Political Institutions and Systems Overview

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to political institutions, systems, and measurements.

Political Institutions

Distinct entities that organize political activity and enable political governance, often referred to as Linkage Institutions.

Linkage Institutions

Institutions that connect citizens to the government, including political parties, interest groups, and the media.

One-Party System

A political system where only one political party is allowed to hold power, often found in communist countries.

Two-Party System

A political system dominated by two major parties, typical in countries like the United States.

Multi-Party System

A political system where multiple parties exist, often associated with proportional representation voting.

Single Member Electoral Systems

Electoral systems in which candidates compete for a single district; the candidate with the most votes wins.

Proportional Electoral Systems

Electoral systems where voters select parties, and seats are allocated based on the share of votes each party receives.

Initiative

A process by which citizens can propose legislation or constitutional amendments, usually requiring a vote.

Referendum

A direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can result in the adoption of new legislation.

Plebiscite

A non-binding vote, often used to gauge public opinion on an issue.

Interest Groups

Organizations of like-minded people aiming to influence legislation and public policy.

Corporatism

A political system in which the government works with specific interest groups and limits the number of independent groups competing for influence.

Political Elites

Leaders who possess disproportionate political power and influence over policy-making.

Gini Index

A statistical measure of income inequality within a population.

Corruption Perceptions Index

An index that ranks countries based on the perceived levels of corruption, as determined by expert assessments and surveys.

Strong State

A government that effectively provides services and maintains control over its territory.

Weak State

A state characterized by a lack of ability to provide services consistently, often resulting in uneven distribution of resources.

Failed State

A state so weak that it loses control over its territory and cannot provide basic government functions.