Glossary
Authoritarian Regimes
These are political systems where power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group, with limited political pluralism and often suppressing dissent.
Example:
In an authoritarian regime, citizens typically have restricted rights and freedoms, and the government maintains control through strict enforcement of its laws.
Democratic Regimes
These are political systems where citizens hold power, either directly or through elected representatives, and are characterized by free and fair elections, civil liberties, and the rule of law.
Example:
A country where citizens regularly vote for their leaders and have guaranteed rights like freedom of speech is operating under a democratic regime.
Political Beliefs and Values
These are the fundamental principles and convictions held by individuals that influence their political attitudes and actions.
Example:
A citizen's strong belief in individual liberty might lead them to advocate for policies that protect personal freedoms, demonstrating their core political beliefs and values.
Political Ideologies
These are coherent sets of beliefs about how a government should operate and what its goals should be, providing a framework for political action.
Example:
Conservatism, socialism, and liberalism are all examples of political ideologies that offer distinct visions for society and governance.
Post-materialism
This is a societal shift in values from economic and physical security towards self-expression, quality of life, and issues like environmental protection and social equality.
Example:
The rise of environmental movements and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights in developed nations often reflects a growing emphasis on post-materialism among their citizens.
Rule by Law
This concept describes a system where the law is used as a tool by the state to maintain its authority and control over citizens, often placing the government above legal constraints.
Example:
When a government selectively applies laws to target political opponents or uses legal decrees to bypass established procedures, it exemplifies rule by law.
Rule of Law
This principle asserts that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated.
Example:
In a country with strong rule of law, even the president can be held accountable for breaking the law, just like any ordinary citizen.
Social Welfare State
This refers to a government system that actively protects and promotes the economic and social well-being of its citizens through programs like healthcare, education, and unemployment benefits.
Example:
Many European countries operate as a social welfare state, providing universal healthcare and free higher education to their populations.