wmdn d Flashcards
1
Q
What is a political party?
A
An organized group of people who share common political beliefs, goals, and policies and seek to gain and exercise political power by participating in elections and governing institutions.
2
Q
What are the key features of political parties?
A
- Organization
- Common Ideology or Goals
- Electoral Participation
- Policy Formation
- Governance Role
3
Q
What are the primary functions of political parties in a democracy?
A
✔Representation – Act as a bridge between citizens and the government.
✔Elite formation and recruitment
✔ Political Education – Inform and engage the public on key issues.
✔ Socialization and mobilization
✔ Candidate Selection – Nominate individuals to run for office.
✔ Policy Making – Develop policies and legislative agendas.
✔ Interest articulation & aggregation
✔ Government Formation – If successful in elections, they form and run governments.
✔ Opposition and Accountability – If not in power, they hold the government accountable and offer alternatives.
4
Q
What is the Democracy Index?
A
An annual ranking of countries based on the state of their democracy, published by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
5
Q
List the five key categories evaluated by the Democracy Index.
A
- Electoral Process and Pluralism
- Functioning of Government
- Political Participation
- Democratic Political Culture
- Civil Liberties
6
Q
What are the four types of democracies according to the Democracy Index?
A
- Full democracies (8.01-10)
- Flawed democracies (6.01-8)
- Hybrid regimes (4.01-6)
- Authoritarian regimes (0-4)
7
Q
What defines a parliamentary system of government?
A
The executive branch is drawn from and accountable to the legislature (Parliament).
8
Q
What is a key characteristic of parliamentary systems?
A
The Prime Minister is not directly elected by the public but is appointed by Parliament.
9
Q
Fill in the blank: In parliamentary systems, the Prime Minister serves as long as they maintain the _______.
A
[confidence of Parliament]
10
Q
What is a vote of no confidence?
A
A key mechanism of parliamentary accountability that can force the Prime Minister to resign.
11
Q
What are the three types of no confidence votes?
A
- Explicit No Confidence Vote
- Failure to Pass Key Legislation
- Constructive No Confidence Vote
12
Q
What is the role of political parties in parliamentary systems?
A
They shape the real functioning of parliamentary systems through party discipline.
13
Q
Describe the key features of presidential systems.
A
- Separation of Powers
- Fixed Terms for the President
- Direct Election of the President
- Executive Control Over the Government
- Legislative-Executive Independence
14
Q
What is semi-presidentialism?
A
A system where a constitution provides for both a directly elected fixed-term president and a prime minister and cabinet responsible to the legislature.
15
Q
What are the two types of semi-presidentialism?
A
- Premier-Presidentialism
- President-Parliamentarism
16
Q
What is the difference between Premier-Presidentialism and President-Parliamentarism?
A
In Premier-Presidentialism, the Prime Minister is accountable only to Parliament; in President-Parliamentarism, the Prime Minister is accountable to both the President and Parliament.
17
Q
What are the advantages of a presidential system?
A
- Stable Leadership
- Clear Separation of Powers
- Democratic Legitimacy
- Independent Decision-Making
18
Q
What are the disadvantages of a presidential system?
A
- Gridlock
- Difficult to Remove Leaders
- Potential for Authoritarianism
- Winner-Takes-All Elections
19
Q
What electoral systems play a major role in shaping governance?
A
- Majoritarian Systems
- Proportional Systems
20
Q
What is meant by ‘unified government’ in presidential systems?
A
When the President’s party controls the legislature, leading to concentrated power.
21
Q
What is the main function of political parties in presidential systems?
A
The effectiveness of presidentialism depends on party systems and electoral rules.
22
Q
What is an example of a country with a parliamentary system with a monarch?
A
United Kingdom
23
Q
What is an example of a country with a semi-presidential system?
A
France
24
Q
True or False: In presidential systems, the President can easily be removed by the legislature.
A
False
25
What are the advantages of Premier-Presidentialism?
* Balances executive authority
* Encourages legislative stability and coalition-building
* Reduces the risk of authoritarianism
## Footnote
Premier-Presidentialism helps distribute power more evenly between the President and Prime Minister.
26
What are the disadvantages of Premier-Presidentialism?
* Potential for power struggles between President and PM
* Gridlock during cohabitation if President and PM belong to opposing parties
## Footnote
These disadvantages can lead to inefficiencies in governance.
27
In President-Parliamentarism, who can dismiss the Prime Minister?
