Key Terminology Flashcards
Legitimacy
The legal right to exercise power in accordance to preset criteria and widely held agreements
e.g. a party’s right to rule and form a government following the win of an election
Direct democracy
A type of democracy where the people directly decide and have influence on decisions being made via referendums et cetera
they express their opinions themselves instead of through representatives speaking on their behalf
Representative democracy
A type of democracy where elected representatives speak and make decisions on behalf of their constituents
Pluralist democracy
A system where multiple parties groups and political opinions coexist which means that the government makes decisions as a result of this
Democratic deficit
A perceived deficiency in the way a democratic system or body works — it lacks democracy — especially regarding accountability and control over policy-making
Participation crisis
Participation being very low as seen in recurring low electoral turnouts and declining party membership
Franchise suffrage
The ability and the right to vote in elections
think tanks
A body of experts who conduct research and advocate public policy
they look into various aspects of public policy in order to formulate and develop it
Lobbyists
People paid by clients to meet with key political figures in order to persuade them to act in their clients interests
Mandate
The right of a party to pursue and implement policies set out in their general election manifesto when elected into office
Civil liberties
The rights and freedom is of citizens to political and social freedom and equality
includes freedom of speech et cetera
Accountability
The responsibility of government officials to act in the best interests of society or face the consequences of not doing so
E.g. MPs will not be re-elected if they do not satisfy voters
