Diplomatic Conventions

Detailed and universally accepted conventions exist concerning most of the formal ways in which countries interact. The modes and conventions of diplomacy are highly stylized, allowing diplomats to deal with important issues in a calm and unemotional manner. The privileges and immunities of diplomats are highly developed and accepted by all nations. The premises of missions are inviolable, and free communication between the mission and the host government must be permitted. Diplomatic agents and their staffs are not liable to any form of arrest; diplomats are immune from criminal laws and, in most cases, from civil and administrative jurisdiction as well.

They are exempt from all direct taxes in the host state. In the event of war, the host state must enable diplomats from belligerent nations to leave the country. Very important negotiations are increasingly being undertaken by specially selected envoys or foreign ministers and by heads of state. Resident diplomats, however, still do almost all the day-to-day negotiating and interacting with leaders of other states. Latin was the language of diplomacy until the 17th century, when it was increasingly replaced by French.

World War I marked the rise of English as a second language of diplomacy. After World War II, the framers of the United Nations sought to create a five-language system, including French, English, Russian, Spanish, and Chinese.

Divine Right of Kings, doctrine that sovereigns are representatives of God and derive their right to rule directly from God. According to the doctrine, a ruler's power is not subject to secular limitation; the ruler is responsible only to God. In the 17th century the doctrine was supported by the English Royalists against the Parliamentarians, who maintained that the exercise of political power springs from the will of the people. The doctrine of divine right, epitomized by the reign of King Louis XIV of France from 1643 to 1715, was one of the elements that led to the French Revolution (1789-1799).

Downing Street, street in the West End of London. The official residence of the British prime minister, where cabinet meetings are often held, is located at No. 10. Also on Downing Street are the residence of the chancellor of the Exchequer and the Foreign Office. The term Downing Street is often used to mean the British government.

Due Process of Law consists of the legal steps that must be taken whenever a person is charged with breaking the law. Every American citizen is guaranteed due process by the U.S. Constitution.

Election, procedure that allows members of an organization or community to choose representatives who will hold positions of authority within it. Elections select the leaders of local, state, and national governments. They allow the public to make choices about government action and promote accountability among those in power.

In the United States elections are held at regular intervals. National presidential elections take place every four years. Congressional elections occur every two years. Elections for state and local office usually coincide with national elections. The responsibility for organizing elections rests largely with state and local governments.