WB HS Political Science key terms

The systematic study of government, political institutions, power, and the processes by which societies make collective decisions and allocate values authoritatively.

An approach that studies political behaviour using observable, measurable evidence and empirical methods, emphasising regularities and testable generalisations over normative or legal analysis.

A way of studying politics that asks what ought to be, evaluating institutions and conduct against ideals such as justice, liberty, and the common good rather than merely describing them.

The subfield that examines and contrasts political systems, institutions, and processes across countries to identify patterns, differences, and general explanations.

A political organisation with a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to exercise supreme authority within its borders and act independently abroad.

The supreme and final authority of a state to make and enforce laws within its territory without external interference, and to be recognised as independent by other states.

A community of people who share a sense of collective identity, often based on common history, language, culture, or political aspiration, and who may or may not possess a state.

A political sentiment and ideology that holds that a nation should govern itself and that loyalty to the nation is a primary political value.

The principle that a people has the right to freely choose its own political status and form of government, often invoked to justify independence or autonomy claims.

The fundamental set of rules and principles that establishes the structure of government, distributes powers among organs, and limits authority, usually enjoying higher legal status than ordinary law.

The doctrine that government power should be limited by a constitution and by law, so that rulers are accountable and individual rights are protected against arbitrary action.

The principle that everyone, including the government, is subject to law, that laws are applied equally and predictably, and that no one is punished except under established legal process.

The arrangement under which legislative, executive, and judicial functions are assigned to distinct bodies that check one another, intended to prevent concentration and abuse of power.

A form of government in which the executive is drawn from and responsible to the legislature, remaining in office only while it retains the confidence of the majority.

A form of government in which a separately elected president heads the executive, serves a fixed term, and is not removable by the legislature through a vote of confidence.

A system in which a single central government holds supreme authority and any regional or local bodies derive their powers from and are subordinate to it.

A system of government in which power is constitutionally divided between a central authority and constituent units, each exercising defined powers within its own sphere.

The power of courts to examine laws and executive actions and declare them invalid if they violate the constitution or higher law.

A system of government in which political authority derives from the consent of the people, who participate in choosing rulers and holding them accountable, typically through competitive elections.

The principle that every adult citizen has the right to vote regardless of wealth, sex, caste, religion, or education, subject only to reasonable legal qualifications.

The process by which elected or designated persons act on behalf of a larger group, making decisions and voicing interests in a legislature or assembly.

An electoral system in which the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins, even without a majority, and other votes cast do not translate into seats.

An electoral system in which seats are allocated in proportion to the share of votes each party or list receives, aiming to reflect overall electoral support more accurately.

An organised group that seeks to win public office through elections, articulates programmes and policies, and links citizens with the institutions of government.

An organised association that tries to influence public policy and decision-makers on behalf of particular interests without itself seeking to contest elections and form government.

The freedom of individuals to act, think, and express themselves without unjustified restraint, subject to limits needed to protect others and the common good.

Claims or entitlements recognised by law or morality that individuals may assert against others or the state, often imposing corresponding duties on others.

The principle that all persons deserve equal moral status and treatment, and that unjustified discrimination on grounds such as birth, caste, or sex is wrong.

The fair distribution of benefits and burdens, and the impartial treatment of persons according to what they are due, often analysed as distributive, corrective, or procedural.

The moral duty of citizens to obey the state and its laws, justified by grounds such as consent, fairness, gratitude, or the social benefits of a functioning order.

Basic rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution in Part III, enforceable in courts against the state, including equality, freedom, and protection against exploitation.

Guidelines in Part IV of the Indian Constitution that direct the state toward social and economic welfare goals, not directly enforceable in courts but fundamental to governance.

A list in Article 51A of the Indian Constitution setting out moral obligations of citizens, such as respecting the Constitution and protecting the environment, non-enforceable by courts.

A formal change to a constitution, in India made under Article 368 through special majorities in Parliament and, for some provisions, ratification by state legislatures.

The division and interaction of powers between India's Union government and the states across legislative, administrative, and financial spheres.

The transfer of authority, functions, and resources from higher levels of government to lower or local bodies, intended to increase participation and responsiveness.

Government by elected bodies at the village, block, and district levels, constitutionally recognised in India through the 73rd and 74th Amendments.

India's system of rural local governance with elected panchayats at village, intermediate, and district levels, mandated to function as institutions of self-government.

A foreign policy stance of not joining rival military blocs while retaining independence in decision-making and pursuing cooperation with multiple powers.

The core goals a state pursues abroad, such as security, territorial integrity, economic prosperity, and influence, which guide its foreign policy choices.