Power

The ability to carry out one person's or group's will, even in the presence of resistance or opposition from others.

Authority

Power that is regarded as legitimate by those over whom it is excerised, who also accept the authority's legitimacy in imposing sanctions or even in using force if necessary.

Politics

The process in which power is distributed and decisions are made.

Coercion

Power that is regarded as illegitimate by those over whom it is exerted

Aristocracy

The rule by select few, a form of oligarchy

Autocracy

The ultimate authority and rule of the governmentrest with one person, who is the cheif source of laws and the major agent of social control.

Totalitarian Government

One group has virtually total control of the nation's social institutions.

Democracy

Political system operating under the principles of constitutionalism, representative government, majority rule, civilian rule, and minority rights.

Constitutionalism

the government power is limited

Electorate

The citizens eligible to vote.

Capitalism

is an economic system based on private ownership of the means of productio, in which resources allocation depends largely on market forces. 

Socialism

is an economic system in which the sources of production-including factories, raw materials, and transportation and communication systems are collectively owned.

Rebellions

are attempt typically through armed force-to achieve rapid policital change that is not possible within existing institutions.

Revolutions

are attempts at rapidly and dramatically changing a society's previously existing structure.

Lobbying

refers to attempts by special interest groups to influence government policy