AP Comparative Government and Politics Ultimate Guide

Empirical Data

Information gathered through observation, experimentation, or other forms of data collection.

Normative Data

Data that represents typical or average performance or behavior within a specific population.

Quantitative Analysis

The use of mathematical and statistical methods to analyze numerical data.

Qualitative Analysis

The use of non-numerical data such as interviews, observations, and surveys to analyze and interpret patterns and themes.

Correlation

A statistical measure that indicates the degree to which two variables are related to each other.

Positive Correlation

A relationship between two variables in which an increase in one variable is associated with an increase in the other variable.

Negative Correlation

A relationship between two variables in which an increase in one variable is associated with a decrease in the other variable.

Causation

A relationship between two variables in which one variable directly influences or causes a change in the other variable.

Human Development Index (HDI)

A composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators, which are used to rank countries into four tiers of human development.

Gini Index

A measure of income inequality within a population, ranging from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality).

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

The total value of goods and services produced within a country's borders in a given time period.

Freedom House

An organization that conducts research and advocacy on democracy, political freedom, and human rights.

Transparency International

An organization that monitors and publicizes corporate and political corruption in international development.

Failed (or Fragile) States Index

An annual ranking of countries based on their vulnerability to conflict and instability, as well as their capacity to provide basic services and maintain the rule of law.

United Kingdom

This country has a parliamentary system of government with a constitutional monarchy. It is a member of the European Union and has a strong tradition of democracy and rule of law.

Russia

This country has a federal semi-presidential republic system of government. It has a strong centralized government and a history of authoritarianism. It is also a major player in international politics.

Iran

This country has an Islamic republic system of government. It is a theocracy with a supreme leader and a president. It has a complex relationship with the international community due to its nuclear program and support for militant groups.

Mexico

This country has a federal presidential representative democratic republic system of government. It has a history of corruption and drug violence, but has made progress in recent years towards reform and strengthening its democracy.

China

This country has a single-party socialist republic system of government. It has a strong centralized government and a mixed economy. It is also a major player in international politics and has been criticized for its human rights record.

Nigeria

This country has a federal presidential representative democratic republic system of government. It has a history of political instability and corruption, but has made progress in recent years towards reform and strengthening its democracy. It is also a major player in African politics.

Political scientists

These are professionals who study political systems, behavior, and institutions.

Surveys

Political scientists use this to gather information about public opinion, voting behavior, and other political attitudes and behaviors.

Interviews

They may conduct this with politicians, government officials, or other experts in the field.

Case Studies

Political scientists use these to examine specific political events or phenomena in detail. This method involves analyzing a single case in depth to gain insights into broader political trends.

Quantitative Analysis

Political scientists use these to analyze large amounts of data. This approach allows them to identify patterns and trends in political behavior and institutions.

Political Theory

The study of political ideas and concepts. Political scientists in this field examine the philosophical foundations of political systems and institutions.

Comparative Politics

The study of different political systems and institutions around the world. Political scientists in this field compare and contrast different political systems to identify similarities and differences.

International Relations

The study of the relationships between different countries and the ways in which they interact with each other. Political scientists in this field examine issues such as diplomacy, war, and trade.

Public Policy

The study of how governments make decisions and implement policies. Political scientists in this field examine the ways in which policies are created and how they affect society.

Political Systems

Refers to the set of institutions, laws, and procedures that are used to govern a country or a group of people. It includes the distribution of power, decision-making processes, and the relationship between the government and its citizens.

States

A political entity that has a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and the ability to enter into relations with other states.

Regime

Refers to the set of rules, institutions, and practices that govern a country or a political system. It includes the type of government, the distribution of power, and the relationship between the government and its citizens.

Government

Refers to the group of people who are responsible for making and enforcing laws and policies in a country or a political system. It includes the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Nation

Refers to a group of people who share a common culture, language, history, or identity. It can also refer to a political entity that is based on a shared sense of identity.

Democracy

It is a system of government in which power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives. It emphasizes the importance of individual rights, freedom of speech, and the rule of law.

Authoritarianism

It is a system of government in which power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group of individuals. It often involves the suppression of individual rights and freedoms, censorship of the media, and the use of force to maintain control.

