Unit 1: Introduction to Comparative Government

Comparative Politics

the study of similarities and difference between states, how different government systems operate, and why political changes occur

-states (country) entire concept of studying gov to learn about what has happened in past and present so we can hopefully improve them (look at this as a science)

Comparative Method

used by scholars to examine the same phenomenon in several cases and reach conclusions from the individual cases

Causation

occurs when a change in one variable precipitates a change in another variable. Can be difficult to prove in political science because political events are usually the result of several factors

Correlation

is an apparent connection between variables (correlation does not equal causation)

Positive correlation

occurs when two or more variables move in the same direction

inverse correlation

occurs when one variable increases and a second variable decreases

Empirical Statement

an assertion of fact that can be proven (usually these statements are often based on data) (describes what actually occurs)

Normative Statement

a value judgement, usually in the form of a should or ought statement (what should occur) very subjective (someone's opinion)

Quantitative Data

observations made using statistical techniques, which are often conveyed in charts, graphs, tables and maps (FRQ 2)

Qualitative Data

text-based description, including explanations of how government and political institutions function (source reads)

Source Analysis

Look at the author, why they wrote it and see if you can find the author's POV before reading the passage (think of DBQ)

Human Development Index (HDI)

an aggregate measure of life expectancy (age), education of the population (tough to gage because all are different), and per capita income (what a person makes per year)

-(four categories: very high, high, medium, and low) (established in 1990s) based on western democracy (only helping the people who created it)

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

represents the total value of goods and services produced in a country in a year (measure all economic activity within a country which shows the overall "health" of the country)

-relies on government data which may not be accurate (doesn't take into account the population as it will not help

-also has black market (free of governmental control))

GDP per capita

A nation's GDP divided by its population (estimate of the standard of living within a country)

GDP growth rate

measure how much GDP has grown over a period of time

-shows how fast the economy of a country is improving over time

GINI Index (coefficient)

measures income inequality.

-A score of 0 indicates complete equality and a score of 1 indicates complete inequality (higher score =bigger gap between rich and poor)

Freedom House

a nongovernmental organization founded in the US that advocates for democracy and human rights (measuring freedom around the world)

-favors countries that are fully democratic

-countries are given scores based off of their political rights and civil liberties (classified as free, partially free, and not free)

Democratic Consolidation

the process by which a regime has developed stable democratic institutions and significant protections of civil liberties

Transparency International

A non-government organization devoted to reducing corruption by encouraging transparency and accountability (people know the inter working of government)

Grand Corruption

occurs at the highest levels of society-causing significant harm and because the perpetrators are the political elite, it often goes unpunished

Petty corruption

The everyday abuse of power by government worker in their interactions with citizens

Corruptions Perceptions Index (CPI)

measure how corrupt a system is believed to be according to experts and business leaders

Problem:

-not very accurate as officials won't voluntarily admit corruption

-scored on scale of 0-100

Strong state

A state that is able to fulfill basic tasks, such as defending territory, making and enforcing rules, collecting taxes, and managing the economy

Failed States

A state that is weak that it loses control over all or parts of it's territories (based on stability)

-often characterized by "limited statehood", where the government distributed some goods and services

Reasons:

- lack resources like infrastructure and security

- payment is very little

- basic services such as education is not provided

Fragile States Index (FSI)

measure state strength and highlight countries in immediate concern (this has come to be due to the amount of state failure)

- measures 12 indicators, adds them up weighing than all equally to get an overall score for each country

- higher the score the more it's moving to state failure

- classified as very sustainable, sustainable, very stable, more stable, warning, elevated warning, high warning, alert, high alert, or very high alert.

12 Indicators of the Fragile States Index (Social)

-Demographic Pressures

-Refugees or internally displaced persons

-Intervention by external political actors

12 Indicators of the Fragile States Index (Economic)

-Uneven economic development

-Poverty/Severe economic decline

-Sustained human flight and educated people leaving the country

12 Indicators of the Fragile States Index (Political)

-People's belief in the government's right to rule (legitimacy)

-Deterioration of public services

-Rule of law/human rights abuses

12 Indicators of the Fragile States Index (Cohesion)

-Military and police forces (security apparatus)

-Factionalized leadership

-Groups seeking vengeance

Political System

system of government in a nation (how it is run)