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Definitions

Patrick H. O'Neil's "Essentials of Comparative Politics" offers helpful definitions through the lens of comparative politics for an extensive list of terms. Terms most frequently throughout the site used appear here.

Democracy

"Political power exercised either directly or indirectly by the people through participation, competition, and liberty.” (O’Neil, 142)

Legitimacy

"A value whereby an institution is accepted by the public as right and proper, thus giving it authority and power" (O'Neil, A-17). Also applies to people. There are three types of legitimacy: Traditional legitimacy ("because it has always been that way" [O'Neil, 44]), Charismatic legitimacy ("individuals who can move and persuade the public through ideas and the manner in which they present them" [O'Niel, 45]), and Rational-legal legitimacy ("a system of laws and procedures that are presumed to be neutral or rational" [O'Neil, 45]).

Institution

"An organization or activity that is self perpetuating and valued for its own sake." (O'Neil, A-18)

Formal Institutions "based on officially sanctioned rules that are relatively clear"

Informal Institutions "unwritten and unofficial, but no less powerful as a result"

(O'Neil, 20)

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The following articles were used for this assignment and/or the portfolio

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