Iran, Mexico, Britain, Russia, Nigeria Flashcards
What was the problem with the 2007 election in Nigeria
The election was fraudulent and thus rocked Nigeria’s legitamacy
Nigeria’s tendency is to solve problems using these two methods:
Military force and authoritarian rulers
constitutionalism
the acceptance of a constitution as a guiding set of principles - this has eluded Nigeria.
Olusegun Obasanjo
A military general who became president through fraudulent elections of 2003 & 2007. Lead a presidential democracy. Ran as the People’s Democratic Party candidate. Christian and Yoruba from the south.
Umaru Yar’Adua
Current president of Nigera. Elected in 2007. No military background. Part of the People’s Democratic Party, muslim and election was fraudulent.
These two Nigerian military rulers are notorious for thier corruption. Why does their behavior contradict with “rule of law” introduced by the British
Babangida and Abacha. Although the rule of law suggests that even political figures should follow laws, Babangida and Abacha form their own authority disregarding existing law.
This is why most Nigerians are skeptical of their government
corruption
What has been the shinning light in the constant brigade of military rulers
Democratic movements
What is an important form of legitamacy in Northern Nigeria? The acceptance of this source of legitamacy shows what about Nigeria’s attempt to remain as a nation.
Sharia law is the source of legitamacy. The acceptance of this law in all of Nigeria, including the North shows that Nigeria is trying to accomodate for religious groups
what is the effect of this statement: “the trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership?” by Achebe a novelist
It shows that citizens have no trust in their governing officials. Therefore, it is difficult to build legitamacy.
How were the state and national leaders elected in 2007?
rigging, intimidation, fraud, and violence.
Difference between precolonial North and South Nigeria
North estblished Sokoto Caliphate with central government based on religious faith. The South lived communally and never centralized
trade connections in precolonial Nigeria
a reason for Nigeria’s prosperity - the Niger River an access to the ocean allowed contact and trade with other civilizations.
early influence of Islam in precolonial Nigeria
these principles, including the rule of religious law, governed politics, emphasizing authority and policy making by the elite. Subserviance of women
kinship-based politics was the tradition during which period in Nigeria? Which part of Nigeria leaned more towards kinship based politics
precolonial. South had kinship based politics, the north had centralized states
democratic impulses occured when in Nigeria
Nigerian still value democracy because the tradition goes back a long way.
precolonial era in Nigeria
centralized states developed early in the geographic area that is now Nigeria. Especially the Northern regions due to the need for a the coordination of the irrigation of crops
colonial era in Nigeria
this era came when Great Britain both introduced the rule of law and influences that worked against democratic patterns. These influences include authoritarian rule, interventionist state, individualism, chirstianity, intensification of ethnic politics
Nigeria first became under authoritarian rule when
Great Britain ruled indirectly by leaving chiefs and other natives in charge of governments designed to support British economic interests.
When did Nigeria become an Interventionist state? How did this change the relationship between rulers and citizens in Nigeria?
the colonists trained the chiefs to operate their governments in order to reach economic goals. Since unlike the free market and individuals right that checked the power of the British government, the interventionist state set in place the expectation that citizens should passively accept the actions of their rulers
Individualism was brought about by in Nigeria
capitalism and western political thought released a tendency for chiefs to think about the personal benefits of governance, rather than the good of the whole community.
Christianity is an effect of blank in Nigeria
The British brought their religion with them, and it spread throughout the south and west, the areas where their influence was the strongest. Since Islam was already well entrenched in the north, the introduction of Christianity create a split between Christian and Muslim dominated areas.
Intensification of ethnic politics in Nigeria
During the colonial era, ethnic identities both broadened and intensified into three groups: the Hausa-Fulani, Igbo, and Yoruba. British pitted ethnic groups against each other. Also nationalist leaders used ethnic identity as a method of advocating independence from Britain
The era since independence in Nigeria is categorized by
Parliamentary-style government being replaced by a presidential system, intensification of ethnic conflict, military rule, personalized rule/corruption, federalism, and economic dependence on oil
Why was the parliamentary system replaced in Nigeria? What was formed, was this new form odd in any ways?
The ethnic divisions made it difficult to identify a mjority party or to allow a PM. Formed presidential system, but the legislature and judiciary consistently can not check the power of the President
Why did ethnic conflict intensify after Nigerian indepence
After Nigeria gained independence, the Hausa-Fulani dominated parliamentary government due to their large population. The Hausa-Fulani wanted to keep their majority, so they formed a coalition with Igbo. in the South East. This caused Yoruba and consequently the other big three tribes to use military force, until the Igbo established military rule.
