Definition: A correlation is an apparent association between certain factors or variables, while a causation occurs when a change in one variable causes change in another.

Example: 40% of Iran's population live below the national poverty line, and political freedoms there are highly restricted (Correlation). Has poverty led to authoritarianism or has authoritarianism led to poverty in Iran (Causation)?

Relevance: Understanding the difference between correlation and causation is important in comparing particular countries. Correlation does not necessarily provide proof of any theory, but causation does help give an understanding of cause and effect in terms of political science.

Definition:

Definition: Organization that maintains a monopoly of violence over a territory.

Example: The US has a monopoly of force (military, police), set of political institutions, is highly institutionalized, sovereign, and holds an army, police, tax-system, judiciary branch, and social welfare system.

Relevance: States are relevant to the study of political science because they have incredible staying power and are highly institutionalized.

Definition: procedures that determine the distribution of power (how power holders are selected, i.e. elections, military decisions, hereditary); way in which power is distributed

Example: Authoritarian regime (no individual freedom, high collective equality, extreme use of power, usually focused into the hands of one person)

Relevance: Regimes are relevant because they determine how a state functions. They are usually embodied in a constitution, and thus have high staying power.

Definition: the leadership or elite in charge of running the state; particular incumbents who occupy state roles.

Example: The legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the US in charge of cooperating and running the state.

Relevance: