Democratization & Legitimacy Flashcards

Flashcards about Democratization & Legitimacy in Comparative Government

Democratization

The transition from an authoritarian regime to a democratic regime, aiming for increased competition, fairness, transparency in elections, and universal suffrage.

Democratization in Mexico and Nigeria

Both countries have multiple parties that compete in elections, have had opposition parties take control, and guarantee voting rights for citizens 18 and older.

Election Commissions in Mexico and Nigeria

Independent election commissions attempt to reduce voter fraud and manipulation and enhance electoral competition.

Best indicators of electoral democratization

Margin of victory of the governing party and a rival party ousting a governing party from power through an election.

Interest Groups in Mexico

Mexico has transitioned from a corporatist system to a pluralist system.

Democratic Electoral Systems in Nigeria and Mexico

Both Nigeria and Mexico have legislative election systems that guarantee representation of different regions and multiple parties; Mexico has gender quotas.

Electoral System in Russia

Russia's electoral system ensures multiple parties and direct election to represent different regions in the Duma, but no opposition party has ever taken majority control.

Sources of Power & Authority

constitutions, religions, military force, political parties, legislatures, popular support.

China's Source of Power

The Communist Party’s control over China’s military, providing power and authority to maintain regime stability.

Iranian Revolution Result

Transition of power from dictatorial rule to a theocracy based on Islamic Sharia law after the 1979 Revolution.

Power Transition in Nigeria & Mexico

Transition of power in Nigeria and Mexico to multiparty republics following military rule and single-party dominance, respectively.

United Kingdom's Constitutional Reforms

Constitutional reforms that devolved power to multiple parliaments, allowing the regime to maintain stability.

Source of Power in Russia

Political elites backing of a strong president, creating a managed democracy with election rules favoring one party.

Devolution

The transfer of political power from central to subnational government.

Opportunities of Devolution

Promoting policy innovation, matching policies to local needs, increasing political participation, and allowing better representation of religious/ethnic/minority groups.

Obstacles of Devolution

Creating contradictory policies, allowing inequality between regions, and exacerbating ethnic and local tensions.

Nigeria's Efforts to Undermine Legitimacy

Wave of Boko Haram terrorist violence that led to the electoral defeat of incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

United Kingdom's Efforts to Undermine Legitimacy

Majority of UK citizens voted to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum.

The Green Revolution

Mass protests against electoral fraud in Iran (2009).

Traditional Legitimacy

Built by habit and custom over time, stressing history; strongly institutionalized.

Charismatic Legitimacy

Built on the force of ideas and the presence of the leader; weakly institutionalized.

Rational-Legal Legitimacy

Built on rules and procedures and the offices that create and enforce those rules; strongly institutionalized.

Political Legitimacy

Whether a government’s constituents believe their government has the right to use power in the way they do.

Sources of Legitimacy

Popular elections, constitutional provisions, nationalism, tradition, governmental effectiveness, economic growth, ideology, religious heritage, and the dominant political party’s endorsement.

How Governments Maintain Legitimacy

Policy effectiveness, political efficacy, tradition, charismatic leadership, and institutionalized laws.

Citizen Protest groups effect on change

Internal reform pressure from citizen protest groups and civil society can lead to the creation of new political institutions or policies