Unit 1 AP Comp Gov

Causation

A change in one variable leads to a change in another variable.

Correlation

An apparent connection between variables that may not be causally related.

Empirical statement

A statement based on provable fact, e.g., 'The UK voted to leave the EU in 2016.'

Normative statement

A value judgment, e.g., 'Nigeria should be less reliant on oil.'

Quantitative data

Observable statistics presented through charts, graphs, tables, maps, and infographics.

Qualitative data

Text-based descriptions such as excerpts from laws, articles, and speeches.

Source analysis

The practice of reading and analyzing texts.

Human Development Index (HDI)

An index that measures human development focusing on life expectancy, education, and per capita GDP.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

The total value of goods and services produced in a country in a year.

GDP per capita

GDP divided by the population, a rough measure of living standards.

Gini Index/coefficient

A measure of income inequality within a population.

Freedom House

A non-governmental organization that measures the level of democracy in countries based on civil and political rights.

Corruption Perception Index

A measure of perceived levels of public sector corruption in countries.

The Fragile States Index

A measure assessing the vulnerability of states to collapse or failure.

Nation

A group of people who share a sense of belonging, often linked by common language, culture, or religion.

Regime

The type of political system in a state, such as democracy or authoritarianism.

Democratization

The process of transitioning from an authoritarian regime to a democratic one.

Political efficacy

The belief that one can understand and influence political affairs.

Devolution

The transfer of powers from the central government to regional governments.

Patron-clientelism

A system where rich individuals provide resources to poor individuals in exchange for support.

Citizenship

The status of being a legal member of a state or nation with rights and responsibilities.

Legitimacy

The belief by citizens that the government has the right to govern.

Federal system

A political system in which power is constitutionally divided among multiple levels of government.

Unitary system

A political system where the central government holds all constitutional power.

Illiberal democracy

A political system with elections that may not be free and fair, restricting some civil rights and liberties.

Totalitarian Regime

An authoritarian government that seeks to control nearly every aspect of public and private life.

Rule of law

A principle where all individuals and government officials are subject to the law.

Rule by law

A principle where the law is applied arbitrarily by those in power.

Charismatic legitimacy

The right to rule based on personal virtue, heroism, or extraordinary circumstances.

Traditional legitimacy

The right to rule based on long-standing societal patterns and practices.

Rational-legal legitimacy

The right to rule based on an accepted set of laws and procedures.