Democratic Systems and Backsliding Quiz

Electoral systems that allocate seats based on the proportion of votes received by each party, aiming for a representation that reflects the overall vote distribution.

Electoral systems where the candidate with the most votes in a district wins the seat, regardless of the overall percentage of votes received.

In a proportional representation system, the number of seats allocated to a party is directly influenced by the total number of votes received.

A minimum percentage of votes that a party needs to secure in order to gain any seats in the legislature.

Political participation that involves actively engaging in the democratic process by choosing leaders, such as voting in elections or joining political parties.

Political participation that involves expressing views and demands publicly, such as participating in demonstrations or boycotts.

Political participation methods that involve directly communicating demands to policymakers, such as contacting elected officials, writing petitions, and lobbying.

Representing the interests of a group or constituency by advocating for their policy preferences and concerns.

A system where the executive branch, often a prime minister and their cabinet, is directly accountable to the legislature, which is elected by the people. The executive branch derives its legitimacy from the legislature, meaning it needs a majority of votes to remain in power.

A system where the executive branch, typically a president, is elected independently of the legislature. Both branches have separate mandates and powers.

A form of government where power is concentrated at the national level, with limited autonomy for regional or local governments. Usually, the central government has the authority to make decisions that apply nationwide.

A form of government where power is shared between the national government and regional or state governments. Each level of government has its own sphere of authority, and the central government does not have absolute control.

A decision-making process that emphasizes reaching agreements and consensus among different groups, ensuring their interests are represented and considered. This often involves compromise, negotiation, and collaboration.

A decision-making process that focuses on the will of the majority group. This often means the party or coalition with the most votes in the legislature has significant power to implement its policies.

The gradual decline or erosion of democratic institutions, norms, and practices, often through legal means. It can involve attacks on civil liberties, weakening of checks and balances, and restrictions on free and fair elections.

The ability to make decisions and implement policies efficiently, meaning they are made and carried out quickly and effectively.

A system where voters choose one candidate in each district, and the candidate with the most votes wins. This system tends to create two-party systems as smaller parties struggle to win seats.

A system where voters rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate wins a majority in the first round, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed until someone reaches a majority.

A system that combines elements of both majoritarian and proportional representation. This system aims to balance the strengths of each system by ensuring both local representation and fair representation of smaller parties.

The intentional manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group. This practice can unfairly disadvantage certain groups and undermine the democratic process.

The way in which electoral systems influence how voters behave and how political parties strategize. Voters consider the consequences of their choices, and parties adapt their strategies to the rules of the game.

The functions of elections go beyond simply choosing representatives. They are instruments for reflecting public values, selecting qualified leaders, providing checks on power, and fostering popular legitimacy in government.

The process of redrawing electoral boundaries after a census to ensure equal representation for all citizens. Districts should have roughly the same number of people within them, ensuring that each vote has equal weight.

A group of people who are united in their goal of gaining control of the government. They participate in elections, nominate candidates, and organize the government if they win.

A party that focuses on coordinating actions within the government, society, and between the government and society.

A party that plays a key role in elections, bringing candidates and issues to voters to choose from.

A party that selects and recruits individuals to be candidates for elections or appointed positions.

A party that represents various social groups, citizens, and their viewpoints.

A party focused on maintaining the existing social order, often with a hierarchical structure. They emphasize strict discipline and punishment for those who break the rules.

A party that emphasizes the importance of representing the ordinary people, often portrayed as fighting against an elite or powerful group.

A party system where one dominant party wins most elections and controls the government, with little chance for other parties to win power.

A party system with two major parties that alternate in power, each winning a significant share of votes and seats.

A party system with multiple parties, none of which can win a majority of votes, leading to coalition governments where different parties work together to form a majority.

In political science, the term "establishment" refers to the dominant ruling class or elite in a society. These groups hold significant power and influence, often through positions of authority and control over resources.

The "Freezing Hypothesis", developed by Seymour Martin Lipset and Stein Rokkan, suggests that the social and political divisions that emerged during the periods of national and industrial revolutions, and those that shaped party systems during the 20th century, have remained relatively stable over time.

The 'Centre-Periphery Cleavage' is a social and political division that arises when there is a conflict between central authorities and local identities. This can include conflicts related to language, culture, and regional autonomy.

The 'State-Church Cleavage' is a social and political division that focuses on the tension between secular and religious authorities. This includes conflicts about the role of religion in public life, education, and social institutions.

The 'Rural-Urban Cleavage' is a social and political division that emerges from the different interests of agricultural and urban sectors. This can involve conflicts over resource allocation, economic policies, and social values.

The 'Class Cleavage' is a social and political division that arises from the distinct interests of capital (business owners) and labor (workers). This can involve conflicts over wages, working conditions, and economic policies.

Nativism is a political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of native-born citizens over those of immigrants. This can involve policies that restrict immigration, promote cultural homogeneity, and prioritize the interests of the majority.

In political science, a 'party family' refers to a group of political parties that share common ideological values, historical origins, and organizational structures. Some examples include Christian Democratic parties, Socialist parties, and Liberal parties.

Associations that seek to influence other groups in society by making claims.

The difficulty of organizing a group to achieve a shared goal, especially when individual members can benefit without contributing.

Groups offering members personal benefits like insurance or a sense of belonging, making participation appealing.

The belief that the costs of inaction are higher than the costs of participating in a group.

Groups that promote sectional interests are seen as undermining the general will of the people.

Interest groups are essential for liberty, as they allow for a diversity of voices and a balance against powerful interests.

A network of individuals and organizations working towards a shared goal, often through public protest.

Social movements can raise awareness of issues, propose solutions, and challenge powerful structures.