Chapter 2-incomplete Flashcards
What is constitutionalism
The idea that the power of government is limited by the rules of the constitution and the government can be challenged for such a breach in the law courts.
What is rule of law
it refers to how no person or group of people can decide on what is allowed or not allowed, the law dictates this.
What is responsible Government
government are responsible or held accountable by the parliament who are in turn responsible for the people.
What is sovereignty
The supreme authority to govern an independent nation.
What are legal rights?
Legal rights refer to the right to be treated equally and not be discriminated upon for any reason.
What are political rights?
Political rights include the right to free speech and the right to form groups for any legal activity, as well as the freedom of the press.
What are free and fair elections
the right for every citizen to vote and for all their votes to be counted the same, as well as being able to recognize minority groups. The government must also be held accountable by the citizens through criticism and peaceful protests. Lastly, political participation must be present, all citizens must have the right to participate in politics without discrimination.
What is the Westminster system
A system of government in which the legislative and executive arms of government are held responsible by the people, since the parliament can vote to depose the prime minister at any time and the parliament is ultimately held accountable by the people at all times.
What is federalism
The structure of government in which governing power is divided into two or more separate tiers of government such as a state and national government. Both levels have the right to make laws over their own areas of responsibilities and any disputes between levels must be resolved by an independent body, say the high courts.
What is a confederation
A group of sovereign independent nations united in a certain way for economic, diplomatic or defence purposes.
What are the main principles of good government
Limiting government are ideas and concepts that limit the government’s power of citizens including the separation of powers, the rule of law, citizenship, constitutionalism and sovereignty.
Checking government are all the processes that intend to make the government held accountable by the people. This includes the Westminster chain of accountability and free and fair elections. Accountability must exist in order to ensure political and civil rights for citizens.
Voice of the People included a representative government, voting rights and the idea of a democratic society.
What are the essential features of the rule of law
The law applies equally
There must be effective ways of holding government officials accountable
Citizens are equal before the law
The law must be completely understandable and known to all citizens
