This refers to the transformation or alteration in the organization of power within a political system. It can involve shifts in who holds power, how that power is distributed, and how it is exercised.
Think of a school's student council. At the start of the year, seniors might hold all the key positions. But as they graduate, juniors move up to fill those roles while sophomores step into junior roles. This shift in who holds what position and has what responsibilities represents a change in the student council's political power structure.
Decentralization: This is when power is distributed from a central authority to regional or local authorities. It's like if our school principal decided to let each grade level make its own rules instead of having one set for the whole school.
Revolution: A revolution involves a radical and pervasive change in society and its social structures. It's like if students decided they didn't want a student council anymore and completely changed how decisions were made at school.
Political Transition: This term refers to changes from one political regime or system to another - such as transitioning from dictatorship to democracy. Imagine if your strict teacher with lots of rules (dictatorship) left, and was replaced by another teacher who let you vote on class rules (democracy).
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.