AP Comp Gov Unit 1

Causation

A relationship where one variable directly causes a change in another variable

Correlation

A relationship where one variable changes alongside another variable

Does correlation equal causation?

No! Falsely assuming correlation is equal to causation may lead to misleading conclusions.

Confounding Variable

A hidden variable/ factor that influences two variables to have a correlation, even if there’s no causation.

Multicausality

Different variables and events results from multiple causes rather than just one

Political Scientist

Scientist that studies political systems and policies through data analysis and research to understand how governmental systems work

Comparativist

Person who conducts comparative studies in academic fields to identify similarities and differences between countries, states, cultures, etc.

Empirical Statement

A statement that can be proved by factual information and evidence (through observation)

Normative Statement

A statement constructed by opinions, ethics, and ideals

Qualitative Analysis 

Non-numerical data such as analyzing interviews, observations, texts, and documents (depth>breadth, good for exploring a country’s values)

Quantitative Analysis 

Numerical data such as statistics, surveys, experiments, and counts (breadth> depth, good for seeing causal relationships and generalizing findings for a larger population)

State

Independent political entities with defined territories, a permanent population, and a governing body to exercise control and gain international recognition 

“Monopoly on Violence”

Max Weber’s theory that a state needs to exert some sort of violence over their state to maintain control and stability 

Sovereignty

The ability to exercise control in one’s defined territory

Institution

The establish structures and organizations that shape and govern political systems

Autonomy

A state’s ability to self-govern without external influence 

Capacity

A state’s ability to effectively implement its policies, maintain order, and provide public services

Autonomy vs Capacity

Autonomy is how strong a state can govern over themselves whereas capacity is how well a state can uphold their rules. High-capacity states can effectively execute policies and high-autonomy states can set its own agenda

Legitimacy

The acceptance and recognition of a government by its own citizens

Charismatic Legitimacy

A government’s authority is highly-regard by its people based on a leader’s qualities (well spoken, appearance, knowledge, confidence). (ex: Vladmir Putin); weakly institutionalized

Rational-Legal Legitimacy 

A government’s authority is based on rational established laws and procedures (ex: The constitution) 

Traditional Legitimacy

A government’s authority is justified by lineage (ex: Queen of Elizabeth); strongly institutionalized

Strong State

A state that has the ability to successfully exert control and maintain laws and order

Weak State

A state whose institutions and political structures struggle to successfully govern over their territory

Fragile/Failed State

A state whose government has failed to have control over their territory

Federal State

Political system where power is divided between a central/federal government and regional governments

Unitary State 

Political system where power is concentrated in the central government and very limited on the local level

Confederation State

Political system that places more power in the regional governments than the central government

Ethnicity

Shared cultural characteristics such as language, traditions, customs, and belief (Indians, Chinese, Nigerians)

Nation

A group of people with similar culture, race, language, religion, ethnicity, and political identity

Nationality

The legal status of belonging to a nation

Nationalism

Pride in one’s people and the belief in the own sovereign political destiny separate from others

Patriotism 

Devotion and endless support for one’s country

Nationalism vs. Patriotism

Nationalism is an ideology for a country’s sovereignty whereas Patriotism is loyalty to one’s country. Both is the country’s superiority.

Coup d’etat

The sudden and most likely illegal overthrow of a government by a small internal party (mainly the military)

Revolution

The public seizure of the state in order to overturn the existing government and regime; goal to remake political, economic, and social institutions

Coup d’etat vs. Revolution

Coup d’etat is by a small group, is sudden, and only changes a government. A revolution is by a large group, over an extended period, and wants to alter an nation’s entire structures

Politics

The authoritative struggle over the use and distribution of power between politcal systems 

Power

The ability to assert one’s will; can be through influence or violence

Sovereign State

A state with supreme authority over its territory

Treaty of Westphalia (1648)

Treaty that ended war between Protestants and Catholics; basis for modern co-existing sovereign states 

Nation-State

A state that is entirely composed of one nationality

Citizenship

Formal relationship between the state and the individual where the state grants the person rights such as right to vote, freedom of speech, and healthcare

Stateless Nation

A state that is poorly integrated in the political system that they reside in and is unrecognized by their nation (ex: Uighurs in China)

Bands

[Before states] A group of 30-50 people

Tribe

Consistent of several families and has institutions; more permanent than bands

Empires

Widespread states or communities under a single rule

Westphalian System

States are sovereign entities (permanent military), principle of legal equality between states (international laws), and principle of non-intervention from foreign states in internal affairs

Government

Set of institutions or individuals legally empowered to make binding decisions for a state

Regime

The fundamental rules that control access to and the exercise of political power (controlled by written law or current leader)

Rule by Law

The government uses the laws to maintain control and dictate power over their citizens.

Rule of Law

Everyone, including the government, is held accountable fair, clear laws

Transparency 

A principle where a government makes its decision-making processes accessible to the public

Democratic Regime

Form of government where the power is rested in the people (fair elections, individual rights, transparency, separation of powers, fair competiton)

Authoritarian Regime

Form of government where the power is rested in the government itself (concentrated power, limited liberties, suppression of opposition, limited political pluarism)

Democratization

When a regime transfers to a democratic one OR democratic ideals expand