Glossary of Terms

Abuse of Power – When someone in authority uses their position dishonestly, unfairly, or for personal gain instead of serving the public.

Accountability – The obligation of public officials to answer for their actions, to justify them, and to suffer punishment in the case of misconduct.

Advocacy Group – An organization that works to raise awareness about specific issues and influence public policy through grassroots organizing, lobbying, and public campaigns. These groups mobilize supporters, engage with policymakers, and promote policy changes on local, state, or national levels.

Affordable Housing – Refers to housing that is reasonably priced, so people with low to moderate incomes can afford it without spending too much of their earnings. In the United States, housing is generally considered affordable if it costs no more than 30 percent of a household’s income, including utilities. See also cost-burdened.

Agencies – Government organizations created to carry out specific tasks or responsibilities. These include providing services and creating and enforcing regulations. See also federal agencies and state agencies.

Apportionment – The process by which legislative seats are distributed among districts based on population. This ensures that representation in the legislature is reflective of the population distribution.

At-Large Districts (City Council) – Council members are elected by the entire voting population of the city, rather than specific geographic areas.

Attorney General – The chief legal officer of Ohio, representing the state in legal matters and providing legal advice to state agencies and officials.

Auditor of State – Ensures the financial accountability of Ohio’s state and local governments by conducting financial and performance audits.

Ballot Access – The requirements and procedures that candidates and parties must follow to appear on voters’ ballots.

Ballot Initiative – A ballot initiative is a process that allows citizens to propose new laws or amendments to the state constitution by collecting a required number of signatures to place the measure on the ballot for a public vote.

Bicameral Legislature – A lawmaking body that has two separate chambers, usually a lower house and an upper house, which must both agree on a bill before it becomes law.

Bill of Rights – Refers to the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, which guarantee fundamental liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as protections against governmental abuse. Ohio also has its own Bill of Rights within the state constitution, which provides similar protections for Ohio citizens at the state level.

Bills – Documents proposed by a member of the General Assembly to create new laws or amend or repeal existing ones. The term “bill” is used from its drafting until it passes both houses and is presented to the Governor. Once approved by the Governor or if the Governor takes no action for ten days, the bill becomes a law.

Bipartisanship – Cooperation and compromise between members of different political parties to achieve common legislative goals.

Board of Education – Elected officials responsible for overseeing the administration of public schools within a school district.

Board of Township Trustees – The governing body of an Ohio township, consisting of three elected members responsible for overseeing local services, regulations, and budgets. See also township trustee.

Bribery – Offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value in exchange for influencing the actions of a public official. See also corruption.

Budget – A financial document that outlines the government’s planned revenues and expenditures for a specific period. Key components include projected tax revenues, spending priorities, and any planned borrowing or debt management strategies. See also capital budget and operating budget.

Bureaucracy – System of administration characterized by hierarchical structure, standardized procedures, and a set of rules and regulations designed to ensure consistency and efficiency in managing large government agencies.

Campaign Finance Laws – Regulations that govern the raising and spending of money in political campaigns to promote transparency, reduce corruption, and ensure fairness in the electoral process.

Campaign Fundraising – The process by which political candidates collect money from individuals and other sources to fund their election campaigns, covering expenses such as advertising, staff salaries, and events.

Capital Budget – A financial plan for long-term investments in physical assets such as buildings, roads, and infrastructure. See also budget and operating budget.

Career – A long-term pursuit of work in a particular field or profession, often involving ongoing learning, skill development, and advancement. Unlike a job, which may be short-term or focused on immediate income, a career reflects a person’s broader goals, interests, and commitment to a chosen line of work.

Charter School – Publicly funded school that operates independently of the traditional public school system under a charter or contract with a state or local authorizer such as a school district. These schools are funded through state and local tax revenues, with funding typically allocated based on student enrollment.

Child Poverty – A condition where children live in families with incomes too low to meet basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare, and education, which affects their overall well-being and development.

Civic Engagement – Participation in activities that improve your community or influence public life, such as voting, volunteering, attending meetings, or joining community groups.

Civic Responsibility – The duties individuals have to support the well-being of their political community, such as voting, following fair laws, serving on juries, and contributing to the common good.

Civil Discourse – Respectful and constructive communication about political and social issues, where individuals express their views thoughtfully, listen to others with an open mind, and seek to understand differing perspectives. Civil discourse helps address conflicts, find common ground, and develop solutions without aggression or hostility.

Civil Rights – The rights of individuals to receive equal treatment and be free from discrimination in various settings, including public institutions and employment, as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and laws, and protected at both the federal and state levels.

City – A municipal corporation in Ohio typically with 5,000 or more residents.

City Council – A legislative body in a city government responsible for making laws, setting policies, and overseeing the city’s budget and administration. It is typically composed of elected representatives who serve to address the needs and interests of the city’s residents and ensure the efficient and effective delivery of municipal services.

City Council Meeting – Formal gathering of a city’s elected legislative body to discuss, deliberate, and make decisions on local government matters.

