10. Representation, Elections And Voting - Heywood, 5th Edition

1. What is a manifesto?

A type of religious ceremony

A type of popular dance movement

A form of ancient warfare strategy

A document outlining (in more or less detail) the policies or programme a party proposes to pursue if elected to power.

A manifesto is a public declaration of intentions, motives, or views of a political party or any other group.

Explanation

A manifesto is a public declaration of intentions, motives, or views of a political party or any other group.

2. What is a microcosm?

A type of microscopic organism

Literally, a little world; a miniature version of a larger body, but exact in its features and proportions.

A theory in physics about the smallest particles in the universe

A large-scale model of something

A microcosm is specifically defined as a miniature version of a larger body, not necessarily a large-scale model. It is not explicitly related to microscopic organisms or a theory in physics.

Explanation

A microcosm is specifically defined as a miniature version of a larger body, not necessarily a large-scale model. It is not explicitly related to microscopic organisms or a theory in physics.

3. What does the term 'plurality' refer to?

The smallest number out of a collection of numbers.

The largest number out of a collection of numbers, not necessarily an absolute majority (50 per cent or more of all the numbers combined).

A set of numbers that are all equal in value.

An absolute majority of 50 per cent or more of all the numbers combined.

Plurality refers to the largest number in a group, not necessarily the majority. It does not have to be more than 50 per cent of all the numbers, unlike an absolute majority. Plurality does not imply that all numbers in the collection are equal.

Explanation

Plurality refers to the largest number in a group, not necessarily the majority. It does not have to be more than 50 per cent of all the numbers, unlike an absolute majority. Plurality does not imply that all numbers in the collection are equal.

4. What does proportionality refer to in the context of political representation?

The total number of votes cast in an election.

The frequency of elections held in a democratic system.

The percentage of eligible voters who cast their vote in an election.

The degree to which the allocation of seats amongst parties reflects the distribution of the popular vote.

The practice of gerrymandering electoral districts for political advantage.

Proportionality in political representation refers to how well the allocation of seats in government reflects the distribution of votes among political parties. It aims to ensure that the makeup of the government accurately mirrors the preferences of the population.

Explanation

Proportionality in political representation refers to how well the allocation of seats in government reflects the distribution of votes among political parties. It aims to ensure that the makeup of the government accurately mirrors the preferences of the population.

5. What is altruism?

Indifference towards the well-being of others.

Acting only for personal gain without any regard for others.

A concern for the welfare of others, based on either enlightened self-interest, or recognition of a common humanity.

Selfishness and lack of empathy towards others.

Altruism refers to selfless concern for the well-being of others, which can be motivated by a sense of common humanity or enlightened self-interest. It is the opposite of selfishness and indifference towards others.

Explanation

Altruism refers to selfless concern for the well-being of others, which can be motivated by a sense of common humanity or enlightened self-interest. It is the opposite of selfishness and indifference towards others.

6. What is a delegate?

A person who acts independently without any guidance or instruction.

A person who is chosen to act for another on the basis of clear guidance and instruction; delegates do not think for themselves.

A person who is elected to make decisions on behalf of a group without any constraints.

A person who is randomly selected to represent others without any specific duties.

A delegate is someone who is specifically chosen to act on behalf of another based on clear guidance and instructions provided to them. Delegates are expected to follow the directions given to them without thinking for themselves.

Explanation

A delegate is someone who is specifically chosen to act on behalf of another based on clear guidance and instructions provided to them. Delegates are expected to follow the directions given to them without thinking for themselves.

7. What is initiative?

An introductory act or step.

A one-time project or effort.

A type of referendum through which the public is able to raise legislative proposals.

A decisive point or moment.

8. What is recall?

A way to retrieve lost items.

A method for reviewing past events.

A type of memory function in computers.

A process whereby the electorate can call unsatisfactory public officials to account and ultimately remove them.

Recall in a political context refers to the ability of the electorate to hold public officials accountable and potentially remove them from office if they are deemed unsatisfactory.

Explanation

Recall in a political context refers to the ability of the electorate to hold public officials accountable and potentially remove them from office if they are deemed unsatisfactory.

9. What is popular sovereignty?

The principle that there is no higher authority than the will of the people (the basis of the classical concept of democracy).

A system of government where power is held by a hereditary ruler.

The belief that only a select group of individuals should have the power to govern.

The idea that laws should be made by experts rather than elected representatives.

Popular sovereignty is the concept that the authority of the government is derived from the consent of the people. It is central to democracy, where the power to govern is ultimately in the hands of the citizens.

Explanation

Popular sovereignty is the concept that the authority of the government is derived from the consent of the people. It is central to democracy, where the power to govern is ultimately in the hands of the citizens.