The Nature of Politics Flashcards
(95 cards)
1
Q
What is politics?
A
The systems and activities through which people try to improve their society
2
Q
Define political science.
A
The systematic study of government and state
3
Q
What does political science examine?
A
- The process whereby binding decisions are made
- The decisions themselves
- The impacts of those decisions
4
Q
What is power?
A
The ability to achieve a desired outcome using means that can cause individuals to do something that may not be to their choosing
5
Q
Define authority.
A
Legitimate power based on an acknowledged duty to obey rather than on any form of coercion or manipulation
6
Q
What is the difference between power and authority?
A
Power is the ability to influence behavior, while authority is the right to do so
7
Q
List the types of authority.
A
- Traditional
- Charismatic
- Legal-rational
8
Q
What is a state?
A
A community of numerous people permanently occupying a specific territory with their government
9
Q
What are the characteristics of a state?
A
- A more or less fixed territory
- A definite and fixed population
- A government that exercises power and authority
- Formal sovereignty and independence
10
Q
What is the main purpose of a state?
A
To maintain law and order, defend against external aggression, and promote the welfare of the population
11
Q
What theory did Thomas Hobbes propose about the state?
A
Men lived in an unhappy natural condition and surrendered their rights to a powerful ruler for safety
12
Q
What theory did John Locke propose about the state?
A
Early man surrendered some rights to the sovereign in exchange for protection, with the right to remove the sovereign if they failed
13
Q
What is the Caribbean State?
A
An apparatus that emerged out of imperialism and colonialism, set up to protect British imperial interests
14
Q
List the theories of the Caribbean state.
A
- Dependency Theory/Plantation Economy model
- Marxism
- Ethno-cultural Pluralism Model
15
Q
What are the duties of citizens to the state?
A
- Pay taxes
- Obey laws
- Defend the state
- Responsible reproduction
- Protect the environment
- Vote
- Work (make oneself employable)
- Jury duty
16
Q
What are the obligations of the state to its citizens?
A
- Make laws
- Provide security, protection, and safety
- Generate revenue
- Provide social services
- Provide employment opportunities
- Rights and freedoms
- Justice
17
Q
Define government.
A
The decision-making aspect of the state and the formal institutional structure and processes of a society
18
Q
What are the three branches of government?
A
- Legislative - make laws
- Executive - implement laws
- Judicial - interpretation and enforcement of the law
19
Q
What is political socialisation?
A
The process by which individuals are exposed to a society’s political values, attitudes, beliefs, and customs
20
Q
What does political socialisation influence?
A
Religious beliefs, economic values, and interpersonal relations
21
Q
Define political culture.
A
The pattern of orientations to political objects expressed in beliefs, symbols, and values
22
Q
List the types of political culture.
A
- Participant
- Subject
- Parochial
23
Q
What factors determine political culture?
A
- Awareness of Government
- Expectations of Government
- Political Participation
24
Q
What is the primary process of socialisation?
A
Less formal, unstructured, and happens at an early age, mainly in the home and family
25
What is the secondary process of socialisation?
More formal and structured, usually happens at a later age
26
What is an agent in political socialisation?
An institution, group, or event that influences the socialisation process
27
List the agents of political socialisation.
* The Family
* The School/Educational Institution
* The Church/Religious Institutions
* The Peer Group
* The Mass Media
* The Government
* Political Parties
28
What is the role of the family agent in political socialisation?
Exposes us to political loyalties, shapes attitudes towards the country and political figures
29
What is the role of educational institutions in political socialisation?
Transmits culture, ensures social control, and acts as a change agent
30
What does the church/religious institutions do in socialisation?
Concerned with moral education and sets moral standards for what is right and wrong
31
What role do peer groups play in political socialisation?
Encourages conformity and influences collective behavior and ways of relating to authority
32
Define social class as an agent of socialisation.
A group of people sharing a similar socio-economic position influenced by wealth and education
33
What is the function of mass media in political socialisation?
To inform, educate, and entertain, while shaping views and opinions
34
How does mass media set agendas?
By determining what to think about, not what to think
35
What is political ideology?
A political belief system that provides the basis for organized political action
36
What do all ideologies do?
* Offer an account of the existing order
* Advance a model for the desired future
* Explain how political change can be brought about
37
List the types of political ideologies.
* Democracy
* Liberalism
* Capitalism
* Marxism
* Fascism
38
What are the characteristics of democracy?
* Elected officials control the state
* Officials are accountable to the people
* Legal right to form political parties
* Freedom of citizens
* Existence of a constitution
39
Define liberal democracy.
A democratic system that balances limited government with popular consent
40
What are the characteristics of capitalism?
* Private ownership of property
* Free market
* Profit motive
* Individualism
41
What are the characteristics of Marxism?
* Alienation
* Class struggle
* Surplus value
* Proletariat revolution
42
What is socialism?
Aims to abolish capitalism and replace it with common ownership
43
What are the characteristics of communism?
* Classless society
* All people are equal
* Economic life based on state collectivisation
44
Define constitution.
A set of rules that establish the duties, powers, and functions of government institutions
45
What are the features of Commonwealth Caribbean constitutions?
* Written or codified constitutions
* Entrenched provisions
* A Bill of Rights
* Monarchical systems
46
What is a Bill of Rights?
Defines the relationship between the state and the citizen, establishing rights and freedoms
47
What is the significance of entrenched provisions?
They are specially protected parts of the constitution that require special procedures for amendment
48
What is the role of the judiciary in a codified constitution?
Has the final say on what is constitutional or unconstitutional
49
What type of government system is retained by most English-speaking Caribbean countries after independence?
Monarchical System represented by local Governors-General
50
Who serves as the Head of Government in the Caribbean?
The Prime Minister
51
What is a strength of codified/written constitutions?
