Flashcards: Understanding Democratic Governance — 20 cards

Democracy — definition?

Power exercised by the people through elections.

Direct democracy — role?

Citizens participate directly in decision-making.

Representative democracy — role?

Citizens elect officials to make decisions.

Authoritarian government — characteristic?

Power concentrated in a small group or individual.

Consensus government — mechanism?

All members agree before decision is finalized.

Subjects vs Citizens — difference?

Subjects obey without participation; citizens have rights and responsibilities.

Democratic advantages — key?

Promotes equality, rights, participation, and peace.

Democratic disadvantages — example?

Majority tyranny can oppress minorities.

Government power — how used?

Varies: coercion in authoritarian, influence in democracy.

Civil conflict resolution — method?

Negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and restitution.

Obstacles to democracy — examples?

Ethnic conflicts, inequality, low literacy.

Direct vs. representative democracy — difference?

Direct involves all citizens voting; representative involves elected officials.

Democracy principles — core?

Participation, rule of law, minority rights, equality.

Voter apathy — impact?

Undermines legitimacy and electoral participation.

Majority tyranny — risk?

Majority suppresses minority rights.

Rule of law — meaning?

All are subject to the law equally.

Minority rights — importance?

Protects groups from majority oppression.

Ethnic conflicts — effect?

Hinder democratic development and social cohesion.

Wealth gap — influence?

Limits equal participation and influence.

Consensus decision-making — purpose?

Achieve collective agreement and equality.