Political Dimensions Flashcards
(33 cards)
What is popular sovereignty?
The idea that political authority comes from the people through voting and civic participation.
What is executive, legislative and judicial function?
The division of government into branches to prevent abuse of power.
What is legitimacy/accountability?
When governments derive power from the people and are answerable to them.
What is representation by population?
Electoral principle where each elected official represents a roughly equal number of citizens.
What is constitutionalism?
A government limited by laws and principles set in a constitution.
What is election?
A democratic process where citizens choose their leaders or make decisions.
What is suffrage/enfranchisement?
The right of citizens to vote in democratic elections.
What is single member plurality (first past the post)?
An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins the seat.
What is proportional representation?
An electoral system that allocates seats based on the percentage of votes each party receives.
What is political party?
An organization that seeks to achieve political goals by gaining and holding public office.
What is caucus?
A meeting of members of a political party to coordinate policy or select candidates.
What is adversarial system?
A system of structured debate between opposing parties, common in parliaments.
What is responsible government?
A system where the executive must have the support of the legislature to remain in power.
What is majority rule?
The principle that the choice of more than half the voters should be followed.
What is parliamentary democracy?
A democratic system where the executive is drawn from and accountable to the legislature.
What is presidential (congressional) democracy?
A democratic system where the executive and legislative branches are separate.
What is citizenship?
Legal membership in a country with rights and responsibilities.
What is federalism?
A system where power is shared between a central government and regional governments.
What is checks and balances?
Mechanisms that allow branches of government to limit each other’s power.
What is veto?
The power to reject a decision or proposal made by a law-making body.
What is fundamental freedoms?
Basic rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.
What is dissent?
The right to disagree with or oppose government policies or actions.
What is minority interests?
The rights and concerns of groups not in the majority.
What is apathy?
Lack of interest or concern in political participation.
