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Politics
Interaction between state and society
Power
the ability to influence the actions of others or the outcome of events.
Authority
The power that comes from a certain position
Sources of power and authority
religions, military forces, political parties, legislatures, popular support
Political legitimacy
The right to govern, passed down by law and/or tradition and/or production (i.e. elections in the U.K., Chinese Meritocracy). Belief and acceptance by the people that a govt. has the right to rule
Political efficacy
When people feel that they have input in their government and/or influence over its decision-making (i.e. Brexit).
Political systems
the laws, ideas, and procedures that address who should have authority to rule and what the governmentās influence on its people and economy. (ways in which countries govern and organize themselves)
state
An independent entity with clear geographic boundaries
Nation
A large population that shares the same culture, language, traditions, etc.
Nation-state
boundaries of state align with a nation. EX. japan
State (combine what?)
A permanent population
governing institutions to expert control
defined territory
international recognition
Regime
A set of fundamental rules that control access to political power, and exercise of political power.
can be democratic or authoritarian
endure from govt. to govt.
Government
the set of institutions (or people) that are legally empowered to make binding decisions for a state.
Authority derived from stateās legitimate right to use power to enforce policies and decisions.
Democracies
independent branches more likely.
Less concentration of power creates mobility, citizen particpation and transparency
political efficacy
free media creates transparency and sense of accountability
Authoritarian regimes
system of government where power is invested in a small group of people who exercise power over the state without being constitutionally responsible to the public.
Illiberal democracy or hybrid regimes (Russia)
Have election but arenāt free and fair (miss democratic elements like free media)
One Party State (CHina)
One political party that controls government for regime
Theocracy (Iran)
Religious leaders play a very important role and government
Decisions are made based on predominant religion
Totalitarian government
Total control over governmental decision making and private life (North Korea)
Military Regime
Military leader runs government (Nigeria in past, prior to 1999)
democratic vs authoritarian questions
Rule of Law or Rule by law?
Freedom of media?
Free, fair and competitive elections?
Government transparency?
Citizen participation?
Rule of law/by law
Democratic: Everyone, including leaders, accountable to the law (universal) Can be done by impeachment, vetoes, separation of powers and checks and balances
Authoritarian: Resist rule of law because of fear of accountability, regime change, losing office, to punish opposition, engage in corruption etc.
Freedom of media
Democratic: Allowing free media allows for legitimacy, reducing corruption, increase of accountability, build trust, encourage participation. Constraints may be needed to protect minorities, morals and violence
Authoritarian: China has censorship, state control. Usually constrained to prevent emergence of opposition, prevent challenges to legitimacy, maintain support and prevent mobilization of opposition. (Common sense)
Free and fair elections
Elections held to build internal and external legitimacy, to maintain/control power, to prevent unrest. (Should be multiple people running/not a lot of obstacles to run) Allow competition
Governmental transparency
Ability of citizens to access information about governmentās policy making and policy implementation to hold policy makers accountable
Democratic gives citizens access to see this and authoritarian can have violence to journalists
Citizenās participation
Two examples:
In China:
citizens may vote in elections, contact a political leader, protest certain issues, join the Communist Party, and attend rallies.
In Iran
citizens may vote in elections, protest certain issues, contact a political leader, run for office, join social movements, and attend rallies.
Democratization
the transition from an authoritarian to democratic regime (not a straight line always)
*Goals:
Big 5 questions more democratic. Election transparency and suffrage. More equality and equal treatment- protection of rights
De-democratization
Democratization can stall or be reversed; policy changes in election rules and civil rights can impede. Corruption can cause de democratization bc people have less political efficacy.
EX: Gerrymandering
Comparative Political Scientists
compare different political systems to derive conclusions about politics.
Data
Quantitative (numerical) vs qualitative (descriptive)
Statements
Normative (value) vs empirical (factual)
Conclusions
causation vs correlation