Tamil Nadu HSE First Year Political Science key terms

The systematic study of the state, government, power, and the institutions and processes through which societies make collective decisions and distribute authority.

A political community occupying a definite territory, with a permanent population, an organised government, and the capacity to act independently of outside control.

The set of institutions and office-holders through which a state makes and enforces laws and carries out public policy at a given time.

The supreme and final authority within a territory, and the freedom of a state from external control by other states.

The principle that ultimate political authority rests with the people, who express it through elections and the constitution.

The view that the state arose from an agreement among people to escape a lawless condition and secure order, rights, and collective security.

In contract theory, the imagined condition of human life before political society existed, used to explain why government is needed.

The doctrine that a ruler's authority comes directly from God, so obedience is a religious duty and rebellion is sinful.

The explanation that the state originated through conquest and domination, with the strong imposing rule over the weak.

The explanation that the state developed gradually from the family and kinship groups through stages such as clan, tribe, and settled community.

A rule of conduct recognised and enforced by the state, binding on persons within its jurisdiction, and usually backed by penalties.

The principle that everyone, including the government, is subject to the same known laws, applied by ordinary courts and not by arbitrary power.

A form of government in which political power is exercised by the people, directly or through representatives chosen in free and fair elections.

A system in which citizens themselves vote on laws and policies rather than leaving decisions to elected representatives.

A form of government in which one person or a small group holds unrestricted power, without free elections or accountability to the people.

An extreme form of dictatorship in which the state seeks to control nearly every aspect of public and private life, often through ideology and propaganda.

A system in which a single central government holds supreme authority, and any regional bodies exist only as its subordinates.

A system in which power is divided by a written constitution between a central government and regional units, each supreme in its own sphere.

The transfer of specified powers from a central government to regional or local bodies, which remain legally subordinate to the centre.

The organ of government that makes laws, represents the people, controls finance, and holds the executive accountable through debate and questions.

A national legislative body, typically with elected members, that debates and passes laws and scrutinises the government of the day.

The organ of government that formulates and implements policy, enforces laws, and directs the administration and armed forces.

The organ of government that decides disputes, interprets laws and the constitution, and protects rights through independent courts.

The power of courts to examine laws and executive actions and declare them invalid if they conflict with the constitution.

The fundamental law of a state that establishes its main institutions, distributes powers, and sets limits on government authority.

A constitution whose provisions are set out in a single formal document, or a small set of documents, as the supreme law.

An unwritten rule of political practice, such as ministerial responsibility, that is generally followed but not enforceable by courts.

Basic freedoms guaranteed to individuals by a constitution and protected against violation, usually through the courts.

A formal written order of a court, such as habeas corpus or mandamus, used to protect rights or compel lawful action by officials.

Obligations listed in a constitution that citizens are expected to observe, such as respecting the flag and protecting the environment.

Constitutional guidelines for government policy aimed at social and economic welfare, which are not directly enforceable in courts.

The constitutional arrangement dividing powers between the Union and the states, with a strong centre, a single citizenship, and an integrated judiciary.

The right of all adult citizens to vote regardless of sex, property, income, or education, the basis of modern democratic elections.

An independent body responsible for conducting elections, preparing electoral rolls, and enforcing rules of fair electoral conduct.

An organised group that seeks to win public office, unites around a programme or ideology, and links citizens to government.

An organised body that tries to influence government policy on particular issues without seeking to form a government itself.

The range of views and attitudes held by a significant part of the public on political questions, shaped by discussion and communication.

The deliberate spreading of ideas, often selectively or misleadingly, to shape beliefs and behaviour in support of a cause or regime.

Newspapers, radio, television, and digital platforms that communicate information and opinion to large audiences and shape public debate.

A global organisation founded in 1945 to maintain international peace and security and promote cooperation among states.

The study of interactions among states and other international actors, including diplomacy, trade, conflict, and cooperation.