Studied by 32 people
Normative Statements
Statements that express an opinion or value judgment about what should be.
Empirical Statements
Statements that are based on observation, evidence, or facts.
Correlation
refers to a relationship between two variables
Causation
refers to a cause-and-effect relationship between variables.
Inverse correlation
refers to a relationship where one variable increases while the other decreases
coinciding correlation
refers to a relationship where both variables increase or decrease together
Inductive thought
A type of reasoning that involves making generalizations based on specific observations or examples. It moves from specific instances to broader conclusions, allowing for the formation of hypotheses or theories.
deductive thought
A logical reasoning process that starts with general principles or premises and applies them to specific situations to reach a specific conclusion. It involves moving from the general to the specific and is often used in mathematics, philosophy, and problem-solving.
Political Economic Theory
The study of how politics and economics interact to shape policies and outcomes. It examines how power dynamics, institutions, and ideologies influence economic decision-making, distribution of wealth, and market outcomes. It helps understand how political systems affect economic development, inequality, and the role of government in managing the economy.
Political Culture Theory
The study of the shared beliefs, values, and attitudes that shape political behavior within a society.
Modernization Theory
A theory that suggests that economic development leads to political and social progress.
Dependency Theory
A theory that argues that the economic development of certain countries is hindered by their dependence on more powerful nations.
Selection Bias
The tendency to favor certain types of data or information over others, leading to a biased or incomplete understanding of a topic.
Geography of Power
The distribution of power and influence across different regions or countries.
Unitary (UK, China, Iran)
A system of government where power is concentrated at the national level and local governments have limited autonomy.
Federal (Russia, Mexico, Nigeria)
A system of government where power is divided between a central government and regional or state governments.
Confederal (EU)
A system of government where power is held by independent states or regions, with a weak central authority.
State
A political entity with a defined territory, population, and government.
Nation
A group of people who share a common identity, such as language, culture, or history.
Nation-state
A political entity that consists of a sovereign state and a specific nation of people who share a common culture, language, and history.
Regime
The set of rules, norms, and institutions that govern political behavior within a country.
Civil Society
The space for voluntary associations and organizations that exist outside of the government and the market.
Sovereignty
The supreme authority and power of a state to govern itself and make decisions within its territory.
Political legitimacy
The belief and acceptance by the people that a government has the right to rule.
Referendum: Direct vote by citizens on a specific issue or policy.
Tradition: Acceptance of a government based on historical continuity and cultural norms.
Constitution: Legitimacy derived from adherence to a written set of laws and principles.
Performance: Public support based on effective governance and delivery of public services.
Recognition: Acceptance by other governments and international organizations.
Political socialization
The process through which individuals acquire their political beliefs, values, and behaviors.
Transparency
The openness and accessibility of government actions, decisions, and information to the public.
Cross Cutting Cleavages
Divisions within society that cut across other social and political divisions, such as religion, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
Political Liberalization
The process of opening up a political system to greater political competition, participation, and freedom.
Economic Liberalization
The process of opening up an economy to greater market competition and reducing government intervention.
Globalization
The increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of countries through trade, communication, and cultural exchange, which brings both benefits and challenges.
Democracy
A system of government where power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives.
Liberal Democracy
A form of democracy that combines majority rule with the protection of individual rights and liberties.
Transitional Democracy
A democracy that is in the process of transitioning from an authoritarian regime to a more democratic system.
Representative Democracy
A form of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. It allows for the participation of the people in decision-making processes and ensures that the government is accountable to the citizens.
Parliamentary System
A system of government where the executive branch is accountable to the legislative branch. The head of government is usually a prime minister who is elected by the parliament. This system promotes cooperation between the executive and legislative branches and allows for greater representation and accountability. Examples include the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Presidential System
A system of government where the executive branch is separate from the legislature and is directly elected by the people.
Global Trends in Democracy (Quantity, Quality?)
Quantity: Refers to the number of countries that have adopted democratic systems of government.
Quality: Refers to the strength and effectiveness of democratic institutions within a country, including the rule of law, protection of human rights, and accountability of government to its citizens.
Predictors of participation
Factors that influence a person's likelihood of engaging in educational activities. These predictors can include socioeconomic status, parental education level, access to resources, and cultural beliefs about education.
Merit System
A system of hiring and promoting government employees based on their qualifications and performance rather than political connections or favoritism.
Independent Judiciary
A judiciary that is separate from the executive and legislative branches and is free from political interference.
Legal-rationalism
A theory of governance based on rules, procedures, and legal frameworks, emphasizing merit-based decision-making and accountability, rather than personal relationships or favors.
Rule of Law
The principle that all individuals and institutions are subject to and accountable to the law.
Pluralist
A political theory that emphasizes the existence of diverse and competing interest groups in society, each having the ability to influence policy-making. It rejects the idea of a single dominant group or organization controlling decision-making processes.
Illiberal democracy
A political system with democratic elements but lacking key democratic principles like civil liberties, rule of law, and political pluralism. Often characterized by a dominant leader, limited media freedom, suppression of opposition, and erosion of checks and balances.
Rentier States
Countries that heavily rely on revenue from natural resources, such as oil or gas, rather than on productivity or taxation. This can lead to economic and political challenges, as the state's income is not tied to the efforts or contributions of its citizens.
Theocracy
A political system where religious leaders hold the highest authority and govern in the name of a deity or religious doctrine.
Patron-clientelism
a political system where powerful individuals or groups provide resources and support to less powerful individuals in exchange for loyalty and political favors. It operates outside of legal and rational frameworks, relying on personal relationships and informal agreements.
Spoils System
A political practice where elected officials reward their supporters with government positions and resources, regardless of qualifications. It was prevalent in the 19th century United States, particularly during Andrew Jackson's presidency. The system led to corruption and inefficiency in government.
