Comparative Politics Study Guide Test 1

Comparative Politics

The study of political systems and behaviors across different countries.

Why compare?

To understand patterns, solve problems, and make political predictions.

How we compare?

Using case studies, cross-national comparisons, or large-scale data analysis to identify similarities and differences in political systems.

Politics

The process of making decisions that apply to members of a group, involving governance and resource allocation.

Power

The ability to influence or control behavior and outcomes.

Coercive Power

Power based on force.

Legitimate Power

Power based on recognized authority.

Expert Power

Power based on knowledge.

Referent Power

Power derived from personal traits and influence.

State

A political entity with a defined territory and government that has sovereignty.

Institutions

Structures of a political system that manage society (e.g., legislature, judiciary).

Political System

The system of government in a state, such as democracy, autocracy, or oligarchy.

Inductive Reasoning

Drawing general conclusions from specific examples or evidence.

Deductive Reasoning

Applying a general theory to make conclusions about specific instances.

Empirical Statements

Based on observable evidence.

Normative Statements

Based on values, opinions, or what "should" be.

Causation

One event directly causes another.

Correlation

Two events are related, but one does not necessarily cause the other.

GDP (Gross Domestic Product)

The total value of goods and services produced within a country.

GDP per Capita

GDP divided by the population, indicating average economic output per person.

Gini Index

Measures income inequality; 0 represents perfect equality, 100 represents maximal inequality.

Human Development Index (HDI)

Measures overall human well-being based on life expectancy, education, and income.

Regime Type

The form of government in a state, such as democracy or authoritarianism.

Legitimacy

The right and acceptance of authority.

Traditional Legitimacy

Based on historical practices.

Charismatic Legitimacy

Based on a leader’s personal qualities.

Legal-rational Legitimacy

Based on legal procedures and laws.

British Isles

A group of islands including Great Britain, Ireland, and surrounding smaller islands.

Great Britain

The island containing England, Scotland, and Wales.

United Kingdom (UK)

Comprises Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Magna Carta (1215)

Limited the powers of the monarchy in the UK.

Glorious Revolution (1688)

Strengthened parliamentary power in the UK.

Reform Acts

Expanded voting rights in the UK during the 19th–20th century.

Gradualism

The slow evolution of democracy in the UK over centuries.

Liberal-Representative Democracy

A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Unitary System

Power is centralized in the national government.

Federal System

Power is shared between national and regional governments.

Constitutional Monarchy

A monarchy where the monarch’s powers are limited by law or a constitution.

Human Rights Act (1988)

Incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law.

Cabinet Manual (2011)

A guide to the operations of the UK government.

Parliamentary System

The executive is drawn from the legislature and is accountable to it.

Presidential System

The executive is separate from the legislature.

Fusion of Power

The blending of executive and legislative powers, common in parliamentary systems.