modern studies 1 Flashcards
(25 cards)
what is absolute power?
Complete power over a country and it’s people. There is no opportunity to disagree.
what is authoritarian
Often known as Dictatorships, this type of government tends to have a strong individual leader who has absolute power, in theory or in practice. These government’s do not have free elections, have tight control of the media and usually restrict individual human rights.
wht i cesprshop
When the media (newspapers, tv, social networks) are tightly regulated and are not allowed to criticise the government. Individuals often are not allowed to discuss their own views freely.
what is a consituency
A defined area in a region of about 65,000 - 78,000 people that is represented by a Member of the Scottish Parliament or UK Parliament. For example Grantown is in the Constituency of Inverness and Nairn.
whats a consitution
A written document or collection of laws and procedures that set out how the government of a country should run. They often set out the rights and responsibilities of the country’s citizens.
what is a democrac7
A form of government that allows individual citizens to vote, to speak freely and to stand for election. Often countries tend to be a representative democracy, where they hold free and fair elections for a political party to speak on their behalf. These countries often have good human rights and free media.
what is devolutoj
The process of giving powers from one parliament to a lower parliament. In Scotland some legislative powers are devolved from the UK Parliament to the Scottish Parliament, while others are reserved. The UK Parliament retains overall sovereignty.
what is a devolved powers
Powers that the UK Government has granted the Scottish Parliament and include control over education, health, justice, local government, culture, agriculture and planning amongst others.
what is a democracy
Where each individual citizen has the right to speak within an assembly or parliament. This can be a very time consuming process and tends to restrict who is a citizen. This was the form of government used by Athens in Ancient Greece.
hollyrood
The name that the Scottish Parliament is commonly referred to. This is because the Scottish Parliament buildings are beside the Royal Residence of Holyrood Palace.
legislation
The collective name for laws passed by Parliament.
hat is meda
The collective name for different ways that people can stay informed and keep up with the news. For example, newspapers, television, radio and social networks. A good media should be uncensored and able to criticise the government so that voters can make good decisions.
what is parliament
A place where all the representatives elected by voters meet to debate, vote on laws and hold the government to account.
what is a referendom
A single issue election where voters usually have only two choices. For example, in 2014 Scottish voters were asked “Should Scotland become an independent country” and could choose “Yes” or “No”.
what are reserved poers
Powers that the UK Government has retained control over. Some examples include defence, social security, foreign policy and energy.
whts the supereme court
The top court in the United Kingdom. Many court cases that are appealed end here. They also deal with important constitutional debates, such as whether the Scottish Parliament has the right to hold a referendum on Scottish Independence.
what is sovreginity
The ability of a person or group to be completely free of power from above. For example, the UK Parliament is considered sovereign over the Scottish Parliament.
whats westminster
The name that the UK Parliament is commonly referred to. This is because Parliament is housed in the Palace of Westminster beside the Thames.
whose thomas hobs
Believed that life is nasty, brutish and short. People cannot be trusted to make good decisions so a strong and powerful leader (a leviathan) is needed to make decisions for them.
who was john locke
Believed that people must use reason and logic to choose a good government. This government will have the consent of the people and will ensure their rights to freedom (liberty), health and happiness will be protected.
who is vladimir putin
President of Russia. Former intelligence officer of the KGB during the Cold War. Has held continuous positions as president or prime minister since 1999. His role as President has been defined by restrictions of human rights, freedom of the press and invasions of neighbours including Ukraine.
who is xi jinping
The general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (the only party allowed in China) and chairman of the Central Military Commission, since 2012, and President of China since 2013. His rule has seen the repression of religious freedom of Uyghur muslims, Tibetan Bhuddists and has threatened to invade Taiwan.
who is rishi sunak
Current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party. He is a member of the UK Parliament in Westminster. Before becoming Prime Minister, he served as Chancellor of the Exchequer for the then Prime Minister Boris Johnston. He supports Brexit and is opposed to Scottish Independence.
who is john swiney
Current First Minister of Scotland. Leader of the Scottish National Party. He is a Member of the Scottish Parliament. He has previously served in various roles for previous First Ministers, Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond as Deputy First Minister, Education Secretary and others. He does not support Brexit and supports Scottish Independence.
