Political Science 101 > Democracy and Political Participation > Flashcards

Democracy and Political Participation Flashcards

Covers the principles and forms of democracy, elections, political parties, and civic engagement. (77 cards)

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1
Q

Define:

democracy

A

A political system in which power is vested in the people, either directly or through elected representatives.

From Greek demos (people) and kratos (power).

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2
Q

Name core principles of democracy.

A
  • Popular sovereignty
  • Rule of law
  • Political equality
  • Majority rule with minority rights
  • Accountability

These principles ensure legitimacy and inclusiveness.

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3
Q

Fill in the blank:

In a democracy, the government is accountable to the ______.

A

people

Citizens delegate authority through free and fair elections.

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4
Q

True or False:

Democracies guarantee freedom of speech and expression.

A

True

Democracies vary widely in form (parliamentary, presidential, direct, etc.).

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5
Q

What are the challenges to democracy?

A
  • corruption
  • lack of political participation
  • voter suppression
  • misinformation
  • unequal representation

Democracies face internal and external pressures that can undermine institutional integrity and citizen participation.

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6
Q

What is representative democracy?

A

A system where citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf.

Most modern democracies are representative.

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7
Q

Define:

direct democracy

A

A form of democracy in which citizens vote on laws and policies directly.

Common in ancient Athens and modern referenda systems.

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8
Q

True or False:

Switzerland uses a model of direct democracy.

A

True

Citizens can propose and veto laws through referenda.

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9
Q

Fill in the blanks:

Rule of law means that laws apply ______ __ ______.

A

equally to everyone

Including leaders, preventing abuse of power.

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10
Q

Fill in the blank:

Free, fair, and regular ______ are a core feature of democratic systems.

A

elections

Elections must occur periodically to renew legitimacy.

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11
Q

Define:

political party

A

An organized group of people who have the same ideology or political positions, and who field candidates for elections, in an attempt to get them elected and thereby implement the party’s agenda.

Parties represent interests, ideologies, and propose policies.

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12
Q

What is the role of political parties in a democracy?

A

They represent different ideologies, facilitating political participation, and providing a platform for political debate and policy formulation.

Parties help citizens engage with and influence government.

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13
Q

True or False:

Political parties always align with specific ideologies.

A

False

Some are ideologically driven, others are pragmatic or clientelist.

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14
Q

Fill in the blank:

A ______-______ system features two dominant political parties.

A

two-party

Example: USA (Democrats and Republicans).

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15
Q

What is a multiparty system?

A

A political system with several major and minor parties competing for power.

Multiparty systems often lead to coalition governments and offer voters diverse choices, but they can also make it harder to achieve stable majorities.

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16
Q

Name a disadvantage of a two-party system.

A

It can limit political diversity and marginalize smaller or alternative viewpoints.

In a two-party system, voters often feel compelled to choose the “lesser evil,” reducing nuanced political expression and minority party influence.

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17
Q

Identify:

Three types of political parties

A
  1. Mass Parties: Focus on mobilizing a large base of supporters and often represent broad social groups (e.g., workers, farmers).
  2. Catch-all parties: Aim to attract a wide range of voters across different social groups by downplaying ideology and focusing on broad appeal.
  3. Cadre Parties: Formed by political elites; emphasize leadership over membership (e.g., early liberal or conservative parties).

Mass parties prioritize inclusivity and activism; cadre parties rely on political elites; catch-all parties adapt to diverse electorates.

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18
Q

Define:

coalition government

A

A government formed by multiple parties working together, usually in parliamentary systems.

Common when no single party has a majority.

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19
Q

Define:

political polarization

A

The growing ideological distance between opposing political groups.

Can hinder compromise and democratic dialogue.

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20
Q

Name one document that historically promoted democratic ideas.

A

Magna Carta or U.S. Constitution

The Magna Carta (1215) limited the power of the English monarch, laying the groundwork for the rule of law. The U.S. Constitution (1787) established a government based on popular sovereignty and separation of powers.

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21
Q

Define:

civic virtue

A

Refers to the traits that make individuals more likely to participate meaningfully in society by fulfilling their civic duties and responsibilities.

The concept of civic virtue dates back to Ancient Rome and is key to sustaining democratic societies through responsible citizenship.

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22
Q

Define:

civic engagement

A

Individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern.

It includes voting, volunteering, participating in group activities, and community organizing.

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23
Q

Name three key areas of civic engagement in a democracy.

A

Voting, protesting, and participating in public debates or community organizations.

Civic engagement keeps democracy responsive and vibrant.

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24
Q

What’s the difference between direct and indirect civic engagement?