The President
## Footnote
This system centralizes power with the President, as seen in Russia and Weimar Germany.
28
What is a key feature of President-Parliamentarism?
Stronger presidential power
## Footnote
This often leads to weaker parliamentary influence.
29
What role do political parties play in semi-presidential systems according to Gardbaum (2017)?
* Strong presidential parties lead to President-Parliamentary dominance
* Fragmented legislatures increase PM’s independence
* Electoral systems affect the balance of power
## Footnote
The party system significantly influences the functioning of semi-presidential systems.
30
List some countries that have semi-presidential systems.
* France
* Slovenia
* Czech Republic
* Poland
* Slovakia
* Portugal
* Romania
* Bulgaria
* Georgia
* Croatia
* Austria
* Ireland
* Iceland
* Finland
* Niger
* Cameroon
## Footnote
These countries exhibit various forms of semi-presidentialism.
31
What is cohabitation in semi-presidential regimes?
When the President and Prime Minister come from opposing political parties
## Footnote
This often occurs when the President’s party does not control a parliamentary majority.
32
What are the key conditions for cohabitation?
* Non-Concurrent Elections
* Fragmented or Shifting Party Support
* Strong Parliamentary Authority in Premier-Presidential Systems
## Footnote
These conditions increase the likelihood of cohabitation, affecting governance dynamics.
33
What was the effect of the first cohabitation in France (1986–1988)?
* Chirac controlled domestic policy
* Mitterrand retained foreign policy control
## Footnote
This period highlighted the power dynamics within a semi-presidential system.
34
What is an assembly government?
A government system where the legislature holds supreme authority and the executive is weak or dependent on it
## Footnote
This system often leads to instability and frequent government changes.
35
What is a vote of no confidence?
A parliamentary mechanism to remove a government or executive leader from power
## Footnote
It ensures government accountability to elected representatives.
36
What are the types of no confidence votes?
* Explicit Vote of No Confidence
* Constructive Vote of No Confidence
* Motion of Confidence (Reverse No Confidence Vote)
## Footnote
Each type serves different purposes in parliamentary systems.
37
What does rationalized parliamentarism aim to achieve?
Enhance government stability and prevent excessive instability
## Footnote
It introduces mechanisms to limit no-confidence votes and government dissolutions.
38
What is presidentialization of politics?
The growing concentration of power in the hands of the executive leader
## Footnote
This trend affects both parliamentary and semi-presidential systems.
39
List the early forms of political parties.
* Aristocratic cliques and factions
* Parliamentary groups during the French Revolution
* Cadre parties
## Footnote
These forms reflect the evolution of political organization over time.
40
What characterizes mass-based parties?
Emerged with universal suffrage and the rise of working-class politics
## Footnote
They created mass memberships and party infrastructures.
41
What do catch-all and electoralist parties emphasize?
* Broad voter appeal
* Media campaigns
* Leadership over mass membership
## Footnote
This shift occurred in the 20th century as parties sought to attract a wider electorate.
42
What are the dominant types of political parties?
1. Elite-Based Parties
2. Mass-Based Parties
3. Ethnicity-Based Parties
4. Electoralist Parties
5. Movement Parties
## Footnote
Based on Gunther & Diamond (2003), these types are classified by organizational structure and ideological focus.
43
What characterizes Elite-Based Parties?
Small memberships, elite control, focus on clientelism and patronage
## Footnote
Examples include 19th-century conservative and liberal parties.
44
What distinguishes Mass-Based Parties?
Large social group representation, strong ideological focus, mass mobilization
## Footnote
Examples include Socialist, Communist, and Christian Democratic parties.
45
Define Single-Issue Parties.
Focus on one policy issue, may fade if the issue is resolved, can influence mainstream politics
## Footnote
Examples: Pirate Party (Sweden), Brexit Party (UK).
46
What are Business-Firm Parties?
Leader-centered, minimal internal democracy, highly dependent on founder’s wealth
## Footnote
Example: Palikot’s Movement in Poland.
47
What is meant by Electoral Professionalization?
Campaigns rely more on media, polling, and advertising experts than on party activists
## Footnote
This trend reflects the shift in party systems post-World War II.
48
What are Political Cleavages?
Deep social divisions influencing voter behavior and party competition
## Footnote
Characteristics include roots in historical conflicts and long-lasting influence.
49
List Lipset & Rokkan's Four Cleavages.
