Chapter 6 Vocabulary (Textbook)

Question 1

abstract review

Answer 1

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

Question 2

bicameral system

Answer 2

A political system in which the legislature comprises two houses.

Question 3

civil liberties

Answer 3

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

Question 4

civil rights

Answer 4

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

Question 5

civil society

Answer 5

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

Question 6

concrete review

Answer 6

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

Question 7

constituency

Answer 7

A geographical area that an elected official represents.

Question 8

constitutional court

Answer 8

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

Question 9

democracy

Answer 9

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

Question 10

electoral system

Answer 10

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

Question 11

executive

Answer 11

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

Question 12

first-past-the-post

Answer 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.

Question 13

head of government

Answer 13

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

Question 14

head of state

Answer 14

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

Question 15

initiative

Answer 15

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

Question 16

judicial review

Answer 16

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

Question 17

legislature

Answer 17

The branch of government charged with making laws.

Question 18

liberal democracy

Answer 18

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

Question 19

mixed electoral system

Answer 19

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

Question 20

multimember district (MMD)

Answer 20

An electoral district with more than one seat.

Question 21

parliamentary system

Answer 21

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

Question 22

presidential system

Answer 22

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

Question 23

proportional representation (PR)

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

referendum

Answer 24

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

Question 25

republicanism

Answer 25

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

Question 26

rule of law

Answer 26

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

Question 27

semi-presidential system

Answer 27

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

Question 28

separation of powers

Answer 28

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

Question 29

single-member district (SMD)

Answer 29

An electoral district with one seat.

Question 30

unicameral system

Answer 30

A political system in which the legislature comprises one house.

Question 31

vote of no confidence

Answer 31

Vote taken by a legislature as to whether its members continue to support the 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.