Comparative Politics Exam Notes

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson
Download our mobile app to listen on the go
Get App

Questions and Answers

Explain how economic inequality can contribute to the rise of authoritarianism.

High economic inequality can lead to social unrest and dissatisfaction, which authoritarian leaders may exploit by promising stability and redistribution of wealth in exchange for political freedoms.

Describe two methods authoritarian regimes use to maintain power.

Authoritarian regimes maintain power through repression (using police, military, and censorship to suppress dissent) and patronage (granting favors and positions to loyal supporters to create dependency).

What are two potential triggers for the collapse of an authoritarian regime?

Two potential triggers are economic crises (which can erode public support) and elite divisions (where factions within the regime begin to challenge the leader's authority).

Differentiate between a unicameral and a bicameral legislature, providing an example of a country with each type?

<p>A unicameral legislature has a single chamber (e.g., Sweden), while a bicameral legislature has two chambers (e.g., U.S. Congress).</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the electoral system can influence the power of a legislature.

<p>Majoritarian electoral systems can lead to strong party discipline and a more powerful executive, while proportional systems may result in coalition governments and a stronger legislature as parties negotiate for power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe two primary roles of a legislature in a democratic system.

<p>Legislatures are responsible for lawmaking (creating and amending laws) and executive oversight (monitoring the executive branch's actions).</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a parliamentary system differ from a presidential system in terms of the relationship between the executive and legislature?

<p>In a parliamentary system, the executive is part of the legislature, whereas in a presidential system, the executive and legislature are separate branches of government.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a semi-presidential system of government? Give an example.

<p>A semi-presidential system combines features of both presidential and parliamentary systems, such as a president and a prime minister (e.g., France).</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define 'political capacity' in the context of government, and explain why it is important.

<p>Political capacity refers to a government's ability to implement policies and maintain stability. It is important because it determines the government's effectiveness and legitimacy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how weak democratic institutions can contribute to the rise of authoritarianism.

<p>Weak democratic institutions (e.g., a poorly functioning judiciary, corrupt electoral systems) fail to provide adequate checks on power, allowing authoritarian leaders to exploit these weaknesses and consolidate control.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how globalization can simultaneously strengthen and weaken state sovereignty.

<p>Globalization strengthens state sovereignty by creating international norms and laws that states agree to follow. It weakens state sovereignty by allowing for the flow of information, people, and capital across borders, reducing states' control over internal affairs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might a rational choice theorist explain voter turnout in a democracy, and what factors would they consider most important?

<p>A rational choice theorist might explain voter turnout by weighing the costs and benefits of voting. They would consider factors such as the probability of one's vote making a difference, the personal benefits of one candidate winning over another, and the time and effort required to vote.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss how the historical context of the Treaty of Westphalia is still relevant in contemporary international relations.

<p>The Treaty of Westphalia established the principle of state sovereignty, which remains a fundamental concept in international relations today. It underpins the idea that each state has the right to govern its territory without external interference, influencing diplomatic relations and international law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what ways can strong nationalism be both a unifying and a divisive force within a nation-state?

<p>Strong nationalism unifies people by creating a shared sense of identity, purpose, and loyalty, fostering social cohesion and collective action. It divides by marginalizing minority groups, promoting exclusionary policies, and fueling conflicts with other nation-states due to perceived differences or rivalries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the relationship between economic development and the consolidation of democracy. Are there any exceptions to this correlation?

<p>Economic development often leads to a stronger middle class, increased education levels, and greater demands for political participation, which supports democratic consolidation. Exceptions exist, as some resource-rich countries may maintain authoritarian regimes despite high levels of income, while some poorer countries may sustain democratic institutions due to other factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Analyze how external actors, such as international organizations, can influence the process of democratization within a country.

<p>International Organizations influence democratization by providing financial aid, monitoring elections, promoting human rights standards, and applying diplomatic pressure. However, their influence is limited by the state's willingness to comply and the geopolitical context.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain China's economic liberalization and its (lack of associated) movement towards democracy, and discuss potential reasons for this outcome.

<p>China's economic reforms fostered economic growth, but the Communist Party has maintained tight political control by suppressing dissent, limiting political participation, and prioritizing stability over democratization. The regime fears that democracy would lead to instability or threaten its power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do institutionalist approaches differ from behavioralist approaches in the study of comparative politics?

<p>Institutionalist approaches focus on the formal structures of government, such as constitutions and legislatures, while behavioralist approaches emphasize the actual behavior of political actors, such as voters and politicians. Institutionalists examine how rules shape politics, whereas behavioralists study how individuals act within those rules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the primary differences between a state and a nation, and provide an example of a nation that is not fully contained within a single state.

<p>A state is a political entity with defined territory, a government, and sovereignty, while a nation is a group of people sharing a common identity, culture, and history. The Kurdish people are an example of a nation spread across multiple states (Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Iran).</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factors could explain why a previously authoritarian state may transition towards democracy? Briefly provide the rationale.

<p>Authoritarian states may transition to democracy due to economic liberalization, public demand for rights, or globalization. Economic liberalization can foster a middle class that demands political voice. Public demands for rights can pressure governments. Globalization can expose authoritarian states to outside influence and norms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Comparative Politics

The study of political systems, institutions, and behavior across different countries.

