Democracy Flashcards
What is an Autocracy
An autocracy is when there’s one person with all the power
What is an oligarchy
It’s when a few people share the power but they still have it. It’s Normally the powerful businessmen and decisions are made only to serve their own interests.
What is a democracy
Democracy comes from the Greek terms demos and kratos which means ruled by people. They are led by the people having all the power and they would vote for everything. They have protective rights like freedom of speech and religion. They are also free to run for office.
What is a republic
A republic is when people vote and when they vote they pick representatives. These representatives make decisions for them on day to day things.
What is a dictatorship
A dictatorship is one person or group that has all the power over a country and they govern through a one party system.
What is a monarchy
Long ago a monarchy was when the rules and laws of a country were made by the King or Queen of a country. Nowadays power is more limited and even the King and Queen have to obey the constitution (rules and laws of a country)
What is an anarchy
An anarchy means there’s no government and there’s complete freedom, there’s also chaos.
What is government
Government is people in institutions that lead a country, province, territory or community. Government manage the land, resources and the people living within its borders. Government have the power to:
1. Make laws
2. Enforce laws
3. Judicial power
Definition of election
An organised vote for a politician or person to take a position.
What are the 3 pillars of democracy and why are they important for a country?
The three pillars of democracy are: freedom, equality and dignity. These are important for citizens, for them to be able to live in a society to do what they would like while being respectful and responsible towards others in the country.
What is a constitution and why do you think it is important for a country to have?
A constitution is a system of laws and rules that states people’s rights and duties. It is important for citizens to know the rights they have as well as to keep law and order in a country.
What does democracy mean for South Africa?
All the people of South Africa have a say in how the country is governed by the national government and that they are equal in the eyes of the law.
What are the two documents that protect South African peoples rights called?
The Constitution and the Bill of Rights
Why was apartheid undemocratic?
Only people of a certain race within the country were allowed to vote.
Why do you think the first democratic elections was an emotional day?
This was the first time for many people to voice who they wanted to lead their country. This was emotional because many people were disregarded before and for the first time were being recognised as part of the society they live in.
Who was South Africa’s first democratic president?
Nelson Mandela
Do you think 18 years old is a good age to start voting? Provide a reason for your answer.
Learners own answers along the lines of…
Yes it is a good age because you are considered an adult when you are 18 and can make wise choices about the society they live in.
Take a look at this democracy index below. Name a country that is fully democratic and a country that is authoritarian. List two differences between a democratic and an authoritarian country.
Democracy: The power and strength of the government are given to it by
the people.
Constitution describes how a government is organized and the basic laws of the country. Usually requires a large majority of the people to change.
Canada, United States, Iraq, England, Poland, Italy
Autocracy: One person or group holds all the power, without the participation, or sometimes even the consent of the people. Similar constitution but can be easily changed or simply ignored by those in power to suit their needs.
Cuba, Iran, China, Venezuela, Russia
Which people are being referred to as Europeans in Source A?
Europeans is another name given to white people
What do Sources A and B tell us about laws during Apartheid?
Laws kept white people and people of colour apart
Why would separate stairs, benches, train coaches, etc. have been more costly for the government of South Africa? Why would the government still choose to go ahead with this way of doing things?
You need to provide double everything, one for whites and one for non-whites. The government would still feel this is a necessary cost in order to keep people apart
Look closely at Source C, where do you think this sign was situated? Justify your answer
At the beach, you can see the water
What is the sign actually stating?
This is a beach for white people only
In Source D and E we see pass books, these were like permission slips people of colour needed to carry with them in order to be allowed in a white area. What feelings might a person of colour have had towards these pass books? Mention three different feelings
He may have felt enragement, depression and frustration.
In Source E, what might the police officer have said to the man on the right? Mention two possible phrases
Where is your passbook?”
“I’m going to lock you up if your passbook is invalid”
How would this pass book have been different to our modern day driver’s license? Mention two differences.
No one wanted a pass book, there was no benefit, everyone wants a driver’s license, you can then drive a car. Only non-whites needed pass books but everyone needs a driver’s license
What does the sign in Source F imply about Natives (black people)?
It implies that all natives are dangerous
Would this warning be an opinion or a fact?
Opinion, as it is a lie not a fact
The word reclassification was used in Source G, what do you think it meant for a citizen of South Africa to be reclassified?
It meant to change race. You were told you
were black for example, then they would change their minds and decide you were Indian maybe!
In Source H, 1000 people were referred to as chameleons? Why chameleons?
This was because of how they changed race and that was how chameleons changed colour.
Did any of the 1000 people literally change colour?
No! The government just changed their minds about the race of the person!
What job did the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Stoffel Botha, have?
It was his departments job to classify people according to their race
What are your thoughts on the pencil test? Was it accurate or inaccurate?
It was a terrible and degrading experience. Inaccurate, you can’t accurately tell a person’s race by their hair type
Do you think classifying people according to their race was fair?
Absolutely not fair!
How would this classification impact a child’s future in South Africa during Apartheid?
It would largely determine a child’s future since very different opportunities and limitations existed for white children compared to children of colour
