Democracy and Political Participation Flashcards
Majority rule
The views or interests of the majority should take precedence over those of the minority, as the majority speak for the people.
Referendum
A popular vote on an issue of public policy
First past the post
Voters put a cross in a box next to their favoured candidate and the candidate with the most votes in the constituency wins. All the other votes count for nothing.
Representative democracy
A form of democracy founded on the principle of elected officials representing a group of people.
Elite
A particular group having the ability to rule based on the wealth and power they possess
Parliament
A two-house institution responsible for passing laws and scrutinising government.
Proportional representation
The principle that parties should be represented in an assembly or parliament in direct proportion to their overall election strength.
Parliamentary democracy
A form of democracy that operates through the capacity of organised groups to articulate popular demands and ensure government responsiveness.
Devolution
The transfer of powers from the central government to other government bodies at a lower level.
Power
The ability to influence the behaviour of others, usually through rewards or punishment.
Government
The group of people with the authority to govern a country or state; a particular ministry in office.
Universal suffrage/ extended franchise
The right of all adult citizens to vote.
Liberal democracy
An indirect and representative form of democracy which attempts to balance between limited involvement of government with popular participation and commitment to free and fair elections.
Representative democracy
A limited and indirect form of democracy that operates by having representatives speaking and acting on behalf of the people.
Constitutional monarchy
A form of democratic government in which a monarch acts as a non-party political head of state within the boundaries of a constitution, whether written or unwritten.
