AP Comparative Government Study Sheet This sheet is a list of terms found in the review book used in class and

their definitions. Disclaimer: there are tons of information found in the textbook that dont belong in any terms here; therefore reading this only will probably not do you so well on the test. So do not blame me if you do not get a 5. Introduction to Comparative Government Important Terms and Concepts advanced democracies Well established democratic governments and a high level of economic development. (GB) authoritarian regime Ruled by political elites, not much input from citizens. May be monarchy, dictator, small group, or single party. bicameral, unicameral legislatures Bicameral = two houses, unicameral = one house. bureaucratic authoritarian regimes Complete control of activities, manage almost everything in country. bureaucracy Agencies that generally implement govt policy. Discretionary power, or power to make small decisions in implementing legis/execu decisions. cabinet coalition Country that has multi-party system with no majority party, several parties join forces and represented in different cabinet posts. causation The idea that one variable causes or influences another. checks and balances Powers are shared and no branch dominates. civil society Voluntary organizations that help citizens organize and define themselves and interests. coinciding/crosscutting cleavages Coinciding likely to be explosive, every dispute aligns same groups against each other. Crosscutting divide society into many political groups, may conflict on one issue but cooperate on another. command economies Government owns almost all industrial enterprises and retail sales outlets. common law/code law Common law based on tradition, past practices, legal precedents set by courts through past rulings Code law based on comprehensive system of written rules (codes) of law divided into commercial, civil, and criminal codes. communism Party controls everything from government to economy to social life. Values equality over freedom. competitive elections Regular, free, fair elections that offer real possibility that incumbent may be defeated. confederal system Spreads power among many subunits and weak central govt. conflictual political culture Sharply divided on legitimacy of regime and solutions to major problems; threatens to topple regime. consensual political culture Accepts both legitimacy of regime and solutions to major problems; tends to agree with govt conservatism Less supportive of change in general, thinks change may bring unforeseen outcomes See state and regime as important sources of order/ constitutional courts Serve to defend democratic principles of a country against infringement.

co-optation The means a regime uses to get support from citizens. corporatism An arrangement in which govt officials interact with ppl/groups outside of govt before they set policy. correlation An indication that causality may be present Exists when change in one variable coincides with change in another. cosmopolitanism A universal political order that draws its identity and values from everywhere. coup detat Forced takeover of government. New leaders by force. democratic consolidation Authoritarian regime transitions into a democracy because of a trigger event. Process creates a stable political system that is supported by all parts of society All institutions and people participate, democracy penetrates everything democratic corporatism Interest representation is institutionalized through recognition of state Organizations develop institutionalized and legally binding links with state agencies, on behalf of state. direct democracy Individuals have immediate say over many decisions that govt makes. economic liberalization Limiting power of the state over private property and market forces. electoral systems Rules that decide how votes are cast, counted, and translated into seats in a legislature. elites Those that hold political power empirical data Factual statements and statistics Fascism Does not value freedom or equality, idea that state has the right to mold society and economy Has the right to eliminate obstacles, people that might weaken them federal system Divides power between central govt and subunits. first-past-the-post (plurality, winner-take-all) Winner needs to get more votes than anyone else and wins by plurality. fragmentation Divisions based on ethnic or cultural identities. Freedom House ratings Organization that ranks countries with 1 being most free, and 7 being least free. Gini Index Formula that measures economic inequality in a society. globalization Integration of social, environmental, economic, and cultural activities of nations resulting from more international contacts. GDP, GNP, GNP per capita Gross Domestic Product all the goods and services produced by a countrys economy in a given year Gross Nation Product same as GDP, but includes income citizens earned outside of country. GNP per capita divides GNP by population of country. government Reference to the leadership and institutions that make policy decisions for the country. head of government Role that deals with tasks of running govt. head of state

