My name is Éloïk, and I've been studying Social Science at Cégep de Sherbrooke for two years. This glossary presents 20 important terms related to political science. It was created to help students understand political concepts, ideas, and institutions. political science is the study of governments, power and the relation between states and between citizens. I found the definitions on google by searching the words plus define. I encourage you to read all these words and practice their pronunciations.
ballot
noun
A device used to cast votes in an election and may be found as a piece of paper or a small ball used in voting.
Example: They cast their votes in a secret ballot.
fr: scrutin
budget
noun
A government's formal statement outlining expected tax revenues and public spending for the upcoming fiscal year.
Example: We need to create a monthly budget, so we can save money.
fr: budget
coalition
noun
An alliance or temporary union of distinct people, groups, or political parties working together for a common goal.
Example: Three different political parties joined to create a coalition.
fr: coalition
constituency
noun
A specific geographic area and the group of voters who live there and elect a representative to a government body.
Example: The newly elected Member of Parliament spent the weekend visiting voters across her constituency.
fr: circonscription électorale
constitution
noun
The fundamental set of rules and principles by which a country, state, or organization is governed.
Example: The state's constitution has strict rules about what tax money can be used for.
fr: constitution
Corruption
noun
The dishonest or illegal use of entrusted power or authority for personal, private gain.
Example: Widespread corruption in politics destroys public trust in the government.
fr: corruption
debate
noun
A structured discussion or contest of ideas where people present opposing arguments on a specific topic.
Example: The candidates participated in several live debates before the election.
fr: débat
diplomacy
noun
Diplomacy is the art and practice of conducting negotiations, building relationships, and managing communications between nations or groups without using force or violence.
Example: The government avoided a war by successfully resolving the issues with diplomacy.
fr: diplomatie
Election
noun
An election is a group decision-making process whereby a portion or all of a population or group votes to choose an individual or multiple individuals to.
Example: On October fifth, there will be election, we will choose who will be the new government.
fr: élection
government
noun
A government is the system, organization, or group of people that holds the authority to run a country, state, or community.
Example: The prime minister directs the government.
fr: gouvernement
ideology
noun
A systematic set of ideas, values, and beliefs that shapes how individuals or groups interpret the world and guide their social and political actions.
Example: When Jeff's governmental ideology changed, he decided to start his own political party.
fr: idéologie
legislation
noun
A law or a set of laws created by a government, or the formal process of making those laws.
Example: New legislation offers a tax break for young families.
fr: législation
nationalism
noun
An ideology and political movement that places loyalty, devotion, and the collective interests of a nation above individual or other group interests.
Example: During the international sports event, a surge of nationalism filled the stadium as fans proudly waved their country's flags.
fr: nationalisme
political party
noun
A political party is an organized group of people who share similar political beliefs and values and work together to win elections and shape public policy.
Example: Peter will vote for de Republican Party because it is his favorite political party.
fr: parti politique
prime minister
noun
A prime minister is the head of government in a parliamentary system who leads the executive branch and runs the day-to-day operations of the country.
Example: Christine Fréchette is the prime minister of Quebec.
fr: premier ministre
referendum
noun
A direct vote by the general electorate on a specific proposal, law, or political issue rather than leaving the decision to elected representatives.
Example: The citizens voted in the referendum to decide whether to change the local tax rate.
fr: réferendum
sovereignty
noun
Supreme, independent power and authority over a territory or state.
Example: The treaty raised concerns about threats to national sovereignty.
fr: souveraineté
Tax
noun
A mandatory financial charge or fee collected by a government from individuals and businesses to pay for public services.
Example: Federal income tax is automatically deducted from your paycheck.
fr: impôts
to vote
verb
To express your choice or opinion, especially by writing a mark on an official paper or by raising your hand.
Example: Did you vote in the last election?
fr: voter
Treaty
noun
A formal, legally binding written agreement between sovereign states, governments, or international organizations.
Example: The two nations signed a treaty to ensure peace.
