Glossary of Terms in Political Science

Numbers

527 political groups

The result of a loophole in Section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code, they are designed to bypass federal election laws, so they can raise unlimited soft money from individuals, corporations and unions and influence federal elections. 

A

A priori 

From cause to effect, from a general law to a particular instance, valid independently of observation.

Abolitionist 

One who favors doing away with slavery.

Absolutism 

The principle or the exercise of complete and unrestricted power in government

ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union)

Nonprofit, nonpartisan litigation and lobbying organization which, among other activities, defends "freedom of expression, privacy, due process, and equal protection on behalf of anyone, no matter how unpopular the issue.
Actual Malice

Knowledge of a defamatory statement's falsity or a reckless disregard for the truth.

Acquisitive Model

A model of bureaucracy that assumes top-level bureaucrats attempt to expand the size of their budgets and staffs to increase their power.

Ad hominem

Appealing to a prejudice or emotion, to discredit what someone believes.  Instead of addressing the opposing side's argument or position, you make a personal attack on their character.

 Administration

The organized apparatus of the state for the preparation and implementation of legislation and policies also called bureaucracy. 

Administrative Agency

A federal, state, or local government unit established to perform a specific function. Such an agency is created and authorized by a legislative body to administer and enforce specific law(s).

Advice and Consent

A term in the U.S. Constitution that describes the U.S. Senate's power to review and approve treaties and presidential appointments
Affirm

Declare that a court ruling is valid; make a formal judicial declaration, but not under oath.

Affirmative Action

A policy in job hiring or educational admissions that gives special compensatory treatment or other attention to traditionally disadvantaged groups (in an effort to reduce the present effects of past discrimination).

Agenda-setting

Controlling the focus of attention by establishing the issues for public discussion. 

Determining which [public-policy] questions will be debated or considered.

Agenda Setting Effect

Limitations of focus caused by agenda setting.

Altruism

Sacrifice of the self for the welfare of others.

Amendment

An alteration of or addition to a bill, constitution, etc.

Amicus Curiae Brief

A brief filed by a third party, or amicus curiae (Latin for 'friend of the court'), who is not involved directly in the litigation but has an interest in the case's outcome.

Amnesty

            Is an act of sovereign power granting oblivion with a general pardon for a past offense usually granted in favor of certain classes of persons who have committed crimes of a political character.
Anarchic order

Order resulting from mutual coordination in the absence of a higher authority.
Anarchism

A stateless society that allows total individual freedom. 

Anarchist

One who seeks to overturn, by violence, society and government, with no intention of establishing another orderly system.

Anarchist (libertarian)

This anti-American faction is made up of far-left extremists from the communist, socialist democrat, and environmentalist movements.  They condemn capitalism, advocate intolerance and violence, utilizing terrorist methods to implement change.
Anomic group

Spontaneously formed interest group with concern over a specific issue. 

Antifederalist

A person who opposed the adoption of the proposed U.S. Constitution.

Historically, a person in opposition to the ratification of the new Constitution in 1787. Anti-Federalists opposed a strong central government. Contrast with federalist.

Anti-Semite arbitrary

One who discriminates against or who is hostile toward or prejudiced against Jews. Sometimes used as a label for those who criticize Israel or its policies, in order to intimidate and stifle disagreement.

Appellate Court

Court having jurisdiction to review cases and issues that were originally tried in lower courts.

Appointment

            Is the act of designation by the executive officer, board or body to whom the power has been delegated of the individual who is to exercise the functions of a given office.

Appointment Power

The authority vested in the president to fill a government office or position. Such positions include those in the executive branch and the federal judiciary, commissioned officers in the armed forces, and members of independent regulatory commissions.

Appropriation

Passage by Congress of a spending bill specifying the amount of authorized funds that will be allocated for an agency's use.

Archipelago

            The term archipelago is derived from the Greek word pelagos meaning “sea”.

Aristocracy

A form of government in which a minority rules under the law.

-Rule by an upper class, which claims that it is 'best'. Compare with theocracy.

Arraignment

The first act in a criminal proceeding: the defendant is brought before a court to hear the charges against him or her and to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.

Articles of Confederation 

The constitution of the 13 American colonies adopted in 1781 and replaced in 1789 by the U.S. Constitution.

Atheism

The doctrine or belief that there is no God or gods.

Attorney general

The chief law officer of a country or state and head of its legal department.

Associational group

Formally organized group which articulates the interests of its members over long periods of time. 

Asymmetrical federalism

Federal systems of government in which powers are unevenly divided between provinces, i.e. some provinces have greater responsibilities or more autonomy than others.
Auction politics

A danger in democratic politics in which state power may be "sold" to the highest bidding groups.
Auditor general

The official of Parliament whose staff audit the expenditures of government departments and who provides an annual report on instances of funds being unlawfully or unwisely spent. 

Australian ballot

A secret ballot prepared, distributed, and tabulated by government officials at public expense. Since 1888, all states have used the Australian ballot (rather than an open and public ballot).

Authoritarian

A regime of command and control by the ruler of the government. The government is fully controlled by the ruler. In contrast with a totalitarian state, some social and economic institutions exist outside of government control.

Robert Altemeyer's early work on the "authoritarian personality" identified three particularly important aspects of the authoritarian personality: Conventionalism, authoritarian aggression, authoritarian submission. John Dean relates this area's research to politics in his Conservatives without conscience, where he presents two types of authoritarians in current and recent USA politics.

Authoritarianism

A system of government in which leaders are not subjected to the test of free elections.
Authority

The right to decide, commands, and act, given to the government by the people who believe it has the right to rule.

A form of power based on consensus regarding the right to issue commands and make decisions. 

Authorization

A formal declaration by a legislative committee that a certain amount of funding may be available to an agency. Some authorizations terminate after a year. Some are renewable automatically without further congressional action.

Autocracy

A government where uncontrolled or unlimited authority is in the hands of one person.
Axis-of-evil

Countries to be attacked; Bush administration hit list (currently includes Iran, North Korea, and possibly now Syria - threatening moves against Cuba and Venezuela also made by this regime) 

B

Backbencher

Members of Parliament on the government side who sit on the backbenches and are not in cabinet, or those similarly distant from shadow cabinet posts in opposition parties. 

Balance of payments

A state's running account of economic transactions (exports and imports) with the rest of the world. 

Balance of power 

The distribution of power in a system such that no one state may overwhelm others.
Balance of power policy

The active prevention of any one state becoming too strong by the major powers in the system.
Bear market

A declining or tending toward a declining in prices.
 Behavioral revolution 

The introduction of more empirical analysis into the study of government and politics. 

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature that comprises two parts or chambers. The USA Congress is a bicameral legislature; its two chambers are the House of Representatives and the Senate. Compare with unicameral legislature.

Bicameralism

         A system of government in which the legislature is divided into two chambers, an upper and lower house. 

Big Lie

A tactic to smear the reputation of an opponent by outrageous allegations about his or her behavior or affiliations. E.g., used in the early 1950s by Senator Joseph McCarthy in his witch-hunt for communists in the federal government.

Bigotry

Intolerance of anyone else's creed, belief, or opinion.
Bill

A piece of legislation under consideration by a legislative body. 

A form or draft of a proposed statute presented to a legislature.

Bill of Rights

May be defined as a declaration and enumeration of a person’s rights and privileges which the constitution is designed to protect against violations by the government.

Binominal state

Two nations co-existing within one state. 

Bipolar

An international system in which there are two dominant nation-states. bourgeoisie. A Marxist term referring to those who own the means of production. 

Bi-partisan

Representing, characterized by, or including members from two parties or factions.

Block Grants

Federal funds granted to state and local governments for criminal justice programs, mental-health programs, and other general areas of service.

Blow-back

The threat of American-made weapons being turned against American troops

Blue Dog Democrats

Democrats that frequently take Republicans or Independents political positions.

Brief

A document containing a legal argument supporting a desired outcome in a particular case.

Budget 

An itemized estimate of expected income and expense and a plan of operation based on such an estimate.

