Comparative govt. unit 1 VV

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 government’s 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?)

1. A permanent population

2. governing institutions to expert control

3. defined territory

4. 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 state’s 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 aren’t 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

1. Rule of Law or Rule by law?

2. Freedom of media?

3. Free, fair and competitive elections?

4. Government transparency?

5. 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 government’s policy making and policy implementation to hold policy makers accountable

Democratic gives citizens access to see this and authoritarian can have violence to journalists

Citizen’s 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