AP Comparative Government - Most Important Words

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms for AP Comparative Government.

Political Legitimacy

The belief that a government has the right to rule.

Political Efficacy

The belief that one's political participation really matters - that one's vote can actually make a difference

Political Stability

The degree to which a government is likely to remain in power.

Sovereignty

The full right and power of a governing body over itself, without any interference from outside sources or bodies.

Transparency

Government's obligation to share information with citizens.

Political Socialization

The process by which people form their ideas about politics and acquire political values.

Social Cleavages

Divisions in society based on religion, ethnicity, race, social class, etc.

Civil Society

Organizations outside of the state that help people define and advance their own interests.

Civil Liberties

Constitutional freedoms guaranteed to all citizens.

Democracy

A political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them

Authoritarianism

A political system in which a small group of individuals exercises power over the state without being constitutionally responsible to the public.

Populism

A political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups.

Rentier states

A country that obtains a hefty income from exporting natural resources or leasing them to foreign countries.

Regimes/political system

The fundamental rules and norms of politics.

State/nation

A political entity with a defined territory and a permanent population / A group of people with a shared culture, language, and history.

Head of state

The chief public representative of a country.

Head of government

The leader of the executive branch of a government.

Formal political participation

Activities defined by the government such as voting,working for a candidate, or attending political meetings.