Bull market 

A rise in prices, characterized by favorable prospects for the economy.
Bureaucracy

A type of administration characterized by specialization, professionalism, and security of tenure.
Busing

In civil rights, the transportation of public-school students from the areas where they live to schools in other areas, in order to reduce school segregation based on residential patterns.

C

Cabinet 

A council advising a sovereign, president, etc.

Cabinet solidarity

A convention that all cabinet ministers publicly support whatever decisions the cabinet has taken, regardless of their personal views. 

Campaign finance reform

Federal laws that are supposed to curtail corporations, issue-oriented advocacy organizations, and labor unions from communicating with the public about those who hold or seek public office via ads, as well as contributions.

Capitalism 

An economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained by private individuals.

Casuistry

Application of general ethical principles to particular cases of conscience or conduct.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds granted to state and local governments for specific programs or projects.

Caucus

A meeting of legislators of any one party to discuss parliamentary strategy and party policy.

A closed meeting of a group of persons belonging to the same political party or faction usually to select candidates or to decide on party policy.

Central agency

Government agencies such as the PMO, the PCO, the Treasury Board, and the Finance Department that have certain coordinating functions across the whole federal public service. 

Censorship

Suppressing books, plays, music, newspapers, speech, etc. because they are considered morally or politically objectionable.

Chancellor 

The chief minister of state as in Germany.
Charismatic authority

Authority based on the admiration of personal qualities of an individual.
Checks and balances

A system of government in which power is divided between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government, and these powers check and balance each other. 

A principle of a system of government whereby each branch of the government can check the actions of the others. As originally conceived, this was true of the government of the USA.

CIA (Central Intelligence Agency)

The U.S. federal agency that coordinates governmental intelligence activities.

Intelligence organization that deals with foreign threats and enemies.

Citizenship

Legal membership in a community known as a nation-state. 

Civil Disobedience

A nonviolent, public refusal to obey allegedly unjust laws.

Civil Law

The law regulating conduct between private persons over noncriminal matters. The government provides the forum for the settlement of disputes between private parties in contracts, domestic relations, business interactions, and similar matters.

Civil Liberties

Those personal freedoms that are protected for all individuals against the government.

Civil rights

            They are those rights which the law will enforce at the instance of private individuals for the purpose of securing to them the process of securing to them the enjoyment of their means of happiness.

Civil war

A war between political factions or regions within the same country.

Class

Dividing society into groups where the members of each group share basically the same economic and political characteristics.
Classical liberalism

A liberal ideology entailing a minimal role for government in order to maximize individual freedom. 

Clear and Present Danger Test

The test (proposed by Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes) for determining when government may restrict free speech. Restrictions are not permissible unless speech presents a 'clear and present danger' to public order.

Coalition government

A parliamentary government in which the cabinet is composed of members of more than one party.
Coalition

An alliance between two or more political units in response to opposing forces.
Code civil

The unique system of civil law used in Quebec.
Code of law

A comprehensive set of interrelated legal rules. 

Coercion

A form of power based on forced compliance through fear and intimidation. 

Collateral damage 

bystander casualties, ecological destruction and environmental contamination with potential to keep causing both for long term
Collective (public) goods

Goods and services enjoyed in common and not divisible among individuals.
Collective defense

An alliance among states against external threats.
Collective security

A commitment by a number of states to join in an alliance against member states that threaten peace. 

Collectivism

Centralized control of the social and economic elements of a society, especially the means of production.

Commerce Clause

A section of the Constitution that assigns to Congress the power to regulate trade among the states and with foreign countries.

Commercial Speech

Advertising statements, which increasingly have been given First Amendment protection.

COM inform

"Communist Information Bureau"; an international communist organization after World War II.
COM intern

 "Communist International"; also known as the Third International, the communist international organization between the two World Wars.
Common law

The accumulation of judicial precedents as the basis for court decisions. 

Judge-made law (originating in England) from decisions shaped according to prevailing customs. Decisions were applied to similar situations and then gradually became common to the nation.

Communications (mass) media

A general term for all modern means of conveying information. 

Communism

A political ideology characterized by a belief in eliminating exploitation through public ownership and central planning of the economy. 

A system of social organization in which a totalitarian state, run by a single self-appointed political party, controls all economic and social activity.

Comparative politics

An area of political study concerned with the relative similarities and differences of political systems. 

Competition

Two or more entities, such as corporations, vying for the greatest amount of profits, prizes, acknowledgments, etc.

 Concurrent Powers

Powers held jointly by the national and state governments.

 Confederal System

A league of independent states, each having essentially sovereign powers. The central government created by such a league has only limited powers over the states.

Confederation

A federal system of government in which sovereign constituent governments create a central government but balance of power remains with constituent governments. 

Confidence

Support for the government by the majority of the members of parliament.

Congress

The national legislative body of the U.S. consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Connecticut (or 'Great') Compromise

Ensured the support by the smaller states (as well as the larger) for a strong central government.

Conscription 

The draft, Mandatory enrollment in the military.
Consent of the governed

People's acceptance of the form of government under which they live.
Conservationism

The attempt to manage natural resources in order to maximize benefits over a long period of time. 

Consent of the People

Governments and laws are legitimate implicitly from the consent of those governed.

Conservatism

A selfish right-wing approach that minimizes national government help of individuals and promotes traditional values and lifestyles. Thus Conservatism opposes change unless it reduces government support of individuals or regresses to even more traditional values and lifestyles than are in place.

Conservative 

Represented by the Republican Party, or political Right.  One who generally favors economic liberty, free markets, private property, privatization of business and lower taxes. They claim to want less, or limited Government. They respect the dignity of the individual, prefering personal freedoms over equality.  They support a strong national defense and their champion is probably Ronald Reagan.

Consociationalism

A form of democracy in which harmony in segmented societies is maintained through the distinctive roles of elites and the autonomy of organized interests. 

Conspiracy

An evil, unlawful, treacherous, or surreptitious plan formulated in secret by two or more persons.

Constituency

An electoral district with a body of electors who vote for a representative in an elected assembly.
Constitution

That body of rules and principles in accordance with which the powers of sovereignty are regularly exercised

Constitutionalism

The belief that governments will defer to the rules and principles enshrined in a constitution and uphold the rule of law. 

 Constitutional Convention

The convention of representatives from each of the colonies (except Rhode Island) that met in Philadelphia in 1787 to frame the U.S. Constitution.

 Constitutional law 

            May be defined as that branch of public law which treats of constitutions, their nature, formations and amendments

Constitutional rights

            They are those rights which are conferred and protected by the constitution

Constructive vote of confidence

A system in which the majority in the lower house can bring down the government, but not until that majority approves another government (e.g. in Germany).

Continental Congress

One of two continental assemblies that first met from September 5 to October 26, 1774, and afterward met from 1775 to 1789, during which period the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation were adopted.

Cooperative Federalism

The theory that the states and the national government should cooperate in solving problems.

Court

A place where justice is administered.

Contracting out

The hiring of private organizations to provide public services.
Convention

A practice or custom followed in government although not explicitly written in the constitution or in legislation. 

Corporatism

The organization of liberal democracies in such a way that the state is the dominant force in society and the activities of all interests in society are subordinate to that force. 

Coup d’état

A forceful and unconstitutional change of government, often by a faction within the military or the ruling party. 

Creationism

The belief that God created the universe, including all life, in its present form precisely as stated in the Bible in the book of Genesis.
Credit

Any transaction which brings money into the country (e.g. payments for the export of goods). 

Criminal Law

Law that defines crimes and provides punishment for violations. In criminal cases, the government is the prosecutor because crimes are against the public order.

Crown Corporation

Corporations owned by the government that assume a structure similar to a private company and that operate semi-independently of the cabinet.
Current accounts surplus

A state selling more to the world than it is buying.
Custom

A generally accepted practice or behaviour developed over time.
Cyber terrorism

A surprise attack by a foreign terrorist group, or individuals with a political agenda, using computer technology and the Internet to cripple or disable infrastructure
debit. Any transaction which sends money out of the country (e.g. payments for the import of goods). 

D

Debunk

To expose a sham or falseness by presenting a truthful explanation.

