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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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</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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Contestation and Inclusion</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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In ancient Greece, how were public officials typically selected?

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

    What is one of the primary functions of elections?

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

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

    <p>Electoral formula</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</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</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</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which situation best describes democratic backsliding?

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

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

    <p>Hungary</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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is NOT a feature of democratic backsliding?

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

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

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

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

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

    Signup and view all the answers

    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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    Description

    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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