Military rule during the Indepedence era of Nigeria
Military rulers have some legitamacy to rule , since the military is a source of stability.
personalized rule/corruption in post colonial Nigeria is due to
During colonial rule, native leaders lost touch with the old communal traditions that encouraged them to govern in the interests of the people
Why did Nigeria try to implement a federalist system of government?
In order to ease ethnic tensions, however this federalist system has not worked out, because under military regimes the “federalist system” has really just been unitary since military presidents did not allow sub-governments to function with any sovereignty. All power remained in Abuja.
What impact has Nigerian oil had on the rulers of Nigeria
Nigeria’s good fortune has been a liability; its rich oil reserves tempt the military leaders and this oil money has only enriched the elite. Nigeria’s entire economy depends solely on the oil market
Problem with dependence on oil by Nigeria
Nigeria’s economic survival is based almost exclusively on oil - when international oil markets fall, so does Nigeria’s economy.
Political culture of Nigeria and characteristics that have shaped this political culture
characterized by ethnic diversity, corruption, and a politically active military.
Characteristics that have shaped the culture:
- Prebendalism - The patron (Nigerian president or other highly ranking political figure) will give portions of oil revenue to clients in the clientelism system. Obviously these clients will be of the same ethnicity and religion as the patron.
- Civil Society - Military dictatorships have failed to supress civil society. These groups have influenced the government through clientalism and cooperatism, however they do form the basis for a viable democracy.
- Conflict between Tradition and Modernity - Britain both encouraged Nigeria to be a strong, modern country, but it also restricted Nigeria’s ability to do reach this goal, because Britain kept their conoly in a subserviant economic position. Since Nigeria is plagued with ethnic-based military conflicts and personalized, corrupt leadership practices, Nigeria has been pushing towards returning to pre-colonial roots that emphasize communal accountability. However, values established in the pre-colonial era conflict with those established in the colonial era.
- Religious Conflict - An example of conflict is due to the Muslim North’s push towards Sharia law.
- Geographic influences ( different regions of Nigeria) - Nigeira is divided into 6 geographic zones
- Northwest - dominated by Hausa-Fulani (Muslim)
- North East - Kanuri (Muslim)
- Middle Belt - Both Christians and Muslims
- Southwest - Yoruba (40% Muslim, 40% Christian, 20% Indigionous)
- Southest - Igbo (Roman Catholic)
- Southern Zone - minority groups
Political culture of Nigeria characteristic: Prebendalism, How does prebendalism mean for citizens in terms of politics?
Prebendalism - The patron (Nigerian president or other highly ranking political figure) will give portions of oil revenue to clients in the clientelism system. Obviously these clients will be of the same ethnicity and religion as the patron. Prebendalism is the main form of political participation even among villagers who recieve favors from local rulers in exchange for the political support for the local ruler’s boss.
Political culture of Nigeria characteristic: Rich Civil society
Civil Society - Military dictatorships have failed to supress civil society. These groups have influenced the government through clientalism and cooperatism, however they do form the basis for a viable democracy. Civil society has had centripetal and centrifugal influences.
Political culture of Nigeria characteristic: Tension between modernity and tradition
Conflict between Tradition and Modernity - Britain both encouraged Nigeria to be a strong, modern country, but it also restricted Nigeria’s ability to do reach this goal, because Britain kept their conoly in a subserviant economic position. Since Nigeria is plagued with ethnic-based military conflicts and personalized, corrupt leadership practices, Nigeria has been pushing towards returning to pre-colonial roots that emphasize communal accountability. However, values established in the pre-colonial era conflict with those established in the colonial era.
Political culture of Nigeria characteristic: Religious conflict
Religious Conflict - An example of conflict is due to the Muslim North’s push towards Sharia law.
Name 1 example of contradiction that Britain brought to Nigeria.
Democracy vs. Subjugation (gaining control over country)
Political culture of Nigeria characteristic: Geographic influences
Geographic influences ( different regions of Nigeria) - Nigeira is divided into 6 geographic zones
Northwest - dominated by Hausa-Fulani (Muslim)
North East - Kanuri (Muslim)
Middle Belt - Both Christians and Muslims
Southwest - Yoruba (40% Muslim, 40% Christian, 20% Indigionous)
Southest - Igbo (Roman Catholic)
Southern Zone - minority groups
Northwest
dominated by two groups that combined as the Hausa-Fulani people, the area is predominately Muslim.