Corruption
The abuse of power, typically by government officials or individuals in positions of authority, for personal gain or to benefit others unlawfully. It involves bribery, embezzlement, fraud, nepotism, and other unethical practices that undermine the integrity and fairness of institutions and societies.
Corporatist
A political or economic system that emphasizes the collaboration and partnership between the state, business organizations, and labor unions, often leading to centralized decision-making and limited representation of diverse interests. Contrasts with pluralist systems that promote competition and multiple interest groups having equal influence.
Authoritarian Regime
A form of government characterized by centralized power and limited political freedoms. It is usually led by a single leader or a small group who exercise absolute authority and control over the state. Citizens have limited or no participation in decision-making processes, and dissent is often suppressed. Examples include North Korea and Saudi Arabia.
Soft-authoritarianism
A political system that maintains an illusion of democracy while suppressing opposition and dissent through subtle means such as media control, manipulation of laws, and restrictions on civil liberties.
Hybrid Regime
A political system that combines elements of both authoritarian and democratic governance, making it difficult to classify as purely one or the other. These regimes often exhibit a mix of democratic institutions and practices alongside restrictions on civil liberties and political competition.
Oligarchy
A form of government where power is held by a small group of people.
Failed States
States characterized by a loss of control over their territory, inability to provide basic services, and widespread violence and instability.
Duverger’s Law
A theory that states that in a single-member district electoral system, plurality rule tends to favor a two-party system.
First-past-the-post system
A voting system where the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they have a majority. It is commonly used in single-member district elections and can lead to a two-party system.
Proportional representation system (PR)
A voting system where the distribution of seats in a legislative body is determined by the proportion of votes a political party receives. This system aims to ensure that parties gain representation in proportion to their overall support, promoting fair and inclusive representation.
Single-member-district (SMD)
Electoral system where each geographic district elects only one representative to a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress. This system is used in many countries, including the United States, and can lead to a two-party system and winner-takes-all outcomes.
Winner-take-all
A system in which the winner receives all the rewards or benefits, while the other participants receive nothing. It is often used in competitions or elections, where the person with the highest score or majority of votes takes all the prizes or power.
One-Party System
A political system in which only one political party is legally allowed to hold power and govern the country. This party typically controls all branches of government and restricts the formation and activities of other political parties. It often leads to limited political competition and can result in a lack of checks and balances.
Two-Party System
A political system where two major parties dominate the political landscape, often resulting in one party holding the majority of power.
Multiparty System
A political system where multiple political parties compete for power and representation, with no single party having an absolute majority.
Liberals
Political ideology that advocates for individual freedoms, social equality, and government intervention to address social and economic issues. Supports progressive policies such as healthcare reform, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental protection. Opposes excessive government control and promotes civil liberties and diversity.
Islamists
Individuals or groups who advocate for the application of Islamic principles in political, social, and legal spheres. They seek to establish Islamic states or implement Islamic law (Sharia) in society. Islamists can vary in their ideologies, ranging from moderate to extremist.
Socialism
Economic system advocating for collective ownership and control of production, distribution, and exchange. Seeks to eliminate social inequality and promote cooperation and social welfare.
Command Economy
An economic system where the government has complete control over the production, distribution, and pricing of goods and services.
Libertarians
Political ideology advocating for limited government intervention in economic and personal matters, emphasizing individual liberty, free markets, and voluntary exchange.
Conservatives
A political ideology that emphasizes traditional values, limited government intervention, and individual freedom. Conservatives generally support free markets, lower taxes, and a strong national defense. They value stability and are often resistant to change.
Reactionaries
Individuals or groups who resist or oppose social or political change, often advocating for a return to traditional values or systems. They aim to preserve or restore previous social, cultural, or political structures and resist progressive reforms. They often reject new ideas and favor a more conservative approach.
New Conservatism
A political ideology that emerged in the late 20th century, advocating for a return to traditional values and limited government intervention. It emphasizes the importance of individual liberty, free markets, and a strong national defense.
Neoliberalism
Economic ideology promoting free markets, limited government intervention, and individual liberty. Emphasizes privatization, deregulation, and global trade. Criticized for exacerbating inequality and prioritizing profit over social welfare.
Postmaterialism
A cultural value shift towards prioritizing self-expression, quality of life, and environmental concerns over materialistic pursuits. It emphasizes personal autonomy, social justice, and the protection of civil liberties. It emerged as societies became more affluent and focused on addressing social and environmental issues.
Gross National Product (GNP)
The total value of goods and services produced by a country's residents, including income from abroad. It measures the economic output and productivity of a nation.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Measures the total value of goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period. It is used to gauge the economic health and growth of a nation.
Demographic pressures on developed vs. Devolving
Demographic pressures: Developed countries face aging populations, declining birth rates, and a shrinking workforce. Developing countries experience rapid population growth, high fertility rates, and a youthful population.
Gini Coefficient
A measure of income inequality within a population. It ranges from 0 to 1, where 0 represents perfect equality and 1 represents maximum inequality. A higher number indicates greater income disparities.
Charismatic Authority
A form of leadership based on personal qualities and charm. Charismatic leaders inspire followers through their charisma and persuasive abilities, rather than through traditional authority or expertise. Examples include Martin Luther King Jr., Adolf Hitler, and Mahatma Gandhi.
Consolidated Democracy
A political system characterized by stable institutions, regular elections, and protection of civil liberties and human rights. It ensures a balance of power between the government and citizens, promoting accountability and transparency. It fosters political participation and guarantees the rule of law.
Media Independence
The ability of media outlets to operate without undue influence or control from external forces, such as governments, corporations, or individuals.
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