Glossary 2

15 15 Political Science terms. terms

This is a multimedia glossary containing more than 15 specific terms related to my field of study, political science.

Autocracy

noun

Autocracy is a system of government where supreme power and decision-making authority are concentrated in the hands of one person (a dictator or absolute monarch) or a small elite group.

fr: Autocratie

Confederation

noun

A confederation is a political union, alliance, or league of sovereign states or organizations that join together for common purposes, such as defense, foreign relations, or trade

fr: confédération

Egalitarianism

noun

Egalitarianism is a school of thought within political philosophy that holds all human beings are fundamentally equal in worth, advocating for equal rights, status, and opportunities.

fr: Égalitarisme

Fiscal policy

noun

Fiscal policy is the use of government spending and taxation to influence a nation’s economy, particularly macroeconomic conditions like employment, inflation, and economic growth.

fr: Politique budgétaire

Libertarianism

noun

Libertarianism is a political philosophy that prioritizes individual liberty, free markets, and minimal government intervention.

fr: libertarianisme

Marginal analysis

noun

Marginal analysis is an economic decision-making tool that examines the additional (marginal) benefits of an activity compared to its additional costs.

fr: L'analyse marginale

Nationalism

noun

Nationalism is an ideology and movement holding that the nation, a group sharing common culture, language, or history, should be aligned with a sovereign state to promote its collective interests above others.

fr: nationalisme

Oligarchy

noun

An oligarchy is a form of government or power structure where control rests with a small, elite group of people, often defined by wealth, family, military control, or religious status.

fr: Oligarchie

Populism

noun

Populism is a "thin-centered ideology" or political approach that divides society into two antagonistic camps: "the pure people" versus "the corrupt elite," claiming to represent the unified will of ordinary citizens.

fr: Populisme

Protectionism

noun

Protectionism is an economic policy restricting imports through tariffs, quotas, and regulations to shield domestic industries from foreign competition

fr: Protectionnisme

Sequestration

noun

Sequestration refers to automatic, across-the-board budget cuts to federal spending, acting as a "meat cleaver" approach to deficit reduction rather than targeted cuts.

fr: Séquestration

Stare decisis

noun

Stare decisis is a Latin term meaning "to stand by things decided," referring to the legal doctrine where courts adhere to precedent or previous rulings on similar cases, to ensure consistency, predictability, and stability in the law.

fr: Règle du précédent

Theocracy

noun

A theocracy is a form of government where a deity is recognized as the supreme ruling authority, with daily affairs managed by officials, often clergy, believed to be divinely guided.

fr: Théocratie

Totalitarianism

noun

Totalitarianism is a form of government that exerts absolute, unchecked control over both public and private life, outlawing political opposition and suppressing individual freedom.

fr: Totalitarisme

Utility

noun

Utility in economics measures the satisfaction, benefit, or value a consumer derives from consuming goods or services.

fr: Utilité