Declaration of Independence

The public act by which the Second Continental Congress on July4, 1776, declared the colonies to be free and independent of England

Decriminalization 

The elimination of criminal penalties for the possession or use of something.
Deep ecology 

A form of environmentalism holding that nature and the natural order should be valued over individual human happiness.
Deficit 

Occurs when the value of a state's imports is more than the value of its exports. 

The amount by which a sum of money falls short of the required amount. A national deficit is established by borrowing against the issue of government securities, to allow governmental expenditures to exceed receipts. See also: recession, (budget) surplus, fiscal policy.
Delegate 

A representative role in which the individual subordinates his/her views to those of their constituents.

Democracy 

A form of government to which the supreme power is vested in and exercised directly by the people or by their representatives elected under a free electoral system.

 [From Greek demos = people and krateein = to rule.]Rule by the people.

Democrat

One who advocates social and economic equality and government efforts, through tax-supported programs, at achieving this equality. Democrats favor liberal or progressive positions, some of which include opposition to the Iraq war, diplomacy over military action, globalism, welfare programs targeted to the poor, global warming, affirmative action, balanced budget and unionized labor.
Democratic centralism

The concentration of power in the leadership of the communist party, which in theory acts in the interests of the people. 

Democratic republic 

A nation that favors states' rights rather than a strong national government.

A republic in which the representatives elected by the people make and enforce laws and policies.

Department of finance 

The government department that has overall responsibility for the government's finances and its role in the economy.
Deputy Minister

The Canadian public servant who heads each government department, manages the department, and advises the minister. 

Deregulation

A government policy designed to remove regulations on market activity.
Devolution

A system of government in which the sovereign central government devolves (delegates) power to regional governments.
Despotism

An individual ruling through fear without regard to law and not answerable to the people. 

Dhimmitude

An Islamic superstructure that denies equal rights. A non-muslim can practice their own religion but are considered inferior. Those who accept Islam due to force, fear or cowardice are inferior.

Dialectic

The art or practice of a logical discussion as of the truth of a theory or opinion.
Dictator

In Roman law, an appointed individual given exceptional powers in times of crisis.

One who assumes absolute control without the free consent of the people.
Dictatorship of the proletariat

A revolutionary seizure of power by the "vanguard" of society, the communist party, which then rules in the name of the working class.
Diplomacy

A system of formal, regularized communication that allows states to peacefully conduct their business with each other. 

The art and science of conducting negotiations between nations.

Direct democracy 

A system of government based on public decisions made by citizens meeting in an assembly or voting by ballot. 

A system of government where political decisions are made by the people directly, rather than by their elected representatives.

Disallowance 

A power given to the federal government in the Constitution Act, 1867, under which the cabinet can nullify any provincial law, even though it has received royal assent from the lieutenant-governor of the province.
Discretion 

The flexibility afforded government to decide something within the broader framework of rules. 

Disinformation

False information deliberately and often covertly spread (as by the planting of rumors) in order to influence public opinion or obscure the truth 

Divine Right Theory

            It holds that the state is of Divine creation and the ruler is ordained by God to govern people.

Dominant Culture

Values, customs, and language of the group(s) that control politics and government in a society.

Doublespeak 

Language deliberately constructed to disguise its actual meaning

Doublethink

Maintaining a contradiction in mind as one speaks the opposite of one's own belief.
Downsizing

Reduction of the size and scope of government.
 Doxa

Greek word for an opinion that may be at least partly true but cannot be fully expounded.

E

Earmarks

A term used to describe a very specific type of pork barrel spending. The earmark is usually a reward offered to politicians to get their votes on bills they would not otherwise support. A good example is the Obama Health care bill; Sen. Ben Nelson D-NE was given the "Nebraska Kickback" for his vote; and Sen. Mary Landrieu D-LA received what was called the "Louisiana purchase" for her vote. The earmark is inserted into a bill to benefit a special project for the politician involved. Pork barrel spending is often referred to as a "back room deal" during which taxpayer money is allocated without benefit of a public hearing or review.
Ecoterrorist

Political terrorism; a person who uses sabotage, arson and violence in order to achieve environmentalist aims.

Egalitarian

Characterized by the belief in the equality of all men.
Elite

A small group of people with a disproportionate amount of public decision-making power. 

Elite Theory.

The speculation that society is ruled by a small number of people who exercise power to further their self-interest.

Embedded reporters

Reporters who are absorbed into an advancing military unit, and who may even dress like soldiers, so that they can make real time reports from the front line.

Eminent domain

            Is the right or power of those to whom the power has been delegated to take private property for public use upon paying to the owner a just compensation to be ascertained according to the law.
Empirical 

Political analysis based on factual and observable data in contrast to thoughts or ideas. 

            Depending upon experience or observation alone, without using science or theory

Enlightenment

A trend during the 18th century that favored the power of human reason. It was believed that knowledge could only come from observation guided by reason and that through reason, continuing progress in knowledge, achievement, and morality could be sustained. Further, that through education, human nature could be changed for the better.

Environmentalism

Advocating working towards the protection of air, water, animals, plants, and other resources from pollution and its effects.

Environmental terrorism 

Political terrorism; the use of sabotage, arson and violence in order to achieve environmentalist aims.  The Unabomber, Chaim Nissim and James Jay Lee were all environmental terrorists.  Animal Liberation Front (ALF), Earth Liberation Front (ELF), Greenpeace and Earth First! are organizations that support violent tactics.
Episteme

Greek word for knowledge that can be demonstrated by logical argument from first principles. 

Equality

the state in which all people, regardless of their individual characteristics and abilities and without any special privileges or advantages, have the same opportunities for economic, social, etc. achievement.

Equality of opportunity 

The equalization of life chances for all individuals in society, regardless of economic position.
Equality of result

The equalization of outcomes of social and economic processes.
Equality of right 

Application of the law in the same way to all.
 Ethnic group

A group whose common identity is based on racial, national, or religious association.

Eugenics

Improving the human gene pool by discouraging procreation by persons with undesirable traits.

Evolution 

A theory that the various types of animals and plants have their origin in other preexisting types and that the distinguishable differences are due to modifications in successive generations; also: the process described by this theory.
Executive 

A small group of elected officials who direct the policy process, and oversee the vast array of departments and agencies of government. 

Executive branch

One of the three main branches of the U.S. government which consists of 10 offices and 14 departments which are led by the President

Executive federalism

A federal process directed by extensive federal-provincial interaction at the level of first ministers, departmental ministers, and deputy ministers. 

Exports

Goods and services produced domestically and sold or traded abroad. Contrast with imports.
Extractive laws

Laws designed to collect taxes from citizens to pay for governing society. 

F

Faction 

An association of individuals organized for the purpose of influencing government actions favourable to their interests, now known as interest groups.
Fascism

An extreme form of nationalism that played on fears of communism and rejected individual freedom, liberal individualism, democracy, and limitations on the state. 

a totalitarian governmental system that emphasizes nationalism and racism and is led by a dictator.

FBI – (Federal Bureau of Investigations)

A federal agency charged, by the Attorney General, with investigating certain types of violations.

FCC – (Federal Communications Commission)

A board that regulates broadcasting and interstate communications.

FDIC

a public corporation established in 1933 which insures, up to a specified amount, all demand deposits by member banks.

Federal System

A system of government where power is divided between a central government and regional, or subdivisional, governments. Each of those levels has a domain where its policies are dominant. And each has political or constitutional guarantee of authority.

Federalism 

A system of government in which sovereignty is divided between a central government and several provincial or state governments. 

Federalist

One who advocates a strong central government.

Federal Reserve System

The U.S. federal banking system that is under the control of a central board of governors (Federal Reserve Board) with a central bank (Federal Reserve Bank) in each of the 12 districts. It has wide powers in controlling credit and the flow of money.

Federation

An association of states; usually more permanent than a confederation. A political system where states or regional governments retain ultimate authority, except for powers expressly delegated to a central government.

Feminism 

The belief that society is disadvantageous to women, systematically depriving them of individual choice, political power, economic opportunity and intellectual recognition. 

First International 

A loose association of socialist parties and labour unions in Western Europe, organized in 1864. 

