Uk Democracy Flashcards
What type of democracy is the UK?
A liberal democracy
Definition of the state
Collective name for the institutions that administer a country. Normally these administrations are non-political e.g. The civil service.
Definition of a state
A country who’s government’s jurisdiction is recognised by other states.
Definition of a government
A collection of elected democratic representatives that govern a country. They are part of the party in power.
Definition of power
Exerting influence over something.
Definition of legitimacy
A right to govern (often via election).
Definition of authority
Exerting power
Definition of sovereignty
Ability to decide for yourself.
Definition of rule of law
A law that should be followed and respected by everyone.
Definition of a civil servant
A non-political person who does official work (processing driver’s licenses).
Definition of direct diplomacy
A form of democracy in which people decide policy initiatives directly.
Definition of representative democracy
A type of democracy founded on the principle of elected officials representing a group of people, as opposed to direct democracy.
Definition of pluralist democracy
A political system where there is more than on center of power. Democracies are by definition pluralist as democracies allow freedom of association.
Definition of a democratic deficit
When seemingly democratic organisations or institutions (particularly governments) fall short of fulfilling the principles of democracy in their practices or operation.
Definition of suffrage
The right to vote in political elections.