City Manager – A professional responsible for the administration of a city’s government, implementing policies set by the elected city council.

City Planning – The process of designing and regulating the use of spaces within a locality. It involves land use planning, zoning, and transportation to manage the growth, development, and sometimes decline of communities.

City or County Advisory Committees – Volunteer-based groups appointed by local governments to provide input, recommendations, and community perspectives on specific policies, programs, or issues. These committees help guide decision-making in areas such as zoning, planning, and public safety.

Civil Law – Civil law deals with disputes between people or organizations, usually involving money or other remedies.

Charter School – A publicly funded school that operates independently of the traditional public school system. Charter schools can be initiated by teachers, parents, nonprofit organizations, or for-profit entities.

Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court – The head of the highest court in Ohio, responsible for overseeing the administration of justice in the state.

Chief of Staff – The top aide and senior advisor to a mayor or governor, responsible for managing the executive office, overseeing staff and operations, coordinating policy initiatives, and ensuring the effective implementation of the leader’s priorities.

Checks and Balances – A system where each branch of government can limit the powers of the others, which helps prevent the abuse of power.

Committee Vote – A vote taken by the members of a specific legislative committee to decide whether a proposed bill should advance to the full legislative body for further consideration and potential passage.

Community Development – The process of improving the quality of life for people within a community by addressing various social, economic, and environmental issues.

Community Development Block Grants – A federal program administered by HUD that provides flexible funding to local governments for projects that address housing, economic development, and infrastructure needs, particularly in low- and moderate-income communities.

Community Development Corporation (CDC) – A nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in a specific community by addressing social, economic, and environmental issues. CDCs work on projects such as developing affordable housing, supporting local businesses, and enhancing public spaces to foster sustainable and vibrant communities.

Community Group – Place-based organization that focus on neighborhood engagement, service projects, and strengthening local connections. A community group may organize events, address local concerns, and foster civic involvement, often working to improve quality of life within a specific area.

Community Resilience – Refers to the ability of a community to withstand and recover from adverse events, such as natural disasters, economic downturns, and social disruptions.

Concurrent Resolutions – Resolutions that need approval from both houses but are not filed with the Secretary of State. They are used for actions required by the Ohio Constitution or statutes, such as disapproving proposed Supreme Court rules or handling joint procedural matters.

Conference Committee – A temporary panel composed of members from both the House and Senate, established to reconcile differences in legislation that has passed both chambers in different forms.

Conservatism – An ideology that prioritizes limited government intervention in economic matters, traditional social values, and personal responsibility. See conservative and social conservatism.

Conservative – A person who supports limited government, traditional social values, and personal responsibility.

Constituent Services – Assistance provided by elected officials and their staff to residents in their district, including answering questions, addressing concerns, and connecting them with resources and services.

Constitution – The fundamental principles and laws established to govern a state or nation. The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and each state, including Ohio, has its own constitution.

Constitutionalism – The principle that government authority is derived from and limited by a body of fundamental law. In the United States, the Constitution establishes the framework of government, grants powers, protects individual rights, and requires that all government actions conform to the rule of law.

Contracting Out – Occurs when a government hires another entity—either another government or a private organization—to perform a service instead of providing it directly. Contracting out allows governments to save costs and access specialized expertise.

Corruption – The misuse of public office or authority for personal gain, which undermines trust in government and harms the public good. Examples include bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, kickbacks, patronage, and other forms of dishonest or unethical behavior.

Cost-Burdened – Refers to households that spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing, including rent or mortgage payments and utilities. Families that are cost-burdened often have less money left for other needs such as food, healthcare, and transportation. See also affordable housing.

Council of Governments (or COG) – A voluntary association of local governments, such as cities, counties, townships, or villages, that collaborate to address regional issues and provide shared services. COGs operate as administrative organizations and are not a separate level of government.

Counties – Administrative divisions within a state tasked with providing various local government services and implementing state laws. Services include law enforcement, public health, social services, infrastructure maintenance, and more.

County Commissioner – An elected official who serves on the governing board of a county, responsible for the administration of county government.

County Commissioner Form of Government – A form of county government where three elected commissioners collectively act as the legislative and executive authority, each overseeing specific departments such as public safety, public works, and finance. This system is used in all Ohio counties except Cuyahoga and Summit.

County Council – The elected legislative body in counties with a County Executive-Council form of government, responsible for making laws, setting policies, and passing the county budget.

County Executive-Council Form of Government – A form of government used in Cuyahoga and Summit counties where executive functions are carried out by an elected county executive, and the legislative functions are handled by an elected county council.

County Executive – The chief executive officer of a county government, responsible for the administration of county services and the implementation of policies set by the county council or board of commissioners.

County Party – The local branch of a political party that operates at the county level, organizing political activities, supporting candidates, and mobilizing voters within its jurisdiction.

County Seat – The administrative center of a county, typically housing key government offices such as the county commissioners and the county courthouse. The county seat serves as the hub for both administrative and judicial functions within the county.