Food police

individuals or groups who use a political bias as a standard to determine what is, and is not, healthy or appropriate for human consumption.
Force or Necessity theory

            It maintains that the states must have been created through force, by some great warriors who imposed their will upon the weak

Foreign policy

            Is the basic direction underlying the conduct by a state of its affairs vis-à-vis those of other States.

Formal

Legal institutions Institutions which are explicitly created by a constitution.
Fragment theory 

A theory (proposed by Louis Hartz) which argues that colonial societies such as Canada originated as fragments of the larger European society and that these societies have remained marked throughout their history by the conditions of their origin. 

Free enterprise

An economic idea which states that a capitalist economy can, through supply and demand, regulates itself in a freely competitive market without governmental interference.
Free riders 

Those who enjoy a collective good without helping to pay for it.
Free vote 

A legislative vote in which members are not required to toe the party line. 

Free-market environmentalism 

The view that environmental problems are best solved by property rights and markets.

Free speech 

The right of people to express their opinions publicly without governmental interference, subject to the laws against libel, incitement to violence or rebellion, etc.

Functions 

The special activity or purpose structures serve in the political process; for example interest groups to articulate interests.

G

GDP

Measures the value of all goods and services produced within a given nation's borders no matter what the producer's nationality.
GNP

Measures the value of all goods and services in a given nation's economy and is determined by adding up all consumer, government, and investment spending both world-wide and domestically.
Gerrymander 

Manipulating constituency boundaries for partisan election purposes.

Gestapo

The German state secret police during the Nazi regime.
 God

The Supreme Being, the creator, and ruler of the universe.

Grand jury

A jury designated to inquire into alleged illegalities to determine whether or not there is sufficient evidence to warrant a trial.

Gravitas 

High seriousness (as in a person's bearing or in the treatment of a subject). Used by Al Gore during the 2000 Presidential election to portray himself as experienced. This unfamiliar word was suddenly being used by numerous members of the media and became ridiculed as orchestrated political spin.

Greenhouse gases

Gases in the atmosphere that absorb and emit radiation. Environmentalists believe that fossil fuels have increased the levels of carbon dioxide. There is much controversy if this is a natural occurrence in nature or man-made.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

[Dollar] value of all final goods and services produced during a one-year period.

Government 

            It refers to the agency through which the will of the state is formulated, expressed and carried out.

H

Hard money

Political donations given by individuals and political action committees and subject to federal contribution limits of $1,000 to a federal candidate, and $20,000 a year to a political party.
Head of government 

The person in effective charge of the executive branch of government; the prime minister in a parliamentary system.
Head of state

 An individual who represents the state but does not exercise political power. 

Homicide bombers

Terrorists who kill themselves while murdering others. This term is used as a harsher way to describe a suicide bomber. 

Homophobia

Fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals. Labeling someone Homophobic, is a strategy sometimes used by the "politically correct", to intimidate and stifle legitimate disagreement on homosexual issues.
Horizontal integration

Merger of competitors in the same industry. Contrast with vertical integration.

Human rights 

Rights thought to belong to all people simply because they are human beings. 

I

Ideological party

A type of political party which emphasizes ideological purity over the attainment of power.
Ideology 

A system of beliefs and values that explains society and prescribes the role of government.
Illuminati

Persons possessing or claiming to possess superior understanding and knowledge.

Impeachment 

A formal accusation in Congress or state legislature against a public official and the resulting trial.

Imports

Goods and services brought into a country from abroad for commercial purposes.

Independent

Inflation

A rise in the general level of prices of goods and services.
Influence

A form of power based on the ability to persuade others to share in a desired objective.
Informal institutions 

Institutions which are an integral part of the political process, but which are not established by a constitution.
Initiative 

The initiation of legislative action on a particular issue by way of a voters' petition. 

Institutional group 

Groups which are closely associated with the government and act internally to influence public decisions. 

Intelligent Design

The theory that matter, the various forms of life, and the world were created by a designing intelligence
 Interest party 

A political party with a single interest or purpose, such as the Green Party.
International law 

The body of rules governing the relationships of states with each other. 

International Monetary Fund 

An international organization created to prevent another collapse in the world monetary system through the stabilization of national currencies throughout the world.
International order 

The combination of major actors, rules, mechanisms and understandings to manage the co-existence and interdependence of states.
International regimes 

The pattern of regular cooperation governed by implicit and explicit expectations between two or more states.
International relations 

An area of political study concerned with the interaction of independent states.
Intervention 

In a court case, the presentation of a view on the law without representing one of the parties in the litigation. 

IRS (Internal Revenue Service)

            An agency of the U.S. Department of Treasury responsible for encouraging taxpayers to voluntarily comply with the tax laws and regulations. It also provides information and assistance to taxpayers and takes action when necessary and appropriate to enforce the law.

Islamophobia

Fear of or aversion to Muslins or others of the Islamic faith.  A belief that all Muslims are terrorists. Labeling someone Islamophobic, is a strategy sometimes used by the "politically correct", to intimidate and stifle legitimate disagreement on Islamic issues.

Isolationism 

a policy of national isolation by abstention from alliances and other international political and economic relations.

A policy that advocates national self-sufficiency and freedom from international affairs or alliances (political and economic).

Item veto 

The power of an American president or state governor to veto particular components of a bill rather than reject the entire legislation. 

J

Jazyia

a tax imposed on non-Muslims in Islamic countries.

Judicial branch

One of the three main branches of U.S. government whose function is to administer and enforce the laws of the United States.
Judicial activism 

The willingness and inclination of judges to overturn legislation or executive action.
Judicial review 

The power of the courts to declare legislation unconstitutional (ultra vires).
Judiciary 

The branch of government with the power to resolve legal conflicts that arise between citizens, between citizens and governments, or between levels of government.
Junta 

A Spanish word meaning a group of individuals forming a government, especially after a revolution or coup d'etat.
Jurisprudence 

The philosophy and analysis of law.
Justice 

The virtue of protecting individuals' possessions within the acknowledged rules of conduct. 

K

Keynesian Economics

School of economic thought that favors active federal government policy-making through discretionary fiscal policy to stabilize economy-wide fluctuations.

Kyoto Protocol

A political effort put forward by an anti-industrial group that would require a new United Nations "green police" empowered to enforce compliance and monitor each nation's adherence to agreed limits. The UN will task the satellites, interpret their data, mete out fines, punishments and allocate energy consumption between nations. Kyoto would subject the U.S. to crippling restrictions based on politically motivated data.

L

Labour party

A political party in Great Britain formed in 1900 and characterized chiefly by broad social reforms.

Labor union

Workers who organize in order to, among other things, promote higher wages and better working conditions.

Laffer curve

A curve illustrating the relationship between tax rates and tax revenues. The curve reflects the fact that tax revenues are low for both very high and very low tax rates.

Laissez-faire

The theory that government should not interfere in the direction of economic affairs.
 Legal positivism 

A theory holding that law is the command of the sovereign.

Legislative branch

Congress, which is comprised of the Senate and the House of Representatives. One of the three main branches of the U.S. government consisting of elected officials empowered to make, change, or repeal laws.
Legislature 

A representative assembly responsible for making laws for society.
The branch of government responsible for making laws for society. 

Legitimacy 

Belief in the "rightness" of rule. 

Acceptance by the citizens of the right and power of a government or ruler to exercise authority.

Liberal

Represented by the Democrat party, or the political Left.  A Liberal is one who generally leans towards Democratic Socialism and even some degree of Marxism. They support the welfare state, Social Security and Socialized Healthcare. They believe that by raising taxes, and redistributing wealth, Government can eliminate the social inequalities they abhor. Their champion is probably Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Liberal democracy 

A system of government characterized by universal adult suffrage, political equality, majority rule and constitutionalism. 

Liberal feminism 

The advocacy of equal rights between men and women.
Liberalism 

A theory of international relations stressing the rule of law. 

Libertarian (classic libertarian)

Promotes tolerance, free will, and small government.  They respect the individual rights of every person to include religion, speech, press and assembly.  They advocate Capitalism, because it promotes free markets, private property and economic freedoms. 

Libertarian (anarchist libertarian)

This anti-American faction is made up of far-left extremists from the communist, socialist democrat, and environmentalist movements.  They condemn capitalism, and advocate intolerance and violence.  

