secession, in political science

Introduction

secession, in political science, formal withdrawal from an association by a group discontented with the actions or decisions of that association. The term is generally used to refer to withdrawal from a political entity; such withdrawal usually occurs when a territory or state believes itself justified in establishing its independence from the political entity of which it was a part. By doing so it assumes sovereignty.

Sections in this article:

Introduction
Other Historical Examples of Secession
The U.S. Civil War
Bibliography

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