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Social Studies 30-1 > Government Systems > Flashcards

Government Systems Flashcards

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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
Q

Filibuster

A

A prolonged speech or debate in a legislative assembly used to delay to prevent a vote

26
Q

Executive Branch (US)

A

Led by the President, includes the Vice President and the Cabinet, responsible for enforcing laws and managing federal agencies

27
Q

Legislative Branch (US)

A

Consists of Congress, divided into the Senate (100 elected Senators) and the House of Representatives (435 elected members), responsible for creating laws

28
Q

Judicial Branch (US)

A

Made up of federal courts, including the Supreme Court with nine Justices, tasked with interpreting laws and ensuring they align with the Constitution

29
Q

Federalism

A

A system of government where power is divided between central authority and regional or state governments

30
Q

Pluralism

A

A political theory emphasizing the coexistence and influence of diverse groups in policy-making

31
Q

Unitary

A

A system of government where all power is centralized in a single national authority

32
Q

Patronage

A

The practice of giving political appointments or favours in return for support or loyalty

33
Q

Civil Servant

A

A non-elected government employee responsible for implementing public policies and services

34
Q

Locke

A

A philosopher advocating for natural rights and the social contract as the basis for legitimate government

35
Q

Montesquieu

A

A philosopher known for the theory of separation of powers in government to prevent tyranny

36
Q

Mill

A

A philosopher emphasizing individual liberty, freedom of speech, and utilitarian ethics in governance

37
Q

Burke

A

A thinker advocating for traditional institutions and gradual change rather than revolutionary upheaval

38
Q

Backbencher

A

A legislator who is not part of the government or opposition leadership, often focused on constituency issues

39
Q

Caucus

A

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

40
Q

Coalition

A

An alliance of political parties forming a government when no single party has a majority

41
Q

Consensus decision making

A

A process where decisions are made with the agreement of all or most members of a group

42
Q

Electorate

A

The body of citizens eligible to vote in an election

43
Q

First Past the Post

A

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins

44
Q

Free Press

A

A media system independent of government control, allowing for the free flow of information

45
Q

Independent Courts

A

Courts free from external influence, ensuring impartial application of justice

46
Q

Lobby Groups

A

Organizations that seek to influence government policies to benefit their interests

47
Q

Majority Tyranny

A

When the majority uses its power to oppress minority groups or viewpoints

48
Q

Patronage

A

The granting of political favours or appointments in exchange for support or loyalty

49
Q

Periodic Election

A

Regularly scheduled elections to ensure government accountability

50
Q

Political Party

A

An organized group with shared political goals seeking to gain and exercise political power

51
Q

Power of the Purse

A

The legislature’s authority to approve or reject government spending

52
Q

Proportional Representation

A

An electoral system where seats are allocated based on the percentage of votes each party receives

53
Q

Direct Democracies

A

A system where citizens directly participate in decision-making rather than electing representatives

54
Q

Referendum/Plebiscite

A

A direct vote by citizens on a specific issue or policy

55
Q

Representation by Population

A

An electoral system where representation is based on the population size of each constituency

56
Q

Representative Democracies

A

A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf

57
Q

Secret Ballot

A

A voting method ensuring privacy so voters can make choices with coercion

58
Q

Suffrage

A

The right to vote in political elections

Social Studies 30-1 (3 decks)

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