Tamil Nadu HSE Second Year Political Science key terms

The supreme and final authority of a state to govern itself and make binding decisions within its territory, free from control by any outside power.

The principle that ultimate political authority rests with the people, who express it through elections, representation, and consent to be governed.

The idea that legitimate government arises from an agreement among people to surrender some freedom in exchange for security, order, and protection of rights.

A hypothetical condition of human life before organized government, used by thinkers like Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau to explain why political society is formed.

English philosopher who argued that government exists to protect natural rights of life, liberty and property, and that people may resist rulers who violate these rights.

The principle that everyone, including government officials, is subject to the same publicly known law, and that no one may be punished without lawful authority.

A political doctrine that limits government power through a written or unwritten constitution, separation of powers, and enforceable checks on rulers.

The division of government authority among legislature, executive and judiciary so that each branch checks the others and no single body holds absolute power.

The freedom of individuals to act, speak, think and associate without arbitrary restraint, subject only to reasonable limits imposed by law for public good.

The principle that all persons deserve equal treatment before the law and equal opportunity, with special protection permitted for disadvantaged groups.

Fair distribution of opportunities, resources and dignity across society, especially correcting historical disadvantages faced by backward, tribal and marginalized communities.

A sense of shared identity and loyalty based on common territory, history, language or culture, which can unite a people or become aggressive and exclusionary.

The principle that the state treats all religions equally, does not establish an official religion, and may intervene to reform oppressive religious practices.

The introductory statement of the Indian Constitution declaring its source of authority, the goals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, and the nature of the state.

The judicial principle, established in Kesavananda Bharati (1973), that Parliament cannot amend the Constitution in ways that destroy its essential features.

Enforceable rights guaranteed in Part III of the Indian Constitution, including equality, freedom, protection from exploitation, religious freedom, cultural rights and constitutional remedies.

Non-justiciable guidelines in Part IV of the Constitution directing the state toward social and economic welfare, which courts use when interpreting laws.

Eleven obligations listed in Part IVA, inserted by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, asking citizens to respect the Constitution, national symbols and public property.

A formal written order of a court commanding action or restraint; habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari and quo warranto protect fundamental rights.

The power of courts to examine laws and executive actions and declare them invalid if they violate the Constitution or exceed legal authority.

A system dividing powers between a national government and constituent states, each with constitutionally guaranteed authority, as in the Indian Union.

The constitutional list dividing subjects into the Union List, State List and Concurrent List, defining the legislative competence of Parliament and state legislatures.

A constitutional provision allowing the President to assume state government functions when constitutional machinery fails, commonly called President's Rule.

The constitutional head of a state, appointed by the President, who exercises executive functions on the advice of the state council of ministers.

The head of a state government, usually the leader of the majority party in the assembly, who advises the Governor and directs state administration.

The body of ministers headed by the Prime Minister or Chief Minister that aids and advises the constitutional head and is collectively responsible to the legislature.

The convention that the entire council of ministers stands or falls together and answers to the legislature for all government decisions.

A legislative motion moved against the council of ministers expressing loss of confidence; if passed, the government must resign.

A form of government where the executive is drawn from and accountable to the legislature, headed by a Prime Minister supported by a majority.

The upper house of Parliament representing states and union territories, whose members are elected indirectly and which cannot be dissolved.

The directly elected lower house of Parliament whose majority determines the Union government and which controls money bills and confidence.

The right of every adult citizen to vote regardless of caste, religion, sex, education or wealth, adopted in India for all elections after 1950.

An independent constitutional body that conducts elections to Parliament, state legislatures and the offices of President and Vice-President, and registers political parties.

A set of guidelines enforced by the Election Commission during elections to prevent misuse of official power, inducement of voters and divisive campaigning.

The Tenth Schedule provision disqualifying legislators who voluntarily leave their party or vote against its direction, aimed at curbing floor-crossing.

Affirmative action providing quotas in education, public employment and legislatures for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and economically weaker sections.

The three-tier system of rural local self-government at village, block and district levels, given constitutional status by the 73rd Amendment in 1992.

The constitutional amendment creating Part IX and the Eleventh Schedule, mandating elected panchayats, five-year terms and reservation for women and marginalized groups.

The assembly of all registered voters in a village panchayat area, exercising powers of general supervision and approving key local plans and accounts.

India's Cold War policy of staying outside rival military blocs while pursuing independent foreign policy, peaceful coexistence and anti-colonial solidarity.

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence agreed in the 1954 India-China agreement, covering sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference, equality and peaceful settlement.

The UN organ with primary responsibility for international peace and security, having five permanent veto-holding members and elected temporary members.