Key Terms in Politics
This section addresses important terms that are fundamental for understanding political parties and elections. Each term plays a crucial role in highlighting the different aspects of democracy. Here are key definitions:
- Democracy: A system of government where power is vested in the people who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.
- Political Party: An organized group of people who share common ideologies and work together to influence government policy and gain political power through elections.
- Election: A formal decision-making process in which voters select candidates for office members of the government.
- Electoral System: The methodology used to calculate the number of elected positions in government that individuals or parties are awarded after elections.
- Free and Fair Elections: Elections that are conducted fairly, ensuring that all eligible voters have an equal opportunity to participate, without coercion or manipulation.
- Representation: The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone, especially in government, ensuring diverse views are presented.
- Majority Rule: A standard political principle where decisions are made based on the preferences of more than half of the voters.
- Political Participation: The ways in which citizens engage in political activities, such as voting, campaigning, or running for office.
- Coalition Government: A government formed by multiple political parties cooperating to reach an agreement on governance, particularly when no single party has a majority.
Understanding these terms will provide students with a foundation for further discussions about the roles and responsibilities of political parties and citizens in a democracy.