Democratic Systems and Backsliding Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes a majoritarian system in comparison to a consensus system?

It allows for more efficient decision-making with fewer hurdles. (correct)

It often has slower policy development due to wide consultations.

It thrives on federal systems of governance.

It promotes inclusivity and minority representation.

In a consensus democracy, what is a key advantage regarding policy-making?

Policies can shift rapidly with new governments.

Decision-making is less dependent on coalition-building.

There is minimal representation of minority groups.

Policies are more likely to reflect diverse societal interests. (correct)

How can democratic backsliding be defined?

An increase in democratic practices and institutions.

A period of increased civil liberties and rights.

A gradual erosion of democratic institutions and norms. (correct)

The establishment of new democratic systems in nations.

Which factor contributes to instability in majoritarian systems?

The potential for rapid policy changes with government shifts. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a parliamentary consensus model be suggested for a new democratic country?

It aligns the executive and legislature for efficient governance. Signup and view all the answers

What recent examples illustrate democratic backsliding?

Hungary’s control over media and judiciary under Viktor Orbán. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential disadvantage of a consensus system?

Decision-making may involve slower policy development. Signup and view all the answers

Which system is often characterized by unitary and centralized governance?

Majoritarian democracy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of independent judiciary in preventing democratic backsliding?

It keeps a check on the power of authoritarianism. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of majoritarian electoral systems?

They can result in gerrymandering practices. Signup and view all the answers

What does the electoral formula in an electoral system determine?

How votes are translated into seats in the legislature. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to encourage a political culture that respects democracy?

It fosters accountability and civic engagement. Signup and view all the answers

Which electoral system is characterized by rank-ordering candidates?

Alternative vote system Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of electoral systems that lack strong checks on representatives?

Elected officials may exploit their positions for personal gain. Signup and view all the answers

What function do elections serve in a political system?

They provide legitimacy and select qualified representatives. Signup and view all the answers

What is typically a feature of proportional electoral systems?

They convert votes into seats based directly on vote share. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary requirement for MLP to win an election in France?

Secure 50% plus 1 of all votes Signup and view all the answers

What overarching agenda is currently influencing the political landscape in France?

Nativist agenda encompassing various socio-economic issues Signup and view all the answers

Which political conflict has gained prominence, overshadowing traditional cleavages in France?

Socio-cultural conflict driven by nativism Signup and view all the answers

Which party family is associated with the Centre-Periphery cleavage identified in the national revolution?

Regional, ethnic, or nationalist parties Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'freezing hypothesis' describe?

The stabilization of social divisions in structuring party systems Signup and view all the answers

Which party family is linked to the Class Cleavage originating from the Industrial Revolution?

Communist parties Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the freezing hypothesis, what is considered to have declined in recent years?

The stability of party systems based on historical cleavages Signup and view all the answers

What significant implication arises from the presence of the radical right in France?

It may result in shifting policy directions Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do regionally concentrated parties have in electoral systems?

They can more easily obtain seats. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Proportional Representation (PR) systems?

They usually result in multi-party systems. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by descriptive representation?

Representatives mirror the demographic characteristics of the electorate. Signup and view all the answers

How does district magnitude influence electoral systems?

Larger district magnitudes generally increase disproportionality. Signup and view all the answers

What forms of political participation include voting and party membership?

Choosing legislative and executive officials. Signup and view all the answers

How do majoritarian electoral systems typically impact smaller parties?

They discourage participation due to low chances of winning. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the role of a delegate in political representation?

They follow the views of their constituents. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'substantive representation'?

Representatives actively promoting the interests of their constituents. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of political parties?

Coordinating actions within government and society Signup and view all the answers

Which type of political party is characterized by a large homogeneous membership and represents specific social groups?

Mass party Signup and view all the answers

In which type of party system do multiple parties exist without any single party approaching an absolute majority of votes?

Multi-party system Signup and view all the answers

What defines a dominant-party system?

One large party holding an absolute majority Signup and view all the answers

Which type of political party evolved from pre-existing parties and has reduced the importance of ideology?

Catch-all parties Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of cartel parties?

Focus on governing rather than representation Signup and view all the answers

Which cleavage best describes the belief that only nation members should inhabit a state?

Nativism Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of a two-party system?

Two main parties share a significant portion of the votes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of mass parties?

Limited membership Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of populism?

Antagonistic divide between 'the people' and elites Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of radical-right populist parties?

Emphasizing nationalist and anti-immigration rhetoric Signup and view all the answers

According to Wilson, interest groups are defined as:

Membership organizations that appeal to government but do not participate in elections Signup and view all the answers

What does the collective action problem in interest groups refer to?

The difficulty in mobilizing support without personal benefits Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Republican unitarist view on interest groups?

They undermine the general will by promoting sectional interests Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential function of social movements?

To challenge power holders and privileged groups Signup and view all the answers

Why might some interests be more effectively represented than others?

Some interests may be more organized or may have exit options abroad Signup and view all the answers

What role do interest groups play in a democratic society, according to liberal pluralist views?

They act as counterweights to dominating interests Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements accurately represents the concept of social movements?

They consist of a mobilized network aiming for fundamental changes in society Signup and view all the answers

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Description

Test your knowledge on the differences between majoritarian and consensus systems, their advantages and disadvantages, and the concept of democratic backsliding. Explore key characteristics of electoral systems and the role of an independent judiciary in maintaining democracy.