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A system of government where the citizens exercise power by voting. It is significant as it represents the idea of the rule of the people and equal participation in political processes.

A socioeconomic system structured upon the common ownership of the means of production and the absence of social classes, money, and the state. It contributed significantly to 20th-century political ideologies, often associated with Soviet and Chinese political history.

A hierarchical system of society with a pattern of relationships derived from the holding of land in exchange for service or labour. It has significant historical relevance in medieval Europe.

An economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods determined mainly by competition in a free market.

A political philosophy that advocates self-governed societies based on voluntary institutions. These are often described as stateless societies, although several authors have defined them more specifically as institutions based on non-hierarchical free associations.

A political system where the state recognizes no limits to its authority and strives to regulate every aspect of public and private life. Significant as it has characterized several dictatorial regimes.

A policy or ideology of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, use of military force, or other means. Significant for its role in shaping the modern world through the establishment of empires.

An ideological movement that promotes the interests of a particular nation (as in a group of people) especially with the aim of gaining and maintaining the nation's sovereignty over its homeland. Nationalism played a crucial role in revolutions and the forming of modern states.

The full right and power of a governing body over itself, without any interference from external bodies. It is a core principle in international law which dictates that nations have the right to govern themselves without outside interference.

A form of government in which a deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler, but the deity's laws are interpreted by ecclesiastical authorities. It represents the close intertwining of religion with political power.

A political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole. It has significant historical and contemporary influence, with various forms of implementation.

A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch. It emphasizes the idea of a state with no hereditary rulers.

The principle of separation of the state from religious institutions. Its significance lies in the ideal of ensuring individuals’ rights to be free from religious rule and teachings, or, in a state declared to be neutral on matters of belief.

A form of power structure in which power effectively rests with a small number of people. These could be distinguished by royalty, wealth, family ties, education, corporate, or military control. It is significant because it shows a form of power structure different from majority rule.

The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically. Significant for its role in the shaping of the world's history and its long-lasting impacts on colonized countries.

A form of far-right, authoritarian ultranationalism characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and of the economy. It was a significant political movement in early-to-mid 20th century Europe.

A society that is ruled or controlled by people of great wealth or income. It is a type of oligarchy and describes a situation where a government is influenced by the wealthy.

A system of government in which a single person possesses unlimited power, and the citizens have little to no participation in the decision-making process. It is significant for its potential to lead to dictatorship and its contrasts with democracy.

A political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups. Populism can be seen across the political spectrum, and has influenced numerous political movements and elections.

The practice of having two legislative or parliamentary chambers. It's significant for the way it provides checks and balances and prevents potential abuses of power, evidenced in the legislative structure of countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.

A form of government with a monarch at the head, which can be either constitutional or absolute. Monarchies are significant for their impact on the structure of historical governance, traditions, and the political evolution of nations.

A form of government where the ruler is an absolute dictator, not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition, etc. Significant for its association with European monarchies and its influence on the concept of divine right.

A political and moral philosophy based on liberty, consent of the governed, and equality before the law. Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles but generally support ideas like free and fair elections, civil rights, and free trade.

An electoral system in which the number of seats won by a party or group of candidates is proportionate to the number of votes received. It is significant for its promotion of multi-party systems and for providing representation to a wider range of political opinions.

The philosophy that government authority is derived from and limited by a body of fundamental law or constitution. Its significance lies in protecting citizens’ rights and limiting powers of government, forming the basis of the rule of law in democracies.

The cultural attachment and sense of love and commitment to one's homeland or country, excluding differences attributable to the citizenship in different countries. Significant as it can inspire civic responsibility, unity, and contribute to the country's overall well-being.

The strong support for a particular political party or cause, often with unwillingness to consider alternative points of view. While providing organized political debate, it can also lead to gridlock and polarization within a governmental system.

A foreign policy position that a nation's interests are best served by keeping the affairs of other countries at a distance, especially by not entering into alliances or international political and economic relations. Significant as it has influenced US foreign policy, particularly post-World War I.

The process by which the public opinion divides and goes to the extremes. It is significant as it can result in a dissolving of the middle ground on political issues, increase in partisanship, and difficulty in reaching consensus.

The belief or desire of a government or people that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests. Significant for its role in escalating tension leading up to World War I.

The profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations, typically by a country's representatives abroad. It is significant for its role in maintaining peaceful international relations, negotiating treaties, and resolving conflicts.

A form of democracy in which people decide on policy initiatives directly. This is distinct from indirect or representative democracy, where people vote for representatives who then decide on policy. It's significant, particularly in the context of local governance and referendums.

A model for the governance of a state under which the state is divided into branches, each with separate and independent powers and areas of responsibility so that no one branch has more power than the other branches. Significantly ensures checks and balances within government.

A process under which executive or legislative actions are subject to review by the judiciary. A court with judicial review power may invalidate laws and decisions that are incompatible with a higher authority. Significant in maintaining the constitutionality of laws.

A practice intended to establish an unfair political advantage for a particular party or group by manipulating district boundaries. It is significant because it can influence election outcomes and erodes the principle of fair representation in democracy.

A philosophical movement of the 18th century characterized by belief in the power of human reason and rights. It is significant because it laid the foundation for modern thinking about democracy, governance, and human rights.

A sudden and illegal seizure of a government, usually instigated by a small group of the existing state establishment to depose the established government and replace it with a new ruling body. Its significance lies in its ability to abruptly change a nation's political landscape.

A political strategy in which a member of a legislature speaks at length to delay or prevent a vote on a proposal. It is significant as a tool for a political minority to prevent a legislative majority from passing a bill.