Comparative Politics in Europe Final Exam

What is governance?

The structure and functions that organize authority, laws, and policy to establish political order

What is comparative politics

The study of differences between political systems and how they operate/affect society

What is the difference between a state, regime, and a nation?

state = political organization with legal authority; Regime = rules and norms guiding government; Nation = people united by shared culture, history, language, and/or identity

Why do political scientists study political systems?

To understand how power is organized, explain the differences between systems, and analyze institutions and governance

What are the main purposes of government?

To enforce rules, maintain order and security, manage public affairs, protect freedoms, and support the economy

What is social contract theory?

The idea that people create government through an agreement, giving up some freedoms in exchange for protection and order

How did Hobbes view government?

Humans are naturally violent in the state of nature, so a strong sovereign authority is needed to prevent chaos

How did Locke differ from Hobbes?

Locke believed people are sovereign, governments exist to protect natural rights (life, liberty, and property), and citizens may replace abusive rulers

What did Rousseau and Montesquieu contribute to political thought?

Rousseau emphasized popular consent and the general will; Montesquieu advocated separation of powers

What are the four core elements of the state?

Territory, population, government, and sovereignty

What is sovereignty?

A state’s supreme authority over its territory and internal affairs without external interference

What is the difference between a hard power and soft power?

Hard power uses military or economic coercion; soft power uses attraction influence, and persuasion

What is the difference between authority and legitimacy?

Authority is the recognized power to govern; legitimacy is the public acceptance of that authority

What are the three main state structures?

Federal (shared national/regional power), Unitary (centralized power), and Confederate (sovereign states delegate limited powers to a weak center)

What are the major regime types?

Monarchy, dictatorship, aristocracy, oligarchy, junta, democracy, anarchy, and theocracy

What are the two main types of monarchial successions?

Hereditary succession (power passes through family lines) and electoral succession (ruler is chosen, like in the Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth)

What is the key difference between a monarchy and a republic?

A monarchy has a hereditary ruler as head of state, while a republic’s leader is chosen through elections

Why is monarchy considered the oldest form of government?

It dates back to ancient civilizations such as Egyptian pharaohs and Sumerian rulers

Why have monarchies survived for so long?

They adapted to political, economic, and social changes while maintaining legitimacy and symbolic importance

How did early monarchies help societies?

They provided coordination, security, law and order, public goods, and protection against anarchy

What is primogeniture?

A succession rule where the oldest child inherits the throne

How did monarchs gain legitimacy historically?

Through bloodlines, traditions, rituals, religion, and their roles as symbols of unity and continuity

How can succession rules promote stability?

They provide a clear leadership transition, reducing uncertainty and conflict

What are the three main forms of monarchy in Europe?

Absolute monarchy, dualistic monarchy, and constitutional (parliamentary) monarchy

What is an absolute monarchy?

A system where the monarch holds unrestricted political power

Why did absolute monarchies decline in Europe?

The rise of constitutional government and events like the 1688 Glorious Revolution shifted power towards parliaments

What defines a constitutional monarchy?

The monarch’s authority is limited by law, while elected officials exercise executive power

What are the main functions of modern constitutional monarchs?

Symbolic leadership, national representation, political neutrality, ceremonial duties, and constitutional authority

Why is codification important in constitutional monarchies?

Clear constitutional rules reduce uncertainty and help prevent constitutional crises

What are the main arguments for and against preserving monarchies?

For = history, identity, national unity, and political mediation; Against = cost, hereditary privilege, and concerns about compatibility with democracy

What were the key stages in Ireland’s constitutional development?

Act of Union (1800), Independence and free state (1922), and the 1937 Constitution establishing a sovereign state

What is the role of the Oireachtas in Ireland?

It enacts laws, debates national issues, oversees the government, and maintains parliamentary democracy

What are the major milestones in Malta’s modern political development?

Independence from Britain in 1964, becoming a republic in 1974, joining the EU in 2004, and adopting the Euro in 2008

How do language policies reinforce political identity in Ireland and Malta?

They preserve national culture and heritage while shaping political and institutional life

What is the status of the Irish language in Ireland's parliament?

It is the official language and serves an important symbolic and cultural role.

What languages are used in Malta's parliament and government?

Both Maltese and English; Maltese is the national language, while English remains important in legal and governmental contexts.

How is the President of Ireland selected and what is the term length?

Directly elected by popular vote for a 7-year term.

What are two key constitutional powers of Ireland's President?

Referring bills for constitutional review and dissolving parliament under certain circumstances.

How is the President of Malta selected and what is the term length?

Elected by a two-thirds majority in parliament for a 5-year term.

Who holds executive power in Malta?

The Prime Minister, while the President mainly performs constitutional and ceremonial functions

What is the main structural difference between the Irish and Maltese parliaments?

Ireland has a bicameral parliament, while Malta has a unicameral parliament.

How are members of Ireland's two parliamentary chambers chosen?

The lower house is directly elected, while senators are chosen through various panels and appointments.

What are the main characteristics of Malta's parliament?

Unicameral, relatively small, elected through STV, and characterized by strong executive influence

What is the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system?

A proportional voting system where voters rank candidates by preference (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) in multi-member constituencies.

How do Ireland's and Malta's party systems differ?

Ireland has a multi-party system with frequent coalition governments, while Malta is dominated by two major parties that often secure parliamentary majorities.

What model of independence does Canada represent?

Gradual constitutional evolution rather than revolutionary independence

What is responsible government?

A system in which the executive is accountable to the elected legislature

Why is responsible government important?

It increases democratic accountability and self government

Why was Canada not sovereign after Confederation (1867)?

Britain still controlled foreign policy and retained legal authority

What political change occurred with the Statute of Westminster (1931)?

Canada gained full legislative independence and control over foreign policy

How can states achieve independence besides revolution?

Through gradual constitutional and institutional reform

What role do political institutions play in state development?

They gradually transfer authority from external rulers to domestic governments.

What is the relationship between autonomy and sovereignty?

Autonomy is partial self-rule, while sovereignty is full independent authority.

What comparative politics concept is illustrated by Canada's experience?

State formation through peaceful constitutional evolution.

What was Britain's role in Canada before major constitutional reforms?

Britain controlled governance, foreign policy, and much of Canada's economic direction.

What was the British North America Act (1867)?

The law that created the Dominion of Canada and established a unified Canadian political framework.

What is meant by "Dominion Status"?

Canada was largely self-governing in domestic affairs but remained subordinate to Britain internationally.

Why is the Statute of Westminster considered a turning point in Canadian history?

It made Canada legally equal to Britain and removed British authority over Canadian legislation.

What new international powers did Canada gain after 1931?

The ability to conduct its own foreign policy, sign treaties, and establish embassies.

What does Canada's transition from colony to state demonstrate about empire-to-state transitions?

They can occur gradually through constitutional and legal reforms rather than through conflict or revolution.