Political Institutions and Comparative Politics
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Questions and Answers

In a parliamentary system, what is the primary role of the head of state?

  • To represent the country in ceremonial functions. (correct)
  • To lead the day-to-day operations of the government.
  • To be the head of the ruling party and its political strategy.
  • To hold significant power, similar to a president.

What is a key characteristic that distinguishes a consensus democracy from a majoritarian democracy?

  • The existence of a strong, independent judiciary.
  • The emphasis on broad participation and shared decision-making. (correct)
  • The concentration of power in the hands of a single party.
  • The use of referendums to decide major policy decisions.

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of a majoritarian system on the policy-making process?

  • Policies can be implemented quickly due to fewer procedural hurdles.
  • Policies often reflect a broad range of societal interests, ensuring stability. (correct)
  • Policies may potentially lack long-term stability due to frequent changes in government.
  • Policies may experience significant shifts with changes in government.

Which type of democratic system typically features a fixed interval for elections?

<p>Both parliamentary and presidential systems hold elections at fixed intervals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a majoritarian system, how is power typically concentrated?

<p>The executive branch dominates, particularly in parliamentary systems. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of democracy is more likely to have a unitary and centralized government?

<p>Majoritarian democracy, with power concentrated in the central government. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a presidential system, the president is typically responsible for which of the following roles?

<p>Serving as the head of government and the head of state. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of a consensus democracy in terms of policy-making?

<p>Policies tend to be more inclusive and stable, reflecting a broader range of interests. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle's classification of regimes, what is the 'bad' form of government when ruled by one person?

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

Which of the following best describes the 'substantive' view of democracy?

<p>A system that emphasizes the outcomes and values of democracy, such as human rights and equality. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two primary dimensions of democracy, according to Dahl?

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

Which of the following is a core element of a procedural definition of democracy?

<p>The established rules and processes, such as elections, for making decisions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In ancient Greece, how were public officials typically selected?

<p>By lot, rotation or election. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Politeia,' according to Aristotle's classification of regimes?

<p>A mixture of democratic and aristocratic elements, considered a good form of rule by many. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best reflects a substantive evaluation of democracy in a country?

<p>The extent to which human rights are upheld and minority groups are protected. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, which of these is a characteristic of a 'polyarchy'?

<p>An ideal type of democracy where many rule, with high levels of contestation and inclusion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the core principle of a Westphalian state system?

<p>Mutual recognition of states as equals with internal monopoly of violence is maintained. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Max Weber, what key feature defines a state?

<p>A system of rule with a bureaucracy for resource extraction and policy implementation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the state and nation according to the idea of nationalism?

<p>States and nations should be aligned, forming a single political community. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of a federal state?

<p>Sovereignty is shared between different levels, with competences protected by a constitution. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a criterion typically associated with citizenship?

<p>Exclusively belonging to a specific social class or rank. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of comparative politics?

<p>To compare and analyze political systems to identify similarities, differences and patterns. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents an example of a nation without a state?

<p>Catalonia, a region with a distinct culture and strong sense of national identity, within Spain. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a unitary state from a federal state?

<p>A unitary state has a central government that can unilaterally change the system. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of elections?

<p>To select qualified representatives (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What determines how voter choices are converted into the allocation of seats?

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

Which of the following is a characteristic of majoritarian electoral systems?

<p>They often lead to higher levels of gerrymandering (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of mixed electoral systems?

<p>They combine elements of majoritarian and proportional systems (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the legal threshold in electoral systems is accurate?

<p>It establishes the minimum number of votes needed to gain representation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a closed list system in proportional representation?

<p>Voters cannot change the order of candidates on the list. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'quota' in the single-transferable vote system?

<p>The set amount of votes needed for a candidate to be elected. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an impact of majoritarian electoral systems as described by Duverger's Laws?

<p>They often result in a two-party system. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a mixed electoral system, how are representatives typically elected?

<p>Through a combination of majority and proportional representation methods. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of an electoral threshold in a proportional representation system?

<p>To limit the number of parties that can enter parliament. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of a parliamentary consensus model for a new democracy?

<p>It promotes inclusivity and stability through coalition-building. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which situation best describes democratic backsliding?

<p>Legal limits on civil liberties and unfair elections. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do civil society groups play in preventing democratic backsliding?

