politics keyword test 1

Democracy

A system of government in which supreme authority rests with the people

Government

The institutions of state that have power to exercise authority over the people. It also describes the politically appointed section of the executive branch of government.

State

A legally recognised international actor in the international system. Also a set of isstitutions through which public policy and laws are decided and executed.

Separations of powers

The three branches of government are separated to prevent an abuse of power. The executive (govt), legislature (parliament), judiciary (courts).

Constitution

The systems of rules and laws by which a state is governed. It defines the relationship between the different institutions of government and between the government citizens

Constitutional monarchy

The monarchy has a limited role within the constitutional framework of the UK

Rule of law

Every citizen is equal before the law, regardless of their position. No person is above the law. The law should be applied fairly and consistently in all legal cases.

Unitary state

A state which in all power and authority resides in a single,e body. In the UK this is Parliament.

Federalism

Opposite of unitary state, where authority is equally shared between the central government and lower level government.

Sovereignty

The ultimate legal and political power. In the UK Parliament is sovereign.

Doctrine of entrenchment

No Parliament can bind its successor or be bound by its predecessor. Any act can thus be repealed by Parliament as and when it sees fit.

Parliamentary government

All government and all opposition takes place in Parliament.

Responsible government

The theory that governments should be responsible to the electorate that elected the . Usually happens through elections and national legislature.

Representative government

Public policies are made by the elected politicians who are selected by the electorate and held to account in periodic elections. The government should represent the interests of the majority.

Party government

The House of Commons is organised along party lines and if one party has an absolute majority of MPs it can form a government and count on the constant support of MPs to ensure that legislation is passed.

Individual Ministerial Responsibility

All ministers are individually responsible to the PM, Parliament and the public for the actions of their department and its civil servants.

Collective responsibility

All members of the government are collectively responsible for the decisions of the government and must be seen publicly to support and defend them, even if they have private doubts.

Law

A body of rules, whether formally enacted by or customary which a state recognises as binding upon its subjects.

Justice

The concept of fairness and impartiality in the creation and application of law.

Natural justice

Everyone is entitled to a fair hearing, no person may be judged in their own case.