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.
Voucher System
A voucher system allows families to use public funds to pay for private school tuition. Funding follows the student, and oversight varies by state and program design.
School Board
The local governing body that sets policy, oversees budgets, and supervises the superintendent of a public school district. Boards adopt rules for curriculum, staffing, and operations and serve as the connection between state requirements and local implementation.