<p>They raise awareness and demand accountability from governments. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which country has been cited as an example of democratic backsliding due to media control?

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

What is a potential effect of coalition governance in a parliamentary consensus system?

<p>It can slow down the decision-making process. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT a feature of democratic backsliding?

<p>Promotion of fair and free elections. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one action that can encourage a culture respecting democracy?

<p>Encouraging political involvement from citizens. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of democracy is characterized by proportional representation and coalition-building?

<p>Parliamentary consensus democracy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Flashcards

Monopoly of Violence

The ability of a state to enforce its will and control violence within its territory.

Nation

A political community with shared values, culture, history or institutions.

Nation-State

A political entity composed of people who share a sense of belonging and a shared history.

Federalism

A system where power is divided between national and regional governments, each with specific areas of responsibility.

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Citizenship

The rights, responsibilities, and participation of citizens within a state.

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Comparative Politics

A comparison of different political systems and institutions.

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Nation-Building

The process of creating a sense of national identity and belonging.

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Westphalian System

The mutual recognition of states' independence and sovereignty.

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Political Institutions

Formal and informal rules, like laws and customs, that influence how people act in politics.

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Direct Democracy

A system where citizens directly participate in decision-making processes.

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Aristotle's Regime Classification

Aristotle's classification of regimes, focusing on who holds power and for whose benefit.

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Schumpeter's Definition of Democracy

A system where power is obtained through contested elections, emphasizing competition and representation.

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Procedural Democracy

A view of democracy emphasizing the procedures and institutions involved in decision-making.

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Substantive Democracy

A view of democracy emphasizing the outcomes and values achieved, such as human rights and equality.

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Contestation

The degree to which citizens have the right to vote and participate in political organizations.

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Inclusion

The extent to which different groups in society are included in the political process.

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Presidential System

A system of governance where the executive branch is separate from the legislative branch, each with independent powers and responsibilities. The president, as the head of state and government, is elected independently of the legislature.

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Parliamentary System

A system of governance where the executive branch is directly accountable to the legislature and is formed from the majority party or coalition. The prime minister, as the head of government, is chosen by the legislature, while a separate head of state (often a monarch or ceremonial president) may exist.

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Head of State

The individual who is the ceremonial head of state, representing the country in symbolic functions and foreign affairs. Often holds minimal or ceremonial power in a parliamentary system.

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Head of Government

The individual who leads the government and is responsible for implementing policy and running the day-to-day affairs of the country. This role is typically occupied by a Prime Minister in a parliamentary system and a president in a presidential system.

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Majoritarian Democracy

A system of government where power is concentrated in the hands of a majority party or coalition, leading to efficient decision-making but potentially less inclusivity.

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Consensus Democracy

A system of government where power is shared more broadly, emphasizing consensus-building and inclusivity through negotiation and compromise among different parties or groups.

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Majoritarian Policy-Making

A model of policy-making characterized by quick implementation, but potentially less stability as policies can shift significantly with changes in government.

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Consensus Policy-Making

A model of policy-making characterized by slower development but often more inclusive and stable policies, reflecting a broader range of societal interests and requiring broader agreement to enact.

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Democratic Backsliding

The gradual erosion of democratic institutions, norms, and practices, often through legal means. Can involve weakened civil liberties, less government transparency, and unfair elections.

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Preventing Democratic Backsliding

An independent judiciary, free media, and active civil society are crucial in preventing democratic backsliding. International pressure and a strong political culture that values democracy are also key.

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Authoritarianism

A state where government power is concentrated in the hands of a single person or a small group, often without electoral accountability or checks and balances.

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Separation of Powers

A system where power is distributed among different branches of government (executive, legislative, judicial), creating checks and balances to prevent abuse of power.

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Electoral System

The ways votes are translated into seats or offices.

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Majoritarian System

Focuses on electing a single winner in each district, using a system like first-past-the-post (FPTP).

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Alternative Vote

A method of choosing candidates where voters rank their preferences. The candidate with the most votes wins.

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Proportional System

A system where seats are allocated proportionally based on the percentage of votes received.

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Gerrymandering

Manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor a specific party or candidate.

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Proportional Representation

An electoral system where the number of seats a party wins in parliament is proportional to the percentage of votes they receive.

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Open List System

An electoral system where voters can choose their preferred order of candidates within a party's list.