Courts of Appeals – Intermediate appellate courts in Ohio that review decisions made by lower courts to ensure the law was applied correctly.

Courts of Common Pleas – Primary trial courts in Ohio handling serious legal matters, including major civil and criminal cases, family law, and probate matters.

Criminal Justice – The system of practices and institutions for enforcing laws, ensuring public safety, and administering justice.

Criminal Law – Criminal law deals with crimes against society, where the government prosecutes individuals or organizations and seeks penalties such as fines or imprisonment.

Curriculum – Set of courses, lessons, and learning objectives that outline what students are expected to learn at each grade level.  

Dark Money – Refers to political spending by nonprofit organizations that are not required to disclose their donors.

Dillon Rule – A principle that local governments only have powers expressly granted to them by the state government, ensuring uniformity and state oversight of local governance.

Direct Democracy – A system where citizens have the power to make decisions on laws and policies directly. Tools such as referendums, initiatives, and recalls are examples of direct democracy.

Direct Mail – In a political campaign, direct mail refers to physical mail, such as postcards, flyers, or letters, sent directly to voters’ homes to convey a candidate’s message and engage with specific audiences.

Disinformation – Deliberately false or misleading information spread with the intention to deceive or manipulate public opinion.

Elections – Formal processes in which citizens vote to choose candidates for public office or decide on specific policies and issues.

Embezzlement – The theft or misuse of public funds or property by a person who is trusted to manage them. See also corruption.

Equality – The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.

Equity Planning – A city planning approach focused on ensuring that resources, opportunities, and benefits are distributed fairly across all communities within a jurisdiction. Initially developed by Norman Krumholz while he served as Cleveland’s city planner.

Executive Branch – Headed by the governor, this branch implements and enforces state laws. It includes the governor, lieutenant governor, and other elected executive officials.

Executive Order – An official directive issued by the governor that manages the operations of state government. Executive orders may be used during emergencies to mobilize resources, coordinate state agencies, or set temporary rules for public safety. They also can be used to reorganize agencies or give instructions on how laws should be carried out. However, they cannot create new laws or spend money that has not been approved by the legislature..

Fact-Checking Website – An online platform that investigates and verifies the accuracy of claims, statements, and information, providing evidence-based analysis and context to help the public discern truth from misinformation and disinformation.

Faction – A group of citizens united by shared interests or goals that may conflict with the rights of others or the broader common good. James Madison used this term in Federalist No. 10 to explain the dangers of groups that could dominate government. He argued that the best way to limit the harm caused by factions was to have a large republic with many competing interests so that no single faction could control decision making.

Faith-Based Organization – A nonprofit group affiliated with or inspired by religious beliefs and values. These organizations typically focus on providing social services, humanitarian aid, and community support, guided by their spiritual mission.

Federal Agencies – Government organizations within the executive branch of the United States that carry out federal laws. Functions include providing services and creating and enforcing regulations. Examples include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Federal Government – The federal government of the United States is the national governing body, composed of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, responsible for regulating nationwide affairs, enacting federal laws, and overseeing defense, foreign policy, and other national interests.

Federalism – The distribution of power between a central government and regional governments. In the U.S., this refers to the relationship between the federal government and the states.

Federalist Papers – A collection of 85 essays written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay in 1787-1788 to support the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. These essays argue for a strong federal government and explain the principles behind the Constitution’s design, including federalism, checks and balances, and separation of powers. Written in response to the Anti-Federalist Papers, which expressed concerns over centralized power.  

Fines – Monetary penalties imposed by a court as punishment for an offense or violation of the law.

Floor Vote – A vote taken by the full membership of the State House or Senate on a proposed bill or resolution to determine its final approval or rejection.

Foundations – Philanthropic organizations that provide funding and support for various charitable activities and projects.

Framers of the Constitution – The leaders who wrote and established the U.S. Constitution and designed our system of government.

Freedom and Liberty – Freedom refers to the ability to act without constraints or interference, while liberty emphasizes the protection of individual rights within a structured society.

General Elections – Elections held to choose public officials from among the candidates nominated by political parties or running as independents.

General Welfare – The well-being of the public at large, often considered a primary goal of government policy.

General Assembly – The legislative body of the State of Ohio, consisting of the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate, responsible for enacting state laws and passing the state budget.

Gentrification – The process where an area’s building stock is improved and attracts wealthier residents, often leading to the displacement of long-time, lower-income residents because prices and property taxes increase.

Gerrymandering – The practice of drawing the boundaries of electoral districts to give one political party or group an unfair advantage over its opponents.

Get Out the Vote (GOTV) – refers to efforts by political campaigns, parties, and advocacy groups to encourage eligible voters to participate in elections. These efforts often include door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, transportation assistance, and reminders to ensure high voter turnout.

Government Relations – A practice that involves managing an organization’s interactions with government entities, including lobbying, monitoring legislative developments, and building relationships with government officials.

