Comparative Politics Overview
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Questions and Answers

Comparative politics examines why some countries have democratic regimes while others experience authoritarianism.

True (A)

States always refer to the same concept as countries.

False (B)

Traditional legitimacy is identified with the appeal of a leader or movement.

False (B)

Germany's state was unified after long periods of division.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rational-legal legitimacy is mainly derived from charismatic leaders.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Strong states are unable to defend their borders from external attacks.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Political scientists distinguish between the state and the government.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The USA is one of the countries analyzed in the study of comparative politics in this course.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The United Kingdom consists of four nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

About five of six residents of the United Kingdom live in Scotland.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Magna Carta was signed in 1215 as a royal promise to uphold feudal customs and the rights of England's barons.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The United Kingdom's legal system is based on formal legal codes rather than local customs.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

By the 1870s, the United Kingdom controlled approximately half of all world trade.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The United Kingdom was one of the last nations to develop democratic control among its European neighbors.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The United Kingdom began its overseas expansion in the seventeenth century.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The United Kingdom's navy played a significant role in opening new overseas markets for its domestic industry.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The British Empire directly governed one-quarter of the world’s population in the nineteenth century.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The United Kingdom's political regime has extensive checks on the majority party in Parliament.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The United Kingdom has a single written constitution that outlines political rules.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Magna Carta established limits on the powers of the monarchy in the UK.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The UK Parliament cannot amend any aspect of the constitution without a supermajority vote.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

There is a constitutional court in the United Kingdom that oversees the legality of parliamentary decisions.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Political decisions in the UK are made by non-elected leaders.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The monarchy in the United Kingdom is politically neutral and acts only on the advice of elected officials.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Senate is generally more decentralized compared to the House.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Senators serve longer terms and are more specialized than House representatives.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The U.S. judiciary was well-defined by the Constitution from its inception.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court serves as the court of last resort in interpreting the U.S. Constitution.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Federal judges are appointed for a fixed term to ensure they remain accountable to political pressures.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Congress first created the federal court system in 1789, granting it authority to resolve conflicts between state laws and federal laws.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court's power is solely independent and not influenced by any other branches of government.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The federal courts have played a significant role in important policy outcomes since the early twentieth century.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Republican Party first contested elections in 1860.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Great Depression marked the end of the Republican Party's dominance in national politics.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Republican Party has historically drawn more support from urban dwellers than rural dwellers.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The coalition of the Republican Party includes economic conservatives as well as those who favor greater state involvement in social issues.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The U.S. judiciary was initially quite strong and well-defined by the Constitution.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The current French political system dates back to the 18th century.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court has the final authority on interpreting the U.S. Constitution.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Charles de Gaulle took power during a political crisis over France's war in Vietnam.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The First Republic in France was established after the French Revolution of 1789.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Federal judges serve fixed terms to promote accountability.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

France shares borders with six countries.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The federal court system was established by Congress in 1789.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The single-member district plurality system encourages the survival of multiple small parties.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The process of adjusting voting districts in the U.S. occurs every 5 years.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The federal courts have played a less influential role in policy outcomes in recent decades.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The dominant party in a state legislature can control the redistricting process.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is Comparative Politics?

The study and comparison of politics across different countries.

What is a state?

A political entity that holds a monopoly of violence over a territory.

What is a government?

The leadership or elite that administers the state. It's the group of people who run the government.

What are states with long histories?

States that have a long history of existence and recognized authority.

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What is Traditional Legitimacy?

A state's legitimacy comes from its ability to be obeyed because of long-standing traditions.

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What is Charismatic Legitimacy?

A state's legitimacy is based on its leader's charisma and appeal to the people.

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What is Rational-Legal Legitimacy?

A state's legitimacy stems from its institutionalized laws and procedures.

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What is a strong state?

States that are able to perform their essential functions effectively, including defending their borders and maintaining internal order.

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United Kingdom

The official name of the country since 1801, encompassing England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It makes up a vast area of land and has a population of roughly 63 million, which is roughly equivalent to the population of California.

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Great Britain

The formal name for the group of three nations: England, Scotland, and Wales.

