Political Systems Overview

Political Systems

• Political systems are the frameworks of structures and processes through which a society organizes itself to make collective decisions and manage common affairs. These systems differ significantly globally.
• Key features include the method of leader selection, governmental structure, and the government-citizen relationship.
• Mechanisms for citizen input and policy influence are important; these include voting, lobbying, protests, and petitions.

Types of Political Systems

• Democracy: A system where citizens participate in decision-making, directly or via elected representatives. Features include free and fair elections, protected rights/freedoms, and the rule of law. Sub-types include direct and representative democracies.
• Authoritarianism: Centralized control limits citizen participation. Power often rests with a single person or a small group. Freedoms are limited, and dissent is suppressed.
• Totalitarianism: A strict form of authoritarianism, the state controls all aspects of public and private life. Propaganda, surveillance, and violence are common tools.
• Monarchy: A system where a king or queen holds supreme power. The monarch's role and influence vary across monarchies, from largely symbolic to highly influential. Hereditary succession is prevalent.
• Oligarchy: Rule by a small group of powerful individuals or families. Ruling elite interests often supersede those of the general population.

Key Concepts in Political Science

• Sovereignty: The supreme authority within a territory. A sovereign state governs itself without outside interference.
• Legitimacy: A government's right and acceptance by citizens. Legitimacy stems from public consent and support.
• Power: The capacity to influence or control others. It stems from influence, coercion, or popular support.
• Ideology: A set of beliefs/values shaping individuals'/groups' understanding of the world and political goals. Liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and fascism are examples.
• Political Culture: Shared beliefs, values, attitudes, and norms influencing citizen behavior. It significantly impacts political participation.

Branches of Government

• Many political systems have branches:
  • Legislative: Creates and amends laws.
  • Executive: Implements and enforces laws.
  • Judicial: Interprets and applies laws.
• Powers and relationships between these branches differ among systems.

Political Processes

• Elections: A method for selecting government officials in democracies.
• Referendums: A vote where citizens directly decide on a specific issue.
• Public Opinion: The overall public attitudes/beliefs on political issues, shaping public policy.
• Lobbying: Efforts to influence policymakers.
• Protests and Demonstrations: Ways citizens express views and concerns.

Political Economy

• Political economy examines the interplay between political and economic systems.
• It analyzes the impact of government policies on resource allocation and wealth distribution.
• It assesses how political decisions influence economic outcomes.

Political Change

• Political systems experience change, impacted by both internal factors (e.g., popular movements) and external factors (e.g., international pressure).