Governor – The head of the state’s executive branch, responsible for implementing state laws and overseeing the operation of the state executive branch.

Grant – A sum of money provided by one level of government to another. Block grants are awarded for general purposes with considerable flexibility in spending, while categorical grants are designated for specific purposes with detailed rules and restrictions.

Great Law of Peace – The oral constitution of the Iroquois Confederacy, which established a framework for governance, unity, and conflict resolution among its six member nations through principles of peace, consensus, and collective decision-making.

Gridlock – A situation where legislative progress is halted due to severe disagreement and inability to reach a consensus between political parties.

Historic Preservation – The process of identifying, protecting, and maintaining buildings, objects, landscapes, or other artifacts of historical significance.

Home Rule – The power granted to local governments by the state to govern themselves with limited state interference, allowing them to tailor policies and governance structures to better serve their communities.

Home Rule Charter – A formal document that outlines the organization, powers, functions, and essential procedures of a home rule local local government.

Impeachment – In Ohio, impeachment is the formal process by which the House of Representatives brings charges against a state official, such as the governor or a judge, for misconduct while in office. See also removal.

Independent – A political designation for individuals who do not align with any specific political party, often focusing on issues rather than party affiliation.

Information Literacy – The ability to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively use information.

Intergovernmental Relations – Interactions and collaborative efforts among different levels of government—federal, state, and local. This concept includes both vertical relationships (between different levels of government) and horizontal relationships (among governments at the same level). See also interlocal cooperation.

Interlocal Cooperation – Refers to collaborative arrangements between two or more local governments to address common issues and provide public services more efficiently. These partnerships can involve sharing resources, coordinating policies, and jointly funding projects to achieve mutual benefits and improve service delivery.

Iroquois Confederacy (Haudenosaunee) – A historic alliance of six Native American nations—the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora—centered in the northeastern United States. Founded before European contact, the Confederacy operated under the Great Law of Peace, a system of governance which emphasized collective decision-making, unity, and the sovereignty of each member nation. It is considered one of the oldest participatory democracies in the world and is often cited as an influence on the development of American federalism.

Joint Resolutions – Resolutions used in the General Assembly for significant actions such as ratifying amendments to the U.S. Constitution or proposing amendments to the Ohio Constitution. They require approval from both houses and must be filed with the Secretary of State after approval.

Judicial Activism – Occurs when judges make decisions based on their personal views or policy considerations rather than adhering strictly to precedent and established law.

Judicial Branch – This branch interprets state laws and ensures justice is served. State courts handle civil and criminal cases, as well as appeals from lower courts. The state supreme court, for example, can rule on the constitutionality of state laws.

Judicial Independence – The principle that judges should make decisions based solely on the law and facts, free from political pressures or external influences.

Judicial Restraint – The philosophy that judges should interpret the Constitution and laws based on the original intent of the framers or the clear meaning of the text.

Judicial Review – The power of courts to decide whether laws or executive actions comply with the constitution. If a court finds a law or action unconstitutional, it can be invalidated.

Kickbacks – Payments made to public officials in return for awarding government contracts or steering public money toward certain projects. See also bribery and corruption.

Land Use Planning – The process of regulating the use of land to determine who can do what with specific spaces in a locality. It involves deciding what spaces are used for housing, industry, agriculture, recreation, and conservation, often reflecting the priorities and interests of the people making the decisions.

Law – A rule established by a governing authority that mandates or prohibits certain actions and is enforced by penalties for noncompliance.

Legal Literacy – The ability to understand and effectively navigate the laws and legal systems that govern society. Legal literacy includes knowing how to access legal information, interpret legal documents such as statutes, regulations, and court rulings, and understanding one’s rights and responsibilities under the law.

Legislative Branch – Comprising the state house of representatives and state senate, the legislative branch creates state laws on various issues such as education, transportation, health, and public safety.

Legislative Committee – A specialized group of legislators that plays a role in the lawmaking process by examining bills, holding public hearings, and making recommendations.

Legislative Gridlock – A situation in which little or no progress is made on passing laws or addressing important issues due to political stalemates, disagreements, or polarization. Legislative gridlock typically occurs when opposing parties or factions are unable to reach a compromise, often resulting in delays, inaction, or the failure to advance critical policies or legislation. This can happen when the majority party cannot secure enough support to pass legislation, or when the minority party uses procedural tools to block or delay action.

Legislative Override – The power of the legislature to pass a law even after the governor has vetoed it. In Ohio, the General Assembly can override a veto if three-fifths of the members in both the House of Representatives and the Senate vote in favor of the bill.

Legislative Oversight – The review and monitoring of agencies, programs, and activities by the General Assembly. Legislative oversight is an example of checks and balances. The practice provides the General Assembly a check against the executive branch. And ideally ensures the executive branch is operating within the law and according to legislative intent.

Legislative Staff (or Legislative Aide) – Individuals who assist legislators in researching issues, drafting bills, and managing legislative activities.

