Latin American Politics Study Cards

Enhance Your Learning with Latin American Politics Flash Cards for quick learning



Latin America

A region in the Americas that includes countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, characterized by diverse cultures, histories, and political systems.

Colonialism

The practice of establishing and maintaining colonies by foreign powers, often resulting in the exploitation of resources and the imposition of political control over indigenous populations.

Independence Movements

Political and social movements in Latin America during the 18th and 19th centuries that sought to end colonial rule and establish independent nations.

Political Systems

The structures and processes through which political power is organized and exercised in Latin American countries, including democracies, dictatorships, and hybrid regimes.

Political Parties

Organizations that represent different political ideologies and compete for power through elections, influencing policy-making and governance in Latin American countries.

Elections

The process by which citizens in Latin American countries choose their political representatives and leaders through voting, shaping the composition of governments.

Social Movements

Collective actions and organized efforts by groups of individuals in Latin America to bring about social, political, or cultural change, often advocating for marginalized communities.

Foreign Relations

The interactions and diplomatic relationships between Latin American countries and other nations, influencing trade, cooperation, conflicts, and international policies.

Economic Policies

The strategies and measures implemented by governments in Latin America to manage and promote economic development, including fiscal policies, trade agreements, and social programs.

Political Leaders

Prominent individuals in Latin American politics who have held positions of power and influence, shaping policies, ideologies, and the course of political history.

Human Rights

Fundamental rights and freedoms that every individual in Latin America is entitled to, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, protected by international law.

Political Challenges

Obstacles and difficulties faced by Latin American countries in their political systems, such as corruption, inequality, violence, and governance issues.

Social Justice

The fair and equitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and rights in Latin American societies, aiming to address systemic inequalities and promote inclusivity.

Revolutionary Movements

Political and social movements in Latin America that seek radical change in the existing political, economic, and social systems, often through armed struggle or mass mobilization.

Dictatorship

A form of government in which a single individual or a small group holds absolute power and authority, often suppressing political opposition and limiting civil liberties.

Democracy

A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise it through free and fair elections, ensuring representation, participation, and accountability.

Socialism

An economic and political ideology that advocates for collective ownership and control of resources, aiming to reduce inequality and promote social welfare in Latin American societies.

Neoliberalism

An economic and political ideology that emphasizes free markets, deregulation, privatization, and limited government intervention, influencing economic policies in Latin America.

Coup d'État

The sudden and illegal seizure of political power by a faction or group, often through military force, resulting in the overthrow of a government in Latin American countries.

Populism

A political approach that appeals to the interests and concerns of ordinary people, often characterized by charismatic leaders, anti-establishment rhetoric, and policies favoring the majority.

Corruption

The abuse of entrusted power for personal gain, often involving bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and other unethical practices, undermining governance and public trust in Latin America.

Inequality

The unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and wealth among individuals and groups in Latin American societies, often resulting in social and economic disparities.

Drug Trafficking

The illegal production, distribution, and sale of drugs, often associated with organized crime, violence, and corruption, posing significant challenges to governance in Latin America.

Feminism

A social and political movement advocating for gender equality and the rights of women in Latin American societies, challenging patriarchal norms and structures.

Indigenous Rights

The rights of indigenous peoples in Latin America to self-determination, land, cultural preservation, and political representation, addressing historical marginalization and discrimination.

Environmentalism

A social and political movement focused on protecting and preserving the natural environment in Latin America, advocating for sustainable development and combating climate change.

Nationalism

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests, culture, and identity of a nation, often promoting unity, independence, and sovereignty in Latin American countries.

International Organizations

Institutions and alliances in Latin America that facilitate cooperation, coordination, and dialogue among countries, addressing regional challenges and promoting common interests.

Revolution

A fundamental and often violent change in the social, political, and economic structures of a society, often driven by popular movements and aiming to transform power relations in Latin America.

Authoritarianism

A form of government characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms, often suppressing dissent and opposition in Latin American countries.

Civil Society

Organized groups and associations in Latin American societies that operate independently from the government, advocating for social causes, human rights, and democratic values.

Political Activism

Engagement and participation in political activities and movements in Latin America, aiming to bring about social change, influence policies, and promote democratic values.

Regional Integration

The process of countries in Latin America coming together to form regional organizations and alliances, fostering cooperation, economic integration, and political dialogue.

Military Rule

A period of government in Latin American countries where the military assumes control and exercises political power, often through a coup or intervention.

Social Welfare

Policies and programs implemented by governments in Latin America to promote the well-being and quality of life of their citizens, addressing social needs and reducing inequality.

Political Ideologies

Sets of beliefs and values that shape political thought and action in Latin America, including liberalism, conservatism, socialism, communism, and nationalism.

Political Violence

The use of physical force or intimidation for political purposes in Latin America, including terrorism, guerrilla warfare, state repression, and human rights abuses.

Democratization

The process of transitioning from authoritarian rule to democratic governance in Latin American countries, involving political reforms, free elections, and respect for human rights.

Political Stability

The absence of major political conflicts, violence, or disruptions in the governance and institutions of Latin American countries, enabling economic development and social progress.

Political Economy

The study of the interaction between politics and economics in Latin America, examining how political institutions and policies shape economic outcomes and vice versa.

Political Science

The academic discipline that studies politics, government, and political behavior, providing insights into the theories, systems, and processes of Latin American politics.

Political Culture

The shared values, beliefs, and attitudes that shape political behavior and institutions in Latin American societies, influencing political participation and decision-making.

Political Communication

The process of creating, transmitting, and interpreting messages about politics in Latin America, including media, propaganda, public opinion, and political campaigns.

Political Participation

The involvement of individuals in political activities and processes in Latin America, such as voting, protests, joining political parties, and engaging in civic organizations.

Political Theory

The study of ideas and concepts that underpin political thought and action in Latin America, exploring questions of power, justice, democracy, and governance.

Political Sociology

The study of the relationship between society and politics in Latin America, examining how social structures, institutions, and processes shape political behavior and outcomes.

Political Geography

The study of the spatial distribution of political processes, institutions, and phenomena in Latin America, analyzing the impact of geography on politics and vice versa.

Political Philosophy

The branch of philosophy that explores fundamental questions about politics, ethics, and justice in Latin America, examining different theories and perspectives on political life.

Political Leadership

The role and qualities of individuals who hold positions of power and influence in Latin American politics, shaping policies, mobilizing support, and guiding political processes.

Political Institutions

The formal and informal structures and organizations that govern political processes and behavior in Latin America, including legislatures, courts, parties, and bureaucracies.

Political Corruption

The abuse of public office for personal gain or the distortion of political processes in Latin America, undermining trust, accountability, and the rule of law.

Political Activist

An individual who engages in political activities and advocacy in Latin America, promoting social change, human rights, and democratic values through nonviolent means.

Political Campaign

An organized effort to promote a candidate, party, or issue in Latin American elections, involving strategies, messaging, fundraising, and mobilization of supporters.