Key Terms U1

Question 1

Power

Answer 1

the ability or capacity to do something or act in a particular way

Question 2

Legitimate power

Answer 2

making sure it is democratic -> absolute majority -> not dictatorship

Question 3

Political actor

Answer 3

individuals who have obtained at least some measure of political power

Question 4

State

Answer 4

Criteria for a state:

Question 5

Democracy

Answer 5

a political system (vs an economical system eg capitalism) -> democracy has dot points 8 to 16

Question 6

Sovereignty

Answer 6

defines a state, cannot be a state unless you are sovereign

Question 7

Majority rule

Question 8

Referendum

Answer 8

a national yes/no vote

Question 9

Absolute majority

Answer 9

50% plus one vote

Question 10

First past the post/simple majority

Answer 10

most votes win, no absolute majority needed NOT DEMOCRATIC

Question 11

Minority rights

Answer 11

giving voice / rights to a minority

Question 12

Regular elections

Answer 12

federal government mandated to be every three years un Australia, but they can be called early

Question 13

Secret ballot

Answer 13

people don’t know who you vote for

Question 14

Representative government

Question 15

responsible government

Question 16

strong opposition

Answer 16

opposition party being smart to keep the government in check

Question 17

seperation of powers

Question 18

the AEC

Answer 18

independent authority to run elections

Question 19

voter turnout

Answer 19

compulsory voting adds legitimacy

Question 20

gonig to preference

Answer 20

you did not win your seat of electorate on the first preference

Question 21

safe seat

Answer 21

a seat in an electorate unlikely to change hands

Question 22

marginal seat

Answer 22

endanger of changing hands as it was won with a minority

Question 23

minority govenrment

Question 24

electing the POTUS

Question 25

Electing the Prime Minister