Legislative Override – Process by which the legislature can overturn a veto issued by the governor.

Levy – A request for voters to approve a property tax increase to raise funds for specific purposes such as school operations, capital improvements, or other public services. Levies can be for a fixed term or permanent, and they directly affect property tax rates.

Liberal – A person who supports social equality and government intervention in the economy. See also progressive.

Liberalism – An ideology advocating for government intervention to achieve social equality, support progressive social policies, and protect individual rights. Note the difference between this type of modern liberalism and classical liberalism, which emphasizes limited government and free markets to protect individual freedoms.

Lieutenant Governor – The second-highest executive officer in Ohio, who acts as governor in the governor’s absence and often has specific duties assigned by the governor or state law.

Line-Item Veto – The power of the Governor to reject specific provisions in a budget without vetoing the entire appropriations bill.

Lobbyist – An individual or group that seeks to influence lawmakers and government officials on specific legislation or policy decisions, often representing the interests of a particular organization, industry, or advocacy group.

Lobbying – The act of influencing government officials, particularly legislators, to enact, modify, or oppose specific laws and policies on behalf of a particular interest or cause.

Local Government – Local government in Ohio refers to municipal and county entities that govern local affairs, provide essential services, and implement policies tailored to their communities’ needs. These functions include zoning regulations, local law enforcement, public schooling, public transportation, and maintaining infrastructure such as roads and parks.

Majority Party – The political party with the most members in either the state house or senate. The majority party controls leadership positions, such as the Speaker of the House or Senate President, as well as committee chair assignments and the legislative agenda.

Margin of Error – A polling term that indicates the range that shows how close a poll’s results are likely to be to the actual opinion of the whole population. For example, if a candidate is at 52% with a margin of error of ±3%, their actual support could be between 49% and 55%. See also polling.

Marginalized People and Groups – People and communities who face barriers to full participation in society. They may be excluded from political, economic, or social opportunities because of race, ethnicity, income, gender, religion, or other characteristics, which can limit their influence in decision making.

Master of Public Administration (MPA) – A graduate degree that prepares students for leadership and management roles in government and nonprofit organizations. The program focuses on developing skills in policy analysis, budgeting, human resources, and organizational management to improve how public services are delivered.

Mass Incarceration – The extensive use of imprisonment, particularly in the United States, where a significantly high number of people are incarcerated.

Mayor – The elected head of a city, town, or other municipality, responsible for overseeing local government operations and implementing policies set by the municipal council.

Mayor-Council Form of Government – A structure of municipal governance where the mayor, elected by the people, serves as the chief executive officer, and the city council acts as the legislative body.

Media Bias – The perceived or real bias of journalists and news producers within the mass media, in the selection of events and stories that are reported and how they are covered.

Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) – Regional entities designated by federal law to coordinate transportation planning and funding in metropolitan areas with populations of 50,000 or more. The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) serves as the MPO for Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, and Medina counties.

Minority Leader – Elected leader of the minority party in the state house or senate. This individual is responsible for setting the legislative agenda and strategy for their party, leading caucus meetings, negotiating with the majority party, and serving as the primary voice for the minority party in legislative debates and public communications.

Minority Party – The political party with fewer members in either the state house or senate. The minority party’s role includes serving as the opposition to the majority party, offering alternative policies, holding the majority accountable, and representing its constituents’ interests.

Misinformation – False or inaccurate information spread without the intention to deceive.

Mixed-Member Proportional Election System – An electoral system that combines elements of first-past-the-post and proportional representation to allocate seats in the legislature.

Municipal and County Courts – Local courts that handle certain criminal offenses, traffic violations, and civil cases involving smaller amounts of money.

Mutual Aid Agreement – Formal arrangement between agencies to provide assistance and share resources during emergencies or disasters. These agreements allow entities to support one another with personnel, equipment, or services when local resources are overwhelmed.

Nepotism – Favoring family members or friends by giving them jobs, contracts, or benefits in government regardless of merit. See also corruption.

Nonpartisan Elections – Elections in which candidates do not run with any party label.

Nonprofit Organizations – A group that works to benefit the public without aiming to make a profit. Unlike for-profit businesses, which seek to earn money for their owners, and government agencies, which are funded by taxpayers to provide public services, nonprofits use their funds to further their mission and address unmet community needs.

Ohio Administrative Code – The official compilation of rules and regulations adopted by state agencies to implement and enforce the laws passed by the Ohio General Assembly.

Ohio Revised Code – The codified collection of all the statutes and laws enacted by the Ohio General Assembly. It provides the legal framework for the state, covering a wide range of areas including criminal law, civil law, administrative procedures, and government operations. It also lays out the rules by which local governments operate.

Operating Budget – Covers the recurring, day-to-day expenses necessary for the state’s regular operations and public services, including salaries, education, and healthcare. See also budget and capital budget.

Ordinance – Law or regulation enacted by a local government.

