Government Systems Flashcards
Constitutional Monarch
A sovereign whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution
Written Constitution
A formal, codified document outlining the laws and principles governing a country
Unwritten constution
A constitution based on customs, conventions and legal precedents rather than a single codified document
Parliamentary
A system of government where the executive is derived from and accountable to the legislature
The Official Opposition
The political party with the second-largest number of seats in Parliament tasked with holding the government accountable
Cabinet minister
A member of the executive branch responsible for a specific department or portfolio in the government
Portfolio
The area of responsibility or department assigned to a Cabinet Minister
Responsible Government
A system where the executive is accountable to the legislature and must maintain its confidence to govern
Vote of non-confidence
A parliamentary vote indicating that the legislature no longer supports the government, potentially leading to its resignation or new election
Party Solidarity
The expectation that members of a political party to discuss strategies and policies
Caucus Meeting
A private meeting of members of a political party to discuss strategies and policies
Party Whip
A party official responsible for maintaining discipline and ensuring members vote according to the party line
Bicameral Legislature
A two chamber legislative system, typically consisting of an upper and lower house
Executive Branch (Canada)
Led by the Prime Minister and Cabinet, responsible for implementing laws and running the government
Legislative Branch (Canada)
Composed of the House of Commons (elected MPs) and the Senate (appointed Senators), responsible for making and debating laws
Judicial Branch (Canada)
Made up of independent courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada, tasked with interpreting laws and ensuring they align with the Constitution
Congressional
Relating to a legislative body, particularly the US congress, which includes the Senate and House of Representatives
Republic
A form of government where officials are elected by citizens and the country is governed by laws
Partisanship
Strong allegiance to one’s political party, often leading to unwillingness to compromise
Bi-partisan
Cooperation or agreement between two major political parties on specific policies or issues
Non-partisan
Not affiliated with or influenced by any political party
Separation of powers
The division of government into distinct branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent concentration of power
Checks and Balances
A system ensuring that each branch of government can limit the powers of the others to maintain balance
Veto
The power of a president or governor to reject a proposed law passed by the legislature
Filibuster
A prolonged speech or debate in a legislative assembly used to delay to prevent a vote
Executive Branch (US)
Led by the President, includes the Vice President and the Cabinet, responsible for enforcing laws and managing federal agencies
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
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
Federalism
A system of government where power is divided between central authority and regional or state governments
Pluralism
A political theory emphasizing the coexistence and influence of diverse groups in policy-making
Unitary
A system of government where all power is centralized in a single national authority
Patronage
The practice of giving political appointments or favours in return for support or loyalty
Civil Servant
A non-elected government employee responsible for implementing public policies and services
Locke
A philosopher advocating for natural rights and the social contract as the basis for legitimate government
Montesquieu
A philosopher known for the theory of separation of powers in government to prevent tyranny
Mill
A philosopher emphasizing individual liberty, freedom of speech, and utilitarian ethics in governance
Burke
A thinker advocating for traditional institutions and gradual change rather than revolutionary upheaval
Backbencher
A legislator who is not part of the government or opposition leadership, often focused on constituency issues
Caucus
A meeting of members of a political party to discuss strategies and policies privately
Coalition
An alliance of political parties forming a government when no single party has a majority
Consensus decision making
A process where decisions are made with the agreement of all or most members of a group
Electorate
The body of citizens eligible to vote in an election
First Past the Post
An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins
Free Press
A media system independent of government control, allowing for the free flow of information
Independent Courts
Courts free from external influence, ensuring impartial application of justice
Lobby Groups
Organizations that seek to influence government policies to benefit their interests
Majority Tyranny
When the majority uses its power to oppress minority groups or viewpoints
Patronage
The granting of political favours or appointments in exchange for support or loyalty
Periodic Election
Regularly scheduled elections to ensure government accountability
Political Party
An organized group with shared political goals seeking to gain and exercise political power
Power of the Purse
The legislature’s authority to approve or reject government spending
Proportional Representation
An electoral system where seats are allocated based on the percentage of votes each party receives
Direct Democracies
A system where citizens directly participate in decision-making rather than electing representatives
Referendum/Plebiscite
A direct vote by citizens on a specific issue or policy
Representation by Population
An electoral system where representation is based on the population size of each constituency
Representative Democracies
A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf
Secret Ballot
A voting method ensuring privacy so voters can make choices with coercion
Suffrage
The right to vote in political elections
