PS 1010 Political Science: States, Constitutions & Regimes — Chapters 3–5

What is a nation?

An aggregate of people who view themselves as members of a 'nation', based on common lineage, language, geography, aspirations, etc.

Define a state.

A geographic location with a government, recognized as sovereign by other countries.

What is institutionalized power?

The structures and institutions that exercise power and authority within a state.

What distinguishes effective states from weak and failed states?

Effective states can control their territory and laws with minimal corruption, while weak states are penetrated by crime and failed states lack an effective national government.

What are unitary systems?

Political systems where component units are subordinate to the national government.

What are federal systems?

Political systems where power is divided between the national government and component units.

What is devolution in the context of unitary systems?

The transfer of powers from the central government to regional governments, as seen in Britain with home-rule powers to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

What are the pros of unitary systems?

Clear lines of authority, ability of the national government to direct the economy, uniform taxation levels, and high education standards.

What are the cons of unitary systems?

Over-centralization of authority, lack of local control, and potential political alienation.

What is the primary characteristic of single-member districts?

A single member is elected from each district by winning a plurality of votes.

What are the advantages of single-member districts?

They make politics more centrist and provide clear majorities by magnifying electoral gains.

What are the disadvantages of single-member districts?

They can create artificial majorities that do not reflect public desires and allow for gerrymandering.

What is proportional representation?

An electoral system where voters select party lists and parties win seats roughly equivalent to their percentage of the national vote.

What are the advantages of proportional representation?

Parliaments are more likely to reflect public views, and small parties can compete and win.

What are the disadvantages of proportional representation?

It can lead to a multiparty system with no clear governing majority and greater instability.

What is a laissez-faire economic system?

An economic system where the government adopts a hands-off approach, with limited attempts to redistribute wealth and minimal government ownership of industry.

How does a laissez-faire system view government regulation?

It believes that economic prosperity increases as government regulation decreases and markets are free to operate.

What is the relationship between electoral systems and party systems?

Electoral systems influence the structure and function of party systems within a state.

What is the impact of corruption in weak states?

In weak states, the government is often penetrated by crime, leading to a justice system that is bought and sold.

What is the significance of the term 'failed state'?

A failed state has no effective national government, with law and order essentially nonexistent.

What are first-order civil divisions in unitary systems?

They refer to the administrative divisions within a unitary state, such as departments in France or prefectures in Japan.

What is vertical federalism?

The distribution of power between different levels of government within a federal system.

What is horizontal federalism?

The relationship and distribution of power among the component units of a federal system.

How did the Labour government in 1997 affect devolution in Britain?

It granted home-rule powers to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, creating a quasi-federal structure.

What is the effect of gerrymandering on electoral districts?

Gerrymandering manipulates district boundaries to create safe and uncompetitive districts for one political party.

What are the implications of component units lacking resources in federal systems?

They may struggle to address specific problems effectively, leading to corruption and incompetence.

What is the role of thresholds in proportional representation?

Thresholds determine the minimum percentage of votes a party needs to gain seats in the legislature.

What belief guides a laissez-faire economic system?

Economic prosperity increases as government regulation decreases and markets are free to work.

What is the primary focus of welfare states?

The redistribution of wealth in society to ensure greater social equality among citizens.

How does a welfare state typically fund social programs?

Through high levels of taxation.

What characterizes a statist economic system?

The government is the primary capitalist and runs most of the industry, focusing on serving the state's goals.

What is socialism often misapplied to in American discourse?

Socialism involves a high degree of state ownership of major industries and emphasizes social equality and welfare.

What is a key difference between constitutions and statutes?

Constitutions specify the basic structure and framework of government, while statutes are general laws passed by legislatures.

What role do constitutions play in government?

They define the rules of government and create and define power.

What is the significance of judicial review in the context of constitutions?

Judicial review allows courts to rule on the constitutionality of legislation.

What does constitutionalism refer to?

The degree to which power is limited in society.

What historical document is the root of constitutionalism?

The Magna Carta.

What are the three general purposes of constitutions?

1) Statement of national ideals, 2) Establish legitimacy of government, 3) Formalize the structure of government.

How does the U.S. Constitution differ from other countries' constitutions?

It is relatively short and less detailed.

What is the approximate word count of the U.S. Constitution?

7,600 words.

What is a notable feature of the amendment process in the United States?

It requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states.

What does the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution represent?

An eloquent statement of the values and ideals that matter in the U.S. creed.

What is a characteristic of totalitarian and authoritarian states regarding constitutions?

They do not have constitutionalism because there are no limits on the power of government.

What is the role of culture in interpreting constitutions?

Culture affects how constitutions are interpreted, leading to different applications even among similar constitutional orders.

What is the purpose of constituent assemblies in the context of new constitutions?

To justify the new order's right to rule after regime changes.

What is a unique aspect of Japan's modernization process?

The government assigned various branches of industry to samurai clans during the Meiji Restoration.

What distinguishes the amendment processes of different countries?

Each country has its own unique approach to constitutional change, reflecting its political structure and culture.

What is the significance of the phrase 'highest law of the land' in relation to constitutions?

It indicates that no other laws can contravene the constitution, making it difficult to change.

What does the term 'judicial activism' refer to?

