Canadian Politics Flashcards
(28 cards)
Define ‘Kingship’
A constitutional form of governing where a single individual holds absolute power, ruling with wisdom and aims for the common good.
Define ‘Tyranny’
A type of government where one person has absolute power and uses it unfairly. Doesn’t rule for the benefit of everyone, they rule for their own gain.
Define ‘Aristocary’
A from of government where a small group of people, usually the upper class, hold power and make decisions for everyone. Due to the small group being most qualified by their education, wealth, or noble status.
Define ‘Oligarchy’
A type of government where a small group of people, often a particular class, hold all of the power. This group benefits from their control and may not represent the interests of the wider population.
Define ‘Polity’
A form of government where power is shared among many people and decisions are made from the common good. (It combines elements of democracy and oligarchy, aiming to balance the interests of different groups in society.
Define ‘Democracy’
A form of government where power is held by the people. Citizens have a say in decisions, typically through voting in elections.
Define ‘Equality’
Treating everyone the same and giving everyone the same opportunities, regardless of their backgrounds or characteristics.
Define ‘Liberty’
Having the freedom to make your own decisions and live your life as you wish, as long as it doesn’t harm others.
Define ‘Constitutional Democracy’
A system where leaders are elected by the people and their actions are guided and limited by a constitution. This ensures that everyone’s rights are protected and that their power is balanced.
Define ‘Regime Principles’
The fundamental ideas and rules that guide how the government operates. They include how power is organized, how decisions are made, and how leaders are chosen. These principles shape the overall structure and function of a political system.
Define ‘Direct Democracies’
Citizens vote on laws and decisions rather than electing representatives to make those choices for them.
Define ‘Parliamentary Democracies’
Citizens who elect representatives to a parliament, which then selects the governments leader. The government is accountable to the parliament, and the leaders will be removed by a vote of no confidence if they lose the parliaments support.
Define ‘Representative Democracies’
Citizens elect officials to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf. These elected representatives are accountable to the people and must act in their interests.
Define ‘Republican’
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A form of government where the country is led by elected officials, and there is no king or queen. The leaders are chosen by the people and are responsible for making decisions and laws.
Define ‘Liberal Democracy’
A system of government where citizens have both freedom and equal rights and they elect leaders to make decisions. It also includes protections for individual rights and the rule of law.
Define ‘Private Sphere’
The part of life that is personal and not controlled or influenced by the government or public institutions. It includes areas like family, personal relationships, and private activities.
Define ‘Liberalism’
A political and economic philosophy that emphasizes individual freedoms, democracy, and equal rights. It supports limited government, free markets and protection of personal liberties.
Define ‘Natural Rights’
Basic freedoms and protections that people are born with, such as the right to life, liberty, and property. These rights are considered to be inherent and not given by the government.
Define ‘Utilitarianism”
It focuses on doing what results in the best outcome for the most people.
A philosophy that suggests actions are right if they help the most people create the greatest overall happiness.
Define ‘Harm Principle’
The idea that people suggest that restrictions on freedom are only justified to prevent harm to others.
Define ‘Rule of Law’
Everyone, including leaders, must follow the law. It ensures that laws are clear, fair, and applied equally to all people, preventing abuse of power.
Define ‘Constitutionalism’
The principle that government should be limited by a constitution. It means that the rules of powers of the government are defined and restricted by a written and unwritten set of laws which protect individual rights and ensure fair governance.
Define ‘Consent’
Agreeing to something after understanding what it involves. In a government form, it means you are giving permission for a specific action, like abiding by certain laws.
Define ‘Citizenship’
Being a recognized member of a country. It gives certain rights and responsibilities, like voting, paying taxes and following the laws of the country.
