Final Exam Review Sheet for POL 205: Comparative Governments

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and terms related to comparative governments, emphasizing definitions and significance.

Modernization Theory

A theory that posits that societies progress through stages of development, often leading to democratization.

Democratization

The process through which a country transitions from an authoritarian regime to a democratic one.

The Glorious Revolution

The 1688 overthrow of King James II of England, leading to the establishment of constitutional monarchy.

The Magna Carta

A charter signed in 1215 that limited the powers of the king and laid the foundation for parliamentary democracy.

Brexit

The United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union, reflecting issues of sovereignty and national identity.

The Iron Triangle

A term used to describe the stable, mutually beneficial relationships among the bureaucracy, congressional committees, and interest groups.

Meiji Restoration

The period of rapid modernization and industrialization in Japan starting in 1868, transforming it into a competitive state.

Perestroika

A political movement in the late 1980s advocating for reformation of the Soviet political and economic system.

Glasnost

A policy of openness and transparency in government instituted in the Soviet Union under Mikhail Gorbachev.

The Vanguard Party

A political party that claims to act in the interest of the proletariat and lead the revolution.

State Capitalism

An economic system in which the state has substantial control over the economy, often through owning or managing enterprises.

The Russian Revolution

The 1917 upheaval that led to the collapse of the Russian Empire and the rise of the Soviet Union.

The Great Leap Forward

A campaign initiated by the Chinese Communist Party from 1958 to 1962 to rapidly expand agriculture and industry, resulting in economic disaster.

The Cultural Revolution

A sociopolitical movement in China from 1966 to 1976 aimed at preserving Chinese Communism by purging remnants of capitalist elements.

The Long March

A military retreat undertaken by the Red Army of the Communist Party of China from 1934 to 1935.

Globalization

The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or operate on an international scale.

Import-substitution strategy

An economic policy that replaces foreign imports with domestic production.

Structural Adjustment

Economic policy changes implemented by countries to encourage growth and stability, often in response to IMF and World Bank conditions.

Privatization

The transfer of ownership of a business, enterprise, or public service from the government to private individuals or organizations.

Resource Curse

The paradox that countries with an abundance of natural resources tend to have less economic growth and worse development outcomes.

Neocolonialism

The practice of using capitalism, globalization, and cultural imperialism to control a country, typically former colonies.

Tariffs

Taxes imposed on imported goods, used to restrict trade.