Introduction to Comparative Politics - Topics 1 & 2

The process of defining and understanding a concept. It involves creating a clear and precise meaning for an abstract idea.

A set of ideas that explains how things relate to each other. It provides a framework for understanding and interpreting events.

The systematic approach used to gather and analyze information in a research project. It describes how you will study your topic.

The process of using empirical data to test a theory or proposed relationship between concepts.

Going beyond simple descriptions (when, where, who) to explore the underlying processes and mechanisms behind events.

Questions that allow for a wide range of answers and do not lead the respondent to a specific conclusion.

Questions that suggest or imply a desired answer, often with a bias towards a specific outcome.

Abstract ideas used to understand, organize, and analyze political phenomena.

Empirical features that represent and measure an unobservable concept.

The process of making a concept measurable and observable by assigning specific indicators.

The ability of a concept to be applied to different situations, contexts, and time periods.

Misapplying a concept to situations where it does not fit, resulting in inaccurate interpretations.

The factor or variable that is believed to cause or influence the dependent variable.

The variable that is being measured or observed, and is believed to be affected by the independent variable.

A relationship between two or more factors where one factor directly influences the other.

A statistical relationship between two or more variables, but not necessarily a causal relationship.

When the dependent variable influences the independent variable, rather than the other way around.

When two variables mutually influence each other, making it difficult to determine which is the cause.

A variable that acts as a mediator between the independent and dependent variable, influencing the relationship between them.

This theory suggests that economic development leads to democratization. As societies industrialize and become more complex, they are more likely to adopt democratic institutions.

This theory argues that certain cultural values, such as tolerance, individual rights, and civic participation, are necessary for democracy to thrive. It suggests that societies with strong democratic values are more likely to embrace democratic institutions.

This concept refers to the opportunities and constraints that exist within a society for political change. It emphasizes the importance of context and timing for successful democratic transitions.

These theories focus on the role of individuals and groups in driving democratic change, highlighting strategies for mobilization and tactics used to achieve democratization.

A non-democratic system of government characterized by a strong hierarchy, limited political participation, and a closed process of decision-making.

A highly centralized and controlling form of authoritarianism characterized by a single ideology, total control of society, and the suppression of dissent.

A system of government in which the head of state is a hereditary monarch, usually a king or queen.

A type of authoritarian regime where power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual, who often relies on personal relationships and patronage to maintain control.

A political discourse that emphasizes a division between the elite and the people, typically appealing to the people's frustrations and anxieties.

The relationship between democracy and economic growth is complex and debated. Some argue for a positive relationship, others an inverse or negative relationship. Others suggest shared factors like human capital or state capacity are at play. Democracies may have some link to economic growth through business investment.

This argument suggests that the relationship between democracy and economic growth may be reversed. Instead of democracy causing economic growth, economic growth could lead to the emergence of democracy.

A process where a democratic regime experiences a decline in democratic values and practices, leading to a shift towards authoritarianism. This could involve restrictions on civil liberties, erosion of independent institutions, and weakening of checks and balances.

Samuel Huntington identified three distinct waves of democratisation: the first (1828-1936) slow and primarily focused on procedural aspects, the second (1943-1962) spurred by decolonisation, and the third (1974-early 2000s) marked by a global turn towards democracy. Each wave experienced reverse waves or democratic backsliding.

A key indicator of democratic consolidation. It refers to two peaceful transitions of power between different political parties. This signifies that democracy has become a stable and accepted norm in a country.

A form of democracy where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. Most modern democracies are representative democracies.

A democracy where the power of the government is limited by a constitution, often with features like separation of powers and checks and balances.

A form of democracy where citizens directly participate in making policy decisions, usually through referendums or initiatives.

A type of democracy that emphasizes individual and civil liberties, including freedom of speech, assembly, and religion. It prioritizes protecting individual rights.

A democratic system that emphasizes social justice and economic equality, often with social programs and policies to address inequality.

A democracy where different ethnic, cultural, or regional groups share power and make decisions together. This seeks to mitigate potential conflicts between groups.

A democracy that holds elections but does not protect civil liberties or uphold democratic norms. This is a hybrid regime with both democratic and authoritarian features.