Libertarianism

A political ideology of skepticism or opposition toward most government activities.

Liberty

            Embraces the right of man to use his faculties with which he has been endowed by his Creator subject only to the limitation that he does not violate the law or rights of others.

Liberty of abode and travel

            Is the right of a person to have his home in whatever place chosen by him and thereafter to change it at will, and to go where he pleases, without interference from any source.

Life

            Something more than mere animal existence.

Limited Government

A government whose powers are limited, particularly by institutional checks.
A state restricted in its exercise of power by the constitution and the rule of law.

List system 

A form of proportional representation in which the elector votes not for individuals but for parties who have lists of candidates running for office.
Lobbying 

An activity of interest groups aimed at influencing governors and the public to achieve favorable policy decision(s). 

Lobbyist

To promote (as a project) or secure the passage of (as legislation) by influencing public officials.
Logrolling 

The act of vote-trading among legislators in the process of getting legislation passed.
Log Cabin Republicans

A political organization which consists of gays and lesbians who are supporters of the Republican Party.

M

Magna Carta (Great Charter)

A document signed by King John in 1215, conceding that the king is subject to law.
Majoritarianism

The government ought to do what the majority of the citizens want.

Majority government 

A parliamentary government in which the party in power has over 50 percent of the seats in the legislature. 

Majority Rule

In any political unit, support by the greatest number of citizens selects officials and determines policies
Marginal tax rate

The amount of one's additional (marginal) earnings that must be paid explicitly in taxes or implicitly in the form of a reduction in the level of one's income supplement. Since it establishes the fraction of an additional dollar earned that an individual is permitted to keep, it is an important determinant of the incentive to work.

Marxism

A system of thought developed by Karl Marx, along with Friedrich Engels, which is the basis for the theoretical principles of communism.

Masculism

The ideological flip side of feminism. It teaches that sexual equality laws serve primarily women and have created significant unconstitutional discrimination against men.  They claim that these laws are "anti-male" discrimination laws which have been used to justify the vilification of men and the curtailing of men's rights.

Medicaid

A government program financed by federal, state, and local funds for hospitalization and medical insurance for persons of all ages within certain income limits.
Merit recruitment 

A system of hiring public servants on the basis of qualifications rather than on party preference or other considerations. 

Metro sexual

A term to describe a heterosexual urban male, who is vain, self-indulgent and grooms himself in clothing recommended by  homosexuals.  A kind of narcissistic, insecure masculinity shaped by film, advertising, and fashionable expensive  clothes. These men are sometimes referred to as "girly men".
Microcosm 

The idea that a governing body should be a miniature replica of the society it represents. 

Militant

Vigorously active, aggressive, or combative.

Militia

All able-bodied males between the ages of 18 and 45 considered eligible for defensive military service in times of emergency.
Minimum wage

The lowest wage payable, by law or union contract, to a company's employees.
Ministerial responsibility 

The principle that cabinet ministers are individually responsible to the House of Commons for everything that happens in their department.
Ministry 

The entire group of MPs appointed by the Prime Minister to specific ministerial responsibilities.
Minority government 

A parliamentary government in which the government party has less than 50 percent of the seats in the legislature. 

Misanthropy

Hatred and distrust towards the human species and human pro-creation.  Some radical environmentalists elevate animals in order to grant them human rights and view humans as animals, and would like to see laws enacted forcing  human sterilization and/or genocide.
Misogyny

Hatred, fear, and distrust of females, manifested from jokes demeaning women, pornography, to violence against women. Sometimes comes from a patriarchal society that supports male-domination, subordinating women, not giving them access to power or decision making.

Mixed economy 

An economy based on both private and public (government-controlled) enterprises. 

Mixed-member-proportional (MPP) 

Electoral system in which voters cast two ballots, one for a local candidate running in a territorial constituency (first-past-the-post) and the other for a list of candidates put forward by a political party (list system). 

Modernization 

The gradual replacement of traditional authority with legal authority.
Monarchy 

Form of government in which a single person rules under the law. 

A state in which the supreme power is vested in a hereditary sovereign such as king, queen, or emperor.

Monetary Policy

Manipulation of changes in the amount of money in circulation to adjust credit markets, employment and the rate of inflation.
Monism 

Exclusive emphasis on a single principle or interest. 

Monopoly

A market situation characterized by a single seller of a good or service for which there is no comparable substitute and by factors that make it difficult for other firms to enter the market for that product.

Moonbat

A term used to describe alarmists, fanatical anti-war activist,  environmental extremists, and other radicals and politicians.  It is perceived that they have sacrificed sanity for uniformity... Like mad dogs barking at the moon. Their prophets include Gov. Jerry Brown, CA (Gov Moonbeam) and more recently, Cindy Sheehan

Moral Idealism.

Assumption that nations as willing to cooperate and agree on moral standards of conduct.

Morality

The rules of right and good conduct.

MSM (Mainstream media)

This is a reference to the major television networks, radio shows, and newspapers.
Movement party 

A type of political party which emerges from a political movement, such as a national liberation movement.
Multinational state 

Three or more nations co-existing under one sovereign government.
Multiparty system 

A party system in which there are three or more major contenders for power.
Multipolar

A system of actions involving several states. 

N

Nation 

Nation is a group of people bound together by certain characteristics such as common social origin, language, customs, and traditions, and who believe that  they are one and distinct to others.

National interest 

Interests specific to a nation-state, including especially survival and maintenance of power.

Nationalism 

The feeling of loyalty and attachment to one's nation or nation-state, and strong support for its interests. 

Nation building 

Undertaken after war to help rebuild the political and economic infrastructure of a country.

National Socialism

The principles and practices of the Nazi party in Germany. Grounded in military authoritarianism, opposition towards democracy, and the belief in the physical, moral, and cultural superiority of Nordic people, it idealized the state.
Nationalism 

Devotion to the interests of one's own country.
Nation-state 

A state with a single predominant national identity.
Natural authority 

Authority based on spontaneous deference to an individual's knowledge or social position.
Natural law 

Rules of conduct binding on humankind by virtue of human rationality alone. 

Natural Rights

Rights held to be inherent in natural law, rather than dependent on governments. As such, there is the danger of claims being made akin to religious beliefs.

John Locke claimed that natural law is superior to human law, and that it includes rights of 'life, liberty, and property'. These rights (modified to 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness') are asserted in the Declaration of Independence.

Nuclear Proliferation

Development of nuclear weapons by nations that did not have them before.

Nazi 

A member of the National Socialist German Worker's Party, which in 1933, under Adolf Hitler, seized political control of Germany.
Neo-conservatism 

An ideological term characterizing parties or politicians who not only advocate an end to government expansion, but believe in reducing its role via downsizing, privatization, and deregulation. 

Neo-conservative (Neocon)

The original neocons were Jewish-Americans, formerly socialist or communist, who moved over to the political right. Perceiving a split in the GOP, some came to use the term to vilify the "religious right" (Republicans that support Israel and Jews for biblical reasons). 
New World Order 

A conspiracy theory regarding a supposed secret powerful and influential doomsday cult, generally referred to as the Illuminati or Bilderbergs, who are conspiring to rule the world.
Non-associational (latent) group 

A group which lacks formal organization but has the potential for mobilizing politically.
Normative 

Political analysis based on values, commitments and ideas.

NOW (National Organization for Women)

An American organization that at one time had as it's primary goal, promoting equal rights for women. It has evolved into a group promoting leftist and lesbian causes.

O

Official opposition 

In a parliamentary system, the largest of the opposition parties, given a special role to play in the legislative process.
Oligarchy 

A form of government in which a minority rules outside the law. ombudsman. An official with the power to investigate complaints against government administration. 

Oligopoly

A market situation in which only a few companies dominate and compete in a given industry.

One-party-dominant system 

A party system in which there are political alternatives but a single political party dominates the political process as a result of the overwhelming support of the electorate. 

One World Order

To make a worldwide government in scope or application for the purpose of increasing the interdependence of the world's markets and businesses. One World Order is currently being promoted by the United Nations.
Opposition 

Those members of Parliament who are not part of the government of the day.
Order

A state of peace and security, maintained by protecting citizens from violence and criminal activity.