Order – A state of peace and security, maintained by laws and policies ensuring public safety and societal stability.

Ordered Liberty – The idea that individual freedoms are protected, but some rights may be limited to ensure public safety, social stability, and the protection of others’ rights. It reflects the trade-off between personal autonomy and the need for laws that maintain order in a functioning society.

Partisanship – Strong loyalty to a political party, often leading members to prioritize party goals over collaboration with the other party.

Partisan Elections – Candidates run as members of political parties, like Republicans or Democrats. Voters know which party each candidate represents.

Party Affiliation – Refers to how people identify with or lean toward one of the two major political parties. Also referred to as party identification. See also party registration.

Party Caucus – A meeting of members of a specific political party (Republican or Democrat) in the House or Senate to discuss strategies, set agendas, and make decisions on legislative matters.

Party Registration – An official status recorded by the state when a voter registers. In Ohio, you don’t pick a party when you first register to vote. Instead, your party registration is based on which party’s primary you last voted in. If you haven’t voted in a recent primary, you are considered unaffiliated. See also party affiliation.

Patronage – The practice of giving government jobs, contracts, or favors to political supporters as a reward for their loyalty rather than their qualifications. See also corruption.

Personal Income Tax – A tax levied on individuals’ earnings, crucial for state revenue and some local governments.

Personal Responsibility – The idea that individuals are accountable for their actions, decisions, and well-being, including fulfilling obligations to themselves, their families, and society. It emphasizes self-reliance, accountability, and making choices that contribute positively to one’s life and community.

Philanthropy – The act of promoting the welfare of others, typically through the donation of money, resources, or time to support causes and initiatives that address social, cultural, health, and environmental issues.

Pluralism – The idea that power in a democracy is shared among many groups rather than controlled by a single majority or elite. As a description, pluralism explains how different groups such as business associations, labor unions, advocacy organizations, and civic groups compete to influence government. As a value, pluralism reflects the belief that a healthy democracy should provide space for many voices to participate, negotiate, and shape decisions.

Polarization – The growing division and extreme differences in opinions and beliefs between political parties, making it harder for them to agree on issues.

Policy Network – An informal group of stakeholders, which can include government officials, nonprofits, private organizations, and community leaders, who share ideas to address shared challenges and develop innovative solutions.

Politics – The process by which individuals and groups make decisions about public policies, laws, and governance.

Political Action Committee (PAC) – An organization that collects and distributes campaign funds to candidates and political parties to influence elections and policy decisions.

Political Advertisements – Media used by political candidates and parties to influence voters.

Political Culture – The set of attitudes, beliefs, and sentiments that shape political behavior within a particular region or state.

Political Socialization – The process through which individuals acquire their political beliefs, values, and behaviors.

Political Values – The basic beliefs and principles that shape how people think about government, politics, and society.

Political Violence – The use of physical force or intimidation by individuals or groups to achieve political objectives. This can include acts such as terrorism, assassinations, riots, and violent protests, all of which are unacceptable in American society.

Politics – The process by which decisions are made in government, involving the negotiation, debate, and power dynamics among different groups and individuals.

Polling – A method of gathering information about people’s opinions, beliefs, or behaviors by surveying a representative sample of a larger population. Polling is often used to understand public attitudes on political, social, and economic issues.

Popular Sovereignty – The principle that the ultimate source of political power rests with the people. Government exists and operates only with the consent of the governed, and citizens have the right to shape or change their government through elections, participation, and constitutional processes.

Power of the Purse – The authority of the legislature to raise and spend public money. In Ohio, the General Assembly exercises this power by creating the state budget, deciding how tax dollars are collected, and determining which programs and services receive funding.

Preemption – Occurs when state government overrides or limits the authority of local governments by prohibiting ordinances that conflict with its own policies or preferences.

President of the Senate – The presiding officer of a senate, typically the lieutenant governor or a senator elected by the members of the senate.

Principal – The lead administrator of a school, responsible for overseeing daily operations, academic programs, and staff management.

Procurement – The process by which government entities acquire goods and services from the private sector to meet their operational needs.

Progressive – A person who supports social reform, economic equality, and environmental sustainability through government action. See also liberal and liberalism.

Proportional Representation – An election system where political parties win seats in a legislature based on the percentage of votes they receive, which allow more than two parties to gain representation.

Proposed Legislation – Bills or resolutions that are currently under consideration by the legislature. Unlike enacted legislation, proposed legislation has not yet completed the legislative process or become law.

Prosecutor – A legal representative of the prosecution in criminal trials. In Ohio, county prosecutors handle felony cases, while city prosecutors handle misdemeanor cases.

Public Administration – A field of study and practice focused on how government gets things done and the people who make it work. Public administration can be understood as an activity of government, as a profession, and as an academic discipline.

Public Administration (as an Activity or Process of Government) – The work of carrying out government policies and programs, including managing people, money, and resources to put laws into action.

