Comparative Politics: Democracy, Dictatorship, and Democratic Backsliding

What is the origin of the term 'democracy'?

The term originated with the ancient Greeks.

What is direct democracy?

A form of democracy where people govern themselves directly.

What is a republic?

A system where people vote for representatives to govern on their behalf.

What are undemocratic institutions?

Institutions like the Supreme Court and Electoral College that may not reflect direct democratic governance.

What is the minimalist approach to democracy?

A definition focusing on free and fair elections as the core of democracy.

What does the maximalist approach to democracy include?

It includes free and fair elections along with representation, accountability, rule of law, participation, and engagement.

What are the advantages of dictatorship?

Easier policy changes and potentially effective leadership if the leader is competent.

What are the advantages of democracy?

Free and fair elections, more investments in public goods, better climate protection, less repression, higher life expectancy, and reduced war.

What defines a dictatorship?

A political system where leaders are not selected in free and fair elections.

What is regime change?

When a leadership group changes the rules for making decisions.

What are common beliefs about dictatorships?

They are run by a single person with absolute power and are often brutal and repressive.

What is democratization?

The transition to democracy from a dictatorship.

What is democratic consolidation?

A state where democracy is the only game in town.

What is democratic backsliding?

The deterioration of the quality of democracy that may lead to a transition to dictatorship.

What are indicators of democratic backsliding?

Attacks on media, restrictions on civil liberties, and reduction in judicial independence.

What is political culture?

The set of attitudes and beliefs shared by a group that form the basis for political behavior.

What is political socialization?

The process through which individuals learn and develop their political beliefs and values.

What features characterize a model democratic citizen?

Tolerance, active participation, high levels of interest and information, and support for the state.

What challenges exist in studying political culture?

Measuring political culture and demonstrating its causal relationship with political outcomes.

What is the significance of political sophistication?

It refers to the extent to which an individual understands and engages with politics.

What is the relationship between GDP per capita and authoritarian regimes?

Generally, poorer countries are more likely to be authoritarian.

What is an example of a personalist dictator's behavior?

They are more likely to start wars and make foreign policy mistakes.

What is the role of elites in a dictatorship?

Elites often support the leader and can influence regime stability.

What is the significance of the Electoral College in the context of democracy?

It raises questions about the representation and fairness of the electoral process.

What is the impact of democratic decline?

It can lead to democratic collapse through coerced or non-coerced means.

What was a significant event in Chilean democratic history?

The coup on September 11, 1973, which ousted democratically elected President Allende.

What happened in Venezuela under Chavez?

Chavez won free elections but later undermined democratic institutions.