Chap 8 And 9 Flashcards
Liberalism
Political philosophy emphasising the importance of freedom. In liberalism the people are the heart of political life and the rights and freedoms are the heart of justice.
Representation
John Stuart mill implemented this idea as direct democracy was too hard to achieve.
Electoral systems
Electoral systems are a method where citizens delegate/entrust representatives to make decisions on behalf of them
Characteristics of fair electoral systems
-provide political choice
-one vote one value
-create stable parliament
-facilitate accuntability of the electives
Fundamental political rights
-right to vote
-freedom to associate with others
-freedom to assemble in groups that have political purpose
-freedom to access unbiased political information
-freedom of political communication
-broad opportunity to vote (universal suffrage)
Pressure groups - ‘get up’
Groups formed with the aim to influence law making in parliament and the courts. AIM to pressure parliament by influencing public opinion
Political parties
Aim to influence law making by representing an ideology/worldview. Aim to get seats in HOR
Theory of justice
Justice in ancient Roman times was defined as ‘people should get what they deserve.
Based on the three main ideas of rights obligations and impartiality
Rights
Should be respectful, universal and fundamental
Obligations
People have duties which should be enforced. Obligations re to more than one party
Impartiality
People deserve impartial administration of law. Rules and law must be applied without bias and gov must make effective laws that do not favor one party
How does judiciary uphold justice
-protection of rights
-enforcement of obligations
-impartiality + fairness of judges
Natural justice - just the courts
-Impartial adjudication
-equal opportunities of both parties
-evidence based decisions
-an open court
Majoritarian electoral systems
Focused on single member electorates and are effective at achieving majority rule and strong representation
FPP
Most straightforward system, electors choose one option on ballot paper, simple majority wins
FPP advantages
-simple
-amplifies winners bonus creating strong majority in parliament
-electors know who to delegate and entrust their welfare
FPP disadvantages
-2 party only system
-minors/independents rarely get a seat (vote wastage)
-vote splitting