P

Parliament 

The legislature of Great Britain made up of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

Parliamentary sovereignty 

The supreme authority of parliament to make or repeal laws. 

Parliamentary System 

Representative democracy where political power is vested in an elected legislature. Used in most European countries.

Paternalistic theory

            It attributes the origin of states to the enlargement of the family which remained under the authority of the mother or father.

Partisan

An adherent supporter of a person, party, or cause.

Party discipline 

The convention that all MPs within any party vote together, as predetermined in the party caucus and enforced by the party whip.
Patriarchy 

The domination of society by men.
Peace-building 

A process for working towards objectives associated with peaceful coexistence of combatants.
Peacekeeping 

The interposition of lightly armed military forces between combatants who have agreed to stop fighting. 

People

            Refers to the mass of population living within the state

Perjury 

Willfully lying under oath before a competent tribunal, about a point pertinent to a legal inquiry.
Personal freedom 

The absence of coercion in various aspects of life. 

Personal party 

A type of political party founded by a single, overwhelmingly influential political leader.
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)

A group that supports animal "rights" by protesting medical testing on animals and the use of animals to make clothing, cosmetics, and other consumables including food.
Philosopher–king 

Plato's view of the ideal individual who rules in the common interest and is directed by wisdom and virtue rather than the constraint of law.

 Philosophy

Pursuit of wisdom b: a search for a general understanding of values and reality by chiefly speculative rather than observational means c: an analysis of the grounds of and concepts expressing fundamental beliefs

Piracy

Information copying prohibited by current law. Illegally copying and distributing such things as software, music and movies.
Planning 

Production and allocation of resources determined by a central authority.
Plebiscite 

Another term for an advisory referendum. 

Pluralism 

The open competition of political interests. 

A social condition where different racial, ethnic, and religious groups are intermingled geographically. Also a theory of politics as a conflict among interest groups, where political decision making requires bargaining and compromise.

Plurality 

A voting decision based on assigning victory to the largest number of votes, not necessarily a majority.

Plutocracy

The rule of the wealthy.

Polarization

This is what happens when the extreme wings of a party take control and moderates find that they have lost power.

Police power

Has been referred to as the power of the State to enact such laws or regulations in relation to persons and property as may promote public health, public moral, public safety, and the general welfare and convenience of the people.
Policy community 

The network of individuals and organizations deeply involved in a particular area of public policy.
Polis 

Greek city-state.
Political alienation 

The sense of estrangement from political power.
Political consultant 

A professional advisor who puts his/her political expertise to work in the private and public sectors.
Political culture 

Attitudes, values, beliefs, and orientations that individuals in a society hold regarding their political system. 

Political economy 

The study of the involvement by the state in the economy of the nation-state.
Political patronage 

Government appointments made as a payoff for loyal partisan activity. 

Political party 

An organized group that makes nominations and contests elections in the hope of influencing the personnel and policy of government.
Political philosophy 

An area of political study based on historical, reflective and conceptual methods.
Political police 

Forces reporting directly to a political leader who uses them for political purposes rather than law enforcement.

Political process 

The interaction of organized political structures in making and administering public decisions for a society. 

Political Realism

Each nation acts principally in its own interests.

Political Science

Is the systematic study of state and government

Political socialization 

The process by which political culture is transmitted from generation to generation.

Political theory

            The entire body of doctrines relating to the origin, form, behavior, and purposes of the state are dealt with in the study of political theory

Politically correct

A speech code designed to limit free speech, conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated. Politically correct is often referred to as "PC".
Politically incorrect

Use of words deemed insensitive by the politically correct
Politics 

The art and science of government and conducting the affairs of a state. Also the struggle for power within organizations and informal groups that can grant and withhold benefits or privileges. The management of conflict over who will run the government and to what ends

Polity 

A form of government characterized by popular sovereignty but exercised within a constitutional framework to prevent the oppression of the minority by the majority rule.

Populist

Political party member seeking to represent the interests of ordinary people.  In modern usage, being a populist, has become a political tactic.  A politician merely claims he is seeking to represent the interests of "ordinary people", or that he is "one of them. Polyarchy Robert Dahl's term for pluralist forms of liberal democracy, in which there is competition between many different interests.
Popular sovereignty 

Supreme authority residing in the consent of the people. 

Ultimate political authority is based on the will of the people.

Pork barrel spending

A derogatory term referring to appropriation of government spending for localized

projects secured solely or primarily to bring money to a representative's district. Often this money is for absurd projects such as $107,000 to study the sex life of the Japanese quail; for private concerns such as $13 million for a private pleasure boat harbor in Cleveland; or money allocated to a powerful politician for a special project in his district, that will help him get re-elected. An example would be the Big Dig in Boston, a highway project which cost taxpayers about $22 billion.  Another type of pork barrel spending is the Earmark, which is generally offered to politicians to get their votes on a specific bill they would not otherwise support.

 Portfolio 

The administrative responsibility carried by a minister, usually some combinations of departments and other agencies. 

Positivism 

That which has to be accepted as we find it and is not given to further explanation.
Post-materialism 

The shift in values since the late 1940s from public order and material prosperity to self-fulfillment.

Power 

The ability to get other individuals to do as one wants them to do. 

The ability to force someone to change one's behavior, no matter what their wishes.

Pragmatic party 

A type of political party concerned primarily with winning elections.

Preamble

            Derived from the Latin word preambulare meaning “to walk before”. It is an introduction to the main subject. It is the prologue of the constitution
Precedent 

A previous judicial case used as an example for deciding the case at hand.
Preferential (alternative) ballot 

Electoral system in which voters rank the candidates. 

Prerogative 

The residual powers of the Crown that can be exercised at its own discretion. 

Presidential System 

Representative democracy where political power is vested in separately elected and appointed branches of national government. This system is used in the USA.

Primary election

An election to determine which candidate will represent the party; or delegates from the State, who will then choose the candidate.   Some states have closed primaries (only declared party members can vote) or open primaries, enabling you to vote without declaring a party affiliation.
Prime rate

A rate banks use in conjunction with other rates such as LIBOR and Fed Funds to determine interest rates in lending transactions.
 Private law 

Laws controlling relations between individuals. ‘

Private’s bill

Public bills introduced in the legislature by members who are not in the cabinet.
Privatization 

The sale of government-owned assets or activities to the private sector.

Privatize

To convert businesses from government ownership to private ownership.
Privy Council 

A ceremonial body made up of all present and former cabinet ministers. 

Privy Council Office 

A governmental department that supports the prime minister, cabinet, and cabinet committees in devising government policy.
Proclamation 

The announcement of the official date a new law will take effect. 

Progressive liberal

Favor diplomacy over military action, stem-cell research, the legalization of same-sex marriage, secular government, stricter gun control, global warming and environmental protection laws. Also includes abortion rights, affirmative action and a belief that our domestic and foreign policy should conform with international directive.
Progressive tax 

A tax rate which increases as the amount of one's income increases.

Proletariat

A Marxist term referring to those who sell their labour to the bourgeoisie; the working class.

 Propaganda

The common use of propaganda is to use false or misleading information to promote a partisan and unbalanced picture. It is a deliberate attempt to change people's views on a given topic through the use of deception and confusion, rather than persuasion and understanding.
Property franchise (suffrage) 

The requirement that citizens own a stipulated amount of property to receive the right to vote.

Property

            Refer to the thing itself or to the right over a thing.

Property rights

The rights to use, control, and obtain the benefits from a good or service.
Proportional representation (PR) 

An electoral system in which the share of seats won closely matches the share of popular votes received.

Proportional Tax

A tax that is a constant percentage as income rises. 

Provincial courts 

Courts created by provincial statute, staffed by judges appointed by the province to deal with matters such as small claims and minor criminal offences.
Public authority 

Authority based on institutional office-holding.
Public debt 

The accumulated sum owed by the government to its creditors.

Public law 

Laws controlling the relations between the state and individuals in society. 

