Political Terms Flashcards
State
An organized political community under a single system of government. (A country more or less)
Government
The collective group of people who administer a state’s affairs
Right-Wing State
A state organized around hierarchy and tradition that views social inequality as normal, inevitable, and/or desirable.
Left-Wing State
A state organized around the ideal of social equality and argues for creating equality through the implementation of political policy.
Authoritarian State
A state controlled by one ruler or party which plans on staying in power indefinitely
Totalitarian State
A state whose citizens are no longer considered individuals, but are considered part of the state and must serve the state for the betterment of all
Democratic State
A state whose rulers are chosen by its citizens through elections and whose citizens have a wide variety of political rights
Multi-party state
A state divided into political parties that compete with each other for power in national elections
Social Party
Principles and legislation that affect the living conditions of residents in a state
Economic Policy
Principles and Legislation that affect the resources of a state
Domestic Policy
Principles and legislation that have effect within a state’s boarders
Foreign Policy
Principles and decisions taken towards other states
War
Policy implemented through intentional violence
Nationalism
Identification of oneself as belonging to a larger group
Legal Authority
Authority based on the fair administration of the state’s laws
(“Nobody is above the law, even our rulers”)
Traditional Authority
Based on continuity over time
“Why fix what isn’t broken”
Charismatic Authority
Authority based off the leader’s personal traits (ex. heroism, inspirational qualities, magic powers)
