Unit 1- Political Systems, Regimes, and Governments

Empirical Data

Important in identifying and explaining political behavior of individuals and groups.

Political Systems

Reflect the dynamic balance of power between the government and its citizens.

Regime Stability

Affected by the distribution of power and authority and the influence of internal and external actors.

Political Legitimacy

Reinforces the sovereignty of the state.

Political Science

The application of the scientific method to political phenomena.

Politics

The translation of beliefs or opinions into law or policy.

Subfields of Political Science

American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory.

Data Analysis

Involves collecting data to describe patterns and trends in political behavior.

Quantitative Data

Numerical and measurable data focused on patterns and trends.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive and interpretation-based data.

Correlation

An association between two or more variables.

Causation

A relationship where one event causes another.

Empirical vs

Empirical refers to factual/objective data, while normative refers to value statements.

Indicator

A piece of information used to measure a specific variable.

Political Systems

Comprised of laws, ideas, and procedures regarding authority and government influence.

Democracy vs

The two main political systems based on citizen participation.

State

A political organization with a permanent population and governing institutions.

Sovereignty

Control over a defined territory with international recognition.

Regime

Fundamental rules governing access to and exercise of political power.

Government

Institutions or individuals legally empowered to make binding decisions for a state.

Legitimacy

The right to rule.

Authority

The mechanism of ruling.

Power

The coercive ability to exercise authority.

Nation

A group of people with commonalities such as race, language, or political identity.

Factors of Democracy

Include rule of law, media control, free elections, transparency, and citizen participation.

Dahl’s Definition of Democracy

Essential and favorable conditions for democracy.

Liberal Democracy

Characterized by universal suffrage, freedom of expression, and free elections.

Illiberal Democracy

Limited voting rights and government control over civil society.

Authoritarian Regimes

Highly concentrated power maintained by repression and control.

Totalitarian vs

Totalitarian regimes seek complete control, while authoritarian regimes accept some distinction between government and society.

Democratization

The transition from authoritarian to democratic regimes.

Democratic Consolidation

The maturation of democratic regimes making them unlikely to revert to authoritarianism.

Autocrats' Rise to Power

Historical patterns of how autocrats come to power.

Federal States

Divide power among different levels of government for local autonomy.

Unitary States

Concentrate power at the national level for uniform policies.

Legitimacy

The belief that a government has the right to use power.

Sources of Legitimacy

Include elections, nationalism, tradition, and effectiveness.

Factors Maintaining Legitimacy

Policy effectiveness, tradition, charismatic leadership, and economic development.

Internal Actors

Can bolster or undermine regime stability and rule of law.

Anti-Corruption Efforts

Can strengthen or weaken regime stability.

State Responses

Vary to separatist violence, drug trafficking, and discrimination.

Mass Protest Movements

Can lead to new political institutions or policies.

Internal Reform Pressure

Can create changes in governance and policy.