COMPARATIVE GOVT MIDTERM NOTES

Politics

The process through which people make collective decisions, distribute resources, exercise power, and resolve disagreements within a society.

Politics as War

Views politics as a struggle between competing groups for power, resources, or control, emphasizing conflict and competition.

Politics as Process

Looks at the procedures and negotiations people use to make collective decisions, focusing on debate and compromise without violence.

Politics as Participation

Focuses on the ways people take part in political life and influence government decisions, such as voting and protests.

Comparative Methods

Systematic comparisons of political systems, countries, institutions, or events to understand differing political outcomes.

Case Study Method

An in-depth examination of one particular case to understand its history, causes, processes, and outcomes.

Normative Approach

Asks what should happen and focuses on values, ethics, and judgments in political theory.

Empirical Approach

Asks what actually happens and focuses on observable evidence and data in political research.

Most Similar Systems Approach

Compares countries that are similar but have different political outcomes to identify differences that explain these outcomes.

Most Different Systems Approach

Compares countries that differ in many ways but have similar political outcomes to identify common factors explaining that outcome.

Quantitative Methods

Use numerical data to identify patterns and test hypotheses in political research.

Qualitative Methods

Use detailed, nonnumerical evidence to understand meanings and experiences in political contexts.

Independent Variable (IV)

The factor researchers believe may explain or influence an outcome.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The outcome researchers are trying to explain or measure.

The State

A political organization that governs a population within a defined territory and claims authority over that territory.

Sovereignty

The supreme authority of a state to govern itself and make decisions without being subordinate to another state.

Power

The ability to influence others or make them do something, even if they do not want to.

Authority

The recognized or accepted right to make decisions and issue commands.

Legitimacy

The belief that a government or political authority has a rightful claim to rule.

Social Contract Theory

Explains political authority as arising from an agreement where people accept a political system for benefits and protections.

Stateless Nation

A national community that does not have its own independent sovereign state.

Nation-State

A state where the boundaries of the political state closely correspond with the boundaries of a national community.

Anarchism

A political philosophy that challenges the legitimacy of state authority and advocates voluntary cooperation and self-governance.

Authoritarianism

A political system where power is concentrated in a leader or limited group, with restricted political competition.

Democracy

A political system where power ultimately rests with the people, allowing for meaningful participation and accountability.

Electoral Democracy

A system where citizens choose leaders through meaningful elections with genuine competition.

Liberal Democracy

A political system combining competitive elections with strong protections for individual rights and civil liberties.

Illiberal Democracy

A system with elections but weakened civil liberties and checks on government power.

Flawed Democracy

A political system that remains democratic but has significant weaknesses in democratic quality.

Pseudo-Democracy

A system that presents itself as democratic but lacks meaningful competition and popular control.

Negative Freedom

Freedom from interference, coercion, or restrictions by others.

Positive Freedom

The ability or opportunity to act and pursue goals in one's life.

Participatory Institutions

Formal arrangements allowing citizens to engage in political decision-making beyond just voting.