Political Theory Glossary
25 essential terms — because precise language is the foundation of clear thinking in Political Theory.
Showing 25 of 25 terms
A political theory advocating the abolition of the state and all forms of coercive authority, holding that voluntary cooperation and mutual aid can organize society without hierarchical government.
The deliberate, nonviolent refusal to comply with certain laws or governmental demands as a form of political protest, appealing to a higher standard of justice.
A political philosophy emphasizing the importance of community, shared values, and social bonds in shaping individual identity and moral reasoning, often presented as a critique of liberal individualism.
The voluntary agreement of individuals to be governed, forming the basis of political obligation in social contract theory. Can be express (explicit) or tacit (implied through residence or use of public goods).
The principle that government authority is derived from and limited by a body of fundamental law (a constitution), which defines powers, protects rights, and establishes checks and balances.
A system of government in which political power ultimately resides in the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives, and characterized by political equality and majority rule with minority protections.
The branch of political theory concerned with the fair allocation of goods, resources, opportunities, and burdens across members of a society.
The principle that all individuals possess equal moral worth and are entitled to equal treatment under the law. Political theorists distinguish among formal equality, equality of opportunity, and equality of outcome.
A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (such as states or provinces), each with defined spheres of sovereignty.
Rousseau's concept of the collective will of the people directed toward the common good, representing the true interest of the community as a whole rather than the sum of individual preferences.
A concept developed by Antonio Gramsci referring to the dominance of one social group over others through cultural and ideological means rather than direct coercion, shaping common sense and consent.
A coherent system of ideas, beliefs, and values that shapes political understanding, justifies particular arrangements of power, and prescribes a vision for social organization.
The widespread acceptance of a political authority or system as rightful and worthy of obedience. Weber distinguished traditional, charismatic, and rational-legal forms of legitimate authority.
A political tradition emphasizing individual rights, limited government, the rule of law, consent of the governed, and the protection of personal freedoms. Classical liberalism stresses economic liberty; social liberalism supports a welfare state.
The condition of being free from arbitrary interference (negative liberty) or possessing the capacity for self-determination and self-realization (positive liberty).
The philosophical doctrine that certain moral principles are inherent in nature and discoverable through reason, providing a universal standard by which positive (human-made) law can be evaluated.
The recognition that multiple groups, interests, and values coexist in society and that political power should be dispersed among them rather than concentrated in a single entity.
The moral duty of citizens to obey the laws and directives of their political community. Theories ground this obligation variously in consent, gratitude, fairness, or natural duty.
The principle that the ultimate source of political authority is the people, who delegate power to government through constitutional processes and retain the right to alter or abolish unjust governments.
The capacity to influence, control, or compel the actions of others. In political theory, analyzed through multiple dimensions including decision-making, agenda-setting, and ideological shaping.
A political tradition emphasizing civic virtue, self-governance, the common good, and freedom understood as non-domination rather than mere non-interference.
Justified claims or entitlements that individuals hold against others or against the state. Political theorists distinguish between natural rights, civil rights, political rights, and social rights.
The principle that all individuals and institutions, including the government itself, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated.
The division of government into distinct branches (typically legislative, executive, and judicial) to prevent the concentration of power and provide checks and balances, as theorized by Montesquieu.