Words Matter
A plain-language glossary for the words that shape public life.
Political Systems & Ideologies
Government structures and political philosophies that shape how power is distributed, who makes decisions, and how authority is justified. These terms are often used loosely. This section pins down their actual meanings and explains how they function in practice.
Probable Cause
The legal standard that allows officers to make an arrest, conduct a search, or obtain a warrant when specific facts create a reasonable belief that a crime has occurred or that evidence is present. It is stronger than suspicion and reviewed by courts for constitutional compliance.
Propaganda
Propaganda is communication designed to shape public opinion or behavior through selective information, emotional appeals, or misleading framing. Its purpose is persuasion—not balanced analysis. Propaganda can appear in state media, political campaigns, advertising, or any context where influence is prioritized over accuracy.