Push back 

Generally a reference to pushing back an enemy attack, forcing a retreat.  The political use, this term references dirty politics, such as when one party will lie *loudly* about whatever they have been caught lying about or doing.  The idea being to do or say whatever it takes, to demonize the enemy and force a retreat.

Q

Qualified majority 

The raising of the simple majority requirement of "50 percent plus one" to a higher level, in order to protect the rights of the minority. 

Quota 

The number of persons of a specific race or gender required to be enrolled in a college, to be hired by a company, to be admitted to a club, etc

R

Race 

A group of individuals differentiated through distinct physical characteristics and common ancestry. 

Racism

A doctrine that inherent differences in race determine individual achievement.
Radical feminism

A belief that men and women constitute "sexual classes" and that women's subordinated status is the result of a system which is controlled by men. 

Realism 

A theory of international relations holding that struggles are resolved on the basis of power of conflicting parties.
Recall 

The ability of voters in a constituency to remove their elected representative from office by means of a petition. 

Recession

A downturn in economic activity marked by two consecutive quarters in which there is a decline in real GNP.
 Redistribution 

The process of reallocating wealth and income to achieve an economic or social objective. 

Referendum 

A decision on policy proposals by a direct vote of the electorate. 

Legislative or constitutional measures referred by the legislature to the voters for approval or disapproval.

Reform liberalism 

A liberal ideology which advocates a larger role for the state in providing equality of opportunity.

Regressive tax 

A tax that weights more heavily on low incomes.
Regulative laws 

Laws that control individual and organizational behaviour.
Regulatory agency 

Government agencies established to administer regulative laws in certain fields, e.g. the Canadian Human Rights Commission. 

Religion

            It includes all forms of belief in the existence of superior beings exercising power over human beings and imposing rules of conduct with future state of rewards or punishments.

Religious freedom

Is the right of man to worship God, and to entertain such religious views as appeal to his individual conscience, without dictation or interference by any person or power or ecclesiastical.
Report stage 

The stage in the legislative process after the second reading when the House debates the committee's report on a proposed bill. 

Representative Assembly.

A legislature composed of individuals representing the population.

Representative democracy 

A system of government based on the election of decision-makers by the people. 

            A form of government in which representatives are elected by the people to make and enforce laws and policies. Political decisions are made by the officials elected by the people.

Republic

A state in which the supreme power is with the citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives chosen by them.

Republican

Often called "Conservative" and represented by the Republican party, or  political Right.  One who generally favors economic liberty, free markets, private property and lower taxes. They encourage personal responsibility, want less, or limited Government and privatization of business. They prefer personal freedoms over equality and they support a strong national defense.  Their champion is probably Ronald Reagan.

Republican government

            Is a democratic government by representatives chosen by the people at large.
Residual powers 

Those powers in a federal system of government not explicitly allocated in a constitution. 

Responsible government 

A form of government in which the political executive must retain the confidence of a majority of the elected legislature or assembly, and it must resign or call an election if and when it is defeated on a vote of nonconfidence. 

Revenue enhancement

A term used to describe a tax increase, without having to call it a tax increase.

Revisionist

Originally, it was a reference to the reexamination of the accepted "facts" and interpretations of history, with by a genuine desire to educate and correct history. However, it has become a term used to indicate that the history has been intentionally reinterpreted, to reflect a view that is not accurate in order to support an agenda.

Right of assembly

            It means the right on the part of the citizens to meet peaceably for consultation in respect to public affairs.

Right of petition

            Means the right of any person or group of persons to apply; without fear of penalty, to the appropriate branch or office of the government for redness or grieveness.

Right of Privacy

Right of privacy may be defined as the right to be alone. It has also been defined as the right of a person to be free from undesired publicity, or disclosure and as the right to live without unwarranted interference by the public in matters with which the public is not necessarily concerned.
Royal assent 

The approval of a bill by the Crown.
Rule of law 

Belief that all actions, of individuals and governments, are subject to an institutionalized set of rules and regulations

Runoff system 

An electoral system in which additional rounds of balloting are held (with trailing candidates dropped) until a candidate receives a majority of the votes cast. 

S

Science

Knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through scientific method b: such knowledge or such a system of knowledge concerned with the physical world and its phenomena

Scientific Method

principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses

Scientific socialism 

The term Marx and Engels used to stress that their ideology was based on analysis of class conflict. 

Script kiddie

A non-expert who who lacks knowledge, experience or maturity.    He uses pre-packaged automated tools written by others... He simply runs scripts created by someone else.

SEC(Securities and Exchange Commission)

A board charged with regulating the public offer and sale of securities.

Secede

To formally break away from an alliance or federation, such as a political union.

Security dilemma 

The spiral of preparations and tensions which emerge when the protective actions of one state lead to countermeasures by another state. self-government. The right of members of a group to control their own collective affairs.
Separation of powers 

The separation of powers between executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. 

The division of governmental functions and powers among different branches of government, so that the various self-interests of each group would moderate those of the others.

Sexism

Discrimination against women in job opportunities, education, military, etc.
Sexual harassment 

Unwanted sexually-oriented comments or actions made towards an employee by a superior or co-worker that disrupt the working environment and/or affect said employee's wages, opportunity for advancement, job security, etc.
Shadow cabinet 

The cohesive group of specialized critics in the official Opposition party. 

Sharia

The law of Islam that comes from the Quran and Muhammad. The views are interpreted by Shia jurists. There are many interpretations of Sharia which dictates common and civil law, politics, economics, sexuality, hygiene, diet, prayer, and fasting. Criticism of the Quran, Sharia and/or Islam can be punishable by death.

Single-member-plurality system (SMP) 

An electoral system in which the candidate with the most votes wins, even though that win may not represent 51% of the votes.
Single-party system 

A party system in which there exists only one party and no political alternatives are legally tolerated.
Single transferable vote (STV) 

A form of proportional representation in which electors vote for individuals rather than party lists, but they do so by ranking the candidates in their order of choice. 

Social contract theory

            It asserts that the early states must have been formed by deliberate and voluntary compact among the people to form a society and organize government for their common good.

Social democrats

Socialists emphasizing popular consent, peaceful change, political pluralism, and constitutional government. 

One who advocates, through a democratic process, a slow transition to socialism.
Socialism 

A leftist political ideology that emphasizes the principle of equality and usually prescribes a large role for government to intervene in society and the economy via taxation, regulation, redistribution, and public ownership.
Social Contract

A voluntary agreement among individuals to establish and secure their rights and welfare by creating a government and abiding by its rules.

Social justice 

The partial equalization of wealth and income to reach a more desirable outcome.

Social security

A life insurance and retirement plan run by the federal government and funded through compulsory payments by employers and employees.
Socialism

Public collective ownership and control of the means of production, distribution, and exchange. 

Society 

A self-sufficient group of individuals living together under common rules of conduct. 

Socratic Method

A teacher, by questioning his student, brings the student to recognize some conclusion without telling the student that the conclusion is true.

Soft money

Unlimited contributions to the political parties, from corporations, unions, and wealthy individuals. "Soft money" is money donated to political parties in a way that leaves the contribution unregulated.
Sovereignty

            The term may be define as the complete, absolute and supreme power of the government to command and enforce obedience to its will from people within its jurisdiction and corollary, to have freedom from foreign control

Special (ad hoc) committee 

Legislative committees appointed for special, temporary purposes, such as to investigate a problem before the government prepares legislation on the subject. 

Spin

A political agenda, twisting truths or facts into something that "proves" your point of view.
Spoils system 

The assumption that, after successfully winning an election, the political executive is entitled to appoint large numbers of supporters to the bureaucracy.
Spontaneous order 

The pattern of mutual coordination that emerges as individuals pursue their own interests in society.
Standing committee 

Legislative committees that are set up permanently and parallel government functions.
Stare decisis 

The legal principle that precedents are binding on similar subsequent cases; the basis of the common law system.
State 

           Is a community of persons more or less numerous, permanently occupying a definite portion of territory, having a government on their own to which the great body of inhabitants render obedience, and enjoying freedom from external control.

