AOS1 SAC Flashcards
Power
The ability to influence outcomes within a system.
Legitimacy
The perception that an act, actor, group, or institution is justified in its exercise of power; legitimacy transforms power into authority.
Authority
The recognized right to exercise power, often derived from legal frameworks, constitutions, or international agreements.
Participation
The ways individuals and groups engage in political processes, such as voting, protests, lobbying, and joining political parties.
Popular Sovereignty
The principle that a government’s power is derived from the consent of the people, reflected in democratic elections.
Parliamentary Sovereignty
The idea that Parliament is the supreme law-making body, though in Australia, it is limited by the Constitution and the High Court.
Federalism
A system where power is divided between a central authority and regional governments (e.g., Australia’s division between federal and state governments).
Responsible Government
A system where the government is accountable to Parliament and the people, with ministers required to take responsibility for decisions.
Separation of Powers
Government power is divided into three branches to prevent abuse:
Legislative (Parliament) – Makes laws
Executive (Government) – Enforces laws
Judicial (Courts) – Interprets laws
Political Interests
The desires, motivations, and goals that shape and drive the behavior of political actors.
Political Perspectives
The ways political actors see and understand their interests, influenced by their ideas, values, experiences, and contextual factors.
Political Significance
The importance, impact, or relevance of a political event, action, decision, or actor in a given political system.
Political Stability and/or Change
Political change refers to how political outcomes differ over time due to political actors’ actions. A lack of change indicates political stability.
States
Political units with a permanent population, defined territory, distinct government, and recognized sovereignty.
Governments
The ruling authority of a state, responsible for making and enforcing laws.
Leaders
Holders of the most powerful offices in governments, such as prime ministers or presidents.
Institutions of Global Governance
Organizations that regulate international affairs, e.g.:
United Nations (UN) – Maintains international peace and security
World Trade Organization (WTO) – Regulates global trade
International Criminal Court (ICC) – Prosecutes crimes against humanity
Political Parties
Formal membership-based organizations that represent particular groups and political ideologies.
Media
The means by which communication happens between large groups of people, influencing public opinion.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Independent organizations addressing social, political, or environmental issues (e.g., Amnesty International, Oxfam).
Corporations
Entities conducting business operations for profit, sometimes influencing politics.
Social Movements
Groups of individuals organized to achieve a certain social or political goal (e.g., climate change movements, Indigenous rights campaigns).
Groups and Individuals
Various actors that contribute to political issues, including activists, lobbyists, and community organizations.
Ways of Organizing Formal Power Within States:
Federalism – Power is shared between federal and state governments.
Responsible Government – The executive is accountable to Parliament and, ultimately, to the people.
Separation of Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Power – Ensures checks and balances in government.
