Vocab 2 Flashcards
A political system in which political power is exercised either directly or indirectly by the people
Democracy
A political system that promotes participation, competition, and liberty and emphasizes individual freedom and civil rights
Liberal Democracy
Indirect democracy that emphasizes the separation of powers within the state and the representation of the public through elected officials
republicanism
The clear division of power among different branches of government and the provision that specific branches may check the power of other branches
Separation of powers
The executive role that symbolizes and represents the people both nationally and internationally
Head of state
The executive role that deals with the everyday tasks of running the state, such as formulating and executing policy
Head of government
The branch of government charged with making laws
Legislature
A political system in which the legislature comprises two houses
Bicameral systems
A political system in which the legislature comprises one house
Unicameral systems
A system in which all individuals and groups, including those in government, are subject to the law, irrespective of their power and authority
Rule of law
The mechanism by which courts can review the actions of government and overturn those that violate the constitution
Judicial review
A political system in which the roles of head of state and head of government are assigned to separate executive offices
Parliamentary systems
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
Vote of no confidence
A political system in which the rules of roles of head of state and of government are combined in one executive office
Presidential systems
An executive system that divides power between two strong executives, a president and a prime minister
Semi-presidential systems
A set of rules that govern how votes are cast, counted, and translated into seats in a legislature
Electoral systems
A geographical area where an elected official represents
Constituencies
An electoral district with one seat
Single-member district
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
Proportional representation
An electoral district with more than one seat
Multi member districts
An electroral system that uses a combination of single-member districts and proportional representation
Mixed electoral system
A national called by a government to address a specific proposal, often a change to the Constitution
Referendum
A national vote called by members of the public to address a specific proposal
Initiative
Individual rights regarding equality that are created by the Constitution and the political regime
Civil rights
Individual rights regarding freedom that are created by the Constitution and the political regime
Civil liberties
A process in which political power is “sent down” to lower levels of state and local government
Devolution
A regime where democratic institutions that rest on the rule of law are weakly institutionalized and poorly respected
Illiberal democracy
A state which derives all or a substantial portion of its national revenues from the rent paid by foreign individuals, concerns or governments
Rentier State
