Comparative Politics Lecture 1

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as a topic in the course outline?

Electoral systems

Political culture

International relations (correct)

Comparing political systems

What percentage of the final grade is based on the exam?

30%

50%

60%

40% (correct)

How is politics primarily defined according to the content?

A science focused on governmental structures

A method for social change

A system of checks and balances

An art concerned with the state (correct)

What is the consequence of more than three absences in seminars?

Failure in the course Signup and view all the answers

Which grading range corresponds to a score of 76-87?

4 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following definitions describes politics as 'public affairs'?

Politics includes collective decisions affecting society. Signup and view all the answers

What does the attendance policy specify about seminar absences?

Attendance is mandatory, exceeding absences leads to failure. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of politics did Chancellor Bismarck emphasize?

Politics is an art rather than a science. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between the public sphere and the private sphere in political terms?

The public sphere encompasses state matters, whereas the private sphere relates to civil society. Signup and view all the answers

In what way is politics described as a means of resolving conflict?

By fostering compromise and negotiation. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'power over' refer to in a political context?

Using influence to dominate or control others' actions. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach to the study of politics emphasizes human behavior and decision-making processes?

Behaviouralism Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the rise of populism in democratic societies?

A growing disenchantment with traditional democratic politics. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best encapsulates the view that politics is fundamentally about power?

Politics extends to all areas of social activities and human relations. Signup and view all the answers

How are the concepts in political analysis typically used?

To classify and recognize similar forms and properties. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the traditional division between 'the political' and 'the personal'?

Politics should remain separate from domestic matters. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Comparative Politics Lecture 1

The lecture is an introduction to comparative politics.
The course outline covers various topics, including basic concepts, nation-building and state-building, theories of democracy, comparing political systems, legislatures, subnational governments, systems of governments, parties and party systems, electoral systems, political culture, electoral behaviour, movements, and a test.
The instructors are József Dúró, Réka Várnagy, and Gergely Rajnai.
Contact information for the instructors is provided.
Attendance at seminars is mandatory and exceeding 3 absences will result in failure.
Assignments, both in-class and homework, make up 60% of the grade.
The exam accounts for 40% of the final grade.
Grading scale is 88-100: 5, 76-87: 4, 63-75: 3, 51-62: 2, 0-50: 1.

What is Politics?

Politics is a complex term, often viewed with preconceived notions.
Politics is an essentially contested concept, seen in various ways.
Politics can be viewed as the art of government.
- Political actions are limited to matters concerning the state.
- Government, and the usage of power, are considered political.
Politics can also be seen as public affairs:
- The public sphere is distinct from the private.
- The line between the public and private is often aligned with the division between the state and civil society.
- The concepts presented include 'the political' and the 'non-political'.
Politics can also be seen in terms of compromise and consensus.
It's the way conflicts are handled through negotiation and agreement.
It's built on the belief that discussion and compromise are the most effective responses to conflict.
The current trend displays a disenchantment with democratic politics in some parts of the world due to a preference for populism.
Politics can also be seen as power.
- Power is the ability to influence the actions of other individuals.
- Power is inherent in various social activities, relationships, and human interactions.
- Feminist and Marxist perspectives often view politics through the lens of power dynamics.

Approaches to the Study of Politics

Various approaches are used to analyze politics.
These include philosophical traditions, empirical traditions, behavioralism, rational-choice theory, new institutionalism, and critical approaches.

Tools of Political Analysis

Concepts classify and categorize political phenomena.
The common characteristics of issues are identified.
Models express intricate connections, clarifying the significance of facts.
Theories explain the observed actions systematically.

Politics in a Global Age

The distinction between domestic and international politics is being challenged.
Globalisation alters the political landscape.
International issues are increasingly intertwined with domestic ones.
Transnational interaction affects the complexity of political activity.

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Description

This lecture serves as an introduction to comparative politics, outlining key concepts such as nation-building, state-building, and theories of democracy. It offers insights into various political systems, electoral processes, and the grading structure of the course. Engage with the foundational themes that will shape your understanding of comparative politics.