Comparative Gov week 1 slides 2

What are the three main forms or types of state discussed in Comparative Government?

1. Unitary State, 2) Federal State, 3) Confederal State.

What defines a Unitary State?

A Unitary State is one where legal power belongs to the center, with one government having jurisdiction over the entire country.

What is a key characteristic of regional or local governments in a Unitary State?

They are extensions of the central government and derive their powers from it.

Can the central government in a Unitary State establish or abolish lower level governments?

Yes, the central government can establish or abolish lower level governments at any time.

Name three examples of Unitary States.

United Kingdom, France, Japan.

What is a Federal State?

A Federal State is one where legal power is shared between the federal government and the federal units of the state.

What is the role of the federal government in a Federal State?

The federal government is responsible for general issues such as foreign policy, currency regulation, migration, and national defense.

Name two examples of Federal States.

The United States of America and Canada.

What defines a Confederal State?

A Confederal State is formed when several independent states come together to meet common interests.

What is a key challenge faced by Confederal States?

Decisions are usually taken by unanimity, making it difficult to make decisions.

Give an example of a historical Confederal State.

The Athenian Confederacy established to defend against Sparta and the Persian Empire.

What is a characteristic of the member states in a Confederal State?

They are not obligated to obey the laws of the confederal government.

What is the definition of a state in political science?

A state is a political entity with a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states.

What is sovereignty?

Sovereignty is the supreme authority of a state to govern itself and make laws without interference from outside sources.

What distinguishes a nation from a state?

A nation is a group of people with shared cultural, ethnic, or linguistic characteristics, while a state is a political organization.

What is the criteria for statehood according to international law?

The criteria for statehood are a defined territory, a permanent population, a governing body, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states.

What is the role of the constitution in a state?

The constitution outlines the fundamental principles and established precedents according to which a state is governed.

What is the significance of international recognition for a state?

International recognition from other states legitimizes a state's existence and sovereignty on the global stage.

What is the difference between a parliamentary and presidential system?

In a parliamentary system, the executive derives its democratic legitimacy from the legislature, whereas in a presidential system, the president is elected independently from the legislative body.

What is federalism?

Federalism is a political system where power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units such as states or provinces.

What is a republic?

A republic is a form of government in which the country is considered a 'public matter' and is not the private concern or property of the rulers.

What are the main functions of government?

The main functions of government are to maintain order, provide public services, ensure national security, and manage economic stability.

What is a quasi-state?

A quasi-state is a political entity that has some characteristics of a state but lacks full sovereignty and international recognition.

What role does public opinion play in government?

Public opinion influences government policy and decision-making, as elected officials often consider the preferences of their constituents to maintain support.

What is the concept of legitimacy in government?

Legitimacy is the recognized right of a government to rule, which can stem from various sources such as popular support, legal frameworks, or historical precedents.

What is the difference between a democracy and an autocracy?

In a democracy, power is derived from the people, often through elections, while in an autocracy, power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruler or a small group.

What is the purpose of checks and balances in a government?

Checks and balances are designed to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful by allowing each branch to oversee and limit the actions of the others.

What defines the rule of law?

The rule of law is the principle that law should govern a nation, emphasizing that everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law.

What is civil society?

Civil society refers to the collection of non-governmental organizations and institutions that represent the interests and will of the citizens.

What is constitutionalism?

Constitutionalism is the principle that government authority is derived from and constrained by a constitution.

What is the social contract theory?

The social contract theory posits that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a government that protects their rights and promotes welfare.

What are civil liberties?

Civil liberties are individual rights protected by law from unjust governmental interference.