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 48 terms matching your filters
A
7 termsAdministrative Burden
The learning, compliance, and psychological costs imposed on individuals or organizations by government regulations and procedures.
Administrative Discretion
The flexibility granted to bureaucrats in interpreting and applying laws and regulations when implementing policy.
Administrative Law
Administrative law governs the activities and decisions of government agencies to ensure legality and fairness.
Administrative Law Judge
An official who presides over disputes involving administrative agencies, making legally binding decisions.
Administrative Procedure Act
Legislation that governs the process by which federal agencies develop and issue regulations, ensuring transparency and public participation.
Administrative Tribunal
A specialized quasi-judicial body that resolves disputes involving administrative law and government agencies.
Administrative Tribunals
Administrative tribunals are specialized quasi-judicial bodies that resolve disputes involving government agencies or regulatory matters outside the regular court system. They provide quicker, specialized decisions.
B
5 termsBureaucracy
A system of government officials and agencies responsible for implementing laws and policies through organized procedures.
Bureaucratic Accountability
Mechanisms that ensure government officials and agencies are responsible for their actions and decisions.
Bureaucratic Discretion
Bureaucratic discretion allows public administrators to interpret and implement laws flexibly within their authority.
Bureaucratic Drift
The tendency of bureaucratic agencies to implement policies in ways that deviate from the original legislative intent over time. It can result from agency discretion and changing priorities.
Bureaucratic Pathologies
Common dysfunctions within bureaucracies, such as red tape, conflict, duplication, and waste, that hinder effective public administration.
C
4 termsCivil Service
The civil service is a professional body of government employees who implement public policies and programs.
Civil Service Examination
A competitive test used to select candidates for government employment based on merit rather than political connections.
Civil Service Merit System
A recruitment and promotion system for government employees based on qualifications and performance rather than political connections.
Civil Service Reform
Efforts to improve the efficiency, accountability, and professionalism of government employees by changing hiring and management practices.
D
2 termsDelegated Authority
The power granted by a higher authority to a subordinate to carry out specific tasks or make decisions within defined limits.
Delegated Legislation
Rules or laws made by an individual or body other than the legislature, under powers given by an Act of Parliament.
G
1 termI
3 termsIncrementalism
A policy-making approach where changes occur through small, gradual adjustments rather than large shifts.
Interagency Coordination
The collaboration among different government agencies to achieve common policy goals or implement programs efficiently. It addresses overlapping responsibilities and reduces duplication.
Iron Triangle
A stable, mutually beneficial relationship among bureaucratic agencies, interest groups, and legislative committees that shapes policy outcomes.
M
1 termN
3 termsNationalization
The process by which the government takes control of private assets or industries for public ownership.
New Public Management
A public administration approach emphasizing efficiency, performance measurement, and market-based management techniques.
New Public Service
A management approach emphasizing serving citizens and democratic values over traditional bureaucratic efficiency.
O
2 termsP
4 termsParastatal
A government-owned corporation or agency that undertakes commercial activities on behalf of the state.
Policy Implementation
The stage in the policy cycle where adopted policies are put into action by government agencies.
Policy Implementation Gap
The difference between the goals of a policy as designed and the outcomes achieved during its execution.
Principal-Agent Problem
A conflict that arises when an agent (such as a bureaucrat) has different interests than the principal (such as elected officials).
Q
7 termsQuasi-Governmental Agency
An organization that has some governmental powers and responsibilities but operates independently from direct government control. These agencies often perform public functions while enjoying operational flexibility.
Quasi-Governmental Organization
An organization that has some governmental powers and responsibilities but operates independently from direct government control.
Quasi-Judicial Body
An administrative agency or body that has powers resembling those of a court to make decisions or judgments.
Quasi-Judicial Functions
Activities carried out by administrative agencies that involve applying rules to specific cases, similar to judicial proceedings but within an executive or administrative context.
Quasi-Judicial Powers
Authorities granted to administrative agencies to conduct hearings and make decisions similar to courts. These powers enable agencies to enforce regulations and adjudicate disputes within their jurisdiction.
Quasi-Judicial Review
A process where administrative agencies make decisions that have legal effects similar to court judgments, including hearings and evidence evaluation.
Quasi-Legislative Powers
Authority granted to administrative agencies to create rules and regulations that have the force of law within their areas of jurisdiction.
R
7 termsRegulatory Agency
A regulatory agency enforces rules and standards to control specific industries or activities for public interest.
Regulatory Capture
A situation where regulatory agencies advance the commercial or political concerns of special interest groups that dominate the industry they regulate.
Regulatory Compliance
The adherence by individuals or organizations to rules and standards set by regulatory agencies to ensure lawful conduct.
Regulatory Impact Analysis
An assessment of the expected effects, costs, and benefits of a proposed regulation.
Regulatory Impact Assessment
A systematic evaluation of the potential effects of a proposed regulation before it is implemented.
Regulatory Impact Statement
A document analyzing the potential effects, costs, and benefits of a proposed regulation before it is adopted.
Revolving Door
The movement of personnel between roles as legislators or regulators and positions in industries affected by the legislation or regulation.