Democracy key concepts

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A - Level Government and Politics (AS) Flashcards on Democracy key concepts , created by Yasmine King on 14/04/2017.
Yasmine King
Flashcards by Yasmine King, updated more than 1 year ago
Yasmine King
Created by Yasmine King over 7 years ago
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Democracy A particular type of political system that involves, to varying degrees, citizens participation. Common principles are that decisions are reached after open discussion and debate on political activity, that government is accountable to the people and that there is free flow of information. Many modern states aspire to or claim democratic status.
Legitimacy The principle that a regime, institution or individual has a legitimate right to exercise power. Legitimacy is usually, though not always, bestowed through elections. The legitimacy of regimes or political bodies may be disputed.
Direct Democracy A description of a type or style of democracy where people make important political decisions or are consulted before key decisions are made.
Representative Democracy A description of a type of democracy in which most decisions are made by representative institutions, accountable to the people. This type of democracy is in contrast to direct democracy.
Representation A political process whereby the people do not make decisions directly, but elect or appoint representatives to make decisions on their behalf. It implies that representatives make themselves accountable to Parliament or the people. It can also mean that institutions are socially representative of the whole community.
Pressure Groups An association, which may be formal or very loose, of people who campaign to further the interests of a section or to pursue a particular cause,
Refererendum A vote conducted nationally, regionally or locally where the electorate is invited to determine a key political issue. A referendum focuses on a single question with a yes/no answer.
Liberal Democracy A kind of democracy that conforms to liberal political principles, notably respect for rights and liberties, a strong constitutional framework, tolerance and the rule of law.
Parliamentary Democracy A kind of liberal democracy where a parliament is the central body and is the source of all political power.
Political Participation A reference to the fact that many citizens take part in some form of political activity. Participation can be minimal, for example by being informed and perhaps voting from time to time, or it can be deep, for example by seeking election to a public office and becoming a political leader.
Apathy The absence of interest in or enthusiasm about a subject, usually reflected in inactivity
Public accountability The process through which politicians are forced to answer for their actions to the public or its elected representatives; accountability implies that politicians can be removed
Majority Rule The rule that the views or interests of the majority should take precedence over those of the minority.
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