Fiveable
Fiveable

Political Systems

Definition

Political systems refer to the structures, institutions, and processes through which a society governs itself. They include elements such as government, laws, elections, and decision-making mechanisms.

Analogy

Think of a school with different student clubs. Each club has its own set of rules and leaders who make decisions for the members. The overall system is like the school's way of organizing everyone's activities.

Related terms

Democracy: This political system allows citizens to participate in decision-making through voting or elected representatives.

Authoritarianism: It refers to a form of government characterized by strong centralized power and limited individual freedoms.

Totalitarianism: This extreme form of authoritarianism involves complete control over all aspects of public and private life by the government.

collegeable - rocket pep

Are you a college student?

  • Study guides for the entire semester

  • 200k practice questions

  • Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab



© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.