Northeast
This area is home to many smaller groups, such as the Kanuri, which are also primarily Muslim.
Middle belt
This area contains many smaller ethnic groups, and it is also characterized by a mix of both Muslims and Christians.
Southwest
The large ethnic group called Yoruba dominate this area. The Yoruba are about 40% Muslim, 40% Christian, and about 20% devoted to native religions.
Southeast
This area is inhabited by the Igbo, who are primarily Roman Catholic, but with a growing number of Protestant Christians.
The Southern Zone
This area includes the delta of the huge Niger River, and its people belong to various minority groups.
How many ethnically-based groups live within Nigeria’s borders.
~ 250
What is Cultural diffusion? What did it primarily spread in Nigeria?
Contact with and spread of customs and beliefs of other people. Cultural diffusion spread Islam.
Indirect rule
The British imposed this on Nigerians; they trained natives, primarily from the south, to fill the European-style bureaucracy
What did British education symbolize in Nigeria? British education’s impact on social cleavages and the tension between the North and South Nigeria?
This sowed the seeds for decolonization because the British trained Nigerians to rule their own country, teaching the natives about freedom, justice, and equality of opportunity. The British cycle started the vicious cycle where elites recieved educationm, and then became wealthy enough for their children to afford education. Therefore the British education caused a rift in wealth. Also the British education was primarily available in the Chirstian South, so the South saw the North as backward since they were not schooled.
Ethnic identities
The modern era has seen ____ _____ become the major basis for conflict in Nigeria.
Societal Characteristics of Nigeria that make Nigerian democratization difficult
- Poverty - 60% of all Nigerians live under the poverty line
- Large Gap between Rich & Poor - Like Mexico, the distribution of Nigerian wealth is very unequal (0.44 Gini Index). Nigerian economy shows no sign of improvement, so the wealth disperity is not improving.
- Health Issues - HIV/AIDS is a hige concern that has cost the Nigerian economy a lot. AIDs is seen as a second priority by the Nigerian government and is often left to NGOs.
- Literacy - Literacy rate is low (68%)
Free press and interest groups under military rule nigeria?
Military rule has generally allowed free press and interest groups
Poverty Nigeria
A societal characteristic of Nigeria that makes democratization a challenge. Many people do not have the means to survive. 60% of Nigerians live under the poverty line.
Large gap between the rich and the poor Nigeria
A societal characteristic of Nigeria that makes democratization a challenge. The distribution of income in Nigeria is very unequal similarly to Mexico. However, unlike Mexico, Nigeria’s economy shows no sign of improvement, therefore this unequal wealth distribution (0.44 GINI index) is not changing
Health issues Nigeria
A societal characteristic of Nigeria that makes democratization a challenge. Nigeria has high rates of HIV/AIDS. Government places HIVs as second priority, HIVs is primarily dealt with by NGOs
Literacy Nigeria
A societal characteristic of Nigeria that makes democratization a challenge. There is a gap between the male literacy rate and the female rate of almost 15%. Low average literacy rate 68%
Name one of the major events that has occured due to cleavages in Nigeria? Which other big 6 country has had a similar even occur due to cleavages?
Nigeria experienced the Biafran Civil War. Russia has on going conflict with Chechnya which caused the Chechnyan Civil War
Ethnic tensions in Nigeria
exacerbated by religious differences among Muslims, Christians, and followers of native religions.
Important social cleavages
Ethnicity: 250 - 400 different ethnic groups with an array of different customs, languages, and religon
Religion: Christians received special treatment and Muslims resented this.
region - Differences in region causes hyperfederalism
urban/rural differences - Political organizations and interest groups primarily exist in cities as well as newspapers and media sources.
social class - Elites gain wealth through pocketing state resources
Urban/rural differences in Nigeria
Political organizations and interest groups primarily exist in cities as well as newspapers and media sources.
Nigerian women’s educational opportunities are often cut short by these two events.
Mariage and Children
Ken Saro-Wiva
There were protests over Ken Saro-Wiva’s death because he was executed because he was a rights activist and environmentalists. Founded the Movement for the Survival of the Orogni People to apply national laws to secuire financial benefits for the Ogoni in the Niger delta and to hold foregin-operated oil companies to environmental standards.
