chapter 3: Democracy and human rights Flashcards
what is democracy
-system of gov. where state power is vested in the people
-the system provides an environment of respect for human rights and the exercising of these rights
what type of democracy is SA
Representative, parliamentary, constitutional democracy
what has SA been described as
1)Kakistocracy- governed by least suitable in state
2)Kleptocracy- corrupt members of gov. makes themselves rich
What is the governing system of the USA
Plutocracy- state is governed by the wealthy and elite
what are the 3 elements of democracy
1)represeation<representors are elected, free and fair, will of the majority wins
2)rule of law
3)separation of power
What are the 5 things needed for good governance
- allowing participation and feedback from the people
-is transparent
delivers basic human rights
-produces results
-is effective and efficient
-is accountable
what are the 2 types of representations
-proportional rep- parties get certain number of seats in parliament according to their votes in elections
-Constituency rep- country is divided into voting areas called constituencies and this constituency is represented by 1 member of a party
what ar the 5 principles of rule of law
1) accountable gov
2) no corruption
3)security, order and fundamental human rights
4)open gov. that enforces law and regulations
5)access to justice
what does transparency mean
-gov. is open to public
-actions and policies are easy to understand
-press and public has access to gov. meetings
why is transparency needed
-the public can check up on what the is doing
-there are no hidden agendas
-you have access to info you need to participate in democratic processes
what is accountability
how many houses does parliament consist of
National assembly and National council of Provinces (NCOP)
what is the supreme law-making body of SA
National assembly + Cabinat of Nat. gov.
they share legislative power with provincial authorities
