Politics is the process by which groups of people make decisions. It involves the distribution and exercise of power, authority, and resources within a community or society. It encompasses various activities, including governance, policy-making, and the interactions between individuals and institutions.
Power: The ability to influence or control the behavior of people and institutions. It can be exercised through coercion, persuasion, or authority.
Authority: The legitimate power that an individual or group possesses and exercises. It is often established through laws, traditions, or social contracts.
State: A political entity with a defined territory, population, and government. It is responsible for maintaining order, providing public services, and enforcing laws.
Government: The system or group of people governing an organized community, often a state. It operates through various branches, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Ideology: A set of beliefs, values, and ideas that shape political views and guide political behavior. Common ideologies include liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and nationalism.
Democracy: A system where power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives. Key features include free and fair elections, protection of individual rights, and the rule of law.
Authoritarianism: A political system characterized by concentrated power in a leader or ruling elite, limited political pluralism, and restricted individual freedoms.
Totalitarianism: An extreme form of authoritarianism where the state seeks to control all aspects of public and private life, often through propaganda, censorship, and repression.
Monarchy: A form of government where a single ruler, often a king or queen, holds significant power. Monarchies can be absolute (total control) or constitutional (limited by law).
This subject guide provides access to all the resources relevant to the field of Politics and International Studies.
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