POLI 346 Exam Three

Chapters 4 and 11

Animist Beliefs

Traditional beliefs that the physical world is controlled by many kinds of spirits, which may also involve ancestor worship.

Examples: Spirits- earth, rain, rivers, sun, hunting, animals; Positions- priests, lineage, class elders, rainmakers, prophets; Countries- Burkina Faso, Mali, Cameroon

Ethnic arithmetic

Calculations required to ensure that all ethnic groups within a society receive an appropriate share of state resources.

Example: In Nigeria’s Second Republic, the centralized, federal government had to distribute resources including material goods, local budgets, and political positions proportionally to each ethnic group.

Ethnic brokers

Intermediaries or members of the state elite who represent the interests of, and seek resources for, their ethnic group.

Example: Nigeria’s First Republic was dominated by three groups, each voting for their representative, so no nationwide party emerged.

Ethnic Group

A community of people who have the conviction that they have a common identity and common fate based on issues of origin, kinship ties, traditions, cultural uniqueness, a shared history and possibly a shared language.

Example: the Yoruba in Nigeria (12 distinct divisions within the community)

Hegemonial exchange

Where the state, unable to completely assert its hegemony over ethnic groups, exchanges resources and patronage in return for political compliance.

Example: Nigeria’s Second Republic had a centralized, federal government that distributed resources to ethno-regional groups. No one group could be excluded or be too dominant.

Hudud offenses

Crimes in shari’a law that warrant the most serious punishment.

Examples: theft, highway robbery, illegal sexual intercourse, drinking alcohol and apostasy.

Islamism

The belief that Islam should not only dominate the spiritual world but also the temporal world as well. They see to build an Islamic republic where there Is no separation between church and state.

Example: Corruption in Nigeria’s Third Republic was thought to be cleansed by Islamism by adding a moral-dimension to political conduct.

The shari’a

The religious code of Islam that regulates both public and private life. It informs correct behavior with respect to banking, commerce, family relations, sexuality, hygiene and dress, among many other issues.

Example: Shari’a law was instituted in colonial Nigeria and in 12 northern states during Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

Consolidation of Democracy

Ensuring that the democratic process endures beyond the first multi-party election. This will be assisted by a favorable political culture, a strong civil society and a supportive economy.

Example: Ghana has remained a democracy that has experienced various multi-party elections for reasons including credible opposition on an even playing field, strength in the economic environment, and political culture.

Democracy

A form of government where sovereignty rests with the people.

Example: Ghana

Political culture

The shared political ideas, attitudes and beliefs that underline society.

Example: People of Ghana share the ideas of a multi-party democracy; rule with the people through elections, peaceful transfer of powers, protection of rights, etc.

Samuel Huntington’s Double Turnover Criteria

The view that the democratic process has not been proven until elections have removed two regimes fairly and peacefully from office.

Example: Ghana has had more than two elections that have caused regime change and the peaceful removal of the party in office. Because of this, Ghana can be considered a proper democracy under this criteria.