AS Government and Politics Defintions

?
What is Politics?
the activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power. Often referring to the State.
1 of 15
What is the State?
A collective name for the institutions that administer a country
2 of 15
What is the Government?
The process of organising the state and giving it political direction. Also refers to the institutions that apply political principles to the running of the state.
3 of 15
What is Power?
Power is the ABILITY to influence and to make others do what one wants. Ultimate power is rare, and so alternate levels of power are demonstrated and distributed between individuals
4 of 15
What is Coercive Power?
The strongest for of power. It can be described as force.
5 of 15
What is Political Power?
This is the power that is exercised by members of the political community. Their power is considered to be "legitimate"; it is being exercised with rightful authority.
6 of 15
What is Authority?
Authority is the right to exercise power. There are 3 types of authority, what are they?
7 of 15
1) Traditional Authority.
Is the right to govern as this authority has existed over a period of time. This kind of authority will apply to hereditary monarchies.
8 of 15
2) Charismatic Authority.
The term 'charisma' refers to an individuals ability to inspire and persuade and attract a following, by the force of their personality.
9 of 15
3) Legal-rational Authority.
Best described as 'elective authority'. In current politics, elective authority is undoubtedly the most powerful justification for the exercise of power.
10 of 15
What is Sovereignty?
Ultimate political power and the source of all political authority.
11 of 15
What is Democracy?
a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.
12 of 15
What is Political Participation?
Opportunities for and tendencies of the people to become involved in the political process. This can include voting, becoming a party member or joining a pressure group.
13 of 15
What is a Referendum?
A popular vote where the people are asked to determine an important political or constitutional issue directly.
14 of 15
Give an Example of a UK Referendum.
1975 - UK - Do you think that the UK should stay in the European Community - YES 67.2% - NO 32.8% - TURNOUT 64.5%
15 of 15

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

A collective name for the institutions that administer a country

Back

What is the State?

Card 3

Front

The process of organising the state and giving it political direction. Also refers to the institutions that apply political principles to the running of the state.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Power is the ABILITY to influence and to make others do what one wants. Ultimate power is rare, and so alternate levels of power are demonstrated and distributed between individuals

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

The strongest for of power. It can be described as force.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Government & Politics resources:

See all Government & Politics resources »See all Definitions resources »