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Closed List System

An electoral system where voters cannot change the order of candidates on a party's list.

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Electoral Quota

A set amount of votes a candidate needs to win a seat in an election. Often calculated based on the number of votes and seats available.

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Mixed Electoral System

An electoral system that combines elements of majoritarian (plurality) voting and proportional representation.

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Study Notes

Political Institutions

  • Formal and informal rules and norms shaping and constraining political behavior.
  • Ancient Greece: Demos - citizens (not all had voting rights).
  • Citizens directly involved in decision-making.
  • Public officials selected by lot, rotation, or election.
  • Aristotle's classification of regimes:
    • Monarchy (one ruler, for the good of all)
    • Tyranny (one ruler, for the ruler's benefit)
    • Aristocracy (few rulers, for the good of all)
    • Oligarchy (few rulers, for the ruler's benefit)
    • Politeia (mixed, for the good of all)
    • Democracy (many rulers, for the good of all)

Comparative Politics

  • Everything political can be compared but comparative politics focuses on domestic politics.
  • Comparisons describe similarities and differences, seeking patterns and explanations.
  • Three types of comparison to develop explanations: quantitative large-N, statistical analyses; comparison of a few qualitative cases to tease out crucial explanatory factors; and studying single cases.
  • To check if explanation applies, test whether it applies in other cases.

Democracy

  • Formal and informal rules and norms that shape political behavior.
  • Definition: a political system in which supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation, typically involving periodic free elections.
  • Aristotle’s classification of regimes: -One ruler: Monarchy, Tyranny -Few rulers: Aristocracy, Oligarchy -Many rulers: Polity, Democracy.
  • Classification of regimes depends on the good of the rulers.

Democracy Organization

  • Types of democracy, parliamentary, Presidential, Semi-presidential systems differing in head of government and head of state, methods of selection, and relationships between executive and legislative.
  • Period in office - elections can occur sooner than scheduled or according to a fixed term for the President and legislature.
  • Executive politically accountable to legislature - either yes or no, depending on the type of democracy.
  • Examples of each system.

Democracy Measurement

  • Two dimensions of democracy (Dahl): -Contestation: Degree to which citizens are free to vote and politically organize. -Inclusion: Who is able to participate in politics.
  • Ideal type of democracy, where many rule.
  • Substantive approach: Focuses on outcomes and values of democracy (human rights, equality, minority protections).
  • Procedural approach: Focuses on rules and processes of democracy (free elections, rule of law, separation of powers).

Types of Electoral Systems

  • Majoritarian (e.g., single-member plurality, first-past-the-post): simple majority wins.
  • Proportional (e.g., party-list): seat allocation proportional to votes received.
  • Mixed (e.g., single-member districts plus party list): combination of both types.
  • Impact of systems on proportionality, representation of minorities, district magnitude, thresholds.

Political Parties

  • Functions include coordination within government, society; conducting electoral campaigns; selection and recruitment of personnel; representing specific social groups and ideology and so on.
  • Types of parties: Cadre/elite, mass, catch-all, cartel.
  • Factors influencing party systems, including globalization, cleavages, and economic development.

Interest Groups

  • Views on interest group representation as neo-corporatist approaches emphasizing the organic relationship amongst interests; or pluralistic approaches viewing interests as competing in a free arena.
  • Collective action problem and how interest groups overcome it.
  • Potential functions of social movements-including troublemakers, agenda setting, providing solutions, challenging power and leading to fundamental changes.

Social Movements

  • Explanations for social movements development-including relative deprivation, resource mobilization, and political opportunity structure.
  • Potential functions of social movements including troublemaking, agenda setting, providing solutions, challenging power and leading to fundamental changes.
  • Differences between old and new social movements.

Parliaments and Governments

  • Separation of powers across institutions.
  • Interpretation as fragmentation of power or overlapping.
  • Legislatures' tools (e.g. amendments, vetoes, delays, oversight hearings, approval powers) to influence the policymaking process.
  • Issues of representation by legislatures compared to executive.
  • Types of government: (e.g., parliamentary, presidential, semi-presidential).
  • Challenges of minority and coalition governments.

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Explore the foundations of political institutions and their implications in comparative politics. Delve into Aristotle's classification of regimes and the role of citizens in decision-making. This quiz will help you understand how political behavior is shaped by both formal and informal norms.

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