Colonialism

The political subordination and economic exploitation of the peoples of colonies by developed capitalist states (mother countries). In the 1970s, the system of colonialism collapsed. 

Communist social self-government

The organization of the governing of society under communism, a non-political stateless form of government, under which participation in government becomes a vital need, a recognized necessity for all.

Decentralization

The extension of the rights of local administrative bodies by giving them some of the central authority's functions.

Democracy

A form of government and political life as a whole. It is distinguished by the republican form of government and official recognition of the equality of all citizens. However democracy per se, in its "pure" form, does not exist. The specific content of democracy is primarily determined by the nature of the social system.

Democracy, bourgeois

A form of political domination by the bourgeoisie, based upon the electiveness of state organs and the proclamation of universal equality before the law. It presupposes, however, inequality in practice between property-owners and wage labour, the rich and the poor, men and women, as well as racial and ethnic discrimination.