Chapter 6 Flashcards
Abstract Review
Judicial review that allows the constitutional courts to rule on questions that do not arise from actual legal disputes
Bicameral System
A political system in which the legislature comprises two houses
Civil Liberties
Individual rights regarding freedoms that are created by the constitution and political regime
Civil Rights
Individual rights regarding equality that is created by the constitution and political regime
Civil Society
Organizations outside the state that help people define and advance their own interests
Concrete Review
Judicial review that allows the constitutional court to rule on the basis of actual legal disputes brought before it
Constituency
A geographical area that an elected official represents
Constitutional Court
The highest judicial body in a political system that decides whether laws and policies violate the constitution
Democracy
A political system in which political power is exercised either directly or indirectly by the people
Electoral System
A set of rules that govern how votes are cast, counted, and translated into legislative seats
Executive
The branch of government that carries out the laws and policies of a state
First Past the Post
An electoral system in which individuals compete in single-member districts and the candidate with the largest share of the vote wins the seat
Head of Government
The executive role that deals with the everyday tasks of running the state, such as formulating and executing policy (like a prime minister)
Head of State
The executive role that symbolizes and represents the people both nationally and internationally (like a monarch or president)
Initiative
A national vote called by members of the public to address a specific proposal
Judicial Review
The mechanism by which courts can review the actions of the government and overturn those that violate the constitution
Legislature
The branch of government that makes laws
Liberal Democracy
A political system that promotes participation, competition, and liberty and emphasizes individual freedom and civil rights
Mixed Electoral System
An electoral system that uses a combination of single-member districts and proportional representation
Multimember District (MMD)
An electoral district with more than one seat
Parliamentary System
A political system in which the roles of head of state and head of government are assigned to separate executive offices
Presidential System
A political system in which the roles of head of state and head of government are combined into one executive office
Proportional Representation (PR)
An electoral system in which political parties compete in multimember districts, voters choose between parties, and the seats in the district are awarded proportionally to the results of the vote
Referendum
A national vote called by the government to address a specific proposal and give the public a direct say in policy
