Unit 2: Analyzing Judicial and Bureaucratic Authority

Rule of Law

A system where the law applies equally to everyone, including government officials.

Rule by Law

A system where the state uses law to control the populace, often exempting itself.

Judicial Review

The power of a court to overturn laws or actions that conflict with the constitution.

Common Law

A legal system characterized by judicial decisions that establish principles and rules.

Civil Law

A legal system based on written codes or statutes, such as the Napoleonic Code.

Sharia Law

Islamic law derived from the Quran and Hadith, applied in various levels in certain countries.

Bureaucracy

Unelected officials responsible for executing and enforcing laws and policies.

Meritocracy

A system where jobs are awarded based on skill and qualifications.

Patronage

A system where jobs are awarded based on political loyalty or connections.

Civilian Control of the Military

The principle that the military is subordinate to elected civilian officials.

Coups d'état

Military takeovers of a government.

Technocrats

Bureaucrats who are hired based on expertise and qualifications.

Clientelism

A system where jobs and resources are distributed based on loyalty rather than merit.

Prebendalism

A form of clientelism in Nigeria where officials use state resources to benefit their own groups.

Nomenklatura

An approved list of positions in Soviet-style governments that ensures loyalty to the party.

Central Military Commission (CMC)

The body in China that oversees the military, ensuring loyalty to the Communist Party.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

A branch of Iran's military that has significant political and economic power.

Guardian Council

An Iranian body that reviews laws to ensure they comply with Islamic principles.

Writ of Amparo

A legal remedy in Mexico for the protection of rights.

Judicial Independence

The ability of the judiciary to make decisions free from influence or pressure from the other branches of government.

Parliamentary Sovereignty

The principle that Parliament has the supreme legal authority in the UK.

Political Dissidents

Individuals who oppose or criticize the governing authorities.

High Conviction Rates

A characteristic of legal systems often used to suppress political opposition.

Due Process

Legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person.

Civil Rights

Personal liberties recognized and protected by the Constitution.

Supremacy of the Constitution

The doctrine that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land.

Political Elite

A small group of powerful and influential people who control a disproportionate amount of wealth, privilege, or political power.