Chapter 6 Flashcards
A political system in which political power is exercised either directly or indirectly or indirectly by the people
Democracy
A political system that promotes participation, competition, and liberty and emphasizes individual freedom and civil rights
Liberal Democracy
Indirect democracy that emphasizes the separation of powers within a state and the representation of the public through elected officials
Republicanism
The clear division of power among different branches of government and the provision that specific branches may check the power of other branches
Separation of Powers
Public participates directly in governance and policy making; historically found in small communities such as ancient Athens.
Direct Democracy
Public participates indirectly through its elected representatives; the prevalent form of democracy in the modern age.
Indirect Democracy
Organizations outside of the state that help people define and advance their own interests
Civil Society
The process of making an organization or government more democratic
Democratization
The branch of government that carries out the laws and policies of a state
Executive
The executive role that deals with the everyday tasks of running the state, such as formulating and executing policy
Head of Gavernment
The executive role that symbolizes and represents the people both nationally and internationally
Head of state
The branch of government charged with making laws
Legislature
A political system in which the legislature comprises two houses
Bicameral
political system in which the legislature comprises one house
Unicameral Systems
typically rely on an upper house to represent the interests of certain geographic subunits, so that members are able to oversee legislation particularly relevant to local policies.
Simple
The country is divided into smaller groups and both the overall country and its people in different smaller parts have a say in what new laws get implemented.
Federalism
A system in which all individuals and groups, including those in government, are subject to the law, irrespective of their power or authority
Rule of Law
Vote taken by a legislature as to whether its members continue to support the current prime minister; depending on the country, a vote of no confidence can force the resignation of the prime minister and/or lead to new parliamentary elections
Vote of no confidence
A political system in which the roles of head of state and head of government are assigned to separate executive offices
Parliamentary system
A political system in which the roles of head of state and head of government are assigned to separate executive offices
Presidential
An executive system that divides power between two strong executives, a president, and a prime minister
Semi-Presidential Systems
A geographical area that an elected official represents
Constituencies
An electoral district with one seat
Single Member District (SMD)
An electoral system in which political parties compete in multimember districts; voters choose between parties, and the seats in the district are awarded proportionally according to the results of the vote
Proportional Representation (PR)
An electoral district with more than one seat
MMDs
An electoral system that uses a combination of single-member districts and proportional representation
Mixed System
A national vote called by a government to address a specific proposal, often a change to the constitution
Referendum
A national vote called by members of the public to address a specific proposal
Initiative
Individual rights regarding equality that are created by the constitution and the political regime
Civil Rights
Individual rights regarding freedom that are created by the constitution and the political regime
Civil Liberties
