Key terms & definitions

A modern description of Alexander’s measures to bring Macedonian and Iranian elites together. It should not be taken to mean that he achieved equal treatment or complete integration.

A Greek city-state: a political community consisting of a city and its surrounding territory.

The strip of territory established by the Versailles settlement to give Poland access to the sea, separating East Prussia from the rest of Germany.

Smoothing a surface or edge using progressively finer abrasives and buffing to produce a shiny finish.

A law that enabled Polish people connected with the armed forces to remain and work in Britain after the Second World War and supported their settlement.

The small group of senior Communist Party leaders that made the most important political decisions in the Soviet Union.

Activity intended to influence political decisions or opinion, including spreading arguments, organising support and challenging government policies.

A story in which characters and events also represent people, events or ideas outside the story. In Animal Farm, the struggle between Napoleon and Snowball parallels Stalin’s struggle against Trotsky.

A tendency to favour a political party, position or viewpoint through the selection and presentation of information.

A dispute about who should hold power, how government should operate or who should control territory.

A difficulty involving power, decision-making or competing interests over how a place should be managed.

A Bolshevik political official attached to a military unit to supervise loyalty and promote the party’s aims.

The process of strengthening a government's authority and reducing challenges to its rule.

The influence of government, regulation, political debate and struggles over power and representation on a media product.

The political issues, beliefs and power relationships reflected in a film.

An effect on government, laws, political participation or the exercise of power.

Serving governments of different political parties equally well, without allowing personal political beliefs to determine official advice or actions.

The ability of a state to make its own decisions without control by another state.

The ability to shape government decisions and policies affecting other places and people.

A contribution collected from trade union members to finance political activity, such as supporting parliamentary candidates.

A marriage arranged to strengthen political relationships, alliances or a ruler’s position.

Organising people to take collective political action, such as campaigning, petitioning or protesting.

People or groups who challenge the government’s policies or conduct.

Taking part in activities intended to influence political decisions or the selection of representatives.

A political grouping whose members cooperate to influence government and secure support in Parliament.

An organisation that seeks political power through elections, putting forward candidates and policies.

An organisation that seeks political power through elections so that it can put its policies into practice.

Ideas seeking fundamental changes to existing political institutions or the distribution of power.

The way people and places have their interests represented in Parliament through elected MPs.

A right that enables people to participate in political decision-making and democratic life.