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Social Studies 30-1 > Government Systems > Flashcards

Government Systems Flashcards

1
Q

Constitutional Monarch

A

A sovereign whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution

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2
Q

Written Constitution

A

A formal, codified document outlining the laws and principles governing a country

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3
Q

Unwritten constution

A

A constitution based on customs, conventions and legal precedents rather than a single codified document

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4
Q

Parliamentary

A

A system of government where the executive is derived from and accountable to the legislature

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5
Q

The Official Opposition

A

The political party with the second-largest number of seats in Parliament tasked with holding the government accountable

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6
Q

Cabinet minister

A

A member of the executive branch responsible for a specific department or portfolio in the government

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7
Q

Portfolio

A

The area of responsibility or department assigned to a Cabinet Minister

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8
Q

Responsible Government

A

A system where the executive is accountable to the legislature and must maintain its confidence to govern

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9
Q

Vote of non-confidence

A

A parliamentary vote indicating that the legislature no longer supports the government, potentially leading to its resignation or new election

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10
Q

Party Solidarity

A

The expectation that members of a political party to discuss strategies and policies

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11
Q

Caucus Meeting

A

A private meeting of members of a political party to discuss strategies and policies

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12
Q

Party Whip

A

A party official responsible for maintaining discipline and ensuring members vote according to the party line

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13
Q

Bicameral Legislature

A

A two chamber legislative system, typically consisting of an upper and lower house

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14
Q

Executive Branch (Canada)

A

Led by the Prime Minister and Cabinet, responsible for implementing laws and running the government

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15
Q

Legislative Branch (Canada)

A

Composed of the House of Commons (elected MPs) and the Senate (appointed Senators), responsible for making and debating laws

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16
Q

Judicial Branch (Canada)

A

Made up of independent courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada, tasked with interpreting laws and ensuring they align with the Constitution

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17
Q

Congressional

A

Relating to a legislative body, particularly the US congress, which includes the Senate and House of Representatives

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18
Q

Republic

A

A form of government where officials are elected by citizens and the country is governed by laws

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19
Q

Partisanship

A

Strong allegiance to one’s political party, often leading to unwillingness to compromise

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20
Q

Bi-partisan

A

Cooperation or agreement between two major political parties on specific policies or issues

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21
Q

Non-partisan

A

Not affiliated with or influenced by any political party

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22
Q

Separation of powers

A

The division of government into distinct branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent concentration of power

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23
Q

Checks and Balances

A

A system ensuring that each branch of government can limit the powers of the others to maintain balance

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24
Q

Veto

A

The power of a president or governor to reject a proposed law passed by the legislature

25
Filibuster
A prolonged speech or debate in a legislative assembly used to delay to prevent a vote
26
Executive Branch (US)
Led by the President, includes the Vice President and the Cabinet, responsible for enforcing laws and managing federal agencies
27
Legislative Branch (US)
Consists of Congress, divided into the Senate (100 elected Senators) and the House of Representatives (435 elected members), responsible for creating laws
28
Judicial Branch (US)
Made up of federal courts, including the Supreme Court with nine Justices, tasked with interpreting laws and ensuring they align with the Constitution
29
Federalism
A system of government where power is divided between central authority and regional or state governments
30
Pluralism
A political theory emphasizing the coexistence and influence of diverse groups in policy-making
31
Unitary
A system of government where all power is centralized in a single national authority
32
Patronage
The practice of giving political appointments or favours in return for support or loyalty
33
Civil Servant
A non-elected government employee responsible for implementing public policies and services
34
Locke
A philosopher advocating for natural rights and the social contract as the basis for legitimate government
35
Montesquieu
A philosopher known for the theory of separation of powers in government to prevent tyranny
36
Mill
A philosopher emphasizing individual liberty, freedom of speech, and utilitarian ethics in governance
37
Burke
A thinker advocating for traditional institutions and gradual change rather than revolutionary upheaval
38
Backbencher
A legislator who is not part of the government or opposition leadership, often focused on constituency issues
39
Caucus
A meeting of members of a political party to discuss strategies and policies privately
40
Coalition
An alliance of political parties forming a government when no single party has a majority
41
Consensus decision making
A process where decisions are made with the agreement of all or most members of a group
42
Electorate
The body of citizens eligible to vote in an election
43
First Past the Post
An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins
44
Free Press
A media system independent of government control, allowing for the free flow of information
45
Independent Courts
Courts free from external influence, ensuring impartial application of justice
46
Lobby Groups
Organizations that seek to influence government policies to benefit their interests
47
Majority Tyranny
When the majority uses its power to oppress minority groups or viewpoints
48
Patronage
The granting of political favours or appointments in exchange for support or loyalty
49
Periodic Election
Regularly scheduled elections to ensure government accountability
50
Political Party
An organized group with shared political goals seeking to gain and exercise political power
51
Power of the Purse
The legislature's authority to approve or reject government spending
52
Proportional Representation
An electoral system where seats are allocated based on the percentage of votes each party receives
53
Direct Democracies
A system where citizens directly participate in decision-making rather than electing representatives
54
Referendum/Plebiscite
A direct vote by citizens on a specific issue or policy
55
Representation by Population
An electoral system where representation is based on the population size of each constituency
56
Representative Democracies
A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf
57
Secret Ballot
A voting method ensuring privacy so voters can make choices with coercion
58
Suffrage
The right to vote in political elections

Social Studies 30-1 (3 decks)

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