Political Science: Terms and Concepts

A form of government in which the people govern themselves or elect representatives to govern them.

A form of government in which the head of state is a monarch.

General term for the political and economic theory that advocates a system of collective or government ownership and management of the means of production and distribution of goods.

Fundamentally, a system of social organization in which property (especially real property and the means of production) is held in common.

Totalitarian philosophy of government that glorifies the state and nation and assigns to the state control over every aspect of national life.

Form of government in which the executive (administration) is drawn from and is constitutionally responsible to the legislature (law-making body). This is known as the ‘fusion of powers’ as distinct from the ‘separation of powers’, in which the three branches of government the executive, legislature, and judiciary (courts system) are separated in terms of personnel and constitutional powers

In modern republics, the chief executive and, therefore, the highest officer in a government.

Body of fundamental (basic) laws of a state, laying down the system of government and defining the relations of the executive (administration), legislature (law-making body), and judiciary (courts) to each other and to the citizens.

Rules of conduct of any organized society, however simple or small, that are enforced by threat of punishment if they are violated.

The rights guaranteed by the state to its citizens.

Expression of opinion by ballot , show of hands, or other means.

In U.S. government, the body of electors that chooses the president and vice president.

Term or office of an absolute ruler, overriding the constitution.

Christian political doctrine that hereditary monarchy is the system approved by God, hereditary right cannot be forfeited, monarchs are accountable to God alone for their actions, and rebellion against the lawful sovereign is therefore blasphemous.