APCOMPGOV Unit 1

Causation

Direct relationship between two variables where a change in one leads to a change in the other.

Correlation

Relationship between two variables where changes in one correspond with changes in the other, but not necessarily directly related.

Empirical statements

Factual claims based on demonstrable evidence.

Interest Groups

Organizations with a common public policy goal influencing public policy.

Linkage institutions

Systems connecting individuals to the policy-making process, including political parties, interest groups, and media.

Normative statements

Claims based on value judgments or opinions rather than evidence.

Political culture

Norms, values, and expectations about political power competition and wielding.

Political parties

Organizations seeking to win control of government and wield political power.

State institutions

Formal systems for making and implementing public policy, including legislative, executive, judicial, bureaucratic, and military institutions.

Systems Theory

Holistic view explaining how public policy decisions are demanded, made, implemented, and altered.

Autonomy

State's ability to act and implement policy decisions regardless of public support.

Capacity

State's effectiveness in executing policy decisions.

Charismatic legitimacy

Belief in the state's right to rule due to trust in a political leader's popularity.

Confederation

Political union where regional governments hold sovereign power united by a central government.

Devolution

Transfer of political power from central to local or regional levels.

Failed States

States unable to provide necessary public goods and services.

Federal system

Power division between central and regional governments.

Government

People holding office and wielding political power.

Legitimacy

People's belief in the state's right to rule and exercise power.

Monopoly on Violence

State's legitimate use of force and determination of its legitimacy.

Nation

People united by common political identity, often desiring self-rule.

Rational-Legal Legitimacy

Belief in the state's right to rule due to a rational system of laws and processes.

Regime

Fundamental rules and norms of the political system.

Sovereignty

Possessing supreme, autonomous power.

State

Political institution with sovereignty over a territory.

State institutions

Formal organizations for making and implementing public policy.

Supranational organizations

Institutions where member states collaborate on common goals.

Traditional legitimacy

Belief in the state's right to rule due to longstanding customs or practices.