Political Dimensions Flashcards
Democracy
System of government in which power lies with the people.
Dictatorship
Liberal Principles
Direct Democracy
People vote directly on issues. Works better with small groups because it requires that everyone gather in a space to discuss the issue, then vote.
Representative Democracy
Citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf
Elite Theory of Democracy
One elite group of citizens, deemed qualified, is given the task of making decisions for all. Anthony Downs argued that since one vote has little impact in a mass group of voters, they may be less inclined to make rational and well informed decisions.
Lobbying
An attempt to influence the direction of government policy by groups that represent a particular interest.
Tyranny of the Majority
A potential problem of democracies. That the will of the majority may be imposed on minorities, to the detriment of other liberal principles.
Parliamentary Democracy
Presidential Democracy
Proportional Representation
Citizens vote directly for a party and representatives are assigned based on popular support obtained. This encourages participation by minority parties who would not obtain representation on the systems used in Canada and the US.
Responsible Government
The executive branch of government (proposes laws, consists of PM and CMs) is dependent on direct or indirect support from elected members of the legislative branch (majority of MPs in the House of Commons). if legislative branch does not approve, executive branch may be forced to resign or call an election.
Checks and Balances
Power is shared among executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Each can keep an eye on one another to prevent one from absolute power.
Characteristics of Totalitarian Regimes
Fascism
Communism
Initiatives
Citizen’s group draws up a petition. If the petition gets enough signatures, it can force a public vote on an issue.
Referendums/ Plebiscites
All citizens may vote on whether to accept or reject a proposed piece of legislation.
Recalls
A majority of voters may choose to have an elected official removed from office, usually initiated by a petition.
Constitution
Constitutional monarchy
One party state
only one party makes up the government. No other parties are allowed to run candidates in an election.
Oligarchy
Political power rests in a small, elite segment of society
Military dictatorship
Political power resides with military leadership. Often they come into power through a coup d’etat.
Populism
Totalitarian State
Single party regime, can be found at the extremes of the political spectrum (communism and fascism. No political opposition is tolerated. Conformity to the demands of the state is required and achieved through coercion.
