Democracy, illiberalism, impositions & challenges Flashcards
Rule of law
a principle of governance in which all persons, institutions and entities are accountable to laws. Associated w/ John Locke & Montesquieu
Separation of powers
a division of powers among different branches of gov., which each has different powers & responsibilities that do not overlap; executive, legislative, and judicial. Montesquieu closely related
Federalism
the existence of levels of gov. into a central/federal body, and smaller regional governments. Immanuel Kant associated
representative democracy
citizens elect officials to run gov. Elections held periodically in order that the gov. is responsive to the people. Different parties are available to allow people to have different perspectives
pressure groups
republic democracy
three branches of governemnt:
-Executive: president & cabinet
-Legislative: congress
-Judicial- judges & court system
Checks and Balances- the system is designed to prevent one branch from becoming too powerful
direct democracy
believes that all citizens voices are important and valuable. Only truly practical w/ small groups of people. Need for a forum to assemble people to meet and vote. Instruments of direct democracy used in representative democracy.
-initiatives: citizens draw up a petition which can force a public vote on an issue
-Referendums/Plebiscites: citizens vote directly on issues
-Recalls: most voters choose to remove an elected official
illiberalism/illeberal democracy
when organisations, groups or gov. that claim to embrace liberal democratic ideals make undemocratic decisions and take undemocratic actions
Constitutional monarchy
the head of state is the monarch, although they are limited by a constitution
The PATRIOT Act
Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001. Allowed US gov. to take action in the name of security that rejects liberal values.
The Emergencies Act
Authorised the taking of special temporary measures to ensure safety and security during national emergencies and to amend other Acts in consequence thereof.
Dissent
an opinion, philosophy or sentiment of non-agreement or opposition to a prevailing idea or policy enforced under the authority of a government, political party or other entity or individual.
Doukhobors
a sect of Russian dissenters, many of whom now live in western Canada. They are known for a radical pacifism which brought them notoriety during the 20th century.
environmentalism
concern about and action aimed at protecting the environment.
Individualism
the habit or principle of being independent and self-reliant.
Role of the media
communication of info and messages to the masses.
Independent courts
judicial officers of the Court, such as Judges, Justices and Judicial Justices of the Peace, have the freedom to decide each case on its own merits, without interference or influence of any kind from any source, including the other branches of government.
Canadian Supreme Court
highest court in the judicial system of Canada
Constitution Act of Canada
The Constitution Act, 1982 is a landmark document in Canadian history. It achieved full independence for Canada by allowing the country to change its Constitution without approval from Britain. It also enshrined the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in Canada’s Constitution, the highest law of the land.
Prime Minister
leader of the majority party in the House of Commons and is not directly elected by the people
MP
member of parliment. elected representative at the federal level.
Majority government
A majority government is a government by one or more governing parties that hold an absolute majority of seats in a legislature
Coalition government
form of government in which political parties cooperate to form a government. The usual reason for such an arrangement is that no single party has achieved an absolute majority after an election
Back benchers
Member of the governing party who are not in the cabinet are called back benchers bc their seats in the House of Commons are behind those of the Cabinet Minister
Voter apathy
lack of interest among voters in the elections of representative democracies. Political apathy or lack of interest is often cited as a cause of low turnout among eligible voters in jurisdictions where voting is optional, and the donkey vote where voting is compulsory.
House of Commons
the lower house of the Parliament of Canada. Together with the Crown and the Senate of Canada, they comprise the bicameral legislature of Canada. The House of Commons is a democratically elected body whose members are known as members of Parliament.
democracy
a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.
senate
has 105 members which are appointed by governor general. Supposed to be appointed based on regions. Approve all laws passed by the House.
Governer General
Commander-in-Chief of Canada. He or she visits military bases and honours Canadian military personnel on behalf of The King. The governor general also fulfills important ceremonial duties: promoting a sense of identity
Minority government
formed when no political party has a majority of seats in the House of Commons. As a result, the political party that forms the minority government requires the support of another political party (or parties) to pass laws.
First past the post
the official who receives the largest share of votes wins
