GCE O/L Civic Education flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Citizenship

Legal membership of a state that carries rights, duties and protection; in Sri Lanka acquired by descent, registration or naturalisation.

Civic virtue

Voluntary conduct aimed at the common good, such as community service, honesty in public dealings and environmental care, beyond legal duty.

Corresponding duty

The obligation that accompanies every right; for example, freedom of expression entails the duty not to defame or incite violence.

Reasonable restriction

A legal limit on a right that pursues a legitimate aim, is prescribed by law, and is necessary and proportionate in a democratic society.

Constitutional supremacy

The principle that the constitution is the highest law and any inconsistent statute is void to the extent of the inconsistency.

Rule of law

The principle that everyone, including officials, is subject to publicly known law applied equally, with due process and independent courts.

Separation of powers

Division of state authority among legislature, executive and judiciary so that no single organ holds unchecked power.

Independent commission

A body insulated from direct political control, such as the Elections Commission, that performs sensitive regulatory or oversight functions.

Universal adult suffrage

The right of all adult citizens to vote regardless of wealth, sex, race or religion, exercised through a secret ballot.

Proportional representation

An electoral system allocating seats roughly in proportion to votes won; Sri Lanka uses it with preferential voting in multi-member districts.

Election offence

An illegal act during elections, such as bribery, impersonation, undue influence or misuse of state resources, punishable by law.

Fundamental rights

Constitutionally guaranteed freedoms and protections enforceable in courts, including equality, speech, assembly, religion and fair trial.

Habeas corpus

A court order requiring a person detaining another to produce the detainee and justify the detention; a safeguard against unlawful imprisonment.

Proportionality

The test that a limitation on a right must be no more restrictive than necessary to achieve its legitimate aim.

National flag

Sri Lanka's flag shows a golden lion holding a sword, four bo leaves, and green and orange bands beside maroon, symbolising unity.

National symbols

Emblems of sovereignty and identity, including the flag, anthem, blue water lily, na tree and jungle fowl, protected by law and custom.

Cultural heritage

Tangible and intangible inheritance such as ancient sites, temples, dance, drumming and crafts, protected for present and future generations.

Socialisation

The process by which family, school, religion and community transmit values, norms and skills to individuals, especially children.

Freedom of religion

The right to hold, practise and propagate a religion, subject to reasonable limits protecting public order and others' rights.

Social capital

Trust, networks and cooperation within a community that enable collective action and mutual support.

Burden of proof

The obligation to prove a case: beyond reasonable doubt in criminal matters, on the balance of probabilities in civil matters.

Writ of mandamus

A court order compelling a public authority to perform a legal duty it has unlawfully refused or failed to perform.

Due process

Fair legal procedure requiring notice, a hearing before an impartial tribunal, and a reasoned decision.

Right to information

The citizen's right to obtain information held by public authorities, subject to limited exemptions, under the Right to Information Act.

Administrative fairness

The duty of public officials to act lawfully, give reasons, allow a hearing and provide appeal against decisions.

Bribery

Offering or accepting an undue advantage to influence official action; an offence investigated by the Bribery or Corruption Commission.

Sustainable development

Development meeting present needs without compromising future generations, balancing economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection.

Environmental impact assessment

A required study predicting the environmental effects of a proposed project before approval, used to prevent or mitigate harm.

Fiscal policy

Government use of taxation and public spending to influence the economy, employment and the distribution of income.

Global citizenship

Awareness of global issues and shared responsibility, expressed through respect for human rights and action on problems like climate change.

Sustainable Development Goals

Seventeen UN goals adopted in 2015 for 2030, covering poverty, education, equality, climate action and peaceful institutions.

Diplomacy

The conduct of relations between states through negotiation, treaties and multilateral forums to advance interests and settle disputes peacefully.