Unit 1 Terms: AP Comparative Government

Political systems

Political systems

Comprise the laws, ideas, and procedures that address who should have authority to rule and what the government’s influence on its people and economy should be

State

political organizations that combine a permanent population with governing institutions to exercise control over a defined territory with international recognition

Regime

the fundamental rules that control access to and the exercise of political power. They typically endure from government to government. Can be democratic or authoritarian

Government

The set of institutions or individuals legally empowered to make binding decisions for a state. It’s authority is derived from the state’s legitimate right to use power to enforce policies and decisions; the right and power to govern itself without outside interference is a crucial aspect of a state’s sovereignty

Nation

a group of people with commonalities including race, language, religion, ethnicity, political identity, and aspirations

Democratization

transition from an authoritarian regime to a democratic regime; while this process can start or temporarily change direction

Illiberal Democracy

a governing system that hides its "nondemocratic practices behind formally democratic institutions and procedures

Democratic consolidation

the process by which a democratic regime matures in terms of election rules, separation of powers, and protection of civil liberties, making it unlikely to revert to authoritarianism without an external shock.

Federal State

The government divides power among different levels of government to confer a degree of local autonomy in supplying social and educational services, while also reserving powers for the national government. Examples: Mexico, Nigeria and Russa

Unitary State

The government concentrates power at the national level with more uniform policies and potentially more efficient policy making. Examples: China, Iran and the UK

Legitimacy

whether a government’s constituents believe their government has the right to use power in the way they do. It confers authority on and can increase the power of a regime and government

Devolution

When the central government delegates power to regional governments. (It can enhance or weaken legitimacy, creating both opportunities for and obstacles to resolving social, political, and economic issues. )

Correlation

Where there is an association between two or more variables.

Causation

When one variable directly causes the second event to happen

In comparative politics, this is very difficult to determine with certainty.

Empirical

Data that is factual and objective.  This data is based on observations or experiments

Normative

A statement that is based on opinion; includes a value statement

Power

The ability to direct and control others

Sovereignty

A state’s individual legal authority over a population in a particular territory and recognized by other countries

Authority

The right to control others.  This is accepted and legitimate power

Strong States

states that perform the basic tasks of defending their borders from outside attacks and defending their authority from internal non state rivals

Weak States

states that have trouble carrying out the basic tasks of defending themselves against external and internal rivals; weak states often suffer from 

• endemic violence

• poor infrastructure

• weak rule of law

• inability to collect taxes

Failed States

states that experience a complete loss of legitimacy and power and are overwhelmed by anarchy and violence

Rule of Law

system in which all individuals and groups, including those in government, are subject to the law, regardless of their power or authority

Rule by law

Laws are arbitrary and unevenly applies. The state uses law as a tool of political power to control its citizens. 

Civil Rights

individual rights regarding equality that are created by the constitution and the political regime

• US examples: right to vote, right to a fair trial, right to use public facilities

Civil Liberties

individual rights regarding freedom that are created by the constitution and the political regime

• US examples: Right to free exercise of religion, right to free speech, right to free press

Authoritarian Regime

authority is invested in a small group of people who exercise power over the state without being constitutionally responsible to the public

Sources of Power and Authority

• Constitutions

• Religion 

• Military force

• Political parties

• Legislatures

• Popular support

Regime Change

Change the way the state is organized. Rules and institutions of the country are replaced. This can be peaceful or violent and acan be sudden or gradual.

Change in Government

Change in the parties or people that occupy the institutions of the state. Can be peaceful or violent

Coup / Coup d’etat

Forcible takeover of government power

Revolution

Removal and long term replacement of a form of government

Asymmetric federalism

The central government consolidates power in the central government. Constitutionally granted powers of the regional government are taken away, supposedly temporarily due to threats

Sources of legitimacy

• Popular elections

• Constitutional provisions

• Nationalism

• Tradition

  • People don’t like change

• Ideology

  • Coherent set of attitudes

• Political effectiveness

  • Getting things done

• Economic growth

• Religious heritage and organizations