Democracy Flashcards
Types of direct democracy
Referendum- gov holds a one time vote on an issue
Plebiscite- same as referendum but results not legally binding
Opinion poll- poll over the phone
parts of a representative democracy
party system- multi party system
constituencies- split up based on population
single member plurality
canada’s system, just need to win by one vote, first past the post, rep by pop
proportional representation
% of votes = % of seats
coalition
alliance between multiple parties to gain 170 seats
Executive branch
if majority gov no accountability
cabinet opens debates in cacus, party whip
legislative branch
accountability from H of C
vote of no-confidence
H of C- question period, watchdog
Senate- sober second thought
judicial branch
appointed, ensures minority rights are protected , kepps gov accountable
PAC
political committee that pools campaign contributions and donates funds
Super PAC
receives unlimited contributes for individual R & F
legitimacy
gives someone to hold their position
political responsibility
responsibility of the gov
limited gov
gov has limited power ( key in liberalism)
checks and balances
counter balancing by which a system is regulated, keeps gov accountable
seperation of power
supported by checks and balances
