Exam 1 simpler

What is the definition of comparative politics?

The study of political systems, institutions, and behaviors across different countries.

What is the purpose of comparative politics?

To understand patterns, differences, and causes of political phenomena.

What is a government?

The institutions and processes through which societies are governed.

What is an institution?

A formal or informal organization or practice with rules and procedures, marked by durability and internal complexity.

What is a regime

A political type, based on a set of principles, norms, rules and decision-making procedures, and including - for example - a democratic regime or an authoritarian regime.

What are typologies?

The system by which the types of something (states, languages, personalities, buildings, and organizations, for example) are classified according to their common features.

What is a nation?

A group of people sharing a common identity, culture, and often language.

What are key features of a nation?

Shared history, sense of belonging, and political aspirations.

What are examples of nations without states?

Kurds, Catalonians, Scots.

What is nationalism?

The belief that a nation should govern itself, often linked to identity and sovereignty.

How did nationalism contribute to the breakup of Yugoslavia?

Ethnic nationalism led to tensions and conflicts, resulting in fragmentation into multiple states.

What is a state?

a political entity with sovereignty over a defined territory.

What is a country?

A geographical area recognized as a political entity.

What is a nation-state?

A state where the political entity aligns with a national identity (e.g., Japan, France)

What is sovereignty?

The ability of a state to govern itself without external interference.

What is authority?

The recognized right to exercise power.

What is legitimacy?

The acceptance of authority by the population.

What are three common ways to classify the world today?

Economic: Developed vs. Developing Nations.

Political: Democracies vs. Authoritarian Regimes.

Geographic: Global North vs. Global South.

What are the core tasks of legislatures?

Lawmaking, representation, and oversight of the executive.

What roles fo legislatures play?

- Debating policies

- Checking the executive

- allocating budgets

What are the two main types of legislatures?

1. Unicameral (one chamber) and bicameral

2. Bicameral (two chambers)

How do legislatures function in authoritarian regimes?

Often used as a façade for legitimacy, with limited actual power.

What is an executive political system?

The branch of government responsible for implementing laws and policies.

What are the main tasks of the executive?

- Enforcing laws

- Setting policies

- managing state affairs

Who are the key members of an executive branch?

- The Head of State (monarch, president)

- The Head of Government (prime minister, chancellor)

What are the three main types of executive systems?

1. Presidential

2. Parliamentary

3. Semi-Presidential

Who governs in a parliamentary system?

The prime minister, who is chosen by the legislature.

How does power function in a parliamentary system?

There is a fusion of powers between the executive and legislative branches.

What kind of government is common in parliamentary systems?

Majority governments are preferred, but coalition governments are common in multiparty systems.

Is divided government possible in parliamentary systems?

No, because the executive depends on legislative support.

Who governs in a presidential system?

The President, who is directly elected by the people.

How does power function in a presidential system?

There is a clear separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches.

Can divided governments occur in a presidential system?

Yes, when the legislature is controlled by an opposition party

Who governs in a semi-presidential system?

Both a President and a Prime Minister share executive powers.

How does power function in a semi-presidential system?

It is a hybrid system where the president has executive authority, but the PM manages government affairs.

What is "cohabitation" in a semi-presidential system?

When the President and Prime Minister come from different political parties.

How do the three systems compare in terms of accountability?

a. Parliamentary = high (PM can be removed.

b. Presidential = medium (fixed terms).

c. Semi-Presidential = varies.

How do the three systems compare in terms of representation?

Parliamentary = more party-driven.

Presidential = more individual-driven.

How do the three systems compare in terms of policy making?

Parliamentary = faster.

Presidential = slower (due to checks and balances).

How do the three systems compare in terms of stability?

Parliamentary = less stable (coalition breaks down).

Presidential = more stable (fixed terms).

What is a federal system of government?

A system where power is divided between national and regional governments.

What are examples of a federal system?

- America

- Canada

- Germany

What are the advantages of federal systems?

Local autonomy, better representation, and regional adaptability.

What are the disadvantages of federal systems?

Policy inconsistency, inefficiency, potential regional conflicts.

What is a unitary system of government?

A system where the central government holds most power, with limited regional authority.

What are examples of unitary systems?

- France

- Japan

- UK

What are the advantages of unitary systems?

Efficiency, uniform policies, stronger national unity.

What are the disadvantages of unitary systems?

Less regional flexibility, risk of over-centralization.