An annual index that scores countries on political rights and civil liberties, providing insights into the state of democracy worldwide. Scores range from 1 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater freedom.

An annual index that assesses the state of democracy in countries based on 60 indicators, categorising them into four types: full, flawed, hybrid, and authoritarian. It considers electoral processes, civil liberties, and political participation.

An index that measures electoral competitiveness and political inclusion in countries. It uses data on voter turnout and the proportion of votes received by non-winning parties to assess the level of democraticness.

A significant change in the type of political system or regime in a country. This goes beyond a mere change of leadership and involves fundamental shifts in institutions and power structures.

The process through which a country transitions from an authoritarian system to a democratic one. It involves promoting democratic values, institutions, and practices. This can be divided into democratic transition and consolidation.

Different ways to organize a constitution, considering how it's written, its power structure, and how it can be changed.

A written constitution is a formal document outlining the government's structure, powers, and rights. An unwritten constitution is based on customs, traditions, and legal precedents.

A federal system divides power between a central government and regional governments (like provinces or states). A unitary system concentrates power in the central government.

The power of courts to check the constitutionality of laws and actions taken by the government.

The principle that the legislature is the supreme law-making body, and its laws are binding on all other bodies.

A flexible constitution allows for easier amendments and changes. A rigid constitution requires a more complex process to change its fundamental provisions.

The specific process for changing a constitution, often requiring specific votes or majority levels.

A unique combination of written and unwritten elements, with key components including the Constitution Acts of 1867 and 1982, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and other legal precedents.

A division of powers between the federal government and the provinces, with specific areas of jurisdiction.

A foundational document outlining the core individual and collective rights of Canadians.

A body of elected representatives responsible for making and changing laws.

A democratic parliamentary system originated in Britain, where the executive (government) is accountable to the legislature (parliament).

The stages involved in creating and enacting laws, including proposing bills, debating, voting, and finally passing them.

Negotiations and compromises between politicians to secure votes and support for legislation.

Different structures of legislative bodies, including unicameral (single chamber) and bicameral (two chambers).

Modern states are characterized by centralized control over force, bureaucratic organization, and the provision of public goods. They maintain a monopoly on the legitimate use of force within their territory.

A public good is non-excludable, meaning you can't prevent anyone from using it, and non-rivalrous, meaning one person's use doesn't prevent others from using it. Examples include streetlights, national defense, and clean air.

State capacity refers to the ability of a state to effectively achieve its objectives, such as providing public goods, enforcing laws, and defending itself.

The four types are extractive capacity (mobilizing resources), steering capacity (guiding economic development), legitimacy capacity (building national unity), and coercive capacity (enforcing the rule of law and defending itself).

The Fragile State Index measures a state's fragility based on economic, social, and political factors. It helps determine how strong or weak a state is.

The Peace of Westphalia (1648) is considered a major step towards the modern state system. It established the principle of territorial sovereignty, meaning states have exclusive authority within their borders.

The Montevideo Convention (1933) is a modern treaty that outlines the rights and duties of states. It reaffirms the principle of sovereignty and non-intervention in the internal affairs of other states.

Colonial states often exhibited characteristics like extractive (resources), coercive (force), autocratic (ruling by one person), cheap (development at low cost), exploitative (benefitting colonizer), and entrenchment of European institutions.

Direct rule is where colonizers replace local administrators with their own officials, while indirect rule involves using existing local elites to govern, often with limited autonomy.

Settler colonialism is characterized by the displacement of indigenous populations and the establishment of a new society based on European institutions and values.

Colonialism has left many post-colonial states with weak capacity, economic underdevelopment, conflict, instability, and a history of corruption.

States can be categorized based on capacity (weak, failed, strong, resilient), state-market relations (capitalist, welfare, developmental, communist), regime type (democratic, autocratic), and their relationship with civil society.

Civil society consists of voluntary associations independent from the state and market, actively seeking to maintain or change the social, economic, or political status quo. Examples include NGOs and community groups.

Theories of state emergence include political/conflict theories (war as a driver), economic theories (state co-emerging with capitalism), cultural theories (cultural factors shaping state formation), and diffusion theories (spreading of ideas and institutions).

Pluralism is a political theory that advocates for competing voices and interests in society, all having an equal chance to influence policy through free debate and competition.