Cleavage Social Class
The division between elites and ordinary people runs deep in Nigeria. Elites are educated and control state resources
MOSOP
Founded by dissident Ken Saro-Wiwa in the 19990s. There were protests over Ken Saro-Wiva’s death because he was executed because he was a rights activist and environmentalists. Founded the Movement for the Survival of the Orogni People to apply national laws to secuire financial benefits for the Ogoni in the Niger delta and to hold foregin-operated oil companies to environmental standards.
Problems with election in Nigeria
Many elections have been canceled or postponed by the military and others have been fraudulent. Although there has been higher voter turnout
Coup from Heaven
The term used to desribe Abacha’s death. The term shows how disliked Abacha was.
Skeptical in Nigeria
Nigerians feel this emotion about the prospect of democracy because they do not believe that elections are conducted in a fair and honest way.
Transparency International
a private organization that compiles statistics about corruption in countries around the world. Nigeria ranks low on the list.
Corruption effect on Nigerian politics?
This is a major problem in all six countries except for the United Kingdom. Corruption is part of the political culture, and bribes and favoritism are a part of the way the government operates. Nigeria’s pre-bendalism permeats the political system to such a degree that political participation cannot yet take place outside its influences. The Economical and Financial Crimes Commission a government organization set up to fight corruption (EFCC) was lead by Ribadu who had gained a reputation for bravely charging and presecuting corrupt govenors. He was forced to resign under the orders of Yar’Adua
How are Protests in Nigeria handled?
Foreign oil producers in the Niger Delta are targeted. iJaw women occupied drilling sites in the Niger Delta until ChevronTexaco’s officials agreed to provide jobs for their sons. Many foreign oil based companies have left Nigeria blaming Nigeria’s government as incapable of controling protests.
Gender equality
Nigeria has serious issues with this: the House of Representatives has only 6.4% women and 3.7% women in the Senate. Obasanjo did make it part of his campaign to include more women in bereaucratic positions.
How are Linkage institutions in Nigeria
These are both newly developed and highly fluid because Nigeria’ efforts to democratize are so far incomplete. However it is difficult to estsblish a coherent party system, because too many political parties (based offo of region of ethnicity) exist
People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
One of the better-established parties. This party is the party of Olusegun Obasanjo, who was elected in 2004. In 2007 (amidst widespread fraud), Umaru Yar’Adua won from this party. Won elections in the Muslim and Christian parts of the country. Deliberately ran Obasabjo even though he is Christian in order to garner support form all of Nigeria
7All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP)
Former General Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim from the North, was this party’s candidate in 2004 and 2007..
Action Congress. (AC)
This political party ran Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate in the 2007 election. The action congress demonstrates a trend of major parties coalescing, since the Action congress formed when the Alliance for Democracy, the Justice Party, and the Advance Congress of Democrats merged
Nigeiran attempt to establish coherent multiparty system
A party has to earn atleast 5% of the votes in 2/3 of the states, this practice cuts down the number of running parties.
Citizens of Nigeria vote for candidates on three levels:
Local, state, and national
How has Nigeria attemped to unite its people through politicS?
If a president does not recieve an outright majority, a second ballot election takes place. A president must win atleast 25% of votes in 2/3 of all states, therefore preventing purely regional candidates from winning. As a result coalitions are formed
What is the Nigerian voting system?
Plurality
Sharia
A large number of Muslim civil society organizations in the north work to support the sharia court system.
Corporatism’s purpose in nigeria
Military unions were politically active during the colonial and postcolonial era. Babangida establsihed corporatism in order to limit the influence of unions. A central laor organization supplanted older unions, and only candidates approved by Babangida could be elected as labor leaders. The labor unions provide a great basis for democracy, since they will be influencing the politicy making process
Nigeria’s Labor Congress
The labor unions regained much of their previous power when this congress called and successfully orchestrated a general strike of workers in cities across Nigeria.
Business Interest gorups in Nigeria
Businesses have genrally shared in the corruption and collaborated with militar regimes. Business has also been a significant force in promoting economic reform.
The main source of information for most Nigerians. Describe Mass media in Nigeria
Radio. Nigeria has an independent press.
Federal
In theory, Nigeria is this kind of political system, with government organizations on local, state, and national levels since the 2,3,4th Republics. However neither federalism or check and balances operate. all local and state are dependent on central government
No
Do federalism or checks and balances currently operate successfully?
Patrimonialism
the president is head of an intricate patron-client system and dispenses government jobs and resources as rewards to supporters. The president views state as personal property.
