Chapter 6 Concepts Flashcards
Judicial review that allows the constitutional court to rule on questions that do not arise from actual legal disputes
Abstract Review
A political system in which the legislature comprises two houses
Bicameral System
Individual Rights regarding freedom that are created by the constitution and the political regime
Civil Liberties
Individual rights regarding equality that are created by the constitution and the political regime
Civil Rights
Organizations outside of the state that help people define and advance their own interests
Civil Society
Judicial Review that allows the constitutional court to rule on the basis of actual legal disputes brought before it
Concrete Review
A geographical area that an elected official represents
Constituency
The highest judicial body in a political system that decides whether laws and policies violate the constitution
Constitutional Court
A political system in which political system is exercised either directly or indirectly by the people
Democracy
A set of rules that govern how votes are cast, counted, and translated into seats in a legislature
Electoral System
The branch of government that carries out the laws and policies of a state
Executive
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
First past the Post
The executive role that deals with the everyday tasks of running the state, such as formulating and executive policy
Head of Government
The executive role that symbolizes and represents the people both nationally and internationally
Head of State
A national vote called by members of the public to address a specific proposal
Initiative
The mechanism by which courts can review the actions of government and overturn those that violate the constitution
Judicial Review
The branch of government charged with making laws
Legislature
A political system that promotes participation, competition, and liberty and emphasizes individual freedom and civil rights
Liberal Democracy
An electoral system that uses a combination of single - member districts and proportional representation
Mixed Electoral System
An electoral district with more than one seat
Multimember District
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 combined in one executive office
Presidential System
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
Proportional Representation
A national vote called by a government to address a specific proposal, often a change to the constitution
Referendum
Indirect democracy that emphasizes the separation of powers within a state and the representation of the public through elected officials
Republicanism
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
An executive system that divides power between two strong executives, a president and a prime minister
Semi - presidential System
The clear division of power among different branches of government and the provision that specific branches may check the power of others branches
Separation of Power
An electoral district with one seat
Single - member District
A political system in which the legislature comprises one house
Unicameral System
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
Vote of no Confidence
