Political Institutions and Theories

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key political concepts, institutions, and theories to aid in exam preparation.

What is the definition of the state according to Max Weber?

The state is the central political institution that exerts a monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory.

What characterizes a failed state?

A failed state lacks a central authority that can use force, leading to individuals needing to acquire force or ally with someone who can.

How does civil society relate to the state?

Civil society is a space autonomous from state coercion where people can deliberate and strategize about political matters.

What are the three characteristics of modern states?

Bureaucracy, Impersonality, and Sovereignty.

Define bureaucracy as it relates to the modern state.

Bureaucracy is an organization where individuals operate under established, specified, and complex rules, organizing collective action for common projects.

What does the term impersonality signify in the context of modern states?

Impersonality means states are identified with institutions rather than leaders, treating citizens as essentially equal.

What is sovereignty in relation to states?

Sovereignty refers to a state's ultimate authority within its territory and is associated with legitimate authority.

What are the traditional functions of states?

Defence, Policing, and Taxation.

Who is Charles Tilly in relation to state development?

Charles Tilly is known for the 'bellicist theory' which posits that states are created by war.

What does economic theory propose about states?

States are a reflection of underlying economic interests where capitalist classes favor stable states to maximize profits.

Explain the concept of intersectionality as described by Kimberlé Crenshaw.

Intersectionality refers to the overlapping social identities and how these intersections shape experiences of discrimination and privilege.

What are the five faces of oppression according to Iris Marion Young?

Exploitation, Marginalization, Powerlessness, Cultural Imperialism, and Violence.

What is the relationship between contention and revolution?

Contention involves challenges to power, which can escalate into a revolution when organized and powerful enough to overthrow a regime.

What is the iron law of oligarchy in social movements?

The theory that organizational leadership creates its own interests, often resulting in new elites within social movements.

What does the term 'political economy' refer to?

Political economy refers to the relationship between politics and economics, particularly how states manage economic activity.

What is the difference between a presidential system and a parliamentary system?

In a presidential system, a president is directly elected and has fixed terms, while in a parliamentary system, the head of government is chosen from the legislature.

Define totalitarian regimes.

Totalitarian regimes aim for total control over society, denying civil rights and using extensive surveillance and repression.