Democratic Politics: Constitutional Design

Flashcards about the constitutional design and democracy

Constitution

The supreme law of a country that determines the rights of citizens, the powers of the government, and how the government should function.

Apartheid

A system of racial discrimination unique to South Africa, where people were divided and labeled on the basis of their skin color.

Segregation

The separation of whites and blacks in South Africa, where public facilities like trains, buses, hospitals, and schools were separate.

African National Congress (ANC)

The umbrella organization that led the struggle against the policies of segregation in South Africa, including many workers’ unions and the Communist Party.

Rainbow Nation

A term used by South Africans to describe their country after apartheid, signifying the coming together of different races and cultures.

Constitution

A set of written rules accepted by all people living together in a country, the supreme law that determines the relationship among people and between the people and government.

Universal Adult Franchise

The right to vote for all adult citizens without discrimination.

Constituent Assembly

An assembly of elected representatives that writes a constitution for a country.

Preamble

An introductory statement in a constitution which states the reasons and guiding values of the constitution.

Republic

A state in which the head of state is an elected person and not a hereditary position.

Sovereign

The supreme right of people to make decisions on internal as well as external matters without external power dictating the government.

Secular

A state where citizens have complete freedom to follow any religion, but there is no official religion, and the government treats all religious beliefs and practices with equal respect.

Democratic

A form of government where people enjoy equal political rights, elect their rulers, and hold them accountable, run according to some basic rules.

Constitutional Amendment

A change in the constitution made by the supreme legislative body in a country.

Institutional Design

Embodying values into institutional arrangements.

Communism

A political philosophy that sees the community as more important than individual citizens and believes that the government should own all property and land.

Fundamental Rights

The fundamental rights guaranteed to individuals by a country's constitution, such as the right to freedom of speech, the right to equality, and the right to life.

Federalism

The division of power between the federal government and the state governments, as outlined in a constitution.

Checks and Balances

A system where different parts of government can limit the power of the other parts.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to say that a law passed by the legislature is against the constitution.

Why is a Constitution needed?

To define the rights of citizens, the powers of the government, and how the government should function, ensuring a fair and just society.

What was the impact of Apartheid?

It caused deep racial divisions and inequalities in South Africa, denying basic human rights to non-white citizens.

What role did the African National Congress (ANC) play in South Africa?

It led the struggle against segregation, advocating for equal rights and a unified, non-racial society.

Why is Universal Adult Franchise important?

It ensures that every adult citizen has the right to vote, promoting democracy and equal political participation.

What is the significance of the Preamble in a Constitution?

It states the guiding values and reasons behind the Constitution, setting the tone for the entire document.

Why is a country being Sovereign important?

It allows the country to make independent decisions without external interference, protecting its autonomy and interests.

What is a Secular state?

A state that respects all religions equally, ensuring freedom of religious practice without favoring any particular religion.

What makes a government Democratic?

Equal political rights, elected rulers, and accountability to the people, following basic rules and principles.

Why are Fundamental Rights important?

They guarantee basic human rights to all individuals, protecting them from government overreach.

What is the purpose of Checks and Balances?

To limit the power of each branch of government,