The practice of judges interpreting the constitution in a way that reflects contemporary values and conditions.

What does 'judicial restraint' mean?

The practice of judges limiting their own power by adhering closely to the text of the constitution.

What is the approximate word count of India's constitution?

146,000 words, making it very long and detailed.

What is the role of taxes in a welfare state?

Taxes are used to fund social programs that help redistribute wealth.

What is a common characteristic of socialist states?

They emphasize social equality and promote high levels of social welfare.

How do constitutions serve as a statement of national ideals?

They articulate the values and principles that a nation holds important.

What is required for a constitutional amendment in Australia?

Parliamentary approval followed by a referendum with a national majority and majorities in at least 4 of 6 states.

What is the amendment process in Germany?

Requires ⅔ of Bundestag members and ⅔ of Bundesrat votes, with some core principles protected from amendment.

What is the amendment process in India?

Most amendments require a majority of each house's total membership and ⅔ of members present and voting, with specified federal changes needing approval from at least half of state legislatures.

What historical document established that the monarch is not above the law?

The Magna Carta (1215).

Which two revolutions codified supreme law frameworks in written constitutions?

The U.S. Constitution (1787) and the French Constitution (1791).

What concept did Aristotle's Politeia introduce?

The distinction between ideal constitutional forms and arbitrary rule.

What do Locke and Rousseau argue about government legitimacy?

It derives solely from the consent of the governed.

What did the Twelve Tables represent in Roman history?

A foundational legal framework establishing statutory public and civil rights.

What was the significance of the Constitution of Medina (622 CE)?

It established rights, duties, and governance for allied tribes under Islamic law.

What is the purpose of judicial review?

To elevate written constitutions into enforceable mechanisms to strike down unlawful acts.

What does the U.S. Constitution say about political parties?

It does not mention political parties, but they have evolved in the U.S. system.

What did the 2008 Heller case ruling establish?

The right to bear arms was recognized as an individual right.

What is a major limitation on free speech in the U.S.?

Congress can limit speech when there is a clear and present danger.

What is the First Amendment's stance on free speech?

It states that Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech.

What was the Espionage Act's impact on free speech?

It produced the clear and present danger ruling by the Supreme Court.

What does the Universal Declaration of Human Rights articulate?

Basic rights for everyone that governments cannot arbitrarily take away.

What challenge do minority groups face regarding civil liberties?

Conflicts arise when the majority seeks to infringe on the basic rights of a minority.

What does the Declaration say about minority rights?

Minorities have a right to preserve their cultures, but face pressure to conform.

What is the significance of the Fundamental Orders (1639 CE)?

Widely recognized as the first written western constitution establishing a democratic government.

What did the Seventeen-Article Constitution (604 CE) outline?

Fundamental moral and administrative rules in Asuka Japan.

What does the term 'sedition' refer to?

Criticizing the government with the intent of fostering discontent and rebellion.

What was the purpose of the 1940 Smith Act?

It made it illegal to advocate the violent overthrow of the government.

What is a key aspect of the adaptability of the U.S. Constitution?

It can change and evolve over time to address new issues.

What does the term 'civil liberties' refer to?

Basic rights and freedoms that are guaranteed to individuals.

What is the role of the U.S. Supreme Court in relation to free speech?

To interpret and enforce the limits and protections of free speech under the First Amendment.

What new category did the Bush 43 administration create for terror suspects?

Unlawful combatants

What rights did unlawful combatants lack?

The rights of neither criminal suspects nor political prisoners

What did the Court rule regarding unlawful combatants?

The category violated habeas corpus rights but did not release the prisoners.

What is crucial to consider when discussing rights?

Context, as rights once taken away are hard to regain.

What can national security threats lead to?

A reduction of rights in society.

What is representative democracy?

A political system where people rule directly through elected and accountable representatives.

What is direct democracy?

A system where citizens vote on every issue.

What is an illiberal democracy?

A regime that is elected but lacks democratic qualities such as civil rights.

What are the key characteristics of democracy?

Popular accountability, political competition, alternation in power, uncertain electoral outcomes, majority decisions, rights of dissent, political equality, popular consultations, and free press.

What is elitism in the context of democracy?

A theory where very little accountability of elites to the public exists.

Who developed the iron law of oligarchy?

Robert Michels

What does pluralism in democracy suggest?

Elites are held accountable to the public through interest groups.

What are the features of totalitarianism?

All-encompassing ideology, one political party, use of terror, communications monopoly, and controlled economy.

How does authoritarianism differ from totalitarianism?

Authoritarianism does not seek total control of all aspects of society.

What often happens to decolonized states regarding democracy?

They often slip into authoritarianism due to lack of democratic traditions.

What role does economics play in the democratization of authoritarian regimes?

Economic improvement can lead to better prospects for democracy.

What can poor economic conditions lead to in authoritarian regimes?

A push for liberal reforms or collapse of the system.

What is the democratic peace thesis?

The idea that more democracies lead to a more peaceful world.

What are the main regime types listed?

Transitional, Authoritarian, Totalitarian, Democratic.

What characterizes a totalitarian regime's ideology?

It aims for a perfect society that everyone must believe in.

What is the role of the military in authoritarian regimes?

It often plays a political role intertwined with the regime.