Part 1 improved

Authoritarianism

A political system in which a single authority rules with limited political freedoms, often lacking democratic characteristics such as free and fair elections.

Bureaucracy

The administrative system governing any large institution, whether publicly owned or privately owned.

Cabinet

A group of senior officials appointed by the executive (e.g., president or prime minister) to head government departments and advise on policy.

Consolidated Democracies

Stable democracies where democratic institutions and practices have become the norm and are unlikely to revert to authoritarianism.

Corporatism (Corporate System)

A political system where key economic and social groups, such as business and labor organizations, are officially integrated into the decision-making process.

Democratic Transition

The process through which a country moves from an authoritarian regime to a democratic political system.

Elitist Theory of Politics

The idea that a small, privileged group (elite) holds the most power and makes the key decisions, regardless of the democratic process.

Empirical Statement

A statement based on factual, observable evidence rather than opinions or theories.

Executive

The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, often led by the president or prime minister.

Gini Coefficient (Gini Index)

A measure of income inequality within a population, ranging from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality).

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

The total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders over a specific time period(usually one year).

Human Development Index (HDI)

A composite measure of a country's development based on life expectancy, education, and per capita income.

Illiberal/Procedural Democracy

A political system with elections but lacking true democratic characteristics, such as civil liberties and rule of law.

Judiciary

The branch of government responsible for interpreting and applying laws through the court system.

Legislature

The branch of government responsible for making laws, such as a parliament or congress.

Liberal/Substantive Democracies

Democracies that emphasize civil liberties, political freedoms, and rule of law, with institutions that are transparent and accountable.

Modernization Theory

A theory suggesting that as countries develop economically, they are more likely to adopt democratic forms of governance.

Normative Statement

A statement expressing a value judgment or opinion about what ought to be rather than what is.

Pluralist Theory of Politics

The idea that power is distributed among many groups in society, allowing competition and preventing domination by any single entity.

Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)

An economic metric that compares the relative value of currencies based on the cost of a standard set of goods and services in different countries.

Regime

The fundamental rules and norms of politics that determine how power is acquired and used in a state.

Regime Change

The replacement of one regime with another, typically through revolution, coup, or external intervention.

Rule of Law

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

Transitional Democracies

Countries in the process of moving from an authoritarian regime to a democratic system but not yet fully consolidated.

Consolidated Democracies

A stable political system in which all major actors accept competition. With citizen participation, acceptance of rule of law, and a government that operates predictably under a known and transparent set of procedural rules (laws).

Gini Coefficient (Gini Index)

Measures distribution of income within a country. Is measured by decimals between 0 and 1. The higher the number, the greater degree of income inequality. Typically, developing countries have higher gini index numbers and developed

countries have lower.

Human Development Index (HDI)

Combines GNI(gross national income) with social measures like life expectancy and education level. Measured between 0 and 1, with the closer to 1, the better the HDI. Tells us more about quality of life than just income. Countries that have a higher HDI than income have governments that invest in social infrastructure than those that have the opposite.

Illiberal/Procedural Democracy

Minimum requirements: free and fair elections for the real

policy makers and all adults can vote. Appearance of elections does not make one a procedural democracy.

Liberal/Substansive Democracies

Procedural democracy + more political rights and civil liberties