The process of resolving conflicts and deciding "who gets what, when, and how." More specifically, the struggle over power or informal groups that can grant or withhold benefits or privileges.

The preeminent institution in which decisions are made that resolve conflicts or allocate benefits and privileges. It is unique because it has the ultimate authority within society.

An ongoing organization that performs certain functions for society.

A political and religious doctrine that asserts a monarch's legitimacy is conferred directly by God and as such a king is not subject to any earthly authority, including his people or the church.

A theory of politics that asserts that individuals form political communities by a process of mutual consent, giving up a measure of their individual liberty in order to gain the protection of the government.

The set of ideas, values, and ways of thinking about government and politics that is shared by all citizens.

The process through which individuals learn a set of political attitudes and form opinions about social issues. Families and the educational system are two of the most important forces in the process.

The greatest freedom of individuals that is consistent with the freedom of other individuals in the society.

A state of peace and security. Maintaining order by protecting members of society from violence and criminal activity is the oldest purpose of government.

As a political value, the idea that all people are of equal worth.

Anything that is or may be subject to ownership. As conceived by the political philosopher John Locke, the right to property is a natural right superior to human law (laws must be made by government)

An economic system characterized by the private ownership of wealth-creating assets, free markets and freedom of contracts.

A power set forth in the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution that allows government to take private property for public use under the condition that just compensation is offered to the landowner.

A form of government that controls all aspects of the political and social life of a nation.

A type of regime in which only the government is fully controlled by the ruler. Social and economic institutions exist that are not under the government's control.

Rule by "the best"; in reality, the rule by an upper class.

Rule by the few in their own interests.

The absence of any form of government or political authority.

A system of government in which political decisions are made by the people directly, rather than by their elected representatives; probably attained most easily in small political communities.

A governmental body primarily responsible for the making of laws.

A procedure by which votes can propose a law or a constitutional amendment.

An electoral device whereby legislative or constitutional measures are referred by the legislature to the voters for approval or disapproval

A procedure allowing the people to vote to dismiss an elected official from state office before his or her term has expired.

A form of government in which sovereignty rests with the people, as opposed to a king or monarch.

A republic in which representatives elected by the people make and enforce laws and policies.

A form of government in which representatives elected by the people make and enforce laws and policies; may retain the monarchy in a ceremonial role.

The right of all adults to vote for their representatives.

More than 50 percent.

A basic principle of democracy asserting that the greatest number of citizens in any political unit should selects officials and determine polices.

The principle that the powers of government should be limited, usually by institutional checks.

A political theory holding that in a democracy, the government ought to do what the majority of the people want.

A perspective holding that society is ruled by a small number of people who exercise power to further their self-interest.

A theory that views politics as a conflict among interest groups. Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise.

A comprehensive set of beliefs about the nature of people and about the role of an institution or government.

A political ideology based on strong support for economic and social equality. Traditionally envisioned a society in which major businesses were taken over by the government or by employee coperatives.

A political ideology based on skepticism or opposition toward almost all government activities.

A set of beliefs that includes a limited role for the national government in helping individuals, support for traditional values and lifestyles, and a cautious response to change.

A set of beliefs that includes the advocacy of positive government action to improve the welfare of individuals, support for civil rights, and tolerance for political and social change.

Someone who can claim a heritage from a Spanish-speaking country other than Spain. This is the term most often used by government agencies to describe this group. Citizens of Spanish-speaking countries do not use this term to describe themselves.

Preferred term for referring to individuals who claim a heritage from a Spanish-speaking country other than Spain.