Political Parties, Interest Groups, Political Violence, and Welfare States

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and definitions related to political parties, interest groups, political violence, welfare states, and globalization.

Political Parties

Organizations that seek to gain power by winning elections and governing.

Mass Parties

Large membership-based parties focused on mobilizing voters and representing broad social groups.

Elite Parties

Parties dominated by political elites with limited mass membership.

Party System

The pattern of competition and interaction among political parties in a country.

One-Party System

Only one political party is legally allowed to exist.

Dominant-Party System

Many parties exist, but one consistently wins and governs for long periods.

Two-Party System

Two major parties dominate elections.

Multi-Party System

More than two significant parties compete for power.

Pluralism

A system where multiple interest groups compete freely to influence policy.

Collective Action Problem

When individuals have incentives to benefit from a public good without contributing.

Free-Riding

Benefiting from a public good without helping provide it.

Selective Incentives

Rewards offered to motivate people to contribute to public goods.

Interest Groups

Organizations that lobby government to influence policy.

Social Movements

Large, informal groups seeking broad social or political change.

Political Violence

Use of force for political goals.

Coup d'état

An illegal seizure of power by the military or elites.

Guerrilla Wars

Conflict where small rebel groups use hit-and-run military tactics.

Genocide

Intentional destruction of a racial, ethnic, or religious group.

Terrorism

Violence targeting civilians to create fear for political purposes.

Suicide Terrorism

Terror attacks where attackers intentionally kill themselves to maximize impact.

Civil War

Armed conflict between a state and organized domestic groups.

State Weakness

Low state capacity, making rebellion easier.

Spillover Effect

Conflict spreading from one country to another.

Cultural Grievances

Ethnic/religious discrimination causing resentment.

Greed Explanation

Rebels seek economic resources (diamonds, oil).

Political Economy

Study of how politics and economics shape each other.

Production

Creation of goods and services.

Markets

Spaces where goods/services are exchanged.

Authority

State power to enforce rules within markets.

Neoliberalism

Policies promoting deregulation, privatization, reduced government spending.

Interventionist State

Government heavily regulates or supports economic activity.

Command Economies

State controls all production and pricing.

Economic Development

Rising living standards, wealth, health, and technology.

Degree of State Intervention

Amount the state regulates markets and provides services.

Welfare States

Governments that provide social protections and benefits.

Welfare System

Institutions/programs delivering health care, pensions, unemployment benefits.

Liberal Welfare Systems

Low benefits, means-tested, market-oriented (U.S., U.K.).

Bismarckian Welfare Models

Benefits tied to employment, funded by contributions (Germany).

Social Democratic Welfare Systems

Universal benefits funded by high taxes (Scandinavia).

Social Spending

Government spending on welfare and social programs.

Redistribution in Democracies

Taxation and welfare policies that shift resources across groups.

Progressive Taxation

Higher incomes pay a higher percentage.

Regressive Taxation

Lower incomes pay a higher percentage of income.

Multinational Corporations (MNCs)

Companies operating in multiple countries.

International NGOs

Non-governmental organizations working globally.

Conditional Cash Transfer Programs

Welfare benefits given if conditions (schooling, vaccinations) are met.

Globalization

Increasing interconnectedness between countries.

Weakened State Sovereignty

Global markets/institutions reduce state autonomy.

Cultural Globalization

Spread of ideas, values, and cultural products.

Economic Globalization

Global markets, trade, and financial flows.

Political Globalization

Growing influence of international organizations over states.

Welfare State Variation

Differences in welfare spending influenced by various factors.

Convergence

Countries adopting similar economic/welfare policies due to globalization.

Race-to-the-Bottom

Countries lowering taxes/wages/regulations to attract business.