LO2-1 Political Systems

What does a political system influence in a country?

It shapes the country’s economic system and legal system.

What is meant by “political system”?

The system of government in a nation.

What are the two dimensions used to assess political systems?

• Collectivism vs. Individualism

• Democracy vs. Totalitarianism

What does collectivism emphasize?

Collective goals over individual goals

What does individualism emphasize?

Individual freedom and personal goals over collective goals.

What does democracy emphasize?

Government by the people, with political freedoms and elected representatives.

What does totalitarianism emphasize?

One person or party having absolute control and restricting political freedoms.

How do collectivism and totalitarianism relate?

Systems that emphasize collectivism tend to lean toward totalitarianism.

How do individualism and democracy relate?

Systems that value individualism tend to be democratic.

Can a democratic country emphasize collectivism?

Yes — democracies can mix collectivist and individualist values.

Can a totalitarian country allow individualism?

Yes — some totalitarian states allow economic individualism even while restricting political freedom.

What does collectivism emphasize?

The primacy of collective goals over individual goals.

What happens to individual freedoms under collectivism?

They may be restricted if they conflict with “the common good.”

Which ancient philosopher is associated with early collectivist ideas?

Plato, who argued individual rights should be sacrificed for society.

Did Plato believe collectivism meant equality?

No — he believed society should be stratified into classes ruled by those best suited.

Who is the main intellectual influence behind modern socialism?

Karl Marx.

What did Marx argue about capitalism?

That capitalists benefit at the expense of workers, who are paid less than the value they create.

What solution did Marx propose?

State ownership of the means of production to ensure workers are fully compensated.

How did communists believe socialism should be achieved?

Through violent revolution and totalitarian dictatorship.

How did social democrats believe socialism should be achieved?

Through democratic, nonviolent political processes.

When did communism reach its peak?

In the late 1970s, when most of the world’s population lived under communist states.

What happened to communism after the 1980s?

It declined sharply — the Soviet Union collapsed, Eastern Europe democratized, and China adopted market reforms.

Where does old-style communism still exist today?

Mainly North Korea.

Where has social democracy been influential?

Western democracies like the UK, Germany, Sweden, France, Norway, etc.

What did social democratic governments do after WWII?

Nationalized industries to run them for the “public good.”

Why did many social democratic policies decline in the 1970s–1980s?

State-owned firms became inefficient, costly, and required high taxes.

• Many countries privatized industries and voted social democratic parties out of office.

What does individualism emphasize?

Freedom in economic and political pursuits; individual interests > state interests.

Which philosopher is associated with early individualist ideas?

Aristotle, who argued private ownership is more productive.

How did individualism influence American history?

It shaped the ideas behind the Declaration of Independence.

What is the first tenet of individualism?

Guaranteeing individual freedom and self-expression.

What is the second tenet of individualism?

Society benefits most when individuals pursue their own economic self-interest.

What famous idea from Adam Smith supports this?

The “invisible hand” — individuals unintentionally promote society’s welfare by pursuing their own gain.

What major global conflict reflected this ideological divide?

The Cold War — collectivism (Soviet Union) vs. individualism (United States).

What happened from the late 1980s to 2005?

Collectivism declined; individualism and market economics rose worldwide.

What is democracy?

A political system where government is by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.

What is totalitarianism?

A system where one person or party has absolute control and bans opposition.

How do democracy and individualism relate?

They typically go hand in hand.

How do collectivism and totalitarianism relate?

Communist collectivism often aligns with totalitarianism.

Can democracies have collectivist values?

Yes — democracies can mix collectivism and individualism.

Can totalitarian states allow individualism?

Yes — some allow economic freedom while restricting political freedom (e.g., China, Vietnam).

What is pure democracy?

Citizens directly make decisions (ancient Greek city-states).

What is representative democracy?

Citizens elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf.

What happens if representatives fail in a democracy?

They can be voted out in the next election.

What rights protect democracy?

Freedom of expression, opinion, and organization.

What role does media play in democracy?

Media must be free and independent.

What ensures accountability in democracy?

Regular elections with universal adult suffrage.

Why must courts be independent?

To prevent political interference and ensure fairness.

Why must police and military be nonpolitical?

To prevent abuse of power and protect civil liberties.

What freedoms are denied in totalitarian states?

Free speech, free media, fair elections, and civil liberties.

What happens to political opposition in totalitarian regimes?

It is repressed, censored, or punished.

What is communist totalitarianism?

One-party rule based on communist ideology.

• China, Vietnam, Laos, North Korea, Cuba.

What trend occurred after 1989?

Most communist dictatorships collapsed.

What is theocratic totalitarianism?

Rule based on religious principles.

• Iran and Saudi Arabia.

What is tribal totalitarianism?

One tribe’s political party monopolizes power.

• African nations like Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya.

What is right-wing totalitarianism?

Allows economic freedom but restricts political freedom to prevent communism.

• Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy

What is a pseudo-democracy?

A system with elections but significant authoritarian control.

• Russia under Vladimir Putin — elections exist but opposition is restricted.