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.
Hot-Spot Policing
Hot-spot policing directs police resources to small areas where crime is most concentrated. The strategy is data-driven and targets specific blocks or locations rather than entire neighborhoods. Tactics vary—from patrols to problem-solving to environmental changes—and outcomes depend heavily on how the approach is implemented.