Introduction to Comparative Politics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of comparative politics?

To acquire knowledge about epistemological preferences

To find out how politics works or operates (correct)

To establish rules and standards of comparative analysis

To study single countries

According to Landman (2008), what are the factors that influence the choice of comparative research methods?

Methodological traditions, epistemological preferences, and research design

Research question, time, and resources

Methodological comfort, research design, and data availability

Research question, time, resources, methodological comfort, and epistemological preferences (correct)

What is the focus of the second tradition in comparative politics?

Descriptive information, causal explanations, and associations between key variables

The study of single countries

Epistemological preferences and research design

Establishing rules and standards of comparative analysis (correct)

What is the role of epistemological preferences in choosing a comparative research method?

It influences the choice of method Signup and view all the answers

How many main traditions are there in comparative politics?

3 Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the first tradition in comparative politics?

The study of single countries Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of qualitative research?

To understand concepts, thoughts, or experiences Signup and view all the answers

Which research method involves studying phenomena in their natural setting?

Qualitative research Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of quantitative research?

It is expressed in numbers and graphs Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of quantitative research?

To test or confirm theories and assumptions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of quantitative research?

It involves a large number of cases Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between qualitative and quantitative research?

The way data is expressed Signup and view all the answers

What is the result when rulers violate citizens' natural rights, according to Locke?

The people are absolved from any further obedience and are left to resist Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the modern state, according to Locke's work?

Sovereignty is limited by consent Signup and view all the answers

When did the modern idea of the state emerge in Europe?

Between the 16th and 18th centuries Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of studying politics in a comparative way?

To examine major questions of political science Signup and view all the answers

How many states existed in 1800?

19 Signup and view all the answers

What is comparative politics concerned with?

The comparative study of institutions, processes, and behaviors of public management systems Signup and view all the answers

What marked the beginning of the real expansion of the state system?

The Second World War and decolonization Signup and view all the answers

What is the task of a comparativist?

To compare institutions, processes, and behaviors of public management systems to build a theory of what works Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the number of international organizations and treaties after the Second World War?

It began to grow Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the critical questions in comparative politics?

Why are some political systems stable while others are volatile? Signup and view all the answers

What do comparativists compare?

Political institutions, processes, and behaviors across organizational, national, and cultural boundaries Signup and view all the answers

Why do comparativists compare political systems?

To develop a theory of what works Signup and view all the answers

What is the scope and focus of comparative politics?

The comparative study of institutions, processes, and behaviors of public management systems Signup and view all the answers

What do comparativists seek to understand?

The institutions, processes, and behaviors of public management systems Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate number of states according to the UN membership list, excluding the 4 European enclave states?

189 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following territories is not recognized by the UN due to a lack of independence and/or legitimacy?

Taiwan Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary criterion used by the World Bank to categorize countries into four economic categories?

Gross National Income (GNI) per capita Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about Taiwan?

It was expelled from the UN in 1971. Signup and view all the answers

What is the status of Kosovo in terms of international recognition?

It is recognized by more than 100 countries, including most EU member states. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe small states that are largely independent but lack full recognition?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following European states is NOT considered an enclave state?

San Marino Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why Taiwan is not considered a full member of the international community?

It is not recognized by the UN. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Studying Politics

Studying politics helps examine major questions in political science, such as why some countries have democratic regimes while others experience authoritarianism, why regimes change, and why some countries experience affluence and growth while others endure poverty and decline.

Comparative Politics

Comparative politics entails the study of political, administrative institutions, processes, and behaviors across organizational, national, and cultural boundaries.
It involves comparing institutions, processes, and behaviors of public management systems to build a theory of what works or to transfer best practices of public management to poor-performing areas.

Critical Questions in Comparative Politics

Why are some political systems stable while others are volatile?
Who makes political decisions, how did they acquire authority, and where does the authority come from?
What decisions have been taken, why, and how do they affect the life of society?

What do we Compare?

Comparative research methods are varied and depend on the research question, time and resources, methodological comfort, and epistemological preferences.
Traditions in comparative politics include the study of single countries, methodological analysis, and the study of phenomena within their natural setting.

Traditions in Comparative Politics

The first tradition is the study of single countries.
The second tradition is methodological and concerned with establishing rules and standards of comparative analysis.
The third tradition involves studying phenomena within their natural setting.

Research Methods

Qualitative research is expressed in words, used to understand concepts, thoughts, or experiences, and provides in-depth insights into topics.
Quantitative research is expressed in numbers and graphs, used to test or confirm theories and assumptions, and generates information through experiments and survey research.

Emergence of the Modern State

The modern idea of the state emerged in Europe between the 16th and 18th centuries.
The number of states grew slowly, with only 19 in existence in 1800 and barely 30 more by 1900.
The real expansion of the state system began after World War II with decolonization and the growth of international organizations and treaties.

The Number of States

The UN membership list excludes territories that function like states but lack independence and/or legitimacy, such as Kosovo, Palestine, Taiwan, and Western Sahara.
Taiwan is structured and functions like a state but is not a UN member.
Kosovo is recognized diplomatically by over 100 states but is not a political and diplomatic equal of UN member states.
The number of states is debated, with some opting for the number 189, excluding four European enclave states.

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Description

Explore the basics of comparative politics, including the study of political institutions, processes, and behaviors across different boundaries. Understand major questions in political science and compare regimes across countries.