Democratic Regimes and Institutions

A series of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to democratic regimes and institutions.

Democratic Institutions

Structures and mechanisms that uphold the principles of democracy, such as representation, participation, and the rule of law.

Parliamentary Democracy

A system of government where the executive derives its democratic legitimacy from, and is directly accountable to, the parliament.

Presidential Democracy

A system of government where a president serves as the sole head of state and government, distinct from the legislative body.

Fusion of Powers

A principle in some democratic systems where the executive and legislative branches are interconnected, often leading to a unified government.

Cohabitation

A situation in French politics where the president from one party and the prime minister from another must work together, sharing power.

Walter Bagehot

A British journalist and economist known for his analysis of the English constitution and the principle of parliamentary government.

Constitutional Monarchy

A system of government in which a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government.

The English Constitution

A collection of legal conventions and statutes rather than a single written document, guiding the governance of the UK.

Vichy France

The government of unoccupied France during World War II that collaborated with Nazi Germany.

Algerian War of Independence

The conflict between France and Algerian independence movements, leading to Algeria gaining independence in 1962.

Semi-Presidential Regime

A government system in which there is both a president and a prime minister, each with defined powers, as seen in France.