A

Direct involves personal action (e.g., voting); indirect includes supporting organizations or causes.

Both influence policy and promote accountability.

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25
# Fill in the blank: **Civil society** organizations act as a bridge between citizens and \_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
state (or government) ## Footnote They advocate for **rights**, monitor policy, and offer services.
26
# Define: liberal democracy
A form of representative democracy emphasizing **individual freedoms** and **constitutional limits**. ## Footnote Includes checks and balances, free press, and independent judiciary.
27
Why is **accountability** important in liberal democracies?
It ensures leaders are answerable to the **public and institutions**. ## Footnote Accountability mechanisms include elections, audits, and courts.
28
# Fill in the blank: In a **parliamentary democracy**, the head of government is chosen by the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
legislature ## Footnote Often the majority party or coalition in parliament selects the **prime minister**.
29
# True or False: **All** parliamentary democracies have a monarch.
False ## Footnote Some are **republics** (e.g., India), while others are **constitutional monarchies** (e.g., UK).
30
Which system **combines** a head of state and head of government into a **single elected position**?
Presidential democracy ## Footnote Seen in the **U.S. and Latin American countries**.
31
How does a **semi-presidential** system work?
It shares executive power between a **president** (head of state) and a **prime minister** (head of government). ## Footnote Found in countries like France and Portugal.
32
# Define: constitutional democracy
A system governed by a **constitution** that limits government power. ## Footnote Ensures rule of law and separation of powers.
33
Explain **participatory democracy**.
A model that emphasizes broad citizen involvement in **decision-making**. ## Footnote **Goes beyond voting**—includes community councils, town halls, etc.
34
Name a key feature of **deliberative democracy**.
Reasoned **debate** and informed discussion among citizens. ## Footnote Based on Habermas' ideas of communicative rationality.
35
# Define: consociational democracy
A system designed to manage power in deeply **divided societies** by ensuring group representation. ## Footnote Used in Lebanon, Belgium, and post-conflict settings.
36
What is **pluralism** in democratic theory?
The idea that **multiple groups** influence policy-making. ## Footnote Pluralism assumes no single group dominates; instead, power is dispersed, promoting negotiation and compromise in policymaking.
37
Name the **difference** between political and cultural pluralism
* Political pluralism refers to the coexistence of **multiple political parties** and interest groups. * Cultural pluralism refers to the recognition and respect for **diverse cultural identities** within a society. ## Footnote Political pluralism ensures democratic competition; cultural pluralism promotes inclusion and harmony among ethnic, religious, or linguistic groups.
38
What is **clientelism** in politics?
The exchange of goods or services for **political support**, often undermining democracy. ## Footnote Common in systems with weak institutions.
39
# Define: Democratic backsliding
The gradual **decline** in the quality of democratic institutions or practices. ## Footnote It often involves **attacks on judicial independence**, press freedom, or electoral integrity, and can occur even through legal means within democratic systems.
40
What is an **election**?
A formal process where citizens **choose individuals** to hold **public office**. ## Footnote Elections are fundamental to representative democracy.
41
# True or False: All democracies use the same **electoral system**.
False ## Footnote **There are many types**—proportional, majoritarian, mixed, etc.
42
Name the three main parts of the **U.S. election process**.
* Primary election * General election * Electoral college ## Footnote **Each part serves a different role**—primaries narrow party candidates, the general election selects officeholders, and the Electoral College determines the presidency.
43
Explain the **role** of the **Electoral College** in U.S. presidential elections.
The Electoral College is a body of electors from each state who formally elect the President and Vice President. **States have electors based on population.** ## Footnote A candidate needs a majority of electoral votes (270 of 538) to win; this system can lead to a president winning without the popular vote.
44
What is a **proportional representation (PR)** system?
An electoral system where parties gain seats in **proportion to the number of votes** received. ## Footnote Common in multi-party democracies like the Netherlands.
45
How does a majoritarian system **differ** from a proportional system?
**Majoritarian systems** often favor **large parties** and single winners, while **PR** allows for **broader representation**. ## Footnote Example: UK (majoritarian) vs. Sweden (proportional).
46
# Fill in the blank: In a \_\_\_\_\_\_ voting system, voters rank candidates in order of preference.
preferential ## Footnote Also called **ranked-choice** voting or instant runoff.
47
How does the **two-round system** work?
If no candidate wins a **majority** in the first round, a second round is held **between the top two**. ## Footnote Used in presidential elections in France.
48
# Define: voter turnout
The **percentage** of eligible voters who actually vote. ## Footnote High turnout is often seen as a sign of political engagement.
