Pressure Groups | Definition, Features, Functions, Pros & Cons
There are several groups in the political system which attempt to influence the political process. Apart from political parties, pressure groups are also important in this respect. The study of pressure groups has its origin in the “group theory" of politics....
Constitutionalism, therefore represents a strict adherence to the provisions of a constitution by both the rulers and the ruled. It emphasizes that the constitution is superior to any other power in the political system.
Confederal Constitution - Definition, Features, Advantages and Disadvantages
A confederal constitution provides for a union of states with a very weak and almost powerless central authority, and powerful components, (in most cases, states or regions or municipalities). Simply put, the central government under a confederal constitution is subordinate to the...
Unitary Constitution – Definition, Features, Advantages and Disadvantages
Definition of Unitary Constitution
In a unitary constitution, all political powers goes to the central and concentrated in the hands of a single authority or government. The constitution recognises the sole authority of the central government. Other component units, for instance, state or...
Federal Constitution - Definition, Features, Advantages and Disadvantages
Definition of Federal Constitution
A federal constitution is one which divides and apportions political Powers the different tiers of government in a particular country, for example, the central, state and local governments. The powers of each tier is properly defined and derived from...
Difference Between Rigid Constitutions and Flexible Constitutions (with Examples)
Under types of constitutions, we classify constitutions on the basis of the ease with which the constitution can be amended. On the basis of this criterion, we have rigid and flexible constitutions.
Constitution
This chapter covers the definition, types, sources, features and...
Differences Between Written Constitution and Unwritten Constitution
Going by criterion, there are two basic forms of constitutions, which are: written and unwritten constitutions. Yet, it is important to note that every constitution is a blend or mixture of written and unwritten rules. It is the balance between these forms of...
Constitution - Definition, Principles, Sources, Types and Scope of Constitution
Definition of Constitution
A constitution may be defined as a set of rules, which establishes the institutions of the state, defines their powers, sets limits on their powers and defines the rights and duties of the citizens.
Constitution may also be seen...
What is Written Constitution - Advantages, Disadvantages
A constitution is said to be written when the most important constitutional laws are enacted or are formally approved and put in a single document. In the modern sense, to administer a state without a written constitution is to say that the state...
Definition of Rigid and Flexible Constitution - Difference, Advantages & Disadvantages
The distinction between rigid and flexible constitutions is based purely on the amendment procedure and nothing else. While it is relatively easy to change a flexible constitution, it is generally difficult to amend a rigid constitution. As such, there...
Unwritten Constitution - Definition, Examples, Advantages and Disadvantages
To say that a constitution is unwritten does not meant the constitution is not writing as the name tends to imply. An unwritten constitution is one, which is partly written and partly unwritten. The parts that are unwritten are called conventions or...
The electoral system is central to the development and sustenance of democracy and democratic institutions in the state. Without a good electoral system, the people will ultimately lose confidence in the political system and its capacity to generate and process demand from the environment.
Restricted Suffrage or Limited Franchise means that the right to vote is restricted only to male adults or people who possess certain special qualifications. During the apartheid era in South Africa, for example, the right to vote was granted only to the White (Afrikaner). The black people who constituted the majority of the population were disenfranchised.
Malpractice means bad or improper behaviour. Failure to carry out a duty as expected may also be considered a malpractice. Therefore, electoral malpractice is the manifestation of all forms of electoral misconducts, capable of derailing the electoral process.
Proportional Representation | Definition, Features, Types, Advantages & Disadvantages
Definition of Proportional Representation
The proportional representation is an electoral system which emphasizes a direct relationship between the number of votes cast and the number of representatives or legislators elected.
Unlike geographical representation which is based on the constituency, proportional representation is a...
Second ballot voting system or Two round system is an election which holds if the first election is unable to produce a decisive winner or a winer with absolute majority.
Fascism is a form of government which concentrates all power in a single party headed by a dictator. It is a dictatorial system of government. But as Ernest Nolte (1965) pointed out, any good definition of fascism cannot afford to fail to emphasize it's anti-communism posture. Indeed the greatest enemy of fascism is communism. The first fascist regime was established by Benito Mussolini in Italy in 1925. The word fascism comes from "fasci ," an Italian term for "bundle of sticks" that was a symbol for strength in unity. Fascists believe in one-party, totalitarian control of a nation and its economy.
Communism simply refers to a classless society. According to Karl Marx, it is the highest stage of development of a society. In a communist society, there is a common sharing of material goods.
Nationalist Movement And The Decolonization In Africa | Nationalism is could mean a certain form of unity which grows out of historical experience. It is the sense of oneness that emerges from social groups, trying to control their interest against competing groups. It can also mean a strong emotional awareness of belonging to a nation-state held in bondage by foreign dominations which leads to the struggle against such foreign rule and domination.
The establishment of an autocratic status of the white minority rule has been the bane of South African apartheid system. This system allowed the white minority, irrespective of religion, origin, or accomplishment, an immeasurable access to assets of the Nation; while non-white (blacks) were denied the same opportunities and privileges.