Democracy States Flashcards
What is legitimacy
The recognised rightfulness of a position
What is the Westminster model
A form of government in which there is a ‘fusion’ of power between the executive (government) and legislature (parliament)
What is power
The ability to achieve a desired outcome
The “power” to do something
The ability to influence the behaviour of others, usually through rewards
What is universal suffrage
The right of all adult citizens to vote
Prisoners do not have the right to vote
What is a civil society
A privilege realm in which individuals and groups enjoy independence from government
Defining authority
Authority=power+legitimacy
“Democracy is the worst form of government expect all the other forms which have been tried from time to time”
Democracy is the best possible solution, out of a bad lot
What is democracy
A form of government where the major decisions rest directly or indirectly on freely given consent of majority of adults governed
A government which governs the country in the interests of the whole community rather than just one section of it
Define legitimacy
People at the bottom of society agree for others to rule over them
A legitimate government therefore exercises legal power in the interests of all the people
What is a mandate
A mandate is the “right” the public grant the government to rule over them by a free and fair election
What is government
Government is a set of institutions through which the general rules of society (laws) are made and enforced
5 features of a non democratic country
Controlled media No free speech Citizens are scared of government Force of vote No negotiating with the public