Bureaucracy in Nigeria
The British put an elaborate civil service in place, which has expanded. Bribery is common and jobs in this are awarded through prebendalism. This system has led to a rapid increase in the number of these jobs. Believe beuacracy is bloated and inefficient
Para-statals
Many Nigerian government agencies are these, or corporations owned by the state and designated to provide commercial and social welfare services. Other control major industries such as steel, defense products.
State-corporatism
para-statals provide this input to the government, but because they are controlled by the government, they create this:
The National Assembly
A parliamentary system was in place until 1979, when it was replaced by a presidential system with a bicameral legislature, kjnown as this:
4 years
Representatives and senators serve renewable terms for this length of time:
The Senate
A very diverse group - the upper house of the Nigerian bicameral legislature. Directly elected by popular vote.
The House of Representatives
Elected by plurality and represent many different ethnicities.
Judicial review
During the early years of independence the Nigerian judiciary had a great deal of autonomy. However, judicial review exists in theory, but it is stronger and more independent than in the past.
Military in government
A term that describes the politically active part of the military.
Military in barracks
Fulfills traditional duties of the military, and its leaders have often been critical of military control of political power.
Loyalty pyramid
Senior government officials are supported by a broader base of loyal junior officials, creating this:
Recipe for corruption
State control of resources means that those in they pyramid get the spoils and they alone have access to wealth and infuence.
Revenue sharing
allowing the entire country to benefit from offshore oil profits. However almost no one believed that the profits would benefit anyone except corrupt government officials.
Rentier state
Iran and Nigeria have this in common:
Rentier state
heavily supported by state expenditure, while the state receives rent form other countries.
Rents
Earnings that come from other states purchasing oil.
Rent-seeking behavior
Individuals, groups, and communities have learned to respond to the state’s control of rents through this, primarily by competing for the government’s largesse.
Informal economy
Most Nigerians struggle along without much access to rents, and participate in this, unreported incomes from small-scale trade and subsistence agriculture.
Over-reliance on oil
This means that the county’s economy suffers disproportionately whenever oil prices go down.
Federal character
a principle that recognizes people ahead of all elections, religions, and regions, and takes their needs into account.
Large national debt
Amassed during the 2008 economic crisis, this remains a major problem for Nigeria, especially as oil prices have plummeted.
Negative effects of federalism
Bloats and promotes corruption within the bureaucracy.
National question
Do Nigerians have enough in common to remain together as a country?
Signs of democracy
Some checks and balances between government branches, some independent decisions in the courts, revival of civil society, independent media, a peaceful succession of power, improving Freedom House scores.
A peaceful succession of power
For the first time in Nigeria’s history, power passed between two civilians as President Olusegun Obasanjo stepped down in 2007, peacefully allowing Umaru Yar’Adua to take over.
alternative voting
allowed voters to rank candidates on the ballot in order of preference
backbenchers
Legislators who do not hold leadership positions within their party caucus or conference.
Beveridge Report
provided for a social insurance program that made all citizens eligible for health, unemployment, pension, and other benefits.
Blair, Tony
promised to create a “new labour” party and rule in a “third way”
British Broadcasting Corporation
Developed in the Collective Consensus era, this was the TV and Radio Network in England, It was meant to be more educational and was generally kind to government officials.
British National Party
Extreme right party in Britain that formed in 1982. It is against immigration into the UK.
Brown, Gordon
replaced Tony Blair
Cameron, David
new Prime Minister
caucuses
meeting of people from the same area or of like mind
“civic culture”
Culture characterized by trust, legitimacy, and limited involvement, which some theorists believe is most conducive to democracy.
Clause 4
part of the early Labour Party’s ideals, believed in nationalizing some parts of the British industry. This clause was removed in the early 90’s and showed the moderation of this party to the center
Clegg, Nick
Leader of the Liberal Democrats since 2007. His party is underrepresented in Parliament compared to the number of votes they received
coalition government
When two or more parties join together to form a majority in a national legislature. This form of government is quite common in the multiparty systems of Europe.
collective consensus
both the Labour and the Conservative parties supported the development of a modern welfare system
collective responsibility
in a parliamentary system, the concept that all cabinet members agree on policy decisions and that all will be responsible for the results
Confederation of Business Industries
limits the Trade Union Congress’ wage demands in exchange for 3% reduction in income tax rates
Conservative Party
a political party in Great Britain which developed from the Tories in the 1830s, One of the two major parties in the UK, it is generally more right wing, and more towards free-markets and the upper classes,advocates a mixed economy and encourages property owning
“Constitution of the Crown”
the “constitution” of Britain that evolved over time composed of: 1. important documents 2. common law3. tradition/customs
cultural heterogenity
vast cultural differences and varieties in ethnicites, races, and tribes inhabiting the same nation or country
Democratic Unionist Party
led by protestant clergymen, The Protestant Party in Northern Ireland that is for keeping Northern Ireland in the UK
devolution
the delegation of authority (especially from a central to a regional government)
the English Bill of Rights
This document list rights retained by Parliament, not by individual citizens. William and Mary signed this document in 1688, giving important policymaking power to Parliament, including the power of the purse.