Monarchies

These are regimes in which power is held by a hereditary monarch or royal family. Examples include Saudi Arabia and Brunei.

Military Juntas

These are regimes in which power is held by a group of military officers who have seized control of the government. Examples include Myanmar and Egypt.

Single-Party States

These are regimes in which power is held by a single political party that controls all aspects of government. Examples include China and North Korea.

Personalist Regimes

These are regimes in which power is held by a single individual who dominates the political system. Examples include Russia under Vladimir Putin and Turkey under Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Theocracies

These are regimes in which power is held by religious leaders or institutions. Examples include Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Hybrid Regimes

These are regimes that combine elements of authoritarianism and democracy. Examples include Russia and Venezuela.

Direct democracy

A form of democracy in which citizens directly participate in the decision-making process. This is typically done through referendums or other forms of direct voting.

Representative democracy

A form of democracy in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. This is the most common form of democracy in the world.

Presidential democracy

A form of democracy in which the president is both the head of state and the head of government. The president is elected by the people and has significant powers, including the power to veto legislation.

Parliamentary democracy

A form of democracy in which the parliament is the primary decision-making body. The prime minister is the head of government, while the monarch or president is the head of state.

Semi-presidential democracy

A form of democracy in which the president and prime minister share power. The president is the head of state, while the prime minister is the head of government.

Consensus democracy

A form of democracy in which decisions are made through consensus rather than majority vote. This is often used in countries with diverse populations or in situations where there is a need for compromise.

Hybrid democracy

A form of democracy that combines elements of different types of democratic regimes. This is often seen in countries that are transitioning from authoritarianism to democracy.

Democratization

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

Democratic waves

Refer to the periods in history when there is a significant increase in the number of countries that transition to democracy.

First Democratic Wave (1828-1926)

This wave occurred in the 19th century and early 20th century. It was characterized by the establishment of democratic regimes in Europe and North America.

Second Democratic Wave (1943-1962)

This wave occurred after World War II. It was characterized by the establishment of democratic regimes in Western Europe and Japan.

Third Democratic Wave (1974-2006)

This wave occurred in the 1970s and 1980s. It was characterized by the establishment of democratic regimes in Southern Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia and Africa.

Constitution

A set of fundamental principles and rules that govern a country or organization. It serves as a source of power in politics by establishing the framework for the distribution of power and the protection of individual rights.

Religion

A system of beliefs and practices concerning the nature of the divine and the purpose of human existence. It serves as a source of power in politics by influencing the values and beliefs of individuals and communities, and by providing a basis for moral and ethical decision-making.

Military Forces

Organized groups of armed individuals who are trained to defend a country or organization. They serve as a source of power in politics by providing a means of coercion and defense, and by influencing foreign policy decisions.

Legislature

A governing body responsible for making laws and policies. It serves as a source of power in politics by representing the interests of different groups within a society, and by providing a means of checks and balances on the power of other branches of government.

Popular Support

The level of public approval or endorsement for a particular political leader, party, or policy. It serves as a source of power in politics by providing legitimacy and a mandate for action, and by influencing the outcomes of elections and other political processes.

Federal system

A type of government where power is divided between a central government and smaller regional governments.

Unitary system

A type of government where power is centralized in a single national government.

Political legitimacy

The acceptance of the authority of a government or governing body by the people it governs. It is the belief that the government has the right to rule and that its actions are justified.

Traditional legitimacy

Based on the belief that the government has the right to rule because it has always done so. This is often associated with monarchies and other hereditary systems.

Charismatic legitimacy

Based on the personal qualities of a leader, such as their charisma, vision, or ability to inspire. This is often associated with revolutionary or populist movements.

Rational-legal legitimacy

Based on the belief that the government has the right to rule because it was established through a legal process, such as a constitution or election. This is often associated with modern democracies.

Legitimacy

It is the belief of the people that the government has the right to rule. When a government loses legitimacy, it means that the people no longer believe that it has the right to govern.

Political stability

The ability of a government to maintain its power and control over a country without facing any significant internal or external threats. It is an essential factor for the economic and social development of a nation.

Parliamentary System

A system of government where the executive branch is accountable to the legislative branch. It involves a Prime Minister and Cabinet who are elected members of parliament and hold office as long as they have the confidence of the majority of the legislature.

