Comparative Politics Mid term Key terms

Area Studies

An cross-field approach that focuses on the study of specific geographical regions and their cultures, politics, and societies.

Behavioral Revolution

A shift in political science that emphasizes evidence based research and the use of scientific methods to study political behavior.

Causal Relationship

a change in one variable directly causes a change in the other.

Comparative Method

A research method that involves comparing different political systems or entities to identify patterns and draw conclusions.

Comparative Politics

The field of political science that analyzes and compares political systems, behaviors, and structures from different countries.

Correlation

A statistical measure that describes the degree to which two variables change together.

Deductive Reasoning

Research that works from a hypothesis that is then tested against data

Dependent Variable

The outcome or effect that is being studied in an experiment or analysis, which depends on the independent variable.

Endogeneity

The issue that cause and effect are not often clear, in that variable may be both cause and effect in relationship to one another

Equality

The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.

Formal Institutions

legally recognized organizations and systems that govern behavior and social order

Freedom

The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.

Game Theory

A mathematical study of strategic decision making among individuals or groups with competing interests.

Independent Variable

A variable that is manipulated in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Inductive Reasoning

general conclusions are drawn from specific observations or examples.

Informal Institutions

Unwritten rules, norms, and practices that shape behavior and organization in society.

Institution

An established organization or framework for social or political order governing the behavior of individuals.

International Relations

The study of the interactions between sovereign states and the analysis of global issues and policies.

Modernization Theory

A theory that explains the process of social and economic development in countries as they transition from traditional to modern societies.

Multicausality

The principle that a phenomenon can be caused by multiple independent factors or variables.

Politics

the struggle in any group for power that will give one or more persons the ability to make decisions for the larger group

Power

The capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events.

Qualitative Method

Research methods that focus on understanding the qualities, meanings, and experiences of subjects.

Quantitative Method

Research methods that emphasize counting, measuring, and analyzing numerical data.

Rational Choice

A theoretical framework that assumes individuals make decisions by maximizing utility based on their preferences.

Selection Bias

A bias that occurs when individuals in a sample are not representative of the larger population.

Theory

A set of principles or ideas that explain a phenomenon or guide understanding of a subject.

Asymmetric Federalism

A federal system where power is unevenly distributed between regions or states.

Autonomy

The right or condition of self-government or independence.

Capacity

The ability of a government or institution to effectively implement and enforce policies.

Charismatic Legitimacy

Legitimacy derived from the personal qualities and extraordinary leadership of an individual.

Country

A distinct territorial body or political entity recognized as an independent nation.

Devolution

The transfer of power from a central government to regional or local governments.

Failed State

A state that is unable to provide basic governmental functions and services to its citizens.

Federalism

A political system in which power is divided between a central authority and regional (state or provinical) governments.

Government

The organization through which authority and governance are exercised.

Legitimacy

The right and acceptance of an authority, often a governing law or regime.

Rational-Legal Legitimacy

Legitimacy based on established laws and procedures governing authority.

Regime

set of rules, institutions, and norms that determine how a government is organized and how political power is exercised within a country.

Sovereignty

The supreme authority of a state to govern itself or control its own affairs.

State

A political entity characterized by a defined territory, permanent population, and a governing institution.

Strong State

A state with well-defined institutions that are effective in maintaining order and governance.

Traditional Legitimacy

Legitimacy derived from longstanding customs or practices.

Unitary State

A state governed as a single entity with central authority.

Weak State

A state lacking the capacity to enforce laws or provide basic services.

Anarchism

A political philosophy advocating for a society without government or hierarchical authority.

Citizenship

The status of being a recognized member of a state with associated rights and responsibilities.

Communism

A political and economic ideolog that advocates for a classless society and collective ownership of resources.

Conservatives

Individuals who advocate for preserving traditional institutions and values.

Culture

The collective beliefs, values, norms, and practices that characterize a group or society.

Ethnic Conflict

Disputes and tensions that arise between different ethnic groups.

Ethnic Identity/Ethnicity

The shared cultural, linguistic, or ancestral heritage of a group.

Fascism

A far-right authoritarian ultranationalist political ideology characterized by dictatorial power.

Fundamentalism

strict belief in and literal interpretation of the basic principles or teachings of a religion or ideology.

Liberal Democracy

A system of government characterized by free and fair elections, rule of law, and civil liberties.

Liberalism

A political ideology advocating for individual rights, liberal democracy, and free market economies.

Liberals

Individuals who advocate for progressive social policies and civil liberties.

Nation

A large group of people united by common cultural, linguistic, or historical traits.

Nation-State

A political unit where the boundaries of a nation coincide with those of a state (homogenous)

National Conflict

Clashes arising between distinct nations or ethnic groups within a state.

National Identity

A sense of belonging to a particular nation and the shared characteristics that define it.

Nationalism

An ideology promoting the interests and culture of a particular nation, often in opposition to external forces.

Patriotism

Devotion to and vigorous support for one’s country.

Political Attitude

An individual's views and beliefs regarding government and political issues.

Political Culture

The collection of attitudes, beliefs, and values that shape the political behavior of a society.

Political Ideology

A set of beliefs about political values and the role of government.

Radicals

Individuals who advocate for significant and fundamental change to the political system.

Reactionaries

Individuals who seek to restore a previous political or social order.

Social Democracy/Socialism

A political and economic system advocating for social justice within a framework of a democratic system.

Society

A large group of individuals associated with each other through persistent relations.

Capitalism

An economic system characterized by private ownership of production and the creation of goods and services for profit.

Central Bank

The institution responsible for managing a country's currency, money supply, and interest rates.

Comparative Advantage

The economic principle that countries should specialize in producing goods where they have a lower opportunity cost.

Deflation

A decrease in the general price level of goods and services.

Economic Liberalization

The process of reducing government restrictions, usually in areas such as trade and investment.

Gini Index

A statistical measure of income inequality within a population.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

The total value of all goods and services produced within a country in a given period.

Human Development Index (HDI)

A composite index measuring average achievement in key dimensions of human development.

Hyperinflation

An extremely high and typically accelerating rate of inflation.

Inflation

A general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money.

Laissez-Faire

An economic theory advocating minimal government intervention in the economy.

Market

A venue where buyers and sellers interact to exchange goods and services.

Mercantilism

An economic policy aiming to maximize a nation's wealth through trade.

Monopoly

A market structure where a single seller dominates the market.

Nontariff Regulatory Barriers

Non-tax barriers that can restrict trade.

Parastatal

A government-owned corporation or agency.

Political-Economic System

The structure and processes through which political and economic power is exercised.

Political Economy

The study of how economic theory and methods influence political ideology.

Property

The legal right to possess, use, and dispose of resources.

Public Goods

Goods that are non-excludable and non-rivalrous, available to all members of society.

Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)

An economic theory that allows the comparison of the purchasing power of various world currencies.

Quota

A government-imposed limit on the quantity of a product that can be imported.

Regulation

Government rules and restrictions intended to control behavior.

Social Expenditures

Government spending on social programs and welfare.

Tariff

A tax imposed on imported goods.

Guerrilla War

A form of irregular warfare in which small groups use military tactics to fight a larger traditional military.

Ideational

Pertaining to ideas and concepts, typically in a political or social context.

Nihilism

A philosophical belief that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value.

Political Violence

The use of violence in the pursuit of political goals.

Relative Deprivation Model

A theory that suggests individuals or groups may feel a sense of deprivation when they compare their situation to others.