Government Terms Flashcards
Democracy
A government system where citizens who are ruled by its laws have certain rights over their leaders and the decisions they make.
Socialism
A political system where the government publicizes means of production and distribution for the benefit of the citizens. High government intervention
Liberalism
A philosophy where the government intervenes to keep basic standards of living and liberty for citizens. Emphasizes individual freedom.
Conservatism
A philosophy that is against change and for tradition. The government’s role is to enforce traditional values such as low government intervention, strong military, pro-life, low taxes.
Totalitarian
A government where the leader or a small group controls the lives of their citizens through violence, intimidation, and propaganda.
Authoritarian
A government where a person or a small group of people have total control over their citizen’s lives.
Totalitarianism is an Authoritarian government system.
Communism
A ideology where all the goods, property, production are owned by the public. The work force is organized so that it benefits everyone not only the bourgeoise.
Fascism
A authoritarian government where there is a strong leader who has complete control over the citizens and supresses the opposition. They often support nationalism and racism.
Senate
A group chosen by the Governor General on Prime ministers recommendation. They are the second body in the legislative branch, so they help give a second thought before passing laws.
Cabinet
A group chosen by the Prime minister to decide government government policy. Cabinet members work as ministers in different departments of the government. They are in the executive branch.
House of Commons
Group of people elected by the people. They are the first body in the legislative branch. They vote on the passage of bills.
Cabinet Solidarity
This is when the Cabinet stands as one on government policies.
Order-in-council
This is when the Governor General can pass bills with the recommendation of the Prime minister and cabinet without a parliamentary vote.
Party Discipline
This is to make sure a party is voting as one.
Free Vote
This is when members are able to vote on their own accord and conscience.
Private Member’s bill
This is when a bill is passed by a member of the legislature who is not a cabinet member.
Electoral District; Riding; Constituency
A Geographical location representing a unit in elections.
Civil Servant
Someone who works for the government
Bureaucrats
Government Officials and admins
Public service
Government administration
bourgeosie
The ruling or middle class
proletariot
the working class or lower class
Libertarianism
Political ideology involving minimal government intervention and maximum individual freedom
populism
A political movement that prioritizes the need of the ordinary people
Partisan
Loyal to a party or cause
Party Whip
Member of a party whose job is to make sure that all members are present at legislature to vote.
referendum
A direct vote where everyone says yes or no to a proposal
by-election
A smaller election held to fill vacancy
First past the post
An electoral system where the person with the most votes wins
Single transferable vote
An electoral system where the number of votes is proportional to the number of seats
