Tech Dictionary

Absolutism Polsci

Absolutism is a form of government in which a single person has unlimited power. The absolute ruler is not subject to any laws or institutions, and their power is not limited by any constitution or other legal document. Absolutism is often associated with monarchy, but it can also exist in other forms of government, such as dictatorship or military junta

Accountability Polsci

Accountability is a concept in political science and ethics that refers to the obligation of an individual or organization to account for their actions and decisions, especially when those actions or decisions have an impact on others. Accountability can be enforced through a variety of mechanisms, including legal sanctions, public scrutiny, and peer pressure

Agenda Polsci

An agenda is a list of items to be discussed at a meeting. It is typically prepared in advance by the chair or secretary of the meeting, and serves as a guide for the discussion. The agenda may include items such as announcements, reports, discussions, and decisions

Agenda Setting Polsci

Agenda setting is the process by which certain issues or topics become the focus of public attention and debate. It is a key concept in political science and mass communication, as it determines what issues are considered important and worthy of discussion. Agenda setting is often influenced by the media, which can prioritize certain stories over others, as well as by political actors and interest groups, who may try to shape the public discourse

Aggrandizement Polsci

The action of making something larger or more powerful; the process of becoming larger or more powerful

Altruism Polsci

Altruism is a moral principle that holds that people should act to benefit others, even if it means sacrificing their own self-interest. It is a form of pro-social behavior that is motivated by a desire to help others, rather than by any expectation of reward

Amendment Polsci

In political science, an amendment is a formal change to a constitution or other legal document. Amendments are typically made to update or revise the document to reflect changing circumstances or values. The process for amending constitutions and other legal documents varies depending on the jurisdiction, but typically involves a vote by the legislature, a referendum, or a combination of both

Anarchy Polsci

Anarchy, in political science, is a condition of a society or group of people without government or law. It is a state of disorder and confusion, in which there is no supreme authority and everyone is free to do as they please. Anarchy can be caused by the collapse of a government, a natural disaster, or a war

Annexation Polsci

Annexation is the formal act of a state or government extending its territory by incorporating another territory that was previously independent. It is a form of territorial acquisition and can occur through various means, including conquest, purchase, cession, or treaty. Annexation typically involves the transfer of sovereignty over the newly acquired territory to the annexing state. It is a complex process that can have significant political, legal, and social implications

Annuity Polsci

Annuity: a fixed sum of money paid to someone each year, typically for the rest of their life, in return for a lump sum paid to the provider

Autarchy Polsci

Autarchy is a condition in which a state is self-sufficient and not dependent on other states for its economic and political needs. It is a form of isolationism in which a state seeks to be independent of external influences and to control its own resources and production. Autarchy is often associated with authoritarian regimes, as it allows the state to maintain control over the economy and to suppress dissent

Autarky Polsci

Autarky is a condition in which a country is self-sufficient and does not rely on trade with other countries. This can be achieved through a variety of means, such as producing all of its own food and manufactured goods, or by having a closed economy. Autarky is often seen as a desirable goal for countries that want to be independent and self-reliant

Authoritarianism Polsci

Authoritarianism is a form of government characterized by the concentration of power in the hands of a single person, group, or political party. Authoritarian governments often use repressive measures to maintain control, such as censorship, surveillance, and the suppression of dissent. Authoritarian regimes typically have a strong military or police presence, and the rule of law is often weak or nonexistent

Authority Polsci

Authority is the power to influence, command, or make decisions. It can be formal, such as the authority of a government or a judge, or informal, such as the authority of a parent or a teacher. Authority can be based on a variety of factors, including knowledge, experience, charisma, or position

Autocracy Polsci

Autocracy is a system of government in which a single person holds all political power. In an autocracy, the ruler has absolute authority and is not subject to any constitutional or legal constraints. Autocracies can take various forms, including dictatorships, monarchies, and oligarchies

Autonomy Polsci

Autonomy is the right of a region or people to govern themselves. It is a form of self-governance that allows a region or people to make their own laws and decisions without interference from an external authority. Autonomy can be granted by a higher authority, such as a national government, or it can be achieved through a process of self-determination

Bailment Polsci

A bailment is a legal relationship created when one party (the bailor) delivers personal property to another party (the bailee) for a specific purpose, with the understanding that the property will be returned to the bailor once the purpose has been fulfilled

Balance Of Power Polsci

The balance of power is a concept in international relations that refers to the distribution of power among states. It is a system in which no one state is so powerful that it can dominate the others, and each state has the ability to resist or counteract the power of any other state

Ballot Polsci

A ballot is a piece of paper or other material on which voters write or mark their choices for candidates or measures in an election. Ballots may be paper-based or electronic

Bicameralism Polsci

Bicameralism is a system of government in which the legislature is divided into two chambers, or houses. The two chambers typically have different powers and responsibilities, and they may be elected in different ways. Bicameralism is designed to create a system of checks and balances, in which each chamber can check the power of the other

Bilateral Polsci

Bilateral refers to a relationship or agreement between two parties or entities. In political science, bilateral relations refer to the diplomatic and political interactions between two nations or states. Bilateral agreements are formal agreements made between two parties, typically on specific issues or areas of cooperation, such as trade, defense, or environmental protection

Bilateralism Polsci

Bilateralism is a foreign policy strategy in which a country enters into agreements with other countries on a case-by-case basis, rather than through multilateral institutions or agreements. It is based on the idea that bilateral agreements can be more effective and efficient than multilateral agreements, as they can be tailored to the specific needs of the two countries involved

Bill Polsci

In the context of legislation, a bill is a proposed law under consideration by a legislature. It is a formal document that outlines the proposed law's contents, including its purpose, provisions, and any penalties or enforcement mechanisms. Before becoming law, a bill must go through a process of debate, amendment, and approval by both houses of the legislature

Buffer State Polsci

A buffer state is a country that is located between two or more larger and more powerful countries. It is often created to prevent conflict between the larger countries. Buffer states are often demilitarized or have limited military forces

Bureaucracy Polsci

A bureaucracy is a large, complex organization that is typically composed of many layers of employees, each with their own specific responsibilities and tasks. Bureaucracies are often found in government, but they can also be found in the private sector