JUDICIARY & DEMOCRACY
What is the main role of the judiciary in a political system?
To interpret laws and ensure the government follows the Constitution
Has a 6 year executive term only
Mexico
Define economic globalization.
Increasing economic connections between countries
What is legitimacy?
Belief that a government has the right to rule
the process of decentralizing power from the national government that stops short of federalism
devolution
How does an independent judiciary strengthen democracy?
It checks government power and protects rights
Is both parliamentary and presidential
Russia
Name one international economic organization.
WTO, IMF, World Bank
What is political participation?
Citizen involvement in politics
Fiscal policy changes imposed by international lenders that include tax increases and cuts to social services
Austerity
Name ONE way authoritarian regimes weaken judicial independence.
controlling judges, limiting court power, OR political pressure
The congress meets every 5 years
China
How does membership in these Global organizations affect policy?
Encourages trade, deregulation, or market reforms
How can non-democratic regimes use elections?
To create legitimacy and control participation
A procedural democracy, with elections that may be flawed and lacking some civil rights and liberties
illiberal democracy/hybrid regime
Name a reform to China’s judiciary since the 1970s.
Professionalization, legal codes, and/or more formal procedures
UK and Russia
Name a country affected by globalization.
China, UK, Mexico or Russia
Name 2 POSC countries that have direct elections for the executive.
Russia, Mexico
the ability to carry out actions independent of internal and external forces
Sovereignty
What impact did China’s judicial reforms have?
Increased consistency, but still limited independence
Which two countries do not have term limits for the head of government?
UK & China
Why do countries join international economic organizations?
Access to trade, investment, legitimacy, and economic growth
What is consolidating democracy mean?
Embedding democratic norms, becoming more stable as a democracy, less like an authoritarian government, instilling free and fair elections, having political competition, or ensuring civil society.
The citizens' trust in their ability to change the government and the belief that they can understand and influence political affairs
Political efficacy