Introduction to Government & Political Systems

These 40 vocabulary flashcards cover fundamental concepts in government and political science, linking definitions to current events and regional examples discussed in the lecture.

Government

A system or group of people with authority to set public policy, enforce laws, and provide public services for a state or community.

Constitution

The fundamental legal document that outlines the structure, powers, and limits of a government.

Democracy

A political system in which power is vested in the people, exercised directly or through elected representatives.

Authoritarianism

A system where power is concentrated in the hands of a leader or small elite not constitutionally accountable to the public.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into executive, legislative, and judicial branches to prevent abuse of power.

Checks and Balances

Mechanisms that allow each branch of government to limit the powers of the others, preventing domination by any single branch.

Federalism

A system in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units such as states or provinces.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislative body with two separate chambers, typically an upper and a lower house.

Proportional Representation

An electoral system that allocates legislative seats based on the percentage of votes each party receives.

First Past the Post (FPTP)

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins, regardless of the margin.

Political Party

An organized group seeking to gain and hold power by contesting elections and promoting a specific political agenda.

Representation

The act of elected officials standing in for their constituents in legislative or policy-making processes.

Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

The highest judicial body in CARICOM, acting as a final appellate court and interpreting the Treaty of Chaguaramas.

Parliamentary System

A form of government in which the executive derives its legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislature.

Presidential System

A form of government where the president is both head of state and head of government, elected separately from the legislature.

Rule of Law

The principle that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are subject to and accountable under the law.

Civil Liberties

Fundamental individual rights such as freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion, protected from governmental interference.

Judicial Independence

The concept that courts should be free from undue influence by the executive and legislative branches.

Electoral System

The set of rules that determine how votes are cast, counted, and translated into seats in a legislature.

Voter Suppression

Any strategy or tactic that prevents or discourages specific groups of people from voting.

Disinformation

False or misleading information deliberately spread to influence public opinion or obscure the truth.

Political Gridlock

A situation in which legislative or policy progress is stalled due to severe disagreement or rivalry between branches or parties.

Constitutional Reform

Changes aimed at updating or overhauling a nation’s constitution to meet evolving governance needs.

Constitutional Amendment

A formal change or addition to a constitution, altering its text or effect.

National Identification System (NIDS)

Jamaica’s digital ID program intended to provide secure, unique identification for citizens and residents.

Digital Transformation

The adoption of digital technology by governments or organizations to improve services, efficiency, and innovation.

Republic

A form of government in which the country is considered a public matter and the head of state is not a monarch.

Propaganda

Information, especially biased or misleading, used to promote a political cause or point of view.

Coalition Government

A government formed by multiple political parties who must cooperate to command a majority in the legislature.

Minority Party

A political party that holds fewer seats than the majority and often seeks alliances to influence legislation.

Majority Government

A government formed by a party that holds more than half the seats in the legislature, enabling it to pass laws without coalition support.

Constituency

A geographic area represented by an elected official in a legislative body.

Upper House

The senior chamber in a bicameral legislature, often tasked with reviewing legislation passed by the lower house.

Lower House

The primary chamber in a bicameral legislature where most legislation is introduced and debated.

Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ)

The independent agency responsible for administering elections and maintaining electoral integrity in Jamaica.

Final Appellate Court

The highest court of appeal within a legal system where decisions are final and binding.

Sovereignty

The supreme authority of a state to govern itself without external interference.

Institutional Strength

The robustness and resilience of governmental bodies to perform their functions effectively and resist undue influence.

Political Will

The determination of political leaders and institutions to enact policies or reforms despite obstacles.

Treaty of Chaguaramas

The 1973 agreement establishing the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and its framework for economic integration.