Comp Gov Test 2

Liberal Democracy

A system characterized by competitive elections, civil liberties, rule of law, and separation of powers.

Illiberal Democracy

A democracy that holds elections but lacks many features of a liberal democracy, such as strong civil liberties and separation of powers.

Coercion

The use of force or intimidation to compel compliance, often seen in authoritarian regimes.

Corporatism

A political system where the state recognizes certain groups in exchange for their acceptance of state control.

Social Democracy

A political ideology accepting capitalism with significant state intervention to ensure social rights and welfare.

Separation of Powers

A principle of governance dividing authority among branches to prevent abuse of power.

Gini Index

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

Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs)

Economic policies imposed by IFIs that require countries to implement neoliberal reforms, often leading to austerity measures.

Globalization

The increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of people, cultures, economies, and nation-states.

One-Party Rule

A political system where a single party dominates the political landscape, often suppressing opposition.

Totalitarianism

A political system wherein the state controls all aspects of public and private life, using propaganda and oppression.

Competitive Elections

Elections in which multiple candidates and parties compete, allowing voters real choices.

Civil Liberties

Basic rights and freedoms that are guaranteed to individuals, such as freedom of speech and assembly.

Authoritarian Regime

A governance system where political authority is concentrated in a small group or individual without public accountability.

Economic Liberalization

The process of reducing state involvement in the economy, promoting free-market principles.

Human Development Index (HDI)

A composite measure used to assess a country's levels of social and economic development, including income, education, and life expectancy.

Democratically Elected Government

A government formed by elections; however, it may prioritize majority rule over protecting minority rights.

Free and Fair Elections

Elections that are conducted in a manner that ensures all eligible citizens have an equal opportunity to participate.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Organizations that operate independently from the government and focus on various social, humanitarian, or environmental issues.

Political Economy

The study of how political institutions influence economic policies and outcomes.

Military Rule

A form of governance in which the military controls the government, often after a coup d'état.

Public Goods

Services that are provided to all members of a community without profit, funded through taxation in social democracies.