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Political Centralization

Definition

Political centralization is the process by which power and decision-making within a political system become concentrated at a single point or within a few locations or individuals.

Analogy

Think about your school's principal. He/she makes most decisions regarding school policies, curriculum, etc., with little input from students or teachers - this is similar to political centralization where power is held by one person or group.

Related terms

Absolutism: A form of government where all power resides with a single ruler who has absolute authority over all aspects of governance.

Feudalism: A social system prevalent in medieval Europe wherein lords granted land to vassals in exchange for military service and loyalty. This system was decentralized as opposed to centralized governments.

Monarchy: A form of government where power is vested in an individual ruler (a king or queen) who reigns over a state or territory, usually for life and by hereditary right; often seen as having a level of centralization.