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.
Charter School
A publicly funded school that operates under a performance contract granting it more flexibility in exchange for meeting academic, financial, and governance expectations.