MATSEC SEC Social Studies key terms

A system of government in which power comes from the people, who choose their leaders through regular, free and fair elections and can hold them accountable between elections.

The right to vote in political elections. In Malta it is granted to citizens aged sixteen and over, and to certain resident foreign nationals in local elections.

A national vote in which citizens elect members of parliament. In Malta it must normally be held at least every five years, and the party winning a majority forms the government.

A geographical area that elects a set number of representatives. Malta is divided into thirteen electoral districts, each returning five members of parliament.

An electoral system in which voters rank candidates in order of preference and surplus or eliminated votes transfer to other candidates, producing results roughly proportional to first-preference support.

An electoral principle under which the share of seats a party wins broadly matches its share of the votes cast, so that smaller parties can gain representation.

An arrangement in which two or more political parties agree to govern together, usually because no single party won enough seats to command a parliamentary majority on its own.

The group of senior ministers, led by the prime minister, who decide the main direction of government policy and are collectively answerable to parliament.

The principle that the legislative, executive and judicial functions of the state should be exercised by distinct bodies, so that no single group holds unchecked authority.

The principle that everyone, including the government itself, is subject to the law, and that laws must be applied fairly, publicly and consistently rather than by arbitrary decision.

The branch of the state made up of courts and judges, which interprets laws, settles disputes and decides whether people accused of crimes are guilty.

A direct vote in which the whole electorate is asked to accept or reject a specific proposal, such as a change to the constitution, rather than leaving the decision to representatives.

The fundamental set of rules that establishes how a state is organised, what powers its institutions have and what rights citizens hold, and which ordinary laws cannot override.

Basic entitlements that belong to every person simply because they are human, such as life, liberty, fair trial and freedom of expression, regardless of nationality or status.

Treating a person or group less favourably than others because of characteristics such as sex, race, religion, disability or age, rather than on relevant individual merit.

A preconceived opinion about a person or group formed without sufficient knowledge or evidence, often negative and resistant to change even when facts contradict it.

An oversimplified, widely shared generalisation about the characteristics of a group, which ignores individual differences and can fuel prejudice and discrimination.

The lifelong process through which people learn the norms, values, beliefs and behaviours expected in their society, mainly via family, school, peers and the media.

An established pattern of relationships and roles that meets a basic social need, such as the family, education system, religion, economy or system of government.

A household made up of two parents and their dependent children. It is often contrasted with the extended family, which includes other relatives in the same or nearby household.

A family group that includes relatives beyond parents and children, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, who maintain close ties or share a household.

The movement of individuals or families up or down the social and economic ladder, whether within their lifetime or compared with their parents' position.

A broad grouping of people who share a similar economic position, income, occupation and level of education, which shapes their opportunities and lifestyle.

A condition in which people lack the income or resources needed for a minimum acceptable standard of living, measured either against a fixed line or relative to others in society.

The process by which certain groups are pushed to the margins of society and blocked from full participation in work, education, services and community life.

The practice of ensuring that all people, including those with disabilities or from minority groups, can take part fully and equally in education, work and community life.

A system in which the government provides services and financial support, such as health care, pensions and unemployment benefits, to protect citizens against hardship.

The sphere of voluntary organisations, charities, clubs and pressure groups that operate independently of the state and business, allowing citizens to organise around shared concerns.

A voluntary, non-profit body that is independent of government and works on issues such as aid, environment, rights or community development, often at national or international level.

The movement of people from one place to another to live, either within a country or across international borders, for reasons such as work, family or safety.

A person who moves into a country to settle there, whether temporarily or permanently, and who may face challenges of integration, language and recognition of qualifications.

A person who has left their country, often because of war or persecution, and is waiting for a decision on their claim for legal protection in another country.

The total number of people living in a particular area at a given time, studied through characteristics such as age structure, birth rates, death rates and migration.

An official count of a country's population that records details such as age, sex, occupation and household size, usually carried out at regular intervals.

A shift over time in the structure of a population, such as ageing, falling birth rates or growing migration, which affects services, pensions and the labour market.

Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, balancing economic growth, social well-being and environmental protection.

The natural surroundings in which people live, including air, water, land, climate and living things, which human activity can damage or protect.

The process of collecting used materials such as paper, glass and plastic and processing them so they can be made into new products instead of being thrown away.

The growing interconnection of countries through trade, investment, communication, travel and shared culture, which brings opportunities but also new inequalities and pressures.

The sequence of steps by which raw materials are turned into goods and delivered to consumers, involving producers, transporters, warehouses and retailers across countries.

Legal protections for buyers of goods and services, covering matters such as truthful advertising, product safety, refunds for faulty items and fair credit arrangements.