Major principles are entrenched, protecting them from government manipulation
52
What is a weakness of codified/written constitutions?
May be less responsive and adaptable due to its rigidity
53
Define a Right.
A moral or legal entitlement to act or be treated in a particular way
54
What are natural or human rights?
Rights due to a person just because of their existence as a human being
55
What are civil rights?
Rights guaranteed by the government
56
What do human rights include?
* Right to life
* Right to liberty
* Right to property
* Pursuit of happiness
57
What rights are guaranteed under the Barbadian Constitution?
* Right to life
* Right to personal liberty
* Protection from slavery and forced labour
* Protection from inhuman treatment
* Right to property
* Protection from arbitrary search or entry
* Protection of the law
* Freedom of conscience
* Freedom of expression
* Freedom of assembly and association
* Freedom of movement
* Protection from discrimination
58
What is the importance of the Bill of Rights?
It guarantees limited government and protects freedoms
59
What are some limitations on rights?
* Public Order
* Public Defence
* Public Health
* Public Safety
* Public Morality
* Protecting the rights and freedoms of others
60
Who has the authority to declare a period of public emergency in the Caribbean?
The Governor General
61
What are the duties of the Head of State?
* Conferring honors
* Receiving Ambassadors
* Representing the state on ceremonial occasions
* Summoning, proroguing, & dissolving Parliament
* Signing bills passed by both Houses of Parliament
62
Who is the Prime Minister?
The head of government of all Commonwealth Caribbean states except for Guyana
63
What causes a vacancy for the Prime Minister?
* Death
* Resignation
* Loss of no-confidence motion
* Defeated in a general election
* Losing their seat
64
What powers do Prime Ministers have?
* Patronage
* Powers of appointment
* Dissolve Parliament
* Call elections at any time
65
What keeps the Prime Minister in check?
* Regular elections
* No-confidence motion
* Support of Cabinet and party colleagues
66
What is the role of the Opposition Leader?
* Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee
* Chief Spokesperson of the opposition party
* Appoints a 'shadow cabinet'
67
What is an election?
A device for filling an office or post through choices made by the electorate
68
Why are elections important?
* Provide for a peaceful change of government
* Allow citizens to participate in the political process
* Form a government supported by a majority
69
What are the two electoral systems in the English-speaking Caribbean?
* First-Past-the-Post System
* Proportional Representation
70
What is the First-Past-the-Post system?
The candidate with the majority of votes in a constituency wins the seat
71
What is Proportional Representation?
Seats are allocated to a party in proportion to the number of votes that party received
72
What are the features of Proportional Representation systems?
* Multi-member districts
* Seats divided according to proportion of votes
73
What are the advantages of First-Past-the-Post?
* Simple to understand
* Usually leads to a majority winner
* Direct relationship between candidates and constituents
74
What are the disadvantages of Proportional Representation?
* Can lead to political instability
* Breaks the link between voters and representatives
75
What is economic integration?
The process by which the economies of different countries become more closely linked
76
What is the Caribbean Single Market & Economy (CSME)?
A regional arrangement aimed at deepening integration among Caribbean nations
77
What was the purpose of CARIFTA?
To provide a free trade area among English-speaking Caribbean territories
78
What is CARICOM?
The Caribbean Community and Common Market established in 1973
79
What are some factors encouraging Caribbean integration?
* Common history
* Similar political institutions
* Common social and economic issues
80
What are some disadvantages of Caribbean integration?
* Geographical separation
* Different rates of economic growth
* Lack of commitment from regional leaders
81
What are some advantages of Caribbean integration?
* A stronger international voice
* Increased movement of people and capital
* More indigenous control of resources
82
What is the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)?
An institution for cooperation in common services and economic integration among member territories
83
What is the OECS?
An institution providing a legal framework for collective action in foreign affairs
## Footnote
The OECS was established in 1986 and focuses on cooperation in common services and economic integration.
84
Is the OECS a political union?
No, it is not a political union
## Footnote
The implementation of recommendations depends on the political leaders of member territories.
85
What are two successes of the OECS?
* Joint overseas representation and harmonization of foreign policy
* Cost-saving measures through multi-accreditation and joint representation to overseas missions
86
What institution was established by the OECS for monetary policy?
Eastern Caribbean Central Bank
## Footnote
This bank is responsible for monetary policy throughout the sub-region.
87
What does CSME stand for?
Caribbean Single Market and Economy
## Footnote
CSME seeks to create a single economic space without cross-border restrictions.
88
What is the main goal of the CSME?
To allow for the free movement of goods and services, labour, and capital among member states of CARICOM
## Footnote
This is essential for the survival of Caribbean countries facing increased competition.
89
List three objectives of CSME.
* Full employment of all factors of production
* Improved standards of living
* Accelerated, coordinated, and sustained economic development
90
What is the Single Market initiative?
An initiative allowing goods, services, people, and capital to move throughout the Caribbean Community without barriers
## Footnote
Aims to achieve a single large economic space.
91
What are two potential benefits of CSME?
* Creation of strong regional companies to compete internationally
* Increased efficiency and competitiveness among firms
92
What is a potential negative consequence of liberalised trade under CSME?
Loss of jobs due to liberalised trade and free movement of labour
## Footnote
This may lead to social dislocation.
93
How might CSME affect capital flow?
Capital is likely to flow to countries perceived to be politically and economically stable
## Footnote
This could lead to higher costs of living and negative social consequences.
94
What is a concern regarding national economic control under CSME?
Loss of national economic control and ownership of limited resources
## Footnote
This is due to the free movement of capital.
95
What is a social issue that may arise from the implementation of CSME?
Brain drain from the less developed territories
## Footnote
This can occur as individuals seek better opportunities elsewhere.
