Power and national political actors Glossary Terms

Question 1

Define Institution

Answer 1

An institution is an establishment farmwork for structing and regulating certain aspects of human social life.

Question 2

Define Political significance

Answer 2

Refers to the importance, impact or relevance of a political event. action, decision or actor within the context of a particular society, government or political system .

Question 3

Define power

Answer 3

Power is an ability to influence outcomes within a system

Question 4

Define Poltical Actors

Answer 4

Political actors are the individuals, groups, institutions or entities that participate in and influence the political processes that determine which decisions, polices and actors are taken

Question 5

Define Political Interests

Answer 5

Political interests are the desires. motivations and goals that both shape and drive the behavior of political actors.

Question 6

Define Political Change

Answer 6

Political change refers to the extent to which political outcomes differ over time, including as a result of the actions of political actors; a lack of change is taken to indicate political stability.

Question 7

Define Political Perspectives

Answer 7

political perspectives are the ways in which political actors see and understand their interests, which are influenced by their ideas, values, experinces and contextual factors.

Question 8

Define Capacity

Answer 8

Capacity is the potential or ability to do something or influence an outcome

Question 9

Define Policy

Answer 9

A policy is an agreed- upon set of ideas or a plan for how a government or other group will respond in particular situations, typically expressed in statements, laws or other rules.

Question 10

Define Entities

Answer 10

Entities are organizations founded for a particular cause or purpose, such as religion, government, education, professions or social purpose.

Question 11

Define Sate

Answer 11

A state is political unit that has a permanent population, defined territory, a distinct government and recognized sovereignty; states are traditionally considered the central actors in global politics.

Question 12

Define Multicultural

Answer 12

Multicultural means several different cultures coexisting peacefully and equitably In a single country

Question 13

Define Culturally homogenous

Answer 13

Culturally Homogeneous refers to a country or other group sharing an overwhelming dominant or unfirm culture.

Question 14

Define Sovereignty

Answer 14

Sovereignty is the legitimate or widely recognized ability to exercise effective control over matter in a particular area, or within particular borders.

Question 15

Define Liberal Democracy

Answer 15

Liberal Democracy refers to a form of democracy in which the power of government is limited and counterbalanced by the rights and freedoms of individuals, which are protected by constitutions, established norms and institutions.

Question 16

Define Capitalism

Answer 16

Capitalism refers to a social and economic system where privately owned and operated businesses and produce goods and services for a profit; it usually features systems of private property, wage labour, marker competition and the accumulation of capital
(wealth )

Question 17

Define Stability

Answer 17

Stability refers to a political system’s ability to maintain things as they are, and/or where decisions and changes do not substantially affect the current distribution if power among actors (particularly institutions and governments within that system.

Question 18

Government Leaders

Answer 18

Are holders of the most powerful offices in national governments, including heads of state, cabinet ministers, special advisers and other high-ranking government officials; generally, their most senior are termed prime minister or president.

Question 19

Multilateralism

Answer 19

Refers to a system of coordinating relations between three or more global actors, usually in pursuit of specific objectives.

Question 20

Global Governance

Answer 20

Refers to the loose framework of global rules and regulations upheld by the founding of permeant international intuitions. the codification of international law and the establishment of international norms (values and principles that inform global standards and expectations)

Question 21

Political Party

Answer 21

Are formal membership -based organizations that seek to represent particular groups and ideas about how society should be organized.

Question 22

Media

Answer 22

Is the means by which communication happens between large groups of people

Question 23

Traditional media

Answer 23

Refers to means of mass communication that rely primarily on predigital broadcast methods, such as radio, television and print notably newspapers and magazines .

Question 24

Legitimacy

Answer 24

Legitimacy is the percperception that an act, actor, group or institution is justified in its exercise of power; legitimacy is thought to transform power into authority.

Question 25

Stake Holders

Answer 25

Is an individual or entity that has a particular interest in an organization, process or outcome.