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Common Law

A system of law based on precedents and customs established through time rather than codified laws.

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Magna Carta

A historic document signed in 1215 that aimed to limit the monarchy, establishing a framework for royal power and the rights of the English Barons

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Overseas Expansion

The process where the UK started expanding globally in the 16th century, eventually becoming a dominant power in the 19th century.

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British Empire’s Zenith

The peak of the UK’s colonial power in the 1870s, where it controlled a quarter of global trade and held a significant economic advantage.

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British Navy’s role in expansion

The United Kingdom's powerful navy contributed to its expansion by opening new markets for its developing industries.

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Multiethnic state

A nation whose population is composed of individuals with distinct cultures, languages, and origins.

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The Judiciary

The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring that they are applied fairly and consistently.

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Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws or actions of the government unconstitutional and therefore invalid.

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Jurisdiction

The ability of the courts to decide on legal disputes between individuals, organizations, or the government.

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Federal Court System

A system of courts created by Congress to handle cases related to federal law and disputes between state and federal governments.

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Lifetime Appointments

Judges who are appointed for life, making them independent of political pressure and able to make impartial decisions.

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Nomination and Senate Approval

The power of the President to nominate judges to the federal courts, with the approval required from the Senate.

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Influence of the Judiciary

The ability of the judiciary to influence policy and shape the direction of the government through its decisions.

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Enforcement of Court Decisions

The process of upholding and enforcing the decisions of the courts.

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Evolution of the U.S. Judiciary

The federal court system devised new tools of judicial authority and expanded its jurisdiction over time.

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Lifetime Appointments for Federal Judges

Federal judges are appointed for life, providing them with independence from political interference.

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Checks on the Judiciary

The President nominates federal judges, and the Senate confirms their appointments.

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Single-member District Plurality System

A system where a single candidate is elected to represent a district based on the most votes.

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Two-Party System

This system typically leads to a two-party system, making it difficult for smaller parties to compete.

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Redistricting

Every 10 years, voting districts are adjusted to reflect population changes, which can be influenced by the dominant party.

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Political Influence on Redistricting

The dominant party in a state legislature often controls the redistricting process.

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British Majoritarian System

The British political system grants immense power to the majority party in Parliament, allowing it to enact policies with limited checks from other branches of government. This system is characterized by its majoritarian nature, where the majority holds almost unchallenged power.

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Unwritten Constitution of the UK

The United Kingdom's constitution is unlike many others, lacking a single codified document. Instead, it combines written documents like the Magna Carta and unwritten rules and traditions that are widely accepted.

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Parliamentary Sovereignty

The British Parliament, particularly the democratically elected House of Commons, holds the power to amend any aspect of the constitution through a simple majority vote. This includes significant matters like the monarchy's existence and the powers of local governments.

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Absence of a Constitutional Court

The United Kingdom's political system lacks a constitutional court. This means that any law passed by Parliament is automatically considered constitutional, as it is the supreme law-making body.

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Role of the British Monarchy

The British monarchy in the 21st century plays a largely ceremonial role, acting on the advice of the elected government. The monarch is politically neutral, meaning they do not have a partisan role in the political process.

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Dimensions of the British Empire

The British Empire was a vast expanse of land and people, encompassing a quarter of the world's population in the 19th century. It directly ruled numerous countries and wielded significant economic influence over many others.

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The Commonwealth

The Commonwealth is an association of 54 nations, including the United Kingdom and its former colonies. It acts as a platform for economic and cultural collaboration between these nations, reflecting the historical ties established during the British Empire.

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Republican Party

A political party in the United States with roots in the abolition of slavery. It is known for its emphasis on individual liberty, limited government, and traditional values.

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Republican Coalition

The Republican Party's coalition includes individuals who believe in economic conservatism (limited government intervention in the economy) and moral conservatism (traditional social values).

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Republican Base

The Republican Party draws support from different demographics, including rural areas, high-income earners, and evangelical Christians.

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Republican Divisions

The Republican Party often faces internal divisions between those who favor greater economic and social liberalism and those who prioritize a stronger role for the state in social issues.

