Democracy, State And Sovereignty
Overview
Every ballot box, every parliament and every border on a map rests on two ideas that most people never stop to question: that power should come from the people, and that a state has the right to run its own affairs without outside interference. Both ideas sound simple. Neither one is.
In this lesson you will compare representative and direct democracy, define what actually makes a nation state a state, and examine why sovereignty, a state's supreme authority over its own territory, is being tested from below by regions that want independence and from above by the treaties states sign with one another.
Objectives
- Definition of democracy and concepts, including representative and direct democracy; strengths and weaknesses of each
- Definition and function of the nation state in global politics
- The challenges to the sovereignty of nation states (local/regional community demands for independence)
Mind map
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Flashcards
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Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Democracy, State And Sovereignty. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which of the following best describes representative democracy? A) Citizens vote directly on every law B) Citizens elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf C) A single unelected ruler makes all decisions D) Decisions are made only by regional governments Answer: B
- A referendum is an example of: A) Representative democracy B) Direct democracy C) An absolute monarchy D) A one-party state Answer: B
- Which of the following is commonly used to describe the features required for statehood? A) A national flag, an anthem, a capital city and an army B) A permanent population, a defined territory, an effective government, and the capacity to enter relations with other states C) Membership of the United Nations only D) A written constitution and a supreme court Answer: B
- Internal sovereignty refers to: A) A state's independence from control by other states B) A government's authority to make and enforce law within its own borders C) A region's right to leave a state D) A treaty between two or more states Answer: B
- When a state joins an international treaty that limits how it can act in one policy area, this is best described as: A) A total loss of sovereignty B) An example of pooled or shared sovereignty, agreed to voluntarily C) Evidence that the state is no longer a nation state D) A breach of territorial integrity Answer: B
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