Unit 1 - Vocab

Quantitative Information

Data that can be counted, measured, and expressed using numbers.

Qualitative Information

Data can be categorized based on traits and characteristics.

Causation

When 1 variable is changed it will cause a change in others

Correlation

When there is a relationship present between 2 or more variables

Empirical Data

Based on factual statements and statistics

Normative Data

Requires value judgments and can be debated

"What should be“

Human Development Index

Ranks countries into tears using measured life expectancy, education, and percapita income.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

The value of goods and services produced by all workers within a nation.

GDP Per Capita

Takes the total GDP and divides it by the country's population.

GDP Growth Rate

Measures how fast the economy is growing from quarter to quarter.

Freedom House

An independent watchdog organization dedicated to the **expansion of freedom and democracy** around the world.

Transparency International

Gives a voice to victims and witnesses of **corruption**. It works with governments, businesses and citizens to stop the abuse of power, bribery and secret deals.

Fragile States Index

**Assesses a states' vulnerability for conflict or collapse**, ranking all sovereign states with United Nations membership where there is enough data available for analysis.

Enduring Understanding

Political Systems and regimes reflect the dynamic balance of power between government and its citizens.  

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Characteristics of States

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* Territory with internationally recognized boundaries. 
* People live there on an ongoing basis
* Organized economic activity
* Government provides public services & police power. 
* Sovereignty! No other state should have power over the country's territory. 

Characteristic of a Nation

* People bound together by a common political identity

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* Identify through historical, cultural, religious,  geographic, or linguistic ties.

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* Nations are not necessarily countries

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* What might be some nations that are not countries?  

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Regime

* Fundamental rules that control access to political power


* Tend to remain unless there is a disruption that completely changes the rules of the state.  

Government

* Set of institutions given power to make decisions for a state.  


* Authority to use power to enforce policies and decisions.  


* Government has authority over the population in its borders.  

Characteristics of a Democratic State

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* Competitive elections
* Civil liberties 
* Rule of law
* Neutrality of Judiciary 
* Open civil society
* Civilian control of the military 

Characteristics of an Authoritarian State

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* Decisions made by political elites ruling over state
* Citizens have little or no choice on leadership or government decisions
* No constitutional responsibility of leaders to the public
* Restriction of civil rights and civil liberties