Second partial Flashcards
What is the definition of democracy according to Schumpter?
The democratic method is that institutional arrangement for arriving at political decisions in which individuals acquire the power to decide by means of a competitive struggle for the people’s vote
What is a nation?
Group of people who recognize each other as sharing a common identity
What is a state?
An entity which is recognized to exist when a government is in control of a population residing within a defined territory
What is a nation-state?
A political community in which the state coincides with and represents the nation
What is sovereignty?
The principal that, within its territorial boundaries, the state is the supreme political authority and that, outside those boundaries, the state recognizes no higher political authority
Which factors give states their sovereignty?
- Recognition
- Power considerations
- International law
- The consent of citizens
What is legitimacy?
The belief that any given rule, institution, or leader is acceptable and has the right to exist, govern, or pursue its affairs in its chosen manner
What is the definition of democracy according to Schmitter and Karl?
Modern political democracy is a system of governance in which rulers are held accountable for their actions in the public realm by citizens, acting indirectly through the competition and cooperation of their elected representatives
Which are the seven features of democracy?
- Rule of law
- Checks & balances
- Equality before the law
- Freedom of the press
- Freedom of association
- Freedom of information
- Minority rights
What is rule of law?
Principle where EVERYONE is accountable to law
What are checks & balances?
Different departments balance and check each other
What is equality before the law?
Principle that holds that the law may not discriminate in its treatment of citizens
What is freedom of the press?
Independence of media content
What is freedom of association?
Being able to form independent organizations that seek to further the interests of its members
What is freedom of information?
Being able to access information held by the state
What are minority rights?
Secure the rights of minority against the power of majority by making some things non-votable
What are failed states?
State sin which authorities are not able, or willing, to perform their tasks appropriately
Which are the characteristics of a failed state?
- Breakdown of law & order
- Weak capacity to respond to citizen needs
- Lack of credible international representation
How many states form the UN Security Council?
15
Who are the permanent members of the Security Council?
- China
- England
- Russia
- USA
- France
What is the main function of the UN Security Council?
Maintain international peace and security
What does the UN Security Council do?
- Peacekeeping
- Conflict prevention
- Peacemaking
- Peace building
- Peace enforcement
- Basically… PEACE.
How many countries are in the UN General Assembly?
193 countries: 1 seat per country
How are decisions made in the General Assembly?
Important questions need 2/3 of the votes
What does the UN General Assembly do?
Represent interests of the developing world:
- peace
- counteracting major power’s pressures
- independence
What is the World Trade Organization?
International organization for liberalizing trade between nations, which operates a system of trade rules and provides a forum for trade negotiations and settling trade disputes
Which are the WTO’s objectives?
- Free trade
- Non-discrimination in trade
- Binding & transparency
- Fair competition
- Development
Which are the WTO’s functions?
- Provides a forum for trade negotiations
- Evaluation on trade complaints by members
- Assistance to less developed countries
- Tracking of members’ trade policies
Who is in the WTO?
Every country is represented
Who leads the WTO?
Secretariat led by Director General
Which are some of the WTO’s virtues?
- Handling disputes through impartial processes
- Trade liberalism
Which are some of the WTO’s faults?
- Favoring of richer countries
- Environmental protection
- Rights & safety issues for workers
What is the International Monetary Fund?
International organization designed to promote international monetary cooperation and attain stability in the monetary system
What is the monetary system?
System of exchange rates and international payments which enable states to buy goods and services from each other
How many members are in the IMF?
188
Which are some of the IMF’s functions?
- Examine members’ economic policies
- Spread economic information, research & analysis
- Provide financial assistance
- Provide technical assistance
How do quotas work in the IMF?
Each member must contribute financially to pay for operation costs of the IMF
Which are the two parts of the World Bank?
- International Bank for Reconstruction & Development
- International Development Association
How many members are in the IBRD?
188
How many members are in the IDA?
173
Which are some of the International Bank for Reconstruction & Development’s functions?
- Finance economic development
- End extreme poverty
- Boost shared prosperity
Which are some of the International Development Association’s functions?
Provide long-term, interest-free loans, grants & debt relief to the poorest countries
Where does the money for the IBRD come from?
Issues bonds to purchase money
Where does the money for the IDA come from?
Donor nations
What is non-governmental organization?
A formal, private, non-profit distributing, self-governing, voluntary organization concerned with development, human rights, and social change