Political Systems & Ideologies Vocabulary

government by a single person with absolute power

“The revolution ended centuries of autocracy.”

Origin: Greek autokrateia, from autos `self` + kratos `power`

government by a small elite group

“Critics called it an oligarchy of billionaires.”

Origin: Greek oligarkhia, from oligos `few` + arkhein `to rule`

government by the wealthy

“Campaign finance laws aim to prevent plutocracy.”

Origin: Greek ploutokratia, from ploutos `wealth` + kratos `power`

government by technical experts

“The pandemic empowered technocracy.”

Origin: Greek tekhnē `skill` + kratos `power`

government by religious leaders

“The state operated as a theocracy.”

Origin: Greek theokratia, from theos `god` + kratos `power`

division of power between central and regional governments

“Federalism allows states to experiment with policies.”

Origin: Latin foedus `covenant, treaty`

politics appealing to ordinary people against elites

“Populism swept across democracies worldwide.”

Origin: Latin populus `people`

concentration of power with limited political freedoms

“The country's slide into authoritarianism alarmed observers.”

Origin: From authority + -arian

ideology prioritizing individual liberty and minimal government

“Libertarianism opposes most regulations.”

Origin: From liberty + -arian

absolute state control over all aspects of life

“Totalitarianism crushed all dissent.”

Origin: From total + -itarian