Exploring Multilevel Politics: Definitions and Systems

A territory is a specific geographical area that is under the control or jurisdiction of a government or other authority. It is not necessarily unclaimed land, controlled by an individual, or a body of water.

Centralization refers to the concentration of political power or government authority at the national level, as opposed to distributing it among different levels of government, concentrating it in the hands of a single individual, or dividing it equally between local and national governments.

Decentralization refers to the process of dispersing power and decision-making away from a central authority to local authorities or lower levels of government.

The term 'transnational' specifically involves a lack of consideration for national government or state borders, making it broader than a specific government or border.

A federal system is characterized by the sharing of power between central and peripheral levels of government, allowing for autonomy to the constituent states or regions.

A confederation is a form of government where independent states come together in a union while still retaining their sovereignty.

Executive federalism emphasizes the role and interactions of the executives of different levels of government in determining the federal balance.

Administrative federalism is characterized by a clear distinction between the central government as the primary policy-maker and the provincial government as responsible for policy implementation.

Dual federalism refers to the clear separation between federal and state/provincial governments in terms of policy powers, distinguishing it from other forms of government structures such as unitary systems or confederations.

Fiscal federalism refers to the financial relationship between the central government and regional governments within a federal system. It involves funding arrangements and transfer payments that determine the balance of power and resources between the center and periphery.

Local democracy is a principle that emphasizes the importance of allowing local communities to govern themselves while also ensuring that the government is responsive to the needs and desires of the people.

The term 'Quango' refers to a quasi-autonomous non-governmental organization, which is a public body staffed by appointees.

Primary legislative power refers to the ability to create laws on specific matters that have been delegated from a central authority, rather than vetoing, interpreting, or enforcing laws.

Secondary legislative power involves the ability to make changes to laws devolved from a central authority, maintaining the central authority's ultimate control over legislation.

Quasi-federalism refers to a specific division of powers between central and regional government that does not conform to a formal federal structure, making it distinct from other government systems.

Security regionalism refers to cooperation between states to protect themselves from external threats, rather than focusing on internal security, economic, or cultural exchanges.

Political regionalism refers to the cooperation and collaboration among states in the same geographic area to promote common interests and values. This can help increase their collective influence on the international stage and strengthen their diplomatic relations.

Economic regionalism involves collaboration between states in the same region to enhance economic prospects through increased trade and cooperation.

Pooled sovereignty refers to the sharing of decision-making authority among states within an international cooperation framework, rather than concentrating power in a single individual or abolishing borders entirely.

Functionalism is a sociological theory that focuses on the role of social institutions in maintaining society and how they contribute to overall stability and cohesion.

The German problem referred to the structural instability in the state system caused by the emergence of a powerful and united Germany, posing challenges to the balance of power in Europe.

A political union refers to the consolidation of multiple states under a single government or authority, potentially involving supranational elements. It is distinct from forming political coalitions, social movements, or centralized systems of governance.

A monetary union involves multiple states adopting a single currency to facilitate economic transactions and eliminate exchange rate fluctuations.

A veto is the formal power to block a decision or action through the refusal of consent, not the approval or making of a decision without considering others' opinions or suggesting an alternative course of action.

Subsidiarity is the principle that decisions should be made at the most appropriate or lowest level of governance, where they can be most effectively addressed.