Diplomacy & Politics Glossary
Every term you need — from Model UN procedure to international law, economics, and political theory. Clear definitions, real examples, and cross-linked concepts.
2302 terms across 11 categories
Showing 27 terms matching your filters
A
3 termsAmendment Process
The formal procedure by which changes or additions are made to a constitution.
Amicus Curiae Brief
A document submitted by a non-party to a court case offering information or expertise relevant to the case to assist in decision-making.
Appropriation Clause
A constitutional provision that authorizes government spending only if approved by the legislature through specific appropriations.
C
6 termsChecks and Balances
Checks and balances distribute government powers to prevent any branch from becoming too powerful.
Comparative Federalism
The study and analysis of different federal systems around the world to understand variations in power distribution and governance.
Concurrent Powers
Concurrent powers are authorities shared by both federal and state governments, allowing them to legislate and enforce laws in the same areas.
Constitutional Amendment
A formal change or addition made to a constitution following a specific legal procedure.
Constitutional Court
A specialized judicial body that rules on the constitutionality of laws and government actions, separate from ordinary courts.
Constitutional Entrenchment
The process of making certain constitutional provisions difficult to amend or repeal. It protects fundamental rights and structures from easy changes.
D
1 termF
1 termJ
7 termsJudicial Activism
A judicial philosophy where courts are more willing to interpret the constitution broadly and overturn laws or policies to promote social change.
Judicial Appointment Commission
An independent body that selects and recommends candidates for judicial office to ensure impartiality and merit-based appointments.
Judicial Independence
The principle that the judiciary should be free from undue influence by the executive or legislative branches to ensure impartial decision-making.
Judicial Nomination Commission
A body that recommends or selects candidates for judicial appointments to promote merit over politics. It aims to enhance judicial independence and reduce partisan influence.
Judicial Restraint
Judicial restraint limits courts from overturning laws unless they clearly violate the constitution, emphasizing respect for legislative decisions.
Judicial Review Doctrine
The judicial review doctrine empowers courts to invalidate laws and executive actions that conflict with the constitution.
Judicial Self-Restraint
A principle where courts avoid interfering with legislative or executive decisions unless there is a clear violation of the constitution or rights.
M
2 termsN
1 termP
2 termsParliamentary Sovereignty
The principle that the legislature has supreme authority over all other government institutions and can make or repeal any law.
Plural Executive
An executive branch structure where multiple officials are independently elected rather than a single chief executive.
R
2 termsRights-Based Approach
A policy strategy that integrates human rights principles into the design and implementation of policies.
Rule of Law
The principle that all individuals and institutions are subject to and accountable under laws that are fairly applied and enforced.
S
2 termsSeparation of Powers
The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent concentration of power and provide checks and balances.
State Sovereignty
State sovereignty is the principle that states have supreme authority over their territory and domestic affairs without external interference.