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French Fifth Republic

The current French political system, the Fifth Republic, was established in 1958 as a response to political instability in the previous republics. It introduced a powerful presidential system.

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French Political Crisis

The Fifth Republic was created following a political crisis during the Algerian war, which led to Charles de Gaulle taking power and establishing a stronger presidency.

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Presidential Power in France

The Fifth Republic gave the President significantly more power compared to the previous Fourth Republic, making the office uniquely powerful in European politics.

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French First Republic

The French Revolution of 1789 led to the establishment of the First Republic, ending the absolute monarchy.It declared France a republic.

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Study Notes

Comparative Politics Introduction

  • Comparative politics is the study and comparison of politics across countries
  • This approach examines major questions in political science, such as:
    • Why do some countries have democratic regimes while others experience authoritarianism?
    • How and why do regimes change?
    • Why do some countries experience growth and prosperity, while others face poverty and decline?

Focus of the Course

  • The course focuses on the political systems of four countries: the USA, UK, France, and Germany, analyzing
    • Major geographic and demographic features
    • The origins and development of the state
    • The political regimes
    • Patterns of political conflict and competition

Comparing States

  • States are organizations that maintain a monopoly on the use of violence within a territory.
  • The concept of state is narrower than that of country.
  • Political scientists distinguish between the state and the government. The government is the leadership or elite that administers the state.
  • States differ in their origin, historical development, and level of organization, effectiveness, and stability. Some countries have long histories, while others experienced unification later.

Legitimacy of States

  • States' power depends partly on their legitimacy:
    • Traditional legitimacy: obedience based on long tradition (e.g., the British monarchy).
    • Charismatic legitimacy: identification with a leader's appeal.
    • Rational-legal legitimacy: based on established laws and procedures. Most modern states derive legitimacy from rational-legal sources.

Strong vs. Weak States

  • Strong states effectively defend borders, maintain order, and control internal rivals
  • Weak states struggle with internal violence, poor infrastructure, and tax collection, sometimes becoming failed states with complete loss of legitimacy

Comparing Regimes

  • Political regimes refer to the norms and rules concerning individual freedoms, equality, and the exercise of power.
  • Democratic regimes emphasize public participation, basic rights, and accountability in governance.
  • Authoritarian regimes limit public role, deny rights, and restrict freedoms.
  • All regimes establish political institutions (executive, legislative, judiciary)

Powers of Institutions

  • The relationships and powers of political institutions vary across regimes (e.g., parliamentary vs. presidential systems).

United Kingdom Focus

  • The UK is the world's oldest democracy whose transition to democracy was gradual.
  • It lacks a codified constitution.
  • Its system relies on traditional legitimacy and a unique political culture (e.g., the Westminster system).
  • Major geographic and demographic features of the UK were discussed.
  • The historical development of the UK state, especially the Magna Carta, was detailed.
  • The UK's political regime, including its majoritarian features parliamentary system, was analyzed.
  • Political institutions (constitutional arrangements, executive branch, legislative branch) were outlined.
  • the party system, including the Labour Party and historical context, was discussed.

United States Focus

  • oldest written constitution.
  • A highly legitimate political regime.
  • Widespread adherence to the rule of law.
  • A major military and economic power.
  • Large role of religion in politics.
  • A relatively weak state.
  • The system of checks and balances, federalism, and the Bill of Rights were discussed.
  • The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government were examined in detail. The current US presidency and how it works were evaluated in this section as well.
  • The US party system is significantly bifurcated.
  • The US political institutions were highlighted from the constitution to the electoral system.
  • The role of the judiciary in the US and the power of Supreme Court's judicial review.

France Focus

  • The French political system is much more recent.
  • The Fifth Republic was established in response to crises in the previous republics (Third and Fourth Republic).
  • Political Institutions, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches were presented.
  • Key characteristics and comparison with the American system.
  • The semi-presidential system, combining elements of parliamentary and presidential models.
  • The role of the President and Prime Minister, and their respective powers and limitations in government.
  • The structure of the French Parliament, including the National Assembly and the Senate.
  • The legal system, emphasizing how law is derived primarily from written statutes.

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