Vocab 2, Intro to Comp Gov

Civil Society

The collective action of a states citizens based upon shared interests, purposes, and values.

Coinciding Cleavage

Creates a divide in society with no connecting points between the sides that they can identify with to make people feel connected.

Common Law

A legal system based on precedent and judicial decisions rather than codified laws.

Crosscutting Cleavage

Social divisions that tends to moderate issues that bring groups together, helping reduce societal conflict by fostering overlapping identities.

Failed States

States where the government has lost the ability to provide basic public services, maintain order, protect it's national border, or enforce laws.

Globalization

The increasing interconnectedness of economies, societies, and cultures through trade, technology, and communication.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

An international organization that provides financial assistance and economic advice to countries facing balance-of-payment crises.

Keynesianism

An economic theory advocating for government intervention to manage economic fluctuations, particularly through fiscal policy (e.g., government spending).

Legitimacy

The recognized right of a government or authority to rule, often based on tradition, charisma, or adherence to the rule of law.

Nation-State

A political entity where the boundaries of a nation (a group with shared identity) and a state (a political organization) align.

Neoliberalism

An economic philosophy emphasizing free markets, privatization, deregulation, and reduced government intervention.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Independent organizations that operate outside of government, often focusing on humanitarian, environmental, or advocacy work.

Patron-Client System

A system in which a leader provides resources or services to followers in exchange for political loyalty and support.

Rational-Choice Theory

A theory in political science that assumes individuals act in their self-interest, making decisions based on costs and benefits.

Social Movements

Organized efforts by large groups of people to advocate for social, political, or economic change.

Sovereignty

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

Supranational Organizations

Organizations made up of multiple countries that relinquish some sovereignty for collective decision-making (e.g., the European Union).

Third World

All economically underdeveloped countries.

World Bank

An international organization that provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries for development projects.

World Trade Organization (WTO)

An international organization that regulates trade between countries to ensure smooth and predictable commerce.

Causation

A relationship where one event directly leads to another.

Correlation

A relationship where two variables appear to be related, but one does not necessarily cause the other.

Civil Society

constructs that a population makes in order to help effect governemnt or amplify their voices.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

A global institution whose mandate is to "foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty."

Neoliberalism

A term used to describe governemnt policies aiming to promote free competion among business firms within the market, including reduced govermental regulation and social spending.

Patron-Client System

A political system where powerful individuals or groups provide benefits and resources to less powerful individuals or groups in exchange for loyalty, support, and political favors.

Rational-Choice Theory

Suggests that voters approach elections by evaluating the costs and benefits of participating in the electoral process.

Rational-Choice Theory

A largely quantitative approach to analyzing political decision making and behavior that assumes that individual actors rationally pursue their aims in an effort to achieve the most positive net result.

Supernational Organizations

international institutions that have authority over member states, making decisions that affect all members. They often have the power to create and enforce laws, regulations, and policies.