Political Systems, Regimes, and Governments

Flashcards covering key concepts of political systems, regimes, and governments, including definitions, types, characteristics, and factors affecting political phenomena.

What is empirical data?

Information gathered through observation, experimentation, or other forms of data collection.

What does normative data represent?

Data that represents typical or average performance or behavior within a specific population.

What is quantitative analysis?

The use of mathematical and statistical methods to analyze numerical data.

What is qualitative analysis?

The use of non-numerical data such as interviews, observations, and surveys to analyze and interpret patterns and themes.

What does correlation indicate?

A statistical measure that indicates the degree to which two variables are related to each other.

What is positive correlation?

A relationship between two variables in which an increase in one variable is associated with an increase in the other variable.

What is negative correlation?

A relationship between two variables in which an increase in one variable is associated with a decrease in the other variable.

What does causation mean?

A relationship between two variables in which one variable directly influences or causes a change in the other variable.

What is the Human Development Index (HDI)?

A composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators, which are used to rank countries into four tiers of human development.

What is the Gini Index?

A measure of income inequality within a population, ranging from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality).

What does GDP stand for, and what does it represent?

Gross Domestic Product; the total value of goods and services produced within a country's borders in a given time period.

What is the role of Freedom House?

An organization that conducts research and advocacy on democracy, political freedom, and human rights.

What does Transparency International monitor?

It monitors and publicizes corporate and political corruption in international development.

What is the Failed States Index?

An annual ranking of countries based on their vulnerability to conflict and instability, as well as their capacity to provide basic services and maintain the rule of law.

What type of government does the UK have?

A parliamentary system of government with a constitutional monarchy.

What type of government does Russia have?

A federal semi-presidential republic system.

What type of government does Iran have?

An Islamic republic system.

What type of government does Mexico have?

A federal presidential representative democratic republic system.

What is the political system in China?

A single-party socialist republic system.

What is the political system in Nigeria?

A federal presidential representative democratic republic system.

What do political scientists study?

They study political systems, behavior, and institutions.

What research method involves gathering information about public opinion?

Surveys.

What method do political scientists use to analyze specific political events?

Case Studies.

What is comparative politics?

The study of different political systems and institutions around the world.

What does public policy study?

How governments make decisions and implement policies.

What are the key characteristics of democracy?

Power held by the people, protection of rights, rule of law, transparency, accountability, and civil society.

What defines an authoritarian regime?

Power held by a single leader or small group with limited protection for individual rights.

What is direct democracy?

A form of democracy in which citizens directly participate in the decision-making process.

What is representative democracy?

A form of democracy where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

What is democratization?

The process of transitioning a government from an authoritarian regime to a democratic one.

What is the significance of popular sovereignty in democracy?

The ultimate power lies with the people who elect their representatives.

What is accountability in terms of political legitimacy?

A government that is answerable to its citizens for its actions and decisions.

What factors contribute to democratization?

Economic development, international pressure, and strong civil society.

Where does legitimacy in a government come from?

The acceptance of the authority of a government by the people it governs.

What can cause a government to lose legitimacy?

Corruption, incompetence, violations of human rights, or election fraud.

What is political stability?

The ability of a government to maintain its power and control over a country without significant threats.

How do economic factors affect political stability?

High unemployment rates, inflation, income inequality, and poverty can lead to instability.

What role does international relations play in political stability?

Strong diplomatic ties and trade relationships can enhance stability.