Chapter 4

Question 1

Democracy

Answer 1

A system of government based on popular sovereignty. its key operating principle is majority rule

Question 2

Good democratic government

Answer 2

a form of democracy where governmental powers are limited, separation of powers is maintained through checks and balances, rule of law is maintained and there is respect for political rights and freedoms

Question 3

Bad democratic government

Answer 3

a form of democracy where governmental power is unchecked. Typically rules by law as opposed to rule of law, and ruled by men as opposed to the law

Question 4

Evolution of democracy

Answer 4

Democracy became more prominent after the defeat of Imperial Japan and Nazi Germany in 1945, accelerated by the fall of the Soviet union. nowadays 45% of the world is democratic

Question 5

Absolute monarchy / absolute rule

Answer 5

where the head of state is an inherited position with unlimited powers e.g. the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Question 6

Dictatorship

Answer 6

a nation ruled by a single ruler with absolute power e.g. Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe

Question 7

Rigid authoritarian regime

Answer 7

where a nation may call itself democratic, but lacks any criteria of a democracy e.g. the DPRK

Question 8

Soft authoritarian regime

Answer 8

these systems may exhibit some features of democracy, but still lack the core components e.g. Russia and Turkey

Question 9

One party (unitary) state

Answer 9

a system of government where sovereignty is geographically undivided, into a single national government

Question 10

Full democracy

Answer 10

democracies that demonstrate strong checks and balances, rule of law and an independent judiciary. Executive power is accountable, and democratic institutions function well

Question 11

Flawed democracy

Answer 11

a democracy that may have adequate election systems and basic respect for political and civil rights, but holds problems like low citizen participation rates or lack of media diversity

Question 12

Hybrid regimes

Answer 12

some democratic elements, although it holds serious problems in its function. the core systems of democracy usually only partially work

Question 13

Authoritarian regimes

Answer 13

have no tolerance for opponents of government, rights are abused, limited or no checks on power, media is controlled, no independent courts, either no or rigged elections