Politics and Democracy Overview
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences voting behavior?

  • Socioeconomic status
  • Individual evaluation of candidates
  • Demographic characteristics
  • Weather patterns on election day (correct)

    • Voter apathy typically increases voter turnout.

    False (B)

    Journalists act as ______ of information, presenting filtered news.

    gatekeepers

    How can media bias impact public perception?

    <p>Media bias can influence how the public perceives events, candidates, and political issues by selectively presenting information or framing stories in a way that favors a certain viewpoint.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Voter Turnout = Percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot Electoral Trends = Patterns in voting behavior over time Media Bias = Presentation of information that favors a specific viewpoint Media's Role = Reporting events, informing the public, and shaping public opinion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of an electoral system?

    <p>To regulate the process of electing representatives (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a majoritarian system, seats are allocated proportionally to the votes received by parties.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name two key elements of a democratic system of government.

    <p>Citizen participation, protection of human rights, rule of law</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A system of government where supreme power is vested in the people is known as a ______.

    <p>democracy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of political parties?

    <p>To recruit candidates and formulate policies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    One-party systems are marked by strong competition between various political groups.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following with their descriptions:

    <p>Proportional representation = Allocates seats in proportion to the votes received First-past-the-post = Elects the candidate who receives the most votes in a district Citizen participation = Active involvement of citizens in political processes Political Parties = Groups that contest elections and hold power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Give two examples of citizen participation in a democracy.

    <p>Voting, activism, lobbying</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    What is politics?

    The process of making and implementing decisions that affect a society or its members. This includes activities like campaigning, lobbying, and policymaking.

    What is democracy?

    A system of government where supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation, typically involving periodic free and fair elections.

    What is citizen participation?

    Active involvement of citizens in political processes, ranging from voting to activism and lobbying.

    What is an electoral system?

    A system of rules that regulates the process of electing representatives. The method of counting votes significantly affects the makeup of the representative body.

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    What are political parties?

    Groups of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. They advocate for specific policies and ideologies.

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    What are party systems?

    Systems that describe the number and relative strength of political parties in a country. Examples include one-party, two-party, and multi-party systems.

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    What is proportional representation?

    Aim to allocate seats in the government proportionally to the votes received by parties.

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    What are majoritarian systems?

    Elect the candidate who receives the most votes in a district.

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    Demographic Factors in Voting

    Characteristics like age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education, and ideology that influence a voter's choices.

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    Voter Turnout

    The percentage of people eligible to vote who participate in an election.

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    Electoral Trends

    Patterns in voting behavior over time, showing changes in party support and political trends across generations.

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    Impact of Media on Public Opinion

    The media's influence on public opinion, including the way it presents information and shapes people's understanding of campaigns and candidates.

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    Media Bias

    News outlets can exhibit bias, affecting how events and candidates are portrayed, leading to different perceptions among the public.

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    Study Notes

    Politics

    • The process of making and implementing decisions affecting a society or its members.
    • Activities include campaigning, lobbying, and policymaking.
    • Includes various institutions like governments, legislatures, and political parties.

    Democracy and Participation

    • Democracy: A system of government where supreme power is vested in the people.
    • Exercised directly or indirectly through representation, typically involving periodic free and fair elections.
    • Key elements include citizen participation, protection of human rights, and the rule of law.
    • Citizen Participation: Active involvement in political processes, from voting to activism and lobbying.
    • Varied based on education, socioeconomic status, and political interest.
    • Increased participation often associated with stronger democracies.
    • Forms of Participation: Direct democracy (referendums, initiatives), representative democracy (voting for representatives).
    • Other forms include civil society engagement and protest movements.

    Electoral Systems

    • Electoral Systems: Rules regulating the process of electing representatives.
    • Vote-counting method significantly affects the makeup of the representative body.
    • Types of Systems: Proportional representation (PR) allocates seats proportionally to votes.
    • Majoritarian systems (e.g., first-past-the-post) elect the candidate with the most votes in a district.
    • Effects of Electoral Systems: Varying outcomes impact representation, party structures, and political stability.
    • PR often leads to multi-party systems; majoritarian systems often lead to two-party dominance.

    Political Parties

    • Political Parties: Groups contesting elections and holding government power.
    • Advocate for specific policies and ideologies.
    • Functions of Parties: Recruiting candidates, formulating policy platforms, mobilizing voters, organizing government activity.
    • Promote stability and provide a channel for citizen participation.
    • Party Systems: Describe the number and strength of political parties in a country.
    • Common structures include one-party, two-party, and multi-party systems.

    Voting Behaviour

    • Factors Influencing Voting: Demographic factors (age, gender, ethnicity), socioeconomic status, education, ideology, current issues.
    • Individual evaluation of candidates and party platforms also affect choices.
    • Voter Turnout: Percentage of eligible voters casting ballots.
    • Factors increasing turnout include strong voter registration, easy access, and high political interest.
    • Apathy and voter suppression can decrease turnout.
    • Electoral Trends: Patterns in voting over time, including shifts in party preference and generational changes.
    • Understanding evolving societal values and political landscapes.

    The Media

    • Role of the Media: Reporting events, informing the public, shaping public opinion.
    • Journalists act as gatekeepers of information, filtering and presenting news.
    • Media Bias: Different media outlets can exhibit bias.
    • Political leaning or financial influence can affect information presentation.
    • Recognizing potential bias is crucial for informed citizenry.
    • Media and Political Campaigns: Crucial component, disseminating information about candidates and policies.
    • Social media platforms are transforming campaign communication.
    • Impact of Media on Public Opinion: The media's portrayal significantly influences the electorate's perceptions and decisions in elections.

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    Description

    Explore the fundamental concepts of politics, democracy, and citizen participation in this quiz. Understand how democratic systems operate, the importance of citizen involvement, and various forms of participation that strengthen democracy. Test your knowledge on key political terms and frameworks.

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