Glossary
Authoritarian Regimes
Systems of government characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms. Power is often concentrated in a single leader or a small group, with little to no accountability to the public.
Example:
China and Russia exhibit characteristics of authoritarian regimes, where political opposition is suppressed and state control over society is extensive.
Democratic Regimes
Systems of government where power is vested in the people, who exercise it either directly or through elected representatives. Key characteristics include free and fair elections, protection of civil liberties, and rule of law.
Example:
Countries like the United Kingdom and Mexico are considered democratic regimes due to their regular elections, multiple political parties, and protection of citizens' rights.
Executive Term Limits
Rules that restrict how long an executive can serve in office, often specified in a country's constitution or laws. They are designed to prevent the concentration of power and promote political turnover.
Example:
In Mexico, the president is limited to one six-year executive term limit, ensuring a new leader takes office after each sexenio.
Fixed Term Election System
An electoral system where elections occur on predetermined, set dates, regardless of political events or the executive's performance. This provides predictability in the electoral calendar.
Example:
The United States operates under a fixed term election system, with presidential elections always occurring every four years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
Impeachment
A formal process by which a legislative body levels charges against a high-ranking public official, such as an executive, for alleged misconduct. It is typically the first step in removing an official from office.
Example:
If a president were accused of serious crimes, the legislature might initiate impeachment proceedings to investigate and potentially remove them from power.
Lame Duck Period
The period of time between an election and the inauguration of a new executive, or the period after an executive has announced their retirement or reached their term limit. During this time, the executive's influence often diminishes.
Example:
After a president loses reelection, their remaining months in office before the new president takes over are considered a lame duck period, where their political power may be reduced.
Political Legitimacy
The belief among a population that their government's exercise of power is rightful and proper, often derived from factors like free elections, tradition, or effective governance. It is crucial for a government's stability and effectiveness.
Example:
A government that comes to power through free and fair elections typically enjoys high political legitimacy among its citizens, making it easier to govern.
Recall Election
A procedure that allows citizens to remove an elected official from office before their term has expired through a direct popular vote. It serves as a direct democratic check on executive power.
Example:
Some U.S. states allow voters to initiate a recall election to remove a governor who has lost public trust before their term ends.
Sexenio
The single, non-renewable six-year term served by the President of Mexico. This term limit is a defining feature of Mexican presidential politics.
Example:
Every six years, Mexico elects a new president, who will serve a single sexenio and cannot be re-elected.
Vote of No Confidence
A parliamentary procedure in which a legislature votes on whether they still have confidence in the executive or government. If the vote passes, the executive or government is typically forced to resign.
Example:
In the UK, if the Prime Minister loses a vote of no confidence in Parliament, they must resign, potentially triggering a general election.