DE AP comparative chapter 2 WAPLES

What is a state?

A political entity with a defined territory, population, government, and the ability to enter into relations with other states.

What are subnational units?

Political divisions within a state, such as states, provinces, or regions, that have their own governments.

What is sovereignty?

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

What is a regime?

A form or system of government, such as authoritarianism or democracy.

What is a coup d'état?

The sudden overthrow of a government, typically by a small group, often military leaders.

What is a revolution?

A significant and often violent change in political power or organizational structures, typically involving widespread popular support.

What defines a nation?

A group of people who share a common identity, often based on culture, language, or religion.

What is nationalism?

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often in opposition to foreign influence.

What is a liberal democracy?

A political system characterized by free and fair elections, the protection of civil liberties, and the rule of law.

What is an authoritarian state?

A government characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms.

What is a totalitarian state?

An extreme form of authoritarianism where the state seeks to control all aspects of public and private life.

What is judicial independence?

The concept that the judiciary should be independent from the other branches of government.

What is democratization?

The process through which a political regime becomes more democratic.

What is democratic consolidation?

The process by which a new democracy matures, in a way that means it is unlikely to revert to authoritarianism.

What is democratic backsliding?

The decline in the quality of democracy, often characterized by the erosion of civil liberties and political rights.

What is legitimacy?

The belief that a government has the right to rule, which is crucial for political stability.

What are sources of power?

Factors that enable an individual or group to influence others, including constitutions, elections, religion, popular support, and military strength.

What is coercion?

The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats.

What is asymmetrical federalism?

A form of federalism where different states have varying degrees of autonomy and rights in relation to the national government.

What is devolution?

The transfer of powers from the central government to regional or local governments.

What is a unitary system?

A system of government where power is concentrated in a central authority, with little or no power given to subnational units.

What is a federal system?

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and various subnational entities.

What is the rule of law?

The principle that all individuals and institutions are accountable to the law, which is fairly applied and enforced.

What is the difference between rule of law and rule by law?

Rule of law implies that laws govern a nation, while rule by law suggests that laws are used by those in power to control the populace.