Consequences of Democratic Institutions

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the consequences of democratic institutions, including the distinctions between majoritarian and consensus democracy, different forms of representation, and the impacts of electoral systems.

Democracy

A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

Majoritarian Democracy

A political system where power is concentrated in the hands of the majority, allowing them to make decisions without necessarily considering minority interests.

Consensus Democracy

A political system that disperses power among multiple groups, ensuring all social groups have representation and influence in policymaking.

Formalistic Representation

Refers to how representatives are authorized and held accountable, focusing on the electoral mechanisms behind their selection.

Descriptive Representation

The extent to which representatives resemble and stand for their constituents in demographic characteristics like race and gender.

Symbolic Representation

The ways in which representatives symbolically stand for and connect with the citizens they represent, creating identities within the polity.

Substantive Representation

When representatives take actions that align with the interests and preferences of their constituents, particularly in policy-making.

Clarity of Responsibility

The extent to which voters can easily identify who is accountable for specific policy outcomes.

Veto Player

An individual or group whose agreement is necessary for a change in the political status quo, influencing the stability of policy.

Consociationalism

A form of government that emphasizes power sharing through guaranteed representation for ethnic or religious groups.

Meltzer-Richard Model

A model explaining how citizens' preferences regarding fiscal policy depend on their income levels and the distribution of income within society.

Presidentialism

A political system in which the president is both the head of state and head of government, often characterized by a separation of powers.

Parliamentarism

A democratic governance system in which the executive derives its legitimacy from the legislature (parliament) and is accountable to it.

Electoral System

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

Legislative Fragmentation

The division of political parties and their influences within the legislature, which can lead to challenges in forming stable governments.

Electoral Laws

Regulations that govern how elections are conducted, which can significantly affect the nature of political representation and voter turnout.