Presidential System

A form of government in which a single person, the president, is the head of state and head of government. The president is elected by the people for a fixed term and has executive powers to run the country. The president is separate from the legislative branch and is not accountable to it. Examples include the United States, France, and South Korea.

Semi-Presidential System

Type of government where there is a president and a prime minister who share power. The president is usually elected by the people, while the prime minister is appointed by the president or elected by the parliament.

Executive systems

These are a set of cognitive processes that are responsible for planning, decision-making, and goal-directed behavior. These processes are essential for the successful completion of complex tasks and achieving long-term goals.

Working Memory

This component is responsible for holding and manipulating information in the short-term memory.

Inhibitory Control

This component is responsible for suppressing irrelevant information and inhibiting impulsive responses.

Cognitive Flexibility

This component is responsible for adapting to changing situations and switching between different tasks.

Planning and Goal-Setting

This component is responsible for setting goals, planning actions, and monitoring progress towards achieving those goals.

Executive term limits

The maximum number of terms or years that an individual can serve as the head of state or government in a country.

Legislative systems

The processes and structures through which laws are made and enacted in a country. These systems vary across different countries and are influenced by factors such as history, culture, and political ideologies.

Unicameral System

This is a legislative system in which there is only one chamber or house of parliament. Examples include Denmark, Greece, and Hungary.

Bicameral System

This is a legislative system in which there are two chambers or houses of parliament. The two chambers usually have different functions and powers. Examples include the United States, India, and Australia.

Federal System

This is a legislative system in which power is shared between the central government and the states or provinces. In a federal system, there are usually two levels of government, each with its own legislative body. Examples include the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Unitary System

This is a legislative system in which power is centralized in the central government. In a unitary system, there is usually only one legislative body. Examples include France, Japan, and China.

House of Commons

The lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, consisting of elected Members of Parliament (MPs) who represent constituencies across the country. The House of Commons is responsible for making and passing laws, as well as holding the government to account.

House of Lords

The upper chamber of the UK Parliament, consisting of appointed and hereditary members who review and revise proposed laws before they are passed?

State Duma

The lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia, responsible for passing laws and approving the budget. Composed of 450 members elected for a term of five years.

Federation Council

Upper house of the Russian Parliament consisting of 170 members, representing the federal subjects of Russia. It has the power to approve federal laws and presidential decrees.

Islamic Consultative Assembly

Legislative body of Iran composed of 290 members elected every four years. Has the power to approve laws, supervise government activities, and elect the Supreme Leader.

Guardian Council

A powerful body in Iran made up of 12 members who oversee elections, approve laws and candidates for office. They also have the power to veto laws passed by the parliament.

Senate

Type of legislative body in Mexico that is made up of 128 senators who serve six-year terms. It is responsible for passing laws, approving budgets, and ratifying international treaties. It is divided into several committees that review legislation before it is brought to the floor for a vote. The Senate is part of the bicameral Congress of the Union, alongside the Chamber of Deputies.

Chamber of Deputies

Legislative body in countries with a parliamentary system. It is usually the lower house and responsible for passing laws and representing the people.

National People's Congress (NPC)

The highest organ of state power in China, responsible for enacting laws, amending the constitution, and electing key officials. Comprised of over 3,000 members who meet annually for a two-week session in Beijing.

State Council

The highest executive body in China. It is responsible for formulating and implementing policies and laws, as well as managing the economy and social affairs. The State Council is headed by the Premier and consists of various ministries and commissions.

Independent legislature

It is a legislative body that is free from external influence and control, particularly from the executive branch of government.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the judicial system. It has the final say on legal matters and can overrule decisions made by lower courts.

Appellate Court

Also known as the Court of Appeals, it hears appeals from lower courts. It does not conduct trials but reviews the decisions made by lower courts.

District Court

Also known as the Trial Court, it is the court of first instance. It conducts trials and makes decisions on legal matters.

Federal Court

Deals with cases related to federal laws, the constitution, and disputes between states.

State Court

Deals with cases related to state laws, including criminal and civil cases.

Local Court

Deals with minor offenses, traffic violations, and small claims.

Family Court

Deals with cases related to family law, including divorce, child custody, and adoption.

Bankruptcy Court

Deals with cases related to bankruptcy and insolvency.