State-centric

An approach to international relations positing the sovereign state as the focus for understanding the nature and workings of the international system. 

statism The heavy intervention of the state in societal affairs, especially in the economic system.
Statute 

A specific piece of legislation.
Structuralism 

A theory of international relations stressing the impact of world economic structures on the political, social, cultural and economic life of countries.
Subjects 

Members of a society who are not involved in the political process of that society. 

Suborn

To bribe or induce a witness to give false testimony.

Subsidy

Aid given by a government to a private commercial enterprise, a charity organization, etc.

Suffrage

[From Latin suffragium = voting tablet, vote.]

The right and privilege of voting; the franchise.
Suffragism 

A political movement by women to obtain the right to vote in an election. 

Suicide bomber 

A Terrorist that kills himself in the act of murdering others. 

Surgical strike

An attack (usually without prior warning) intended to deal only with a specific target. Generally this is an attack using guided weapons to hit one specific building, with minimal damage to the surrounding area.
Superior courts 

In Canada, courts organized by provincial statute, staffed by judges appointed by the federal government.

Supremacy Clause

The provision in the Constitution that makes the Constitution and the federal laws superior to any conflicting state and local laws.

Supremacy Doctrine

Doctrine that asserts the priority of national law over state laws. In the USA, this principle is in Article VI of the Constitution, which provides that the supreme law of the land comprises: the Constitution, the laws passed by the national government under its constitutional powers, and all treaties.

Symbolic laws 

Laws designed to create special meaning for society, such as the adoption of a national anthem.
Syndicalism 
            Anti-capitalist, non-traditional socialist doctrine that sees the state as oppressive and advocates replacing the state system with production groups connected by a centralized agent which determines economic needs and organizes production..

T

Talking head

A talker on television who talks directly into the cameras and whose upper body is all that is shown on the screen

Taquiya

Permission to lie about, denounce or conceal one's faith in Islam under physical stress or torture. Muslims are sometimes accused of using taquiya to disseminate false information, or lie for the furtherance of Islam. For example, the American Relief Agency, supposedly raised money for orphans. Later it was disclosed that this money was going to terrorist organizations.

Tea bagger 

A slang term for the act of a man placing his scrotum in the mouth of a sexual partner.  Some members of the mainstream media made crude, vulgar jokes about the Tea Party movement, calling the protestors "Tea baggers" 

Tea Party Movement 

A grass roots movement (it is not a political party) started in 2009.  The name references the Boston Tea Party protest of 1773.   The movement is made up of several independent organizations, which all came together under a powerful, leaderless Tea Party movement.  The movement  grew rapidly, protesting pork barrel and government spending, the appropriation of the banking and auto industry, government takeover of Healthcare, the national deficit, and earmarks from congressional backroom deals.  They showed up at Townhall meetings and decried politics-as-usual incumbents.  The movement backed candidates replaced many incumbents during the 2010 election cycle.

Territory

            It includes not only the land over which the jurisdiction of the state extends, but also the rivers and lakes therein, a certain area of the sea which abuts upon its coast and the space above it

Terrorism

Terrorism is the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.

Theocracy

[From Greek theos = god and krateein = to rule.]

Rule by a god, which in practice means rule by a priesthood. No separation of church and state. Compare with aristocracy.

Theory

A hypothesis assumed for the sake of argument or investigation

Third International 

The political organization in which the official ideology was Marxist-Leninism or communism, established in 1921. 

Think tank

A research institute or other organization of scholars, social or physical scientists, etc.
Thought police

Individuals or groups, who use a political bias as a standard to determine what is, and is not, appropriate for others to think or say.

Totalitarian

A regime of command by the government and obedience by the citizens. The regime controls all aspects of political and social life (as in George Orwell's 1984). In contrast with an authoritarian state, all social and economic institutions are under government control.

Totalitarianism 

A modern form of despotic rule in which the state undertakes to remake society according to an ideological design. 

Traditional authority 

Authority based on birthright and custom. 

Transgender

Exhibiting the appearance and behavioral characteristics of the opposite sex
Transsexual

A person with a psychological urge to belong to the opposite sex that may be carried to the point of undergoing surgery to modify the sex organs to mimic the opposite sex

Treasury Board 

A cabinet committee and government department whose primary responsibility is to oversee government spending. 

Tree-hugger

An environmental extremist who supports the restriction of logging.
Tribe 

A community of people tied together by a myth of common ancestry.
Troll

To allure, entice and bait.  A person who gives false, outrageous, inflamatory, political statements, or insults, in order to provoke a desired response.  The internet troll wants to make a fool out of anyone trusting enough, to take his comments seriously.

Trustee 

A representative who acts independently in deciding what is in the best interests of his or her constituents. 

Truther / Troofer

A conspiracy theorist who believes the 9/11 Conspiracy theory that George Bush and/or the U.S. was at fault for the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.  The *troofer* believes that only he comprehends the *truth* and the rest of the people are ignorant for not seeing their truth. The word was coined by the New World Order conspiracy theorist types, who believe a powerful secret group is conspiring to rule the world.

Truthiness

A satirical term used to describe people stating concepts they  want to believe, rather than the facts.  Truthiness is felt emotionally and disregards actual evidence or intellectual examination.
Two-party system 

A party system in which there are two credible contenders for power and either is capable of winning any election.
Two-party-plus system 

A party system in which there are two major contenders for power of approximately equal strength plus one or more minor parties able to win seats but not to control the government.
Typology 

A broad classification scheme of governmental systems.
Tyranny 

A form of government in which one person rules arbitrarily.
            Arbitrary and unrestrained abuse of power.

U

Ultra vires 

Term used to describe an action which exceeds the conferred constitutional powers of the actor. Literally, "beyond the power." 

Unicameral Legislature

A legislature that comprises a single part or chamber. In the USA (early 21st century) only the state of Nebraska has a unicameral legislature. Compare with bicameral legislature.

Unilateralism

A government acting on it's own, in it's own best interests. This would be opposed to going to the United Nations, to act jointly with other nations, on international principles designed to benefit "the many".
Unitary system 

A system of government in which a single sovereign government rules the country.

United Nations

An international organization, headquartered in New York City, formed to promote international peace, security, and cooperation under the terms of the charter signed by 51 founding countries in San Francisco in 1945.
Unwritten constitution 

An uncodified constitution established through traditional practice. 

Universal suffrage

[From Latin suffragium = voting tablet, vote.]

The right and privilege of all adults to vote for their representatives.
Urban legend 

a story of doubtful authenticity involving incidents of the recent past, often including elements of humor and horror, that spreads quickly and believed to be true

Utilitarianism

Judging actions by their consequences and the pleasure derived from them. The goal being the greatest amount of happiness for the most people.

Utopian socialism 

Early-nineteenth century socialism based on a universal appeal to reason. 

vast right wing conspiracy - a term coined by Hillary Rodham-Clinton to describe the accusations of, and the investigations into, President Bill Clinton's alleged misconduct and alleged illegal activities.

V

Vegan

Extremist vegetarians who consume no animal food or dairy products. One who abstains from using animal products (as leather).
Veto 

The authorized power of a president to reject legislation passed by Congress.
Violence 

The utilization of physical force or power as a means of achieving ends.
Vote of censure 

A motion of nonconfidence requiring the prime minister and the cabinet to resign. 

Voucher 

A government coupon given to parents that can only be used to send their children to the public or private school of the parents' choice

W

Watergate

An illegal break-in, by Republican campaign employees, at Democratic party national headquarters in Washington, D.C. during the 1972 presidential campaign.

Weapons of mass destruction 

Often referred to as "WMD", they would include Chemical, Biological and Nuclear weapons.

Welfare

Financial aid that is funded by tax dollars and given by government because of hardship or need.
Welfare state 

The provision for redistributive benefits such as education and health services by the state.
 Wilderness preservationism 

A form of environmentalism positing the intrinsic importance of wilderness for humankind. 

Wingnut 

Generally, a person who holds extreme political views.  The political usage:  A name hurled at people whose remarks you want to discredit, but are too accurate to dismiss.  The use of pejorative namecalling to demonize your opponents.

Z

Zionism 

Jewish nationalist movement advocating establishment of a Jewish nation-state. 

A movement looking toward the segregation of the Jewish people, specifically seeking a Jewish legal takeover of Palestine.