Polity Concepts and Definitions

The ability to influence or control others' actions or outcomes. = Power A system where citizens have the right to participate in decision-making, often through elections. = Democracy The prevailing attitudes, beliefs, and values concerning politics and governance held by a country's citizens. = Political Culture The justified right to exercise power. = Authority

A system where power is concentrated in a single person or group, without significant participation from the general population. = Authoritarianism A system where citizens vote on policies directly. = Direct Democracy A system of government in which supreme power is held by a monarch, typically a king or queen. = Monarchy A highly restrictive form of authoritarianism where the state controls virtually every aspect of citizens' lives. = Totalitarianism

The right and acceptance of a government's power and authority by its citizens. = Legitimacy The supreme authority and power of a state to govern itself without external interference. = Sovereignty Formalized structures like legislatures, executive branches, judiciaries, and bureaucracies that shape the operation of the polity. = Institutions Ways citizens engage in political processes, such as voting, protesting, campaigning, holding office, and petitioning. = Political Participation

<p>This includes aspects such as the distribution of power among different institutions, the relationship between the government and citizens, and the rules governing political participation. = Polity Differentiated from mere power, authority relies on norms, rules, and societal acceptance. = Authority A core concept in understanding a polity's independence and legitimacy. = Sovereignty High participation often indicates a healthy polity. = Political Participation</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Citizens elect representatives to make decisions. = Representative Democracy Power is concentrated in a single person or group, with minimal participation from the general population. = Authoritarianism The state controls virtually every aspect of citizens' lives. = Totalitarianism A king or queen holds supreme power. = Monarchy</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The right and acceptance of a government's power and authority by its citizens. = Legitimacy The ability to influence or control others' actions or outcomes. = Power Formalized structures within a political system that shape its operation. = Institutions Prevailing attitudes, beliefs, and values concerning politics and governance. = Political Culture</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Historical context = Past events and traditions significantly influence the development and structure of any polity. Economic conditions = A country's economic prosperity or hardship can affect political stability and the types of policies pursued. Social factors = Demographic characteristics, cultural norms, and social movements shape political preferences and behaviors. Geographic conditions = Factors such as location and natural resources can influence a polity's foreign relations and internal development policies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Political instability = Conditions marked by frequent shifts in power, social unrest, and difficulty maintaining order. Corruption = Abuse of public office for personal gain, often undermining trust in government. Inequality = Uneven distribution of resources and opportunities within a society, capable of fueling social unrest and challenging polity legitimacy. Globalization = The interconnectedness of global economies and societies can present challenges and opportunities for polties in adapting to changing circumstances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Oligarchy = A system where a small group of people holds power, often based on economic or military strength, rather than widespread participation. Democracy = A system of government in which supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections. Monarchy = A form of government in which supreme power is vested in a single person, the monarch, who rules for life or until abdication. Theocracy = A system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god. Republic = A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Legitimacy = The general acceptance of political authority by the people. Sovereignty = The supreme power or authority of a state to govern itself. Governance = The process of making and implementing decisions in a society. Civil society = The sphere of non-governmental organizations, including businesses, voluntary groups, and religious institutions. Political culture = The shared beliefs, values, and attitudes of citizens toward politics and government.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Foreign policy = The goals, strategies, and actions that a state pursues in its interactions with other states and international organizations. Diplomacy = The practice of conducting negotiations between states. Alliances = Agreements between states to cooperate on matters of mutual interest. International law = A body of rules and principles that govern the interactions of states. Intergovernmental organizations = Organizations composed of states that cooperate on specific issues, such as the United Nations or the World Trade Organization.</p> Signup and view all the answers