AP Gov Test 1 Key Terms

area studies

a regional focus when studying political science, rather than studying parts of the world where similar variables are clustered

behavioral revolution

a movement within political science during the 1950s and 1960s to develop general theories about individual political behavior that could be applied across all countries

casual relationship

cause and effect; when a change in one variable causes a change in another variable

comparative method

the means by which social scientists make comparisons across cases

comparative politics

the study and comparison of domestic politics across countries

correlation

an apparent relationship between two or more variables

deductive reasoning

research that works from a hypothesis that is then tested against data

dependent variable

a variable whose value changes based on that of another

endogeneity

the issue that cause and effect are not often clear, in that variables may be both cause and effect in relationship to one another

equality

a material standard of living shared by individuals within a community, society or country

formal institutions

institutions usually based on officially sanctioned rules that are relatively clear

freedom

the ability of an individual to act independently, without fear of restriction or punishment by the state or other individuals or groups in society

game theory

an approach that emphasizes how actors or organizations behave in their goal to influence others; built upon assumptions of rational choice

independent variable

a variable whose value does not depend on that of another

inductive reasoning

research that works from case studies in order to generate hypotheses

informal institutions

institutions with unwritten and unofficial rules

institution

an organization or activity that is self-perpetuating and valued for its own sake

international relations

a field in political science that concentrates on relations between countries, such as foreign policy, war, trade and foreign aid

modernization theory

a theory asserting that as societies developed, they would take on a set of common characteristics, including democracy and capitalism

multicasuality

when variables are interconnected and interact to produce particular outcomes

politics

the struggle in any group for power that will give one or more persons the ability to make decisions for the larger group

power

the ability to influence others or impose one’s will on them

qualitative method

study through an in-depth investigation of a limited number of cases

quantitative method

study through statistical data from many cases

rational choice

approach that assumes that individuals weigh the costs and benefits and make choices to maximize their benefits

selection bias

a focus on effects rather than causes, which can lead to inaccurate conclusion about correlation or causation

theory

an integrated set of hypotheses, assumptions and facts

Asymmetric federalism

A system where different regions have different amounts of power or autonomy.

Autonomy

The ability to govern or make decisions independently.

Capacity

The ability of a state to effectively carry out its basic responsibilities.

Charismatic legitimacy

Authority based on a leader’s personality, ideas, or ability to inspire followers.

Country

A territory with its own government, people, and political system.

Devolution

The process of transferring power from a central government to local or regional governments.

Failed state

A state that can no longer effectively perform basic government functions.

Federalism

A system where power is divided between a national government and regional governments.

Government

The group or institutions that make and enforce decisions and laws for a state.

Legitimacy

The belief that a government or leader has the right to exercise power.

Rational-legal legitimacy

Authority based on laws, rules, and established procedures.

Regime

The basic rules and institutions that determine how a country is governed.

Sovereignty

A state's authority to govern itself without outside control.

State

An organized political system that governs a territory and its people.

Strong state

A state that can effectively perform its basic responsibilities, such as providing security, collecting taxes, and enforcing laws.

Traditional legitimacy

Authority based on customs, traditions, and long-established practices.

Unitary state

A system where most political power is held by the central government.

Weak state

A state that struggles to perform basic government responsibilities effectively.