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.
Revolution
The rapid replacement of a political or social system, driven by collective mobilization and the collapse of existing authority. It differs from reform because it creates a new governing order rather than adjusting the old one.
Libertarian
A political ideology that emphasizes individual freedom, limited government, and strong protections for personal and economic choice. Libertarianism prioritizes restricting state power, favoring free markets and narrowly defined government functions.