Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

The formal procedure by which changes or additions are made to a constitution.

A legislature divided into two separate chambers or houses, typically an upper and a lower house, each with distinct powers and responsibilities.

Centralized federalism is a system where the national government holds significant authority over policy decisions, limiting regional autonomy.

Checks and balances distribute government powers to prevent any branch from becoming too powerful.

A formal change or addition made to a constitution following a specific legal procedure.

Federalism divides power between a central government and subnational units, allowing shared governance.

A legislative leader elected by the majority party responsible for managing the legislative agenda and party strategy.

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they do not have an absolute majority.

An organization that has some governmental powers and responsibilities but operates independently from direct government control.

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent concentration of power and provide checks and balances.

A parliamentary system of government characterized by a sovereign or ceremonial head of state and a prime minister who is accountable to the legislature.