An independent political unit occupying a defined, permanently populated territory and having full control over its internal and foreign affairs.

A system of government in which the people are invested with the power to choose their leaders and determine government policy.

The transfer or delegation of power to a lower level, especially by central government to local or regional administration.

A government structure in which some powers are given to the national government and some powers are reserved for the local governments.

The study of the interaction between international political relationships.

A system of authoritarian government headed by a monarch and whose position is usually inherited.

A group of people with a common culture living in a territory and having a strong sense of unity.

A state whose territory is identical to that occupied by a specific ethnic group or nation.

A principle of international relations that holds that final authority over social, economic, and political matters should rest with the legitimate rulers of independent states.

The equal voting rights for adult citizens of a country.

Beyond the authority or jurisdiction of one national government. (United Nations, EU, NATO, NAFTA)