1. Owner – Worker
2. Church – State
3. Land – Industry
4. Centre - Periphery
## Footnote
These cleavages shaped modern European party systems.
50
What is Party Realignment?
Shifts in long-standing political cleavages causing changes in voter loyalties
## Footnote
Can occur due to economic, cultural, or demographic changes.
51
Define Critical Realignment.
A major event triggers a rapid voter shift
## Footnote
Example: U.S. 1932 New Deal realignment.
52
What is Dealignment in political terms?
Declining attachment to political parties, increased voter volatility
## Footnote
Leads to more issue-based voting and less ideological loyalty.
53
What are the legal definitions of Political Parties?
Voluntary associations aiming to express political will and influence governance
## Footnote
Defined by laws regulating formation, funding, and operations.
54
What is the Liberal/Free Market Model in party regulation?
Prioritizes maximum freedom for parties with minimal state intervention
## Footnote
Example: United States.
55
What does Militant Democracy entail?
Democratic regimes defend against anti-democratic forces, allowing measures to prevent extremist parties
## Footnote
Karl Loewenstein argued democracies must allow anti-democratic parties under certain conditions.
56
What are key legal measures against anti-democratic parties?
1. Party Bans
2. State Funding Restrictions
3. Constitutional Court Oversight
## Footnote
These measures aim to uphold democratic principles.
57
What is a Dominant Party System?
One party dominates elections but allows opposition parties
## Footnote
Examples: Japan (LDP), South Africa (ANC).
58
What characterizes a Two-Party System?
Two large parties alternate in power with limited influence from minor parties
## Footnote
Example: United States (Democrats vs. Republicans).
59
What is a Dominant Party System?
One party dominates elections but allows opposition parties
## Footnote
Examples include Japan (LDP) and South Africa (ANC).
60
What characterizes a Two-Party System?
Two large parties alternate in power, with minor parties having limited influence
## Footnote
Examples include the USA (Democrats vs. Republicans) and the UK (Labour vs. Conservatives).
61
Define a Two-and-a-Half Party System.
Two main parties exist, but a smaller party is necessary to form a majority
## Footnote
Example: Germany before 1998 (CDU/CSU & SPD with FDP).
62
What is a Multiparty System?
Multiple parties compete; no single party can rule alone, requiring coalitions
## Footnote
Examples include France, Italy, Netherlands, and Spain.
63
Describe a Bipolar/Tripolar System.
Parties form electoral coalitions that compete against each other
## Footnote
Example: France (Left vs. Right vs. National Rally).
64
True or False: Two-party systems are typically found in proportional representation systems.
False
## Footnote
Two-party systems are typically found in majoritarian electoral systems.
65
What is a Single-party system?
Only one political organization is allowed, and other parties are delegalized
## Footnote
Examples include the National Socialist Party in Nazi Germany and communist parties in the Soviet Union.
66
Define a Hegemonic Party System.
One hegemonic party controls the government, while other parties are merely 'satellites'
## Footnote
Other political organizations are not allowed to take part in elections.
67
What does Duverger's Law state?
Majoritarian electoral systems lead to two-party systems, while proportional representation fosters multiparty systems
## Footnote
Identified by Maurice Duverger in 1954.
68
What is the focus of Blondel's Classification?
Adds party size as a factor in classifying party systems
## Footnote
Identified types include Two-Party Systems, Two-and-a-Half Party Systems, and Multiparty Systems.
69
What does Rokkan's Classification focus on?
Coalition structures and how minority parties influence governance
## Footnote
Examined Western European democracies.
70
Describe Sartori’s Typology.
Introduces ideological distance and polarization as factors in party systems
## Footnote
Types include Two-Party System, Moderate Pluralism, and Polarized Pluralism.
71
What are Dahl's Competitive Classifications?
Classifications based on how opposition functions
## Footnote
Types include Strictly Competitive, Cooperative-Competitive, Coalescent-Competitive, and Strictly Coalescent.
72
What does Mair's Contemporary Typology emphasize?
Alternation, coalition patterns, and government formation
## Footnote
Differentiates between wholesale and partial alternation.
73
Fill in the blank: Elections provide ______ to ruling elites.
legitimacy
## Footnote
Elections ensure that governments derive power from the people.
74
What are the four principal functions of elections?
Legitimization, Exercising Accountability, Choosing Representatives, Exercising Voice & Aggregating Preferences
## Footnote
These functions ensure elections reflect the will of the people.
