Political Regime Classifications (Democracy Spectrum)

Vocabulary flashcards covering the four political regime types described in the notes.

Full democracies

Nations where fundamental political freedoms and civil liberties are fully respected, with robust democratic principles, checks and balances, an independent judiciary and media, and free and fair elections.

Flawed democracies

Nations where elections and civil liberties exist but there are significant faults in governance, political culture, or participation, indicating imperfect democratic functioning.

Hybrid regimes

Nations with regular elections that are not fully free or fair; governments often suppress opposition, have non-independent judiciaries, widespread corruption, media pressure, and weak rule of law.

Authoritarian regimes

Nations where political pluralism is nonexistent or severely limited, often monarchies or dictatorships; civil liberties are infringed and abuses are common, with limited or manipulated elections.