Untitled Flashcards Set

1. Comparative Politics

• The study and comparison of political systems, institutions, and processes across different countries. It focuses on understanding how and why political outcomes differ globally.

2. Power

• The ability of individuals or groups to influence or control the actions of others, often seen in political, social, and economic contexts. In politics, power is central to governance and decision-making.

3. Globalization

• The process by which political, economic, cultural, and social activities increasingly transcend national borders, leading to greater global interdependence and connectivity.

4. State

• A political organization with a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and the ability to enter into relations with other states. It has sovereignty over its territory.

5. The Three Branches of Government (Political Institutions)

• Legislative: Makes laws (e.g., Congress in the U.S.).

• Executive: Enforces and implements laws (e.g., the President or Prime Minister).

• Judiciary: Interprets laws and ensures they align with the constitution.

6. Legitimacy

• The recognized right of a government or political authority to rule. Legitimacy can derive from tradition, laws, democratic elections, or performance.

7. Nation-State

• A political entity characterized by a defined territory and population that shares a common culture, language, or history, governed under a single political structure.

8. Causal Theory

• A hypothesis about cause-and-effect relationships in political science, explaining how and why certain political phenomena occur.

9. Democratic Transition

• The process through which a country moves from an authoritarian regime to a democratic one. This can happen through peaceful reform or more turbulent events.

10. Failed States, Strong States & Weak States

• Failed State: Lacks control over its territory and is unable to provide basic services to citizens.

• Strong State: Effectively enforces laws, provides public services, and maintains sovereignty.

• Weak State: Struggles with corruption, internal conflict, or limited capacity to deliver services.

11. Federal State

• A system where power is shared between the national and regional (state or provincial) governments. Example: the United States.

12. Unitary State

• A centralized government structure where the national government holds most of the power. Regional authorities have limited autonomy. Example: France.

13. Unicameral Legislature

• A legislative body with a single chamber or house. Example: Denmark’s Folketing.

14. Bicameral Legislature

• A legislature with two chambers or houses. Example: The U.S. Congress (Senate and House of Representatives).

15. Types of Direct Democracy – Referendum & Initiative

• Referendum: Citizens vote directly on a policy issue.

• Initiative: Citizens propose legislation and vote on it directly.

16. Regime (Difference Between Regime and Government Change)

• Regime: Refers to the fundamental rules and norms of a political system (democracy, authoritarianism).

• Government Change: A change in leaders or political parties without altering the system itself.

17. Politics

• The process through which power is distributed and decisions are made in society, often concerning governance, resource allocation, and authority.

18. Sustainable Development

• Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Focuses on economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity.

19. Consolidated Democracy

• A stable and mature democracy where democratic institutions and processes are deeply rooted and unlikely to revert to authoritarianism. Example: United Kingdom.

20. Transitional Democracy

• A democracy that is in the process of becoming more stable, often emerging from authoritarian rule but still facing challenges like corruption or weak institutions.

21. Authoritarian Democracy

• A regime where elections occur, but they are neither free nor fair. Power is concentrated in a single leader or party with limited checks and balances. Example: Russia under Vladimir Putin.

Critical Junctures (Important Dates and Events)

1. Fall of Berlin Wall (1989)

   • Marked the symbolic end of the Cold War and the collapse of Communist regimes in Eastern Europe.

2. End of Cold War (1991)

   • The dissolution of the Soviet Union, ending decades of geopolitical tension between the U.S. and the USSR.

3. September 11 Terrorist Attacks (2001)

   • Coordinated attacks on the U.S. by Al-Qaeda, leading to significant global political and military responses.

4. Great Recession (2008)

   • A global financial crisis triggered by the collapse of the housing market and major financial institutions.

5. Arab Spring (2011)

   • A series of pro-democracy uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa, leading to political changes and civil unrest.

6. Japan Disasters (2011)

   • A catastrophic earthquake and tsunami caused the Fukushima nuclear disaster, resulting in a humanitarian and environmental crisis.

7. Annexation of Crimea by Russia (2014)

   • Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine, sparking international condemnation and ongoing conflict.

8. Brexit (2016)

   • The United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, leading to years of negotiation and political upheaval.

9. COVID-19 Pandemic (2020)

   • A global health crisis that affected every aspect of life, causing economic, social, and political disruptions.