75
What do majoritarian systems tend to favor?
Larger parties
## Footnote
This often leads to underrepresentation of minorities.
76
What is the effect of the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system?
Creates two-party systems
## Footnote
Used in countries like the UK, Canada, and the USA.
77
What type of electoral system allows smaller parties to gain fair representation?
Proportional Representation (PR) systems
## Footnote
Example: Spain's PR system allows parties like Podemos to gain seats.
78
True or False: Electoral rules are neutral and do not impact democracy.
False
## Footnote
Electoral rules shape democracy, competition, and representation.
79
What is a Mixed Electoral System?
Combines elements of both plurality/majoritarian and PR systems
## Footnote
This system aims to balance the advantages of both types.
80
What is the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) electoral system?
A system where each district elects one representative; the candidate with the most votes wins, even without a majority.
## Footnote
Used in countries like the UK, Canada, USA, India, and Malaysia.
81
What is Duverger’s Law?
The principle that FPTP systems create two-party dominance.
## Footnote
This law explains why smaller parties struggle for representation.
82
What is the Two-Round System (TRS)?
A system where if no candidate receives over 50% of the votes, a second round is held between the top two candidates.
## Footnote
Commonly used in presidential elections in France and Romania.
83
What are the effects of the Two-Round System?
* Encourages strategic alliances before the second round
* More proportional than FPTP
* More expensive and time-consuming
## Footnote
Example: France’s 2022 Presidential Election between Macron and Le Pen.
84
What is the Alternative Vote (AV) or Ranked-Choice Voting?
A system where voters rank candidates by preference; if no candidate achieves a majority, the lowest-ranked candidate is eliminated and votes are transferred.
## Footnote
Used in Australia and Ireland.
85
What are the effects of Ranked-Choice Voting?
* Encourages moderate candidates
* Reduces wasted votes
* Ensures the winner has broad support
## Footnote
Example: In Australia, if a voter's first choice is eliminated, their vote goes to their second choice.
86
What is Proportional Representation (PR) in electoral systems?
A system that ensures the proportion of votes a party receives matches the proportion of seats it gets in parliament.
## Footnote
Examples include Israel and the Netherlands.
87
What is List Proportional Representation (List PR)?
A system where parties present candidate lists, and seats are allocated in proportion to votes received.
## Footnote
Used in Spain, Sweden, and Israel.
88
What are the two types of List PR?
* Closed List PR: Voters pick a party; the party decides candidate rankings
* Open List PR: Voters can pick individual candidates within a party list.
89
What is the D’Hondt Method?
A highest average method for seat allocation that favors larger parties, where votes are divided by a series of divisors.
## Footnote
Used in Spain, Poland, and Belgium.
90
What is the Sainte-Laguë Method?
A modified divisor method that favors smaller parties by dividing votes by a series of odd-numbered divisors.
## Footnote
Used in Sweden, Germany, and New Zealand.
91
What is the Single Transferable Vote (STV)?
A system where voters rank candidates, and votes transfer until enough winners emerge.
## Footnote
Used in Ireland, Malta, and Australia (Senate).
92
What is the crisis of representative democracy?
A situation characterized by declining trust in political parties, the rise of mass protests, and tension between direct and representative democracy.
## Footnote
Highlighted by the dissatisfaction with traditional representative institutions.
93
Who is Simon Tormey and what is his view on representative politics?
Tormey argues that contemporary protest movements signify a shift towards immediate representation and direct engagement, rejecting traditional political parties.
## Footnote
He cites the Indignados movement in Spain as an example.
94
Who is Ivan Krastev and what does he argue about modern protests?
Krastev argues that modern protests represent a rejection of formal politics and a symptom of political alienation, rather than a constructive democratic transformation.
95
What is Pierre Rosanvallon’s concept of counter-democracy?
A theory suggesting that political representation extends beyond elections, incorporating protests and activism as part of a larger democratic system.
## Footnote
It emphasizes that mistrust of institutions is a permanent feature of democracy.
96
What key transformation occurred in Poland's party system after 1989?
Poland's party system evolved from a highly fragmented system to a moderate multiparty system dominated by two major parties.
## Footnote
This transformation was shaped by electoral system changes and party realignments.
97
What was the impact of the 1991 Parliamentary Elections in Poland?
Resulted in extreme fragmentation with 29 political committees entering the Sejm, making coalition-building difficult.
