UNIT 1 - Political Systems, Regimes, and Governments

Question 1

Political System

Answer 1

The set of institutions, processes, and rules that define how power is acquired, distributed, and exercised within a state.

Question 2

Regime

Answer 2

The set of rules and norms that govern the exercise of political power within a state, which can be either democratic or authoritarian.

Question 3

Government

Answer 3

The group of people and institutions that hold authority in a political system at a given time, responsible for making and implementing public policy.

Question 4

State

Answer 4

A political organization that holds the monopoly on the legitimate use of force within a defined territory and is responsible for maintaining order and enforcing laws.

Question 5

Sovereignty

Answer 5

The authority of a state to govern itself without external interference, making and enforcing laws independently.

Question 6

Nation

Answer 6

A group of people who share a common identity, often based on language, culture, religion, or ethnicity.

Question 7

Democracy

Answer 7

A political system where power is derived from the people through free, fair, and competitive elections, with legal and institutional checks on power.

Question 8

Authoritarinism

Answer 8

A political system where power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or small group, often with limited political freedoms and few checks on authority.

Question 9

Hybrid Regime

Answer 9

A political system that combines elements of both democracy and authoritarianism, often featuring flawed elections and restricted civil liberties.

Question 10

Federal System

Answer 10

A political system where power is divided between a central government and regional governments, with each level having certain autonomous powers.

Question 11

Unitary System

Answer 11

A political system where power is concentrated at the central level, with little to no autonomy for regional governments.

Question 12

Presidential System

Answer 12

A system of government where the president is both head of state and head of government, elected separately from the legislature.

Question 13

Parliamentary System

Answer 13

A system of government where the executive is derived from the legislature, and the prime minister serves as head of government.

Question 14

Legitimacy

Answer 14

The popular acceptance and recognition of a government’s right to rule, often based on the perceived fairness and effectiveness of its authority.

Question 15

Rule of Law

Answer 15

The principle that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are subject to and accountable under the law.

Question 16

Civil Liberties

Answer 16

Individual rights and freedoms that are protected from government interference, often enshrined in a constitution or bill of rights.

Question 17

Civil Society

Answer 17

The sphere of organizations, associations, and movements that operate independently of the government to advocate for various interests and values.

Question 18

Judicial Review

Answer 18

The power of the judiciary to examine and invalidate laws and actions of the government that are found to be unconstitutional.

Question 19

Bicameral Legislature

Answer 19

A legislative body with two chambers, typically an upper and a lower house, which may represent different interests or regions.

Question 20

Devolution

Answer 20

The transfer of power from a central government to regional or local governments, granting them more autonomy in certain areas.

Question 21

Head of State

Answer 21

The individual or entity that represents the state in its ceremonial functions and is often separate from the head of government.

Question 22

Head of Government

Answer 22

The leader of the executive branch responsible for administering government policies and often leading the legislative agenda.

Question 23

Political Efficacy

Answer 23

The belief that one’s political participation can make a difference in the political process, influencing government decisions.

Question 24

Authority

Answer 24

The recognized right to exercise power or make decisions, typically vested in government institutions or leaders.

Question 25

Power

Answer 25

The ability to influence or control the behavior of people and institutions, often exercised through governmental authority and institutions.