Question 26

Corporations

Answer 26

Are entitles that conduct business operations in pursuit of profit; they may be owned or controlled by wealthy individuals shareholders, governments, or some combination thereof.

Question 27

Transnational corporations

Answer 27

Are entitles that conduct their operations across multiple states and, due to their size, can have a significant influence on flows of global production, trade, commerce and investment

Question 28

Social Movements

Answer 28

Are groups of individuals who, though some organized effort, seek to achieve a certain social change or political goal.

Question 29

Authority

Answer 29

The recognized right to exercise power. In global politics, authority often comes from legal frameworks, constitutions, or international agreements. In Australia, authority is derived from the Constitution, which grants power to the government and its institutions, including Parliament, the Prime Minister, and the High Court.

Question 30

Participation

Answer 30

The ways in which individuals and groups engage in political processes, such as voting, protests, lobbying, and joining political parties. In Australia, participation includes compulsory voting in federal elections.

Question 31

Popular Sovereignty

Answer 31

The principle that a government’s power is derived from the consent of the people. In Australia, this is reflected in democratic elections, where citizens vote for representatives who govern on their behalf.

Question 32

Parliamentary Sovereignty

Answer 32

The idea that Parliament is the supreme law-making body, with no authority above it. In Australia, parliamentary sovereignty is limited by the Constitution and the power of the High Court, which can strike down laws that conflict with constitutional rights.

Question 33

Federalism

Answer 33

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and regional governments. Australia is a federation, meaning power is shared between the Commonwealth (federal government) and state/territory governments, as outlined in the Australian Constitution.

Question 34

Responsible Government

Answer 34

A system where the government is accountable to Parliament and the people. In Australia, the Prime Minister and Cabinet must have the support of the House of Representatives and can be removed through a vote of no confidence. Ministers must also take responsibility for their decisions.

Question 35

Separation of Powers

Answer 35

Government power is divided into three branches to prevent abuse: Legislative (Parliament) – makes laws Executive (Government) – enforces laws Judicial (Courts) – interprets laws In Australia, the Constitution enforces this separation, but the executive comes from Parliament.

Question 36

Institutions of Global Governance

Answer 36

Organisations and frameworks that regulate international affairs and set global rules. Examples include: United Nations (UN) – Maintains international peace and security World Trade Organization (WTO) – Regulates global trade International Criminal Court (ICC) – Prosecutes crimes against humanity International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank – Manage global economic stability

Question 37

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Answer 37

Independent organizations that work to address social, political, or environmental issues. In Australia, examples include: Amnesty International Australia – Advocates for human rights Oxfam Australia – Works on poverty and global justice Australian Conservation Foundation – Focuses on environmental protection

Question 38

Social Movement Groups and Individuals

Answer 38

Collective groups advocating for political or social change. In Australia, these include: School Strike 4 Climate – Youth-led movement for climate action Australian Marriage Equality – Campaigned for same-sex marriage, leading to the 2017 legalisation Indigenous Rights Movements – Such as the campaign for the Uluru Statement from the Heart

Question 39

Different Ways of Organizing Power Within States:

Answer 39

Federalism – Australia’s division of power between federal and state governments. Responsible Government – The executive is accountable to Parliament and, ultimately, to the people. Separation of Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Power – As seen in Australia’s Constitutional framework, ensuring checks and balances.

Question 40

Liberlism

Answer 40

Liberalism is a political and moral philosophy that emphasizes individual rights, freedom, and equality. It advocates for principles such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to private property, and the rule of law.

Question 41

Representative democracy

Answer 41

Is a system of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf. It contrasts with direct democracy, where citizens vote on policies directly. Examples include the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Question 42

Accountability

Answer 42

Accountability refers to the obligation of individuals, organizations, or governments to take responsibility for their actions and decisions, and to be answerable to the public, stakeholders, or higher authorities. It ensures transparency, prevents misuse of power, and promotes trust.

