Vocab 2

Question 1

A political system in which political power is exercised either directly or indirectly by the people

Answer 1

Democracy

Question 2

A political system that promotes participation, competition, and liberty and emphasizes individual freedom and civil rights

Answer 2

Liberal Democracy

Question 3

Indirect democracy that emphasizes the separation of powers within the state and the representation of the public through elected officials

Answer 3

republicanism

Question 4

The clear division of power among different branches of government and the provision that specific branches may check the power of other branches

Answer 4

Separation of powers

Question 5

The executive role that symbolizes and represents the people both nationally and internationally

Answer 5

Head of state

Question 6

The executive role that deals with the everyday tasks of running the state, such as formulating and executing policy

Answer 6

Head of government

Question 7

The branch of government charged with making laws

Answer 7

Legislature

Question 8

A political system in which the legislature comprises two houses

Answer 8

Bicameral systems

Question 9

A political system in which the legislature comprises one house

Answer 9

Unicameral systems

Question 10

A system in which all individuals and groups, including those in government, are subject to the law, irrespective of their power and authority

Answer 10

Rule of law

Question 11

The mechanism by which courts can review the actions of government and overturn those that violate the constitution

Answer 11

Judicial review

Question 12

A political system in which the roles of head of state and head of government are assigned to separate executive offices

Answer 12

Parliamentary systems

Question 13

Vote taken by a legislature as to whether its members continue to support the court prime minister; depending on the country, a vote of no confidence can force the resignation of the prime minister and/or lead to new parliamentary elections

Answer 13

Vote of no confidence

Question 14

A political system in which the rules of roles of head of state and of government are combined in one executive office

Answer 14

Presidential systems

Question 15

An executive system that divides power between two strong executives, a president and a prime minister

Answer 15

Semi-presidential systems

Question 16

A set of rules that govern how votes are cast, counted, and translated into seats in a legislature

Answer 16

Electoral systems

Question 17

A geographical area where an elected official represents

Answer 17

Constituencies

Question 18

An electoral district with one seat

Answer 18

Single-member district

Question 19

An electoral system in which political parties compete in multi-member districts, voters choose between parties, and the seats in the district are awarded proportionally according to the results of the vote

Answer 19

Proportional representation

Question 20

An electoral district with more than one seat

Answer 20

Multi member districts

Question 21

An electroral system that uses a combination of single-member districts and proportional representation

Answer 21

Mixed electoral system

Question 22

A national called by a government to address a specific proposal, often a change to the Constitution

Answer 22

Referendum

Question 23

A national vote called by members of the public to address a specific proposal

Answer 23

Initiative

Question 24

Individual rights regarding equality that are created by the Constitution and the political regime

Answer 24

Civil rights

Question 25

Individual rights regarding freedom that are created by the Constitution and the political regime

Answer 25

Civil liberties

Question 26

A process in which political power is “sent down” to lower levels of state and local government

Answer 26

Devolution

Question 27

A regime where democratic institutions that rest on the rule of law are weakly institutionalized and poorly respected

Answer 27

Illiberal democracy

Question 28

A state which derives all or a substantial portion of its national revenues from the rent paid by foreign individuals, concerns or governments

Answer 28

Rentier State