hich sovereign
power is formally divided - usually by means of a constitution -
between a central authority and a number of constituent regions
(states, colonies, or provinces) so that each region retains some
management of its internal affairs; differs from a confederacy in that
the central government exerts influence directly upon both individuals
as well as upon the regional units.
Federal Republic - a state in which the powers of the central
government are restricted and in which the component parts (states,
colonies, or provinces) retain a degree of self-government; ultimate
sovereign power rests with the voters who chose their governmental
representatives.
Maoism - the theory and practice of Marxism-Leninism developed in
China by Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-tung), which states that a continuous
revolution is necessary if the leaders of a communist state are to keep
in touch with the people.
Marxism - the political, economic, and social principles espoused
by 19th century economist Karl Marx; he viewed the struggle of workers
as a progression of historical forces that would proceed from a class
struggle of the proletariat (workers) exploited by capitalists
(business owners), to a socialist "dictatorship of the proletariat,"
to, finally, a classless society - communism.
Marxism-Leninism - an expanded form of communism developed by
Lenin from doctrines of Karl Marx; Lenin saw imperialism as the final
stage of capitalism and shifted the focus of workers' struggle from
developed to underdeveloped countries.
Monarchy - a government in which the supreme power is lodged in
the hands of a monarch who reigns over a state or territory, usually
for life and by hereditary right; the monarch may be either a sole
absolute ruler or a sovereign - such as a king, queen, or prince - with
constitutionally limited authority.
Oligarchy - a government in which control is exercised by a small
group of individuals whose authority generally is based on wealth or
power.
Parliamentary Democracy - a political system in which the
legislature (parliament) selects the government - a prime minister,
premier, or chancellor along with the cabinet ministers - according to
party strength as expressed in elections; by this system, the
government acquires a dual responsibility: to the people as well as to
the parliament.
Parliamentary Government (Cabinet-Parliamentary Government) - a
government in which members of an