State Foundations and Political Systems

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key political concepts, definitions, and terms related to state foundations and political systems.

Correlation

When a change in one variable is associated with a change in another variable.

Causation

When an independent variable directly produces an effect on a dependent variable.

Empirical statement

A statement that can be tested, measured, or proven true or false.

Normative statement

A statement expressing a value judgment or what should be done.

State

A political organization with a permanent population, governing institutions, defined territory, and international recognition.

Treaty of Westphalia (1648)

Established modern sovereign states, legal equality, and non-intervention.

Strong state

Has high capacity to implement and enforce policies.

Weak state

Lacks capacity to effectively enforce laws and policies.

State capacity

The ability to provide security and balance freedom and equality.

State autonomy

The ability to act independently of public or external actors.

Failed state

A state that has lost capacity and autonomy and cannot maintain order.

Regime

The rules determining access to and exercise of political power.

Government

Institutions and individuals legally authorized to make decisions for the state.

Formal institutions

Codified and legally recognized rules (courts, constitutions).

Informal institutions

Unwritten norms and customs guiding behavior.

Legitimacy

Public belief that a government has the right to rule.

Traditional legitimacy

Authority based on long-standing customs (monarchies).

Charismatic legitimacy

Authority based on devotion to a leader (cult of personality).

Rational-legal legitimacy

Authority based on laws and constitutions.

Federal state

Power divided between national and regional governments.

Unitary state

Power concentrated at the national level.

Nationalism

Pride in a shared identity and desire for political sovereignty.

Nation-state

A state composed largely of one nationality.

Stateless nation

A nation lacking its own sovereign state.

Political culture

Shared values and beliefs about politics.

Liberalism

Emphasizes individual freedom and free markets.

Communism

State ownership of resources to eliminate exploitation.

Democracy

Government by the people, typically through elected representatives.

Authoritarian system

Power concentrated in a leader or elite.

Neoliberalism

Free markets, privatization, and limited state role.

Shock therapy

Rapid transition from communism to capitalism through privatization and deregulation.

Illiberal democracy

Elections exist, but competition, rights, and media freedom are restricted.

Oligarchs

Powerful individuals who gained wealth by acquiring state assets during privatization.

Putin

Former KGB officer who became president of Russia in 2000, known for consolidating power.

Chechnya

A source of contention due to ethnic, religious, and separatist conflict.

Gini Index

Measures income inequality.

HDI

Measures income, health, and education.

Rule of law

Everyone is subject to the law.