Unit Two Review on Regime Types

What does the term 'regime' refer to in political science?

The overarching way by which power is organized in a country and the rules governing government operations.

Define authoritarianism.

A form of government characterized by the concentration of power in a single authority, lacking sufficient democratic institutions.

What is meant by vertical accountability in a democracy?

Mechanisms through which the people can directly hold their government accountable, such as elections.

What is horizontal accountability?

The system of checks and balances among the different branches of government to prevent the concentration of power.

Give an example of a vertical accountability mechanism.

Elections, as they allow the public to remove leaders who do not perform well.

What are the two basic types of democratic governments?

Parliamentary and presidential systems.

What is Duverger's law?

The principle that majoritarian electoral systems tend to produce two-party systems, while proportional electoral systems tend to produce multiple parties.

What is the significance of political parties in a democracy?

They facilitate the organization of political preferences and competition, preventing the rise of one-party states.

What are political attitudes?

Preferences individuals hold regarding the pace and direction of political change in relation to the status quo.

Define the term 'political ideology.'

A consistent set of values and beliefs about the purpose and scope of government.

What characterizes personalist rule?

A type of authoritarian regime where power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual.

What does competitive authoritarianism refer to?

A regime that holds elections and seems democratic, but lacks real accountability and is dominated by those in power.

What is the difference between a political moderate and a political radical?

Moderates prefer gradual change and are generally content with the status quo, while radicals seek dramatic and immediate change.

How do authoritarian regimes maintain power?

Through repression, coercion, ideology, and controlling civil society.

What role does civil society play in a democracy?

It encompasses non-political groups that help facilitate public participation and contributes to the protection of democracy.

What is meant by checks and balances