This lesson examines how a country can retain representative institutions while restricting freedoms associated with contemporary liberalism. Hungary provides a case study of how a governing party can use parliamentary power to pursue illiberal policies.
Political freedom includes the ability of citizens to participate meaningfully in democratic elections and influence government. Contemporary liberalism, however, encompasses more than elections. It also values economic freedoms and personal liberties, including freedom of speech, a free press, religious freedom, and equal treatment regardless of personal beliefs, practices, or sexual orientation.
All flashcards
Political freedom
The ability to participate meaningfully in democratic elections and influence government.
Illiberal representative regime
A regime that retains representative institutions but does not fully protect liberal rights and freedoms.
Gerrymandering
Drawing electoral district boundaries to advantage particular candidates or political parties.
Religious-conversion laws in some Indian states
Laws requiring state investigation of whether a religious conversion is free and fully informed.
Blasphemy laws
Laws prohibiting speech or publications considered insulting to a religion or its sacred figures, texts, or tenets.
Quiz questions
What makes a regime an illiberal representative regime?Answer: It retains representative institutions but does not fully protect the broader set of liberal rights and freedoms.
Why did Hungary’s National Media and Communications Authority raise concerns about press freedom?Answer: It could impose heavy fines for coverage judged unbalanced or offensive, potentially discouraging independent reporting.
Which policies concerning LGBTQ people are described as restrictions adopted in Hungary?Answer: Restrictions on same-sex marriage and adoption, gender reassignment surgery, and some representations of homosexuality to minors.
What concern have human rights groups raised about religious-conversion laws in some Indian states?Answer: State scrutiny of conversions may undermine religious liberty, and enforcement may unfairly discourage or restrict conversion.
What constitutional circumstance contributes to the political significance of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws?Answer: The laws remain politically significant, and the constitution does not prohibit the government from banning blasphemous speech.
Based on Introduction to Political Science by Mark Carl Rom, Masaki Hidaka, Rachel Bzostek Walker (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.