending territory, making and enforcing rules, collecting taxes, and managing the economy
charismatic legitimacy
Legitimacy built on the force of ideas embodied by an individual leader
country
A state, government, and regime, and the people who live within that political system
devolution
A process in which political power is “sent down” to lower levels of state and government
failed state
A state so weak that its political structures collapse, leading to anarchy and violence
federalism
A system in which significant state powers, such as taxation, lawmaking, and security, are devolved to regional or local bodies
government
The leadership or elite in charge of running the state
legitimacy
A value whereby an institution is accepted by the public as right and proper, thus giving it authority and power
rational-legal legitimacy
Legitimacy based on a system of laws and procedures that are highly institutionalized
regime
The fundamental rules and norms of politics, embodying long-term goals regarding individual freedom and collective equality, where power should reside, and how it should be used
sovereignty
The ability of a state to carry out actions and policies within a territory independent of external actors and internal rivals
state
(1) The organization that maintains a monopoly of force over a given territory; (2) a set of political institutions that generates and executes policy regarding freedom and equality
strong state
A state that is able to fulfill basic tasks, such as defending territory, making and enforcing rules, collecting taxes, and managing the economy
traditonal legitmacy
Legitimacy that accepts aspects of politics because they have been institutionalized over a long period of time
unitary state
A state in which most political power exists at the national level, with limited local authority
weak state
A state that has difficulty fulfilling basic tasks, such as defending territory, making and enforcing rules, collecting taxes, and managing the economy
