comp. pol. midterm

Comparative politics

The systematic study of political systems, institutions, behavior, and outcomes across different countries or societies.

Independent variable (IV)

The factor you think causes or influences something.

Dependent variable (DV)

The outcome you are trying to explain.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction about the relationship between variables.

Operationalization

Turning an abstract concept into something that can be measured.

Deductive reasoning

Starting with a theory, developing a hypothesis, then testing it with evidence.

Inductive reasoning

Starting with observations, identifying patterns, and then developing a theory.

Correlation

Two variables change together.

Causation

A change in one variable produces a change in another.

Selection bias

When the cases/evidence selected for study aren't representative and distort the conclusions.

Quantitative methods

Methods using numerical data and statistical analysis.

Qualitative methods

Methods using interviews, historical evidence, case studies, observation, documents, etc.

Formal institutions

Official rules and organizations, usually written down.

Informal institutions

Unwritten rules, norms, traditions, and expectations.

Freedom/liberty

Ability of individuals to make choices without unjustified government interference.

Equality

Political, social, or economic equality among people.

State

A political organization that controls a territory, has a population, exercises sovereignty, and maintains institutions of government.

Sovereignty

The state's ultimate authority over its territory and independence from external control.

Legitimacy

The belief that a government or political system has the right to rule.

Traditional legitimacy

Authority based on tradition and longstanding customs.

Charismatic legitimacy

Authority based on the perceived extraordinary qualities of a leader.

Rational-legal legitimacy

Authority based on laws, rules, and established procedures.

Unitary state

A state where political power is concentrated in the central government.

Federal state

A state where power is constitutionally divided between national and regional governments.

Devolution

The transfer of power from a central government to regional/local governments.

State capacity

The ability of the state to implement decisions and accomplish goals.

State autonomy

The ability of state officials to make and implement policies without being controlled by powerful social groups.

Fragile state

A state that has difficulty providing security, services, or effective governance.

Failed state

A state that has lost much of its ability to govern its territory or population.

Citizenship

Legal membership in a political state, usually involving both rights and responsibilities.

National identity

A shared sense of belonging to a political community or nation.

Nationalism

The belief that a particular nation should have political self-determination.

Fundamentalism

A movement emphasizing strict adherence to foundational religious or ideological principles.

Political Economy

The study of how politics and economics influence each other.

Public goods

Goods that are non-excludable and non-rivalrous.

Free-Rider Problem

Situation where people can benefit from a public good without paying their share.

Monopoly

A market dominated by one seller.

Central bank

An institution responsible for managing monetary policy.

Inflation

General increase in prices.

Democracy

A political system in which citizens have meaningful opportunities to participate in choosing their leaders.

Civil society

Organizations and groups operating between individuals and the state.

Civil liberties

Freedoms protected from government interference.

Civil rights

Legal protections ensuring equal treatment and political/social participation.

Parliamentary system

A system where the executive emerges from the legislature and depends on its confidence.

Presidential system

A system where the president is separately elected from the legislature.

Terrorism

Political violence deliberately directed toward civilians or symbolic targets.

Civil War

Sustained armed conflict occurring within a state.

Insurgency

Organized effort by a non-state group to challenge or overthrow a government.

Three-I Framework

Political outcomes explained through institutions, ideas, and individuals.

Relative Deprivation

When people perceive a gap between what they have and what they believe they deserve.

Democratic backsliding

A gradual erosion of democratic institutions and norms.

Waves of Democratization

Periods when multiple countries transition toward democracy simultaneously.

Gerrymandering

Manipulating electoral district boundaries to benefit a particular party.

Modernization Theory

The theory that wealthier, more educated societies are more likely to democratize.

GDP

Gross Domestic Product: total value of goods and services produced within a country.

Gini Coefficient

A measure of economic inequality.

Resource Curse

The phenomenon where countries with abundant resources experience poor outcomes.