AP government and politics vocab

Empirical evidence

evidence based on measurable data, observation or experiments

Normative evidence

based on opinions

Quantitative data

numerical data gathered by formats and trials

Qualitative data

non-numerical, data gathered by interviews, observations, or questionnaires

regime

Method of ruling and government body

Power

Ability to force and make someone do something

Authority

the right to make someone do something

Federalism

power is shared between central and regional government

Unitary

Power is concentrated within the central government

Devolution

Unitary states share power with regional governments ex: U.K.

Regime change

change in fundamental patterns of rule —> movement from authoritarian to democracy

Change in government

change in leadership of executives (president, PM)

authoritarian regime

system of government where power is invested in a small group of people who exercise power over the state without being constitutionally responsible to the public

Types of authoritarian regimes

Illiberal democracies / hybrid regimes (Russia), One-party system (China), Theocracies (Iran), Totalitarian government (none), Military regime (Nigeria in 1999).

Democratization

Transition from authoritarian regime to a democratic regime that aims to result in: more competitive and fairness and transparency in elections, increased citizen participation in policy making process, universal suffrage for adult citizens, greater government transparency, protected civil rights and liberties, equal treatment of citizens, establishing rule of law

Democratic consolidation

the process by which a democratic regime matures in terms of election rule , operation of power and protection of civil liberties, making it unlikely to revert to authoirtanism without an external shock. Ex: U.K.

Sources of Power and Authority

Constitution, religions, military forces, political parties, legislatures, popular support

Coup

always forceful or threat of force and typically led by elites (Nigeria had several military coups prior to 1999 revolution)

Revolution

Removal and long term replacement of form of government, usually involves the masses, can be violent and peaceful. Ex: Russia 1917, China 1949, Iran 1979

Political legitimacy

the degree to which a governments right to rule is accepted by its citizens

sources of political legitimacy

popular elections, constitutional provisions, nationalism, tradition, Ideology, policy effectiveness, economic growth, religious heritage and political organization

Political stability

state goal to maintain sovereignty

challenges to political stability

Loss of territory, loss of population, loss of government authority, loss of sovereignty

Presidenital system

voters pick president (executive) and legislature members, president picks cabinet

Parliamentary system

combines the lawmaking and executive functions which allows the national legislature to select and remove the head of government and the cabinet Ex: U.K.

Semi-Presidential System (Russia)

Voters vote for president and the parliament in the state Duma, president appoints prime minister and State Duma confirms that choice

Executive, Legislative, Judicial

Executive: enforce the law, Legislative: make the law, Judicial: Interpret the law

Head of State

Ceremonial leader, represents the state Ex: Monarch, President

Head of government

Legislative leader, formulates policies ex: prime minister, president

Parliament system removal method

Vote of no confidence (majority)

Presidential system removal method

Impeachment (supermajority)

Legislative independence

the degree to which a legislature is free to exercise its power without constant from other branches/ institutions

Civil society

Associations (groups) that are voluntary and autonomous from the State, types include: religious organizations, neighborhood organizations, news media, business and professional associations, nongovernmental organizations

political and social cleavages

Internal divisions that impact the political system based on identity and values

Plurality

whoever gets the most votes wins

Majoritarian system

Candidate must get more than 50% of vote

Interest groups

organizations created to represent and articulate a specific interest or policy

Social movements

large groups working together to effect political or social change

Economic Liberalization

When a state reduces its role in the economy and embraces free Markey mechanisms such as eliminating subsides and tariffs, privatizing government owned industries and opening the economy to foreign direct investment

neoliberal economic policies

removal of barriers and restrictions on what internal and external economic actors can do.

International orgnazaitons

Joined by member states working towards a common interest, Organzations have own rules/ guidelines that must be followed.Goal is to promote greater global global community and build coalitions to solve problems ex: United Nations, world bank, International Monetary Fund

Supernational organzations

Member states give the governing organization sovereignty over policies, ex: EU, world trade organization

Direct Election

People directly elect a candidate, candidates or party they wan to represent them

Indirect Election

People do not directly elect candidates for a representative position. The people elect candidates who then choose members for that representative position

Single Member District Plurality (SMDP)

one representative per district, the representative is the candidate who received the MOST votes, does not need 50%

Proportional Representation (PR)

Multiple members per district, Voters select their favorite party rather than candidate.

Catch All Party

A party that can earn support from population groups with different characteristics, attracting popular support with ideologically diverse platforms.

Austerity

governments making budget cuts to programs or raising taxes to balance its budgeting decrease debt