Globalization

The increasing interconnection of political, economic, and social systems worldwide.

Institutionalism

Focuses on political structures (e.g., constitutions, legislatures)

Behavioralism

Analyzes political behavior (voting, protests).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Structuralism

Examines how social structures shape politics (class, ethnicity).

Signup and view all the flashcards

State

A political entity with sovereignty, population, territory, and government.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nation

A group of people with shared identity, culture, and history.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nationalism

The belief in a distinct national identity and self-governance.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Democracy

A system where power is derived from the people, often through elections.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Institutions for Stable Democracy

Courts, legislatures, and media must be independent.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Authoritarianism

A system where power is concentrated; political freedoms are limited.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Causes of Authoritarianism

Economic inequality, weak institutions, coups, or charismatic leadership.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Maintaining Authoritarian Power

Repression, patronage, control over media.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Collapse of Authoritarian Regimes

Economic crises, elite divisions, uprisings.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Legislature

Body making laws, representing citizens, overseeing the executive.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Unicameral Legislature

Single chamber legislature.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Bicameral Legislature

Two chamber legislature.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Roles of Legislatures

Lawmaking, budget approval, executive oversight.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Legislative Power Factors

Electoral system, party discipline, executive relations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Government

Institutions that make and enforce laws and policies.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

  • These notes condense key concepts, definitions, and important themes for a comparative politics exam based on Caramani’s readings.

Week 1: Approaches and Methods

  • Comparative Politics involves studying political systems, institutions, and behavior across different countries.
  • Globalization refers to the increasing interconnection of political, economic, and social systems worldwide.

Major Approaches to Comparative Politics:

  • Institutionalism focuses on political structures like constitutions and legislatures.
  • Behavioralism analyzes political behavior such as voting and protests.
  • Structuralism examines how social structures shape politics, including class and ethnicity.
  • Rational Choice Theory views political decisions as strategic and self-interested.
  • Cultural Approach studies the role of culture, traditions, and ideology in politics.

Key Issues in World Politics:

  • Focus on Democracy vs. Authoritarianism, State Sovereignty, Political Economy and Development, and Conflict and Cooperation.

Week 2: The Nation-State

  • A state is a political entity with sovereignty, population, territory, and government.
  • A nation constitutes a group of people sharing identity, culture, and history.
  • Nationalism is the belief in a distinct national identity and self-governance.

Why the Nation-State Became Dominant:

  • The Treaty of Westphalia (1648) established the principle of sovereignty.
  • Industrialization required centralized governance.
  • Wars and colonization reinforced the state system. Challenges to the Nation-State:
    • Internal challenges include ethnic conflict, separatism, and political instability.
    • External challenges are Globalization, international organizations, and migration.

Week 3: Democracy

  • Democracy constitutes a system where power is derived from the people, often through elections.
  • It requires political rights, like voting and participation, coupled with civil liberties, for example, free speech and rule of law.

Conditions for Stable Democracy:

  • Economic development, a strong middle class supports democracy.
  • Institutions, such as courts, legislatures, and media, must be independent.
  • Political culture, society must accept democratic norms.

Why Some Countries Succeed or Fail in Democratic Transitions:

  • Success factors include a strong civil society, international support, and leadership.
  • Failure factors include corruption, weak institutions, and elite resistance.

Why Authoritarian States Move Toward Democracy:

  • Economic liberalization occurs through examples like China’s economic reforms.
  • Globalization and international pressure are key.
  • Public demands for rights and representation are a factor.

Week 4: Authoritarianism

  • Authoritarianism describes a system where power is concentrated in a leader or small group with limited political freedoms.

Causes of Authoritarianism:

  • Economic inequality is a major driver.
  • Weak democratic institutions can result in authoritarianism.
  • Military coups or charismatic leadership are factors.

How Authoritarian Regimes Maintain Power:

  • Repression is achieved via police, military, and censorship
  • Patronage and corruption maintain authoritarian power.
  • Control over media and political discourse is critical.

How Authoritarian Regimes Collapse:

  • Economic crises can cause collapse.
  • Elite divisions weaken regimes.
  • Popular uprisings can lead to collapse.

Week 5: Legislatures

  • A legislature is a body that is responsible for making laws, representing citizens, and overseeing the executive.

Types of Legislatures:

  • Unicameral legislatures have a single chamber (e.g., Sweden)
  • Bicameral legislatures have two chambers (e.g., U.S. Congress).

Roles of Legislatures:

  • Lawmaking
  • Budget approval
  • Executive oversight

Factors Affecting Legislative Power:

  • Electoral system
  • Party discipline
  • Relationship with the executive branch

Week 6: Government

  • Government: The institutions that make and enforce laws and policies.

Forms of Government:

  • In presidential systems there is separated executive and legislature (e.g., U.S.).
  • In parliamentary systems, the executive is part of the legislature (e.g., UK).
  • Semi-presidential systems use a mixed approach (e.g., France).
  • Political Capacity of Government refers to the government’s ability to implement policies and maintain stability.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser