Key Concepts in Comparative Politics

Comparative Politics

Comparative Politics focuses on comparing political systems, institutions, processes, and behaviors across different countries to identify patterns and test theories.

Comparative Politics vs Other Subfields

It differs by focusing on domestic politics and institutions of countries other than the U.S., unlike International Relations (foreign affairs), Political Theory (normative questions), or American Politics.

Comparative Method

A method that compares political systems to identify similarities and differences, often to find causal relationships.

Most Similar System Design (MSSD)

A research design that compares similar countries with different outcomes to isolate causal factors.

Most Different System Design (MDSD)

A research design that compares very different countries with similar outcomes to find common causal variables.

Case Study

An in-depth analysis of a single case or country, often used for theory development.

Small 'n' Study

A study comparing a small number of cases, balancing depth and breadth.

Large 'N' Study

A statistical study using many cases to test hypotheses with quantitative methods.

Qualitative vs Quantitative Research

Qualitative research uses non-numerical data (e.g., interviews), while quantitative research relies on numerical data and statistical analysis.

Role of the State

The state enforces laws, maintains order, provides services, and represents sovereignty over a territory.

Key Characteristics of a State

Sovereignty (authority over territory) and legitimacy (recognized right to rule).

Weber's Ideal Types of Legitimacy

Traditional (based on customs), Charismatic (based on leader's qualities), and Legal-Rational (based on laws and procedures).

State Capacity

The ability of a state to implement laws, provide services, and enforce rules.

Strong, Weak, and Failed States

Strong: high capacity and legitimacy. Weak: low capacity, limited authority. Failed: no effective control, loss of legitimacy.

Regime Types

Categories like democracy, authoritarianism, and hybrid regimes, defined by leadership selection and citizen participation.

Nation

A group of people with a shared identity, culture, or history, which may or may not align with state borders.

State

A political entity.

Ethnic Group

Based on shared ancestry and traits but may not seek political autonomy.

Presidential System

A democracy where the executive is elected separately from the legislature and serves a fixed term.

Parliamentary System

A system where the executive is drawn from the legislature and dependent on its support.

Semi-Presidential System

Combines a president and prime minister, with power shared between them.

Vertical Accountability

Accountability of leaders to the public through elections and civil society.

Horizontal Accountability

Checks and balances among state institutions (e.g., judiciary checking the executive).

Plurality Electoral System

The candidate with the most votes wins, often used in single-member districts.

Proportional Representation (PR) System

Seats are allocated based on the percentage of votes each party receives.

Mixed Member Electoral System

Combines elements of plurality and proportional representation systems.

Open List PR System

Voters can choose individual candidates from a party list.

Closed List PR System

Voters select a party only; party decides candidate order.

Threshold in PR Systems

A minimum percentage of votes a party must earn to gain seats.

Political Opportunity Structures

External factors that affect the chances of social movements succeeding.

Relative Deprivation

The feeling of being unfairly disadvantaged compared to others, often leading to unrest.

Institutions in Authoritarian Regimes

Supreme leader, ruling parties, rubber-stamp legislatures, and the military.

Stages of Democratization

Liberalization, transition, and consolidation.

Two Turnover Test

A test for democratic consolidation: peaceful transfer of power between rival parties twice.

Dictator's Dilemma

The challenge of trusting loyalty when repression prevents genuine feedback.

Clientelism

A system where goods/services are exchanged for political support.

Maintaining Power in Authoritarian Regimes

Through repression (force), co-optation (bribing elites/groups), and legitimacy (creating public acceptance).