IGCSE Global Citizenship: Theme 1

Democracy

Rule by the people

Direct democracy

Decisions are made directly

Representative democracy

Decisions are made when people vote for an elected representative

Advantages of democracy

Freedom of speech, equality, rights

Disadvantages of democracy

Preferences may not fit everyone, people can take advantage of democracy, decisions can take a long time to make

Sovereignty

A state's ability to govern itself without interference from other nation states

Sovereign

The power within a nation state

State

An area that a sovereign has control over

Nation

A territorialised group that lacks sovereignity

Nation state

A state no country has power over and where the people have a common identity

Hard power

To force nations to cooperate using economic or military might

Soft power

To shape what others want through attracting them with culture, ideology and institution

Legitimacy

The ability for a government to run a country properly

Globalization

Products influence connections with countries

Transparency

Fighting corruption and holding officials of a government accountable - laws and decisions may be seen as transparent

Rule of Law

A government is forced to follow a law despite governing, this is to limit power

Decentralization

Power is moved from national governments to regions

Autocracy

A person has all the power

Absolute Monarchy

A king or queen has all power

Constitutional Monarchy

A king or queen shares power with other parts of a government

Dictatorship

One person has absolute power over citizens and constitution

Oligarchy

Few people have power

Theocracy

God has ultimate power

Anarchy

No government

Democratic system

People hold power, freedom of speech, right to vote, press can express opinions

Authoritarian system

One person or group holds power, no freedom or fixed elections, press is controlled by government

Politics and HDI in Mali

Mali is both authoritarian and democratic. There is a low HDI score because:

- The literacy rate is low, so representative elections can be difficult since reading is required

- Poverty is high

- Poor sanitation

Politics and HDI in Pakistan

Pakistan is both authoritarian and democratic. There is a medium HDI score because:

- Plans have been poor in handling economic problems

- Free education is being provided

- The healthcare system struggles though improves over time

Politics and HDI in Denmark

Denmark is fully democratic. There is a high HDI score because:

- Public services such as education and healthcare are free of charge

- Taxes are used to improve the quality of life for citizens

United Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) consists of:

Freedoms, Civil/Political rights, Economic rights, Social rights, Cultural rights, Basic rights

Why has the UDHR been criticized by other countries?

The UDHR reflects on Western values and may not consider other cultural values

The effects of disasters on human rights and how the UN helps out

Natural or man-made disasters are likely to deprive people of human rights. The UN helps out by supporting projects that resolve issues

UN Charter

Principles of UN member states

Function of UN Charter

Prevents force that goes against the purposes of the UN

ICCPR

Covenant that makes sure parties estabilish civil and political rights

Functions of ICCPR

Stating that countries need to improve, deciding that countries may have to compensate

International law

Enforced by an organisation and respected by all member states, so that their relations are binded

UN Secretariat

Overseas policies and day to day operations

UN General Assembly

Where ideas are brought up for discussion

UN Security Council

Maintains international peace

UN Economic and Social Council

Promotes higher standard of living, human rights and economic development

UN International Court of Justice

Resolves disputes, including territorial disputes and human rights violations