Euroskeptics
strict conservatives who want to roll back government controls and move to a full free market
“first-past-the-post” voting system
The “first past the post” voting system is the election process for representatives in the House of Commons; it means winner take all. Therefore, the candidate who receives the most votes is elected and there is no need for a majority nor an element of proportional representation.
the Glorious Revolution
The English Parliament drove out an absolute monarch and replaced him with two constitutional monarch’s William and Mary
gradualism
a policy which involves taking slow, measured actions
hereditary peers
members of the House of Lords appointed by the monarch and whose title automatically passes down to their sons.
home rule
The government of a colony, dependent country, or region by its own citizens.
hung parliament
a parliament in which no single party has majority control in the House of Commons
insularity
the state of being isolated or detached
Irish Republican Army
an unofficial nationalist military force seeking independence for Ireland from Great Britain
“Iron Lady”
Margaret Thatcher’s supporters believed her to be capable and firm
Keynesianism
the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes who advocated government monetary and fiscal programs intended to stimulate business activity and increase employment
Labour Party
created in 1906 to represent the rights of the newly-enfranchised working man
law lords
five members of the House of Lords who serve as Britain’s highest court of appeals
Liberal Democratic Alliance
party that garnered 26% of popular vote in the 1980s but, because of GB’s plurality system, never got more than 62 seats in the House of Commons.
liberalism
A political or social philosophy advocating the freedom of the individual, parliamentary systems of government, nonviolent modification of political, social, or economic institutions to assure unrestricted development in all spheres of human endeavor, and governmental guarantees of individual rights and civil liberties.
life peers
distinguished members of the society who are given lifetime appointments to the house of lords
limited government
In this type of government everyone, including all authority figures, must obey laws. Constitutions, statements of rights, or other laws define the limits of those in power so they cannot take advantage of the elected, appointed, or inherited positions.
“loyal opposition”
the party that does not win the majority
Magna Carta
In 1215 King John signed this document, agreeing to consult nobles before he made important political decisions, especially those regarding taxes. This forms the basis of limited government that placed restrictions on the power of monarchs.
Miliband, Ed
Took over the labour party after gordon brown resigned. under his rule the labour party continued to lose support. Miliband has political preferences left of center.
“misery index”
the measure of unemployment and inflation every month
mixed economy
the government directing the economy and nationalizing major industries without giving up basic principles of capitalism such as private ownership of property.
multi-nationalism
Areas that had once been many nations that are now united under one government
neo-corporatism
interest groups take lead and sometimes dominate the state
noblesse oblige
the duty of upper classes to take responsibility for the welfare of the lower classes
OPEC
Organization for Petroleum Exporting Countries
Oxbridge
Oxford and Cambridge Universities
parliamentary system
the prime minister and cabinet ministers are actually members of the legislature
Plaid Cymru
Political Party in Wales
plurality voting system
electoral process in which the candidate who polls more votes than any other candidate is elected.
politics of protest
tendency to disagree openly and sometimes violently with the government
proportional representation
an election system in which each party running receives the proportion of legislative seats corresponding to its proportion of the vote.
quangos
quasi-autonomous nongovernmental organizations or policy advisory boards appointed by the government
Question Time
a period during a parliamentary session when members of Parliament may ask questions of the ministers
rational-legal legitimacy
Legitimacy based on a system of laws and procedures that are highly institutionalized.
referendum
The name given to the political process in which the general public votes on an issue of public concern.
safe districts
districts in which incumbents win by margins of 55% or more
Scottish National Party
political party in Scotland
“shadow cabinet”
sits on opposition side facing the cabinet members
Sinn Fein
the political arm of the IRA
solidarity
complete unity in a group or organization
Speaker of the House
the leader of the majority party who serves as the presiding officer+
Thatcherism
a conservative, capitalist backlash led by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher
the third way
a centrist alternative to the old labour party on the left and the conservative party on the right
Tories
support the King
Trade Union Congress
represents a coalition of unions that had a great deal of clout because the government often consulted them on important decisions