Essential Political Terms and Government Systems Defined

Essential Political Terms and Government Systems

This document provides clear definitions for fundamental political terms, concepts, and forms of governance. Understanding these terms is crucial for comprehending political science and civic structures.

Monarchy

A form of state organization in which the power of popular sovereignty is held by a king, almost always hereditary.

Parliamentary or Constitutional Monarchy

A monarchy in which the government is accountable to the parliament.

Republic

A form of state organization in which its head is chosen for a determined period.

Federal Republic

A political system in which several states, possessing autonomy, are subject in certain cases to the decisions of the central government.

Dictatorship

A political regime in which absolute power lies in a single person, party, or social group.

Constitution

The fundamental law of a state, which establishes its political system, the fundamental rights of citizens, and the functioning mechanisms or agencies of the state.

Jurisdiction

Each of the privileges granted to a province, city, or national person.

Sovereignty

The power that resides in the people and is exercised through their representatives and constitutional organs.

Universal Suffrage

The voting rights of all persons of legal age, unrestricted.

Restricted or Censitary Suffrage

Only people with a certain level of wealth or titles are entitled to vote.

Veto

A right conferred on an authority to oppose a voted law.

State of Siege

An exceptional arrangement in which the responsibility for maintaining order passes to the military authority.

State of Exception

A political situation in which exceptional measures are established regarding human rights.

Insurrection

An uprising or revolt of a people or nation.

Uprising or Sublevación

The action and effect of revolting (to rise up collectively and violently against established authority) or rioting (agitation of a crowd against established authority).

Liberalism

A doctrine that advocates the supremacy of natural laws, state non-interference in social and economic life, and the parliament as the source of laws.

Parliament

The legislature in democratic countries.

Executive Power

In representative governments, the power that is in charge of the state, governs, and ensures the observance of laws.

Legislative Power

The power that resides in reforming and making laws.

Judicial Power

The power that subsists the judiciary, which punishes crimes and is responsible for solving the problems of private individuals.