Chapter #6: Democratic Regimes

Democracy (Modern Definition)

Political power that is exercised directly or inderectly by the people.

Republicanism

An indirect democracy that emphasizes the separation of powers within a state and the representation of the public through elected officials.

Separation of Powers

The clear division of power among different branches of government and the provision that specific branches may check the power of other branches.

Civil Society

An organized life outside of state control that helps people define and advance their own interests.

Executive Branch

Carries out laws and policies of the state.

(Has distinct distinct roles: Head of State and Head of Government).

Head of State

The executive role that symbolizes and represents the people, nationally and internationally.

Head of Government

The executive role that deals with everyday tasks of running the state, such as formulating and executing domestic policy.

Legislative Branch

Is charged with making laws.

(Can be a bicameral or unicameral system).

Bicameral System

Legislature composed of two houses.

(Common in larger, more diverse countries and is often related to federalism).

Unicameral System

Legislature composed of one house.

(More common in unitary governments).

Judicial Branch

Maintains and Upholds the Rule of Law.

Rule of Law

A system where all individuals and groups, including those in government, are subject to the law, regardless of their power or authority.

Constitutional Court

The highest judicial body that decides whether laws and policies violate the constitution.

(Possess the power of judicial review).

Judicial Review

A mechanism where courts can review actions of government and overturn those that violate the constitution.

(There’s two types: Concrete review and abstract review).

Concrete Review

Courts can consider the constitutionality of legislation only when a specific court case triggers this question.

Ex. Supreme Court

Abstract Review

Political leaders can refer questions to a court, often before laws are passed.

Ex. French Constitutional Counsil

Parliamentary System

The roles of head of state and head of government are assigned to separate executive offices.

Ex. UK’s PM is head of gov. and head of state may be elected or unelected.

(Most common executive system in democracies).

Vote of No Confidence

A vote taken by legislature, whether its members continue to support the current PM, can force the PM to resign and/or lead to new parliamentary elections.

(Judiciaries are frequently weaker).

Presidential System

The roles of head of state and head of government are combined into one executive office.

Ex. US pres. is head of state and government and legislature has a separate leadership structure.

Semi-Presidential System

The executive system that divides power between two strong executives, a president, and a PM.

Ex. France’s pres. is head of state and government and the PM is the head of government.

(Rare system).

Central Modernization Theory

The idea that the middle class is essential for democratization.

(Significant economic resources are necessary to advance and demand their own rights).

Electoral System

A set of rules that decide how votes are cast, counted, and translate into seats in a legislature.

Constituency

A geographical area that an elected official represents, also known as a district.

(Countries differ on how many representatives are elected from each district).

First Past the Post (FPTP): Plurality Based SMD

An electoral system where individual candidates compete in single-member districts.

Ex. US, UK, and Canada

(Voters are less likely to vote for small parties).

Multi-Member District (MMD)

An electoral system with more than one seat elected from each district.

Mixed Electoral System

Uses a combination of single-member districts and proportional representation.

Ex. Germany and Japan

Referendum

A national vote called by a government to address a specific proposal, often a change in constitution.

(Form of direct democracy).

Initiative

A national vote called by members of the public to address a specific proposal.

(Form of direct democracy).

Civil Rights

Individual rights regarding equality created by the constitution and political regime.

Civil Liberties

Individual rights regarding freedom that are created by the constitution and political regime.