Public Administration (as a Profession) – A career field made up of people who manage government and nonprofit organizations. It emphasizes the training, standards, and ethical responsibilities of public administrators, and the ways they are trained to do this work responsibly.

Public Administration (as an Academic Discipline) – An area of study that examines how governments and nonprofit organizations are managed and how policies are put into practice. It combines theory and practice to prepare students for careers in public service.

Public Hearings – Meetings held by legislative or administrative bodies to allow public input on proposed actions or policies.

Public Opinion – The collective attitudes, beliefs, and views of a population or a specific group on particular topics, often measured through surveys and polls. Public opinion can influence policy decisions, political campaigns, and social trends.

Public Participation – The process through which individuals and groups contribute to decision-making and governance.

Public Policy – The actions adopted or proposed by a government to address public problems and achieve specific goals.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) – Collaborations where the government and private companies work together on projects that benefit the community.

Public Service Career – A public service career is work focused on helping people and improving the well-being of a community. It can be in government, nonprofit organizations, or other roles that put the public good ahead of personal profit.

Public Service Motivation – Means being drawn to work that benefits others and society.

Public Works – Refers to the department responsible for the construction, maintenance, and management of a locality’s infrastructure and public facilities. This includes roads, bridges, water and sewer systems, public buildings, and parks, ensuring these essential services and structures are safe, efficient, and functional for the community.

Random Sampling – A way of selecting people for a survey where every individual in the population has an equal chance of being chosen. This helps the sample reflect the larger population. See also polling.

Ranked-Choice Voting – An electoral system in which voters rank candidates by preference on their ballots.

Recidivism – The tendency of a person who has been convicted of a crime to reoffend or return to criminal behavior after serving their sentence.

Real Estate Developer – A professional or company involved in the planning, financing, construction, and management of real estate projects.

Red Tape – Excessive or overly complex regulations, procedures, or bureaucratic requirements that can create delays, inefficiencies, and frustrations in completing tasks or accessing services. For example, red tape might involve lengthy paperwork or approvals needed to start a business or complete a government project.

Redlining – A discriminatory practice used by banks, governments, and insurance companies in the mid-20th century to deny loans, mortgages, or other financial services to individuals based on their race or the racial composition of their neighborhoods. Named after the red lines drawn on maps to mark areas deemed “high risk” for investment—often predominantly Black or minority communities—redlining limited economic opportunities, contributed to wealth disparities, and reinforced racial segregation in housing and education.

Referendums – Processes by which citizens can approve or reject laws passed by the legislature.

Regionalism – The practice of coordinating policies and actions across multiple local governments within a region to address common issues and challenges.

Regulation – A rule or directive created by a government agency that has the force of law, designed to implement, interpret, or enforce legislation and guide the behavior of individuals, businesses, and organizations. For example, in Ohio, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issues regulations to limit air and water pollution to protect public health.

Removal – Removal is when a state official is taken out of office before the end of their term, usually after conviction by the Ohio Senate in an impeachment trial. Local officials can be removed by recall election. See also impeachment.

Representative Democracy – A system of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf. Representative democracy relies on regular elections, active civic participation, and accountability mechanisms to maintain a responsive and legitimate government.

Resolutions – Formal expressions of the opinions and wishes of the General Assembly and do not require the Governor’s approval.

Responsiveness – The ability of a government to respond to the needs and concerns of its citizens.

Rule of Law – Principle that ensures everyone, including government officials and private citizens, follows the same laws. These laws are clear, public, and applied equally to all. It ensures fairness, protects individual rights, and helps maintain order in society.

Rules and Reference Committees – Legislative committees responsible for the rules governing the procedures of the legislative body and referencing bills to appropriate committees.

Sales Tax – A major source of revenue for Ohio’s budget, applied to most goods and some services sold in the state. Also a revenue source for some local governments.

School Districts – Local government entities responsible for administering public schools in a specific area.

Secretary of State – An elected official responsible for overseeing elections, maintaining public records, and handling business registrations in Ohio.

Sensationalism – The use of exciting or shocking stories or language at the expense of accuracy, to provoke public interest or excitement.

Separation of Powers – The principle that government authority is divided among three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) so that no single branch holds all power.

Simple Resolutions – Resolutions that only require approval from the house in which they are introduced and typically address organizational matters, appointments, and commendations specific to that house.

Single-Member District – An election system where each district chooses only one representative to a legislative body. The candidate with the most votes wins the seat.

Single-Member Districts (City Council) – Each council member represents a specific geographic area or district within the city, with residents of that district voting for their representative.

Single-Party Control – A situation where one political party dominates government for a long period of time, even though other parties are legally allowed to compete. This dominance can weaken competition and reduce accountability.

Social Conservatism – A political ideology that emphasizes traditional social values, often advocating for limited changes to societal norms and institutions. See also conservative, conservatism, and social values.

Social Justice – The pursuit of a fair and equitable society by addressing inequalities and ensuring equal access to opportunities, resources, and rights for all individuals.

