Power

The ability to cause others to behave as they might not otherwise choose to do

Authority

The legal right and power to give orders and enforce rules

Legitimacy

The quality of being accepted as an authority, often applied to laws or those in power.

Mandate of Heaven

An ancient Chinese doctrine that the ruler was the "son of heaven" and thus enjoyed supreme authority

Divine Right of Kings

The idea that European monarchs had a God given right to rule and thus deserved absolute power

Social Contract Theory

The idea that the legitimacy of a government stems from an unwritten contract between ruler and the ruled- a ruler who breaks this contract by abusing people's rights loses legitimacy and may be overthrown

Government

Institutions and officials organized to establish and carry out public policy.

Public Good

A product or service that is available for all people to consume, whether they pay for it or not.

Coercion

The use of force or threats to make people do things against their will.

Revenue

Government income reaised through taxes and other means, to be used for public expenses.

Polity

An ancient Greek concept of representative government in which the well intentioned many rule for the benefit of all.

Nation-State

An independent state, especially one in which the people share a common culture.

Sovereignty

The right to exercise supreme authority over a geographic region, a group of people, or oneself.

Politics

The process and methods of making decisions for groups generally applied to government though also seen in other human interactions.

Institution

An established organization, especially one providing a public service and the rules that guide it.