definitions

Question 1

institutional democracy

Answer 1

governance characterised by institutions holding up democratic principles - rule of law, accountability, participation, protection of rights
institutions: representative bodies, free and fair elections, independent judiciary

Question 2

institution

Answer 2

systems or structures that guide how people in politics behave and interact
formal rules, informal norms, common agreements and ideas

Question 3

example of political institutions

Answer 3

formal rules - codified constitutions, electoral rules like how votes are cast adn counted
informal norms - peaceful transition of power - conceding when losing an election,
common agreements and ideas - governments providing public goods

Question 4

substantive definition of democracy

Answer 4

system of governance where political outcomes prioritize and uphold core democratic values such as civil liberties, equality, accountability, and responsiveness to the people’s needs.

Question 5

what does substantive itself mean

Answer 5

focused on the essential content, meaning, or quality of something, rather than just its form or appearance. It emphasizes the underlying significance or value rather than superficial details.

Question 6

equality

Answer 6

inclusive and fair allocation of political power or influence, fair treatment of all regardless of demographic

Question 7

liberty

Answer 7

the state of being free within society from oppressive restriction imposed by authority on one’s way of life

Question 8

truth

Answer 8

statement or belief aligning with fact (evaluated through coherence, correspondence, or pragmatic theories of truth)

Question 9

sovereignty

Answer 9

the supreme authority of a state or governing body to make decisions and govern itself without external interference.

Question 10

nation vs state

Answer 10

nation = group of people with shared traditinos, culture, language and beliefs, while state is a political entity with defined borders, a government, and sovereignty

Question 11

equality vs equity

Answer 11

equality is treating all the same under a political system no matter of demographic, while equity is fairness in distribution by prioritising those with greater needs

Question 12

rationality

Answer 12

decision that is rational is one made using available facts and information without considering emotion, done to maximise utility

Question 13

legitimacy

Answer 13

Legitimacy is the perception that a government or authority has the right to rule, derived from consent, laws, or cultural norms.

Question 14

power vs influence

Answer 14

Power is the ability to enforce actions through authority or coercion, while influence is the ability to shape actions through persuasion or example.