Chapter 6 Concepts

Question 1

Judicial review that allows the constitutional court to rule on questions that do not arise from actual legal disputes

Answer 1

Abstract Review

Question 2

A political system in which the legislature comprises two houses

Answer 2

Bicameral System

Question 3

Individual Rights regarding freedom that are created by the constitution and the political regime

Answer 3

Civil Liberties

Question 4

Individual rights regarding equality that are created by the constitution and the political regime

Answer 4

Civil Rights

Question 5

Organizations outside of the state that help people define and advance their own interests

Answer 5

Civil Society

Question 6

Judicial Review that allows the constitutional court to rule on the basis of actual legal disputes brought before it

Answer 6

Concrete Review

Question 7

A geographical area that an elected official represents

Answer 7

Constituency

Question 8

The highest judicial body in a political system that decides whether laws and policies violate the constitution

Answer 8

Constitutional Court

Question 9

A political system in which political system is exercised either directly or indirectly by the people

Answer 9

Democracy

Question 10

A set of rules that govern how votes are cast, counted, and translated into seats in a legislature

Answer 10

Electoral System

Question 11

The branch of government that carries out the laws and policies of a state

Answer 11

Executive

Question 12

An electoral system in which individual candidates compete in single - member districts; voters choose between candidates, and the candidate with the largest share of the vote wins the seat

Answer 12

First past the Post

Question 13

The executive role that deals with the everyday tasks of running the state, such as formulating and executive policy

Answer 13

Head of Government

Question 14

The executive role that symbolizes and represents the people both nationally and internationally

Answer 14

Head of State

Question 15

A national vote called by members of the public to address a specific proposal

Answer 15

Initiative

Question 16

The mechanism by which courts can review the actions of government and overturn those that violate the constitution

Answer 16

Judicial Review

Question 17

The branch of government charged with making laws

Answer 17

Legislature

Question 18

A political system that promotes participation, competition, and liberty and emphasizes individual freedom and civil rights

Answer 18

Liberal Democracy

Question 19

An electoral system that uses a combination of single - member districts and proportional representation

Answer 19

Mixed Electoral System

Question 20

An electoral district with more than one seat

Answer 20

Multimember District

Question 21

A political system in which the roles of head of state and head of government are assigned to separate executive offices

Answer 21

Parliamentary System

Question 22

A political system in which the roles of head of state and head of government are combined in one executive office

Answer 22

Presidential System

Question 23

An electoral system in which political parties compete in multimember districts; voters choose between parties, and the seats in the districts are awarded proportionally according to the results of the vote

Answer 23

Proportional Representation

Question 24

A national vote called by a government to address a specific proposal, often a change to the constitution

Answer 24

Referendum

Question 25

Indirect democracy that emphasizes the separation of powers within a state and the representation of the public through elected officials

Answer 25

Republicanism

Question 26

A system in which all individuals and groups, including those in government, are subject to the law, irrespective of their power or authority

Answer 26

Rule of Law

Question 27

An executive system that divides power between two strong executives, a president and a prime minister

Answer 27

Semi - presidential System

Question 28

The clear division of power among different branches of government and the provision that specific branches may check the power of others branches

Answer 28

Separation of Power

Question 29

An electoral district with one seat

Answer 29

Single - member District

Question 30

A political system in which the legislature comprises one house

Answer 30

Unicameral System

Question 31

Vote taken by a legislature as to whether its members continue to support the current prime minister; depending on the country; it can force the resignation of the prime minister and/or lead to new parliamentary elections

Answer 31

Vote of no Confidence