cogo vocab unit 1

Comparative Politics

Organized comparing of different political systems/institutions/behaviours to determine similarities and/or differences

Comparative Political Research

A method of studying politics by comparing distinct states

Hypothesis

A suggested explanation or prediction that can be examined or tested using data or evidence.

Empirical Data

Factual data that cannot be debated.

Quantitative Data

Numerical data that can be measured and/or analyzed statistically. E.g.; there are three clouds.

Qualitative Data

Non-numerical data

Causation

When a change in one factor contributes to a change in another factor. Basically just if a change in one thing results in the change of another.

Independent Variable

The possible cause or influence being examined.

Dependent Variable

The outcome sought for by the change in the independent variable

Political Inference

A conclusion or solution drawn from available political evidence or data. Basically an informed guess/estimate.

Normative Question or Statement

Non-factual statements or questions

GDP Growth Rate

The % change of a state’s GDP in a specific period.

Correlation

An association between two variables/two things happening at the same time. Does not prove causation.

Political System

The laws

Regime

Fundamental rules for how political power is accessed and exercised. How do you get power? What can you do with said power?

Common Law

A legal tradition in which judicial decisions and precedents play a major role in shaping law.

Code law (civil law tradition)

A legal tradition that relies heavily on written legal codes and statues/outlines.

Government

The group of institutions or individuals legally empowered to make binding decisions for the state. Change more frequently than regimes.

State

A political organization that has a government

Sovereign State

A political organization that has a government

Sovereignty

A state's right to govern itself without outside interference.

Nation

A group of people sharing common characteristics such as language

Nation-state

When the people of a nation have a state governed by their own people. Eg.

Government Officeholders

The people holding formal government positions at a given time; can change while regime endures (government change).

Institutions

Established rules

Political Power

The ability to influence decisions or secure desired political outcomes. Basically if you’re the president

Political Authority

The recognized or accepted way one can exercise political power.

Unitary System

National government only—is in charge of everything.

Federal System

Has a national government

Devolution

Transfer of powers from a central government to regional or subnational governments. Federal systems.

Democracy

A political system in which citizens have opportunities to express their opinions and beliefs to therefore influence changes.

Liberal Democracy

A democracy with meaningful electoral competition and protections for civil rights

Procedural Democracy

A system judged by whether their democratic procedures exist

Illiberal Democracy

A system with some democratic features

Authoritarian Regime

A regime that restricts political competition and limits citizen's ability to hold leaders accountable.

Hybrid Regime

Illiberal democracies hold elections but limit civil liberties

Competitive Elections

Elections in which candidates/participants have a genuine chance to elect who they want/someone that aligns with their beliefs.

Free and Fair Elections

Elections in which people can choose among genuinely different options without coercion. Votes are fairly counted and administered.

One-party State

A political system where one part monopolizes governing power and competition for national power is restricted.

Rule of Law

Everyone is subject to the law. Laws apply equally to rulers and ruled alike. Seen in democratic regimes.

Government Transparency

The government’s allowance of citizens having the ability to understand and/or research how policies are made and implemented

Media Freedom

The amount of stuff media can freely report without government interference or punishment. Is a good indicator of transparency.

Civil Liberties

Basic freedoms (expression

Theocracy

A political system where religious authority or religious laws play central roles in their governing. Example: Iran.

Totalitarianism

Extreme form of authoritarian rule that wants extensive control over political

Military Rule

A form of government in which military leaders or institutions have the most political authority.

Coup D’état

Sudden

Democratization

A process where a state becomes more democratic/moves towards a more democratic governance

Democratic Transition

A process through which a country moves from an authoritarian regime to a democratic one.

Universal Suffrage

The right for all adult citizens to vote.

Proportional Representation

Electoral system designed in a way to assign seats to parties in proportion to their share of the vote.

Electoral Threshold

The minimum share of votes a party must receive to qualify for representation under some proportional electoral systems.

Gender or Cultural Quota

A rule that reserves a share of candidate positions or legislative seats for a group

Equal Treatment of Citizens

The idea that all citizens should receive equal treatment under the law and in their political rights.

Revolution

A major and often rapid or disruptive transformation of a regime.

Reform

A change intended to improve or adjust a system

Political Change

A change in either government or regime.

Constitution

A body of fundamental rules that establishes a government and assigns powers. May limit what the government can do.

Popular Support

Acceptance or backing from citizens hat can strengthen a government’s ability to support a regime (legitimacy).

Political Party as a Source of Power

When a political organization can compete for office

Military as a Source of Power

When armed forces can support and enforce government activity

Religious Authority

When political influence or perceived legitimacy is determined from religious institutions

Legislative Authority

Powers that are exercised by a legislature

Political Elites

Individuals or groups with more influence over political decisions. Are a useful background for analysing who holds the power in a government or regime.

Political Succession

The process in which political leadership passes from one leader to another. Is an example of government change.

Peaceful Transfer of Power

A change in political leadership through accepted procedures/processes

Regime Change

Occurs when the fundamental rules and institutions of a political system are replaced. Change either very slowly or not at all

Government Change

Occurs more frequently than regime change

Separation of Powers

The division of governmental responsibilities among branches. E.g.

Constitutional Division of Powers

A formal assignment of authority among levels or branches of government

Fusion of Powers

An arrangement where executive and legislative branches are closely linked. Primarily parliamentary systems.

Checks and Balances

Mechanics through which branches or institutions can limit or review on another’s actions.

Legitimacy

Comes from popular sovereignty. Can be gained through either coercion or consensus.

Traditional Legitimacy

Built by habit and customs overtime

Charismatic Legitimacy

Built on force of ideas and presence of the leader

Rational-legal Legitimacy

Built on rules and procedures (and the offices that create/enforce these rules); strongly institutionalized.

Sources of Legitimacy

Conditions on which a government’s right to rule is accepted

Legitimacy Through Performance

Acceptance of a government’s authority based on its ability to deliver valued outcomes

Political Stability

The degree to which a political system continues functioning without major breakdowns

Regime Stability

The ability of a regine’s fundamental rules to endure over time.

Nationalism

Identification with and support for a nation; may also be used by political leaders to encourage unity or legitimacy.

GDP (Gross Domestic Product)

Measures total economic activity in a state.

GDP Per Capita

GDP divided by population; a rough measure of average economic output per person. Not a direct measure of how income is distributed.

Gini Index

Measures income inequality in a state. Higher valued indicate higher inequality.

Freedom House

Reviews political rights and civil liberties to compare countries’ political conditions.

Human Development Index (HDI)

A development measure based on health

Transparency International

An international organization that publishes the Corruption Perceptions Index

Failed/Fragile States Index

An index assessing the indicators of state fragility and vulnerability to instability.

Political Stability Indicator

A measure or dataset used to compare the likelihood that political order will be disrupted or destabilized.