## Footnote
The Democratic Union won only 62 seats out of 460.
98
What electoral threshold was introduced in the 1993 Parliamentary Elections in Poland?
A 5% threshold for parties and 8% for coalitions to reduce fragmentation.
## Footnote
This led to post-communist parties regaining power.
99
What characterized the Polish party system from 2001 to 2015?
A bipolar party system emerged with Law and Justice (PiS) and Civic Platform (PO) as the two dominant parties.
## Footnote
This period marked the end of the communist vs. anti-communist cleavage.
100
What are the defining features of left-wing party families?
Advocate for economic equality, social justice, and government intervention in the economy.
## Footnote
They typically support higher taxes on the wealthy and strong public services.
101
What are key policies of Left Socialist Parties?
* Nationalization of key industries
* Strong labor rights
* Universal basic income proposals
* Radical climate policies
## Footnote
Example: Die Linke in Germany supports rent control and minimum wage increases.
102
What core ideology do Social Democratic Parties share?
Mixed-market economies, welfare states, progressive taxation, and workers’ rights.
## Footnote
Examples include the UK Labour Party and the German SPD.
103
What is the core ideology of Left Socialist parties?
Anti-capitalist
## Footnote
These parties focus on nationalization and wealth redistribution.
104
Name an example of a Left Socialist party.
Die Linke in Germany
## Footnote
This party supports policies like rent control and minimum wage increases.
105
What are the key policies of Left Socialist parties?
* Nationalization of key industries
* Strong labor rights
* Universal basic income proposals
* Radical climate policies
106
What is the European party representing Social Democratic parties?
Party of European Socialists (PES, 1973)
## Footnote
This party promotes welfare state policies and social cohesion.
107
What is the core ideology of Social Democratic parties?
Mixed-market economies, welfare states, progressive taxation, and workers’ rights.
108
List some examples of Social Democratic parties.
* UK Labour Party
* German SPD
* Spanish PSOE
* Swedish Social Democrats
109
What are the key policies of Social Democratic parties?
* Expanding welfare programs
* Regulating capitalism
* EU integration
* Environmental policies
110
What is the core ideology of Green parties?
Environmental protection, social justice, and participatory democracy.
111
Name an example of a Green party.
German Greens
## Footnote
They focus on climate action and sustainable policies.
112
What are the key policies of Green parties?
* Climate action
* EU-wide carbon tax
* Promoting public transport
* Anti-nuclear stance
113
What is the core ideology of Christian Democratic parties?
Balancing free-market policies with social conservatism and religious values.
114
List some examples of Christian Democratic parties.
* Germany’s CDU
* Italy’s Forza Italia
* Austria’s ÖVP
115
What are the key policies of Christian Democratic parties?
* Pro-business economic policies
* Supports traditional family structures
* Pro-EU integration
* Controlled immigration policies
116
What is the core ideology of Liberal parties?
Economic liberalism, individual freedoms, and EU federalism.
117
Name an example of a Liberal party.
UK Liberal Democrats
## Footnote
They advocate for economic freedom and social issues.
118
What are the key policies of Liberal parties?
* Low corporate taxes
* Legalizing same-sex marriage
* Pro-EU integration
* Market-driven climate policies
119
What is the core ideology of Conservative parties?
National identity, economic liberalism, and opposition to EU federalism.
120
List some examples of Conservative parties.
* UK Conservative Party
* French Republicans
* Polish PiS
121
What are the key policies of Conservative parties?
* Tough immigration laws
* Lower taxes
* Preserving national sovereignty
* Social conservatism
122
What is the core ideology of New Right parties?
Anti-immigration, anti-globalization, and opposition to EU centralization.
123
Name an example of a New Right party.
France’s National Rally
## Footnote
This party focuses on nationalist and populist policies.
124
What are the key policies of New Right parties?
* Opposition to multiculturalism
* Strict border controls
* Nationalist economic policies
* Anti-EU stance
125
What is the European party for New Right parties?
Patriots.eu (2014)
## Footnote
This party represents nationalist and populist movements across Europe.
126
True or False: The European Green Party was established in 2004.
True
127
Fill in the blank: The key policies of Social Democratic parties include _______.
[expanding welfare programs, regulating capitalism, EU integration, environmental policies]
128
What is the significance of political families in Europe?
They shape policy debates across Europe, influencing welfare states, EU integration, and climate change policies.