Social Safety Net – Government programs and community services designed to provide financial assistance and resources, such as food, housing, healthcare, and unemployment support, to individuals and families facing economic hardship or instability.

Social Values – The principles and beliefs that guide individuals’ views on societal issues, including family structure, marriage, religion, and morality.

Speaker of the House – The presiding officer of the House of Representatives, responsible for leading the House, managing House business, and representing the majority party.

Special Districts – Local government units created to perform specific functions, such as water supply, transportation, or fire protection.

Special Interest Group – An organization of people with shared policy goals who work to influence public policy in their favor.

Standing Committee – A permanent committee established in a legislature, usually focusing on a specific area of policy, such as finance or education.

State Agency – Government organizations within a state’s executive branch that carry out state laws. Functions include providing services and creating and enforcing regulations. Examples include the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Ohio Department of Health..

State Government – State government in the United States is the organization through which political authority is exercised at the state level, consisting of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches that create and enforce laws, policies, and programs within the state’s boundaries.

State Representatives – Members of the Ohio House of Representatives, elected from House districts for two-year terms.

State Senators – Members of the Ohio Senate, elected from Senate districts for four-year terms.

Suburban Sprawl – The expansion of suburban areas into the surrounding countryside, characterized by low-density residential and commercial development.

Sunshine Laws – Laws designed to promote transparency and accountability in government by requiring certain meetings, records, votes, and deliberations of public bodies to be open and accessible to the public.

Superintendent – The chief executive officer of a school district, responsible for implementing education policies and managing the day-to-day operations of the district.

Supremacy Clause – Provision in Article VI of the U.S. Constitution stating that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties made under its authority are the supreme law of the land. It establishes that federal law takes precedence over state laws and constitutions when conflicts arise

Supreme Court of Ohio – The highest court in Ohio, which has the final authority on interpretations of the Ohio Constitution and state laws.

Swing State – A state where both major political parties have similar levels of support among voters, making it a key battleground in elections. Swing states are highly competitive and can “swing” toward either party. They are particularly crucial in determining the outcome of presidential elections. Ohio was once considered a swing state. 

Taxing Power – The authority of a government to impose taxes to raise revenue for public purposes.

Term Limits – Restrictions on the number of terms an elected official can serve in a particular office.

Third Party – A third party is a political party that competes with the two dominant parties in the U.S. two-party system, but typically has less influence and fewer chances of winning significant elections.

Township – A type of local government in Ohio, governed by elected trustees who may manage services such as road maintenance, zoning, and fire protection.

Township Fiscal Officer – An elected official responsible for managing the financial affairs of an Ohio township. The fiscal officer maintains accurate records of all township accounts, processes payroll, oversees budgets, and ensures compliance with state and federal financial regulations.

Township Trustee – An elected official responsible for governing a township as part of a board of trustees. They set budgets, create policies, and oversee service delivery operations. See also board of township trustees.

Transparency – The principle that public officials should provide clear, accessible information about their decision-making processes, ensuring public accountability.

Treasurer – The chief financial officer of an Ohio public school district, responsible for overseeing the district’s finances, ensuring compliance with state and federal financial regulations, and maintaining accurate financial records. The treasurer manages budgeting, payroll, purchasing, accounts payable and receivable, and financial reporting.

Turnout – The percentage of eligible voters who actually cast ballots in an election.

Two-Party System – Refers to the political system where two major parties dominate the electoral process and governance.

Tyranny – The unfair and oppressive use of power by a government or ruler.

Tyranny of the Majority – A situation in which the will of a majority group oppresses or suppresses the rights and interests of minority groups. The U.S. Constitution includes safeguards, such as separation of powers, federalism, and the Bill of Rights, to limit and/or prevent this problem.

Urban Revitalization – The process of improving and renewing urban areas that have experienced decline or neglect.

Veto – A constitutional power granted to the executive branch allowing the governor to reject a bill passed by the legislature.

Veto Referendum – A process in Ohio that allows citizens to collect signatures and place a recently passed law on the statewide ballot for voters to decide whether it should take effect or be repealed.

Veto Override – The process by which the legislature can enact laws even if the executive disagrees, provided there is significant support for the legislation. In Ohio, this requires a three-fifths (60%) majority vote in both the House and the Senate.

Villages – Smaller municipalities with populations typically under 5,000, offering services similar to cities but on a smaller scale.

Voting – The act of expressing a choice or preference in an election or decision-making process.

Voter Behavior – Refers to how individuals act and make decisions during elections.

Voter Preferences – The political choices or leanings of voters, such as support for a party, candidate, or specific issue.

Ward Clubs – Local political organizations, typically aligned with a specific political party in larger cities, that engage in voter mobilization, candidate endorsements, and grassroots campaigning within a designated ward or neighborhood.

Winner-Take-All – A rule in elections where the candidate who gets the most votes wins the entire contest, and all other candidates receive nothing..

Zoning – Process by which local governments regulate land use and development to designate specific areas for residential, commercial, industrial, and other purposes.