Government

ority 

The ability to legitimately exercise power, such as the power to make and enforce laws.

autocracy 

A form of government in which the power and authority of the government are in the hands of a single person.

capitalism 

An economic system based on the private ownership of wealth-producing property, free markets, and freedom of contract. The privately owned corporation is the preeminent capitalist institution.

conservatism 

A set of beliefs that include a limited role for the national government in helping individuals and in the economic affairs of the nation, and support for traditional values and lifestyles.

conservative movement

A strongly ideological movement that arose in the 1950s and 1960s and continues to shape conservative beliefs.

democracy 

A system of government in which the people have ultimate political authority. The word is derived from the Greek demos (“the people”) and kratia (“rule”).

dictatorship 

A form of government in which absolute power is exercised by an individual or group whose power is not supported by tradition.

direct democracy 

A system of government in which political decisions are made by the people themselves rather than by elected representatives. This form of government was practiced in some areas of ancient Greece.

divine right theory 

The theory that a monarch’s right to rule was derived directly from God rather than from the consent of the people.

equality 

A concept that holds, at a minimum, that all people are entitled to equal protection under the law.

government 

The individuals and institutions that make society’s rules and also possess the power and authority to enforce those rules.

ideology 

Generally, a system of political ideas that are rooted in religious or philosophical beliefs concerning human nature, society, and government.

institution 

An ongoing organization that performs certain functions for society.

liberalism 

A set of political beliefs that...