49
What is **gerrymandering**?
**Manipulating electoral district boundaries** to favor a specific party or group. ## Footnote Undermines fairness and can disenfranchise voters.
50
# Fill in the blank: The system where each district elects **one representative** is called \_\_\_\_\_\_-\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ voting.
single-member district ## Footnote Often used in **majoritarian systems**.
51
Which voting system is most likely to produce a **multi-party legislature**?
Proportional representation ## Footnote It better reflects **diverse political views**.
52
What is **compulsory voting**?
A **legal requirement** for citizens to vote in elections. ## Footnote Practiced in countries like Australia and Belgium.
53
# True or False: A **mixed electoral system** combines majoritarian and proportional elements.
True ## Footnote Example: Germany's Bundestag elections.
54
How do **open and closed primaries** differ?
Open primaries allow **any voter to participate**; closed primaries **restrict participation** to party members. ## Footnote Used to choose candidates for general elections.
55
What is an **electoral threshold**?
The **minimum percentage of votes** a party needs to enter the legislature. ## Footnote Designed to prevent fragmentation; varies by country.
56
# Fill in the blank: A system where citizens **vote directly on laws or policies** is known as a \_\_\_\_\_\_.
referendum ## Footnote A form of **direct democracy**.
57
Why do some democracies experience **low political participation**?
Barriers include lack of trust, limited education, systemic exclusion, or complex procedures. ## Footnote Engagement improves with inclusion and transparency.
58
What is active **citizenship**?
**Engagement in civic duties** and public life to strengthen democracy and community well-being. ## Footnote Involves participation, responsibility, and advocacy.
59
What is an **electoral district**?
A **geographic area** represented by an elected official. ## Footnote Each district elects a representative; boundaries affect representation and election outcomes.
60
# Define: suffrage
The **right** to vote. ## Footnote It has expanded historically—from property-owning men to **universal adult voting** rights in most democracies.
61
# Fill in the blank: **Universal suffrage** means voting rights for all \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_.
adult citizens ## Footnote Universal suffrage is a key indicator of **democratic** development and inclusiveness.
62
# Define: political apathy
**Lack of interest** or concern about political participation. ## Footnote May result from disillusionment or lack of trust.
63
Why are **secret ballots** important?
They protect **voter privacy** and prevent coercion. ## Footnote Secret ballots reduce manipulation, protect freedom of choice, and encourage honest voting.
64
What are **watchdog** organizations?
Groups that **monitor elections** to ensure fairness. ## Footnote They include NGOs and international bodies that promote electoral **integrity and transparency**.
65
# Define: Electoral fraud
**Illegal interference** with the election process. ## Footnote Examples include vote tampering, voter suppression, or misreporting results.
66
Explain the role of **campaign finance** in elections.
It influences access, competitiveness, and transparency. ## Footnote **Regulation** ensures fair competition; excessive spending can distort democratic equality.
67
Why is **freedom of assembly** important?
It allows citizens to organize and **express opinions**. ## Footnote It enables protest, collective bargaining, and political mobilization.
68
# Define: civil disobedience
Peacefully **breaking laws** to protest injustice. ## Footnote Used by figures like Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr. to challenge unjust laws nonviolently.
69
# True or False: Civic responsibility ends **after** voting.
False ## Footnote Democracy depends on **continuous participation**—like staying informed, advocating, or volunteering.
70
What is **lobbying**?
Attempting to **influence policymakers** on behalf of a group. ## Footnote Lobbying can be practiced by corporations, unions, or citizen groups to influence legislation.
71
# True or False: Joining **political parties** is the only way to participate in democracy.
False ## Footnote Participation also includes petitions, local councils, **digital activism**, etc.
72
What is **digital activism**?
Using **online tools** to promote political or social change. ## Footnote Includes **online petitions**, social media campaigns, and digital organizing.
73
Name a **civic duty** besides voting.
Paying taxes or serving on a jury. ## Footnote Civic duties maintain the **rule of law** and ensure democratic function.
74
What is **grassroots activism**?
Political movements driven by ordinary citizens. ## Footnote Often local and community-led; emphasizes bottom-up political influence.
75
Name a global organization promoting **democratic engagement**.
International IDEA or UNDP ## Footnote These organizations provide research, support elections, and foster democratic institutions.
76
# Define: civic literacy
Understanding how political systems work and how to **participate**. ## Footnote Promotes informed participation and critical evaluation of political information.
77
How can individual actions contribute to **democratic resilience**?
By voting, staying informed, engaging in dialogue, and holding leaders accountable. ## Footnote Democracy thrives when citizens remain vigilant and engaged in public life.
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