Question 43

Politics

Answer 43

Politics refers to the activities, actions, and policies used to gain and hold power in a government or influence decision-making in society. It involves the governance of a community, state, or nation and includes debates, laws, and policies that shape how societies function.

Question 44

Nation

Answer 44

As a group of people who share a common identity, often based on culture, language, history, and sometimes ethnicity. It may or may not have its own sovereign state. A nation-state is when a nation has political independence and governance over a specific territory, like Japan or France. However, some nations exist without a state, such as the Kurds.

Question 45

Power

Answer 45

The ability of an individual or institution to influence the actions, decisions, and thinking of others. Power can be exercised through force, persuasion, authority, or coercion. Example: The Australian government enforces taxation laws, requiring citizens to pay taxes.

Question 46

Legitimacy

Answer 46

The right to exercise power, usually derived from laws, constitutions, or public support. A government is considered legitimate if it has the consent of the governed. Example: The Australian government gains legitimacy through democratic elections.

Question 47

Authority

Answer 47

The recognized right to exercise power, often given through legal frameworks or social norms. Authority is legitimate power. Example: The Prime Minister of Australia has authority to make decisions based on being elected leader of the government.

Question 48

Participation

Answer 48

The involvement of individuals and groups in the political process, including voting, protests, lobbying, and joining political parties. Example: Australians participate in politics by voting in federal and state elections.

Question 49

Popular Sovereignty

Answer 49

The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of the people, usually through elections. Example: In Australia, citizens vote in federal elections to choose their representatives, demonstrating popular sovereignty.

Question 50

Parliamentary Sovereignty

Answer 50

The concept that parliament is the supreme legal authority, with the power to make, amend, and repeal laws. Example: The Australian Parliament can pass new laws or change existing ones, such as legalizing same-sex marriage in 2017.

Question 51

Federalism

Answer 51

A system of government where power is divided between a central government and regional governments (states/territories). Example: Australia has a federal system where responsibilities are divided between the Commonwealth and state governments.

Question 52

Responsible Government

Answer 52

A system where the executive government is accountable to the parliament and must maintain its confidence to govern. Ministers must justify their policies and actions. Example: If a government loses a vote of no confidence in the House of Representatives, it must resign or call an election.

Question 53

Separation of Powers

Answer 53

The division of government power into three branches—executive, legislative, and judicial—to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. Example: In Australia: The legislative (parliament) makes laws. The executive (government) administers laws. The judiciary (courts) interprets laws.

Question 54

Political Interests

Answer 54

The specific concerns or priorities that influence political behavior, often based on economic, social, or ideological factors. Example: Business groups may lobby the government for lower corporate taxes to protect their financial interests.

Question 55

Political Perspectives

Answer 55

Different viewpoints on political issues, shaped by ideology, values, or group affiliations. Example: A progressive perspective supports government intervention in social issues, while a conservative perspective favors limited government involvement.

Question 56

Political Significance

Answer 56

The importance or impact of a political issue, decision, or event on society, governance, or public policy. Example: The 2019-2020 Australian bushfires had political significance as they influenced climate policy debates.

Question 57

Political Stability/Change

Answer 57

Political Stability refers to a government maintaining order and legitimacy over time. Political Change occurs when power shifts due to elections, protests, policy reforms, or revolutions. Example: Australia is politically stable because governments change through elections, not violence.

Question 58

Liberal Democracy

Answer 58

A form of democracy that combines majority rule with protections for individual rights, freedoms, and rule of law. Example: Australia is a liberal democracy with free elections, freedom of speech, and an independent judiciary.

Question 59

Representative Democracy

Answer 59

A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. Example: Australians vote for members of parliament who create and pass laws.

Question 60

Accountability

Answer 60

The requirement for political leaders and institutions to be answerable for their actions and decisions. Example: Ministers must answer questions in parliament and can be removed if they act improperly.