 Role that symbolizes the power and nature of govt hypothesis A speculative statement about the relationship between two or more factors (variables) illiberal democracies Competitive elections, but missing parts of the liberal democracies (civil liberties, etc.) independent variable/dependent variable Independent variable influences dependent variable; dependent depends on independent indications of democratization Loss of legitimacy, expansion of urban middle class, human rights, snowball effect. indirect democracy Elected officials represent the people. informal politics Takes into consideration the ways that politicians operate outside of formal powers and the impact of citizens on policy making. initiative Vote on a policy that is initiated by the people. Proposes a nationwide vote and must collect certain # of sigs. institutions, institutionalized Stable, long lasting organizations that help turn political ideas into policy. (parties, bureaucracies) Integration More inclusive of everything. interest group pluralism Pattern of autonomous groups competing with each other and govt for influence over state policies. judicial review Mechanism that allows courts to review laws and executive actions for their constitutionality. legitimacy (traditional, charismatic, rational-legal) Right to rule Traditional tradition determines who should rule; heritage, myths, legends, descendants Charismatic dynamic personality of leader, usually is short-lived as it stops when leader dies. Rational-legal institutionalized, based on a system of well-established laws and procedures. liberal democracies Civil liberties freedom of belief, speech, and assembly Rule of Law equal treatment of citizens and due process Neutrality of the judiciary checks on abuse of power Open Civil Society citizens lead private lives and mass media operate independently from govt Civilian control of military lowers chance of military seizing control of govt. liberalism as a political ideology Places emphasis on individual political and economic freedom. liberalism as an approach to economic and political change Supports reform and gradual change rather than revolution; belief that polit/econ system can be fixed. linkage institutions Groups that connect govt to citizens (political parties, interest groups, print and electronic media) market economies Pure, does not allow for significant control from the central government. Private ownership of property, little interference from govt regulation marketization States recreation of a market in which property, labor, goods and services can all function in a competitive environment to determine their value. military rule Nondemocratic rule, military intervenes in politics to solve problems. mixed economies Market economy that allows significant control from govt. mixed electoral system A mix of first-past-the-post and proportional representation.

multi-member districts, single-member districts Multi- for proportional rep, single first past the post. multi-party system Usually arises in parliamentary systems that use proportional rep method. nation A group of people bound together by a common political identity. Nationalism The sense of belonging and identity that distinguishes one nation from the next. normative questions Value judgments, ie what something should be like parliamentary system Citizens vote for legislative reps, who then select leaders of executive branch. Parliamentary sovereignty Theoretically, legislature makes laws, etc, but actually, cabinet makes policy Two branches of govt fused, legislature usually agrees with executive. party system Help bring together people and ideas to establish the means by which maj can rule. Provide labels for candidates that help citizens decide how to vote Hold politicians accountable to the electorate and other political elites. patronage Political supporters received jobs for their assistance in getting president elected. patron-client system Provides reciprocal favors and services to their supporters. plebiscite A ballot to consult public opinion in a nonbinding way. pluralism Power is split among many groups that compete for the chance to influence govt decision making. Democratic interest group formation is spontaneous, dialogue between interest groups and states is voluntary. political culture Collection of political beliefs, values, practices, and institutions that the govt is based on. political efficacy Citizens capacity to understand and influence political events. High level = belief that govt takes input seriously and care about what they have to say, low level = do not believe it is important to vote, ignore govt efforts. political elites Leaders who have disproportionate share of policy making power. political frameworks/institutions Structures of a political system that carry out the work of governing political ideologies Sets of political values held by individuals regarding the basic goals of govt and politics. political liberalization State that progresses from procedural democracy to substantive democracy through democratic consolidation political socialization How citizens learn about politics, their view of politics. politicization of religion Religion starts to play a role in politics. PPP (purchasing power parity) Takes into consideration what people can buy using their income in local economy (uses GNP) presidential system Citizens vote for legislatives reps and executive branch leaders; two branches have separation of power. Both state and government role given to one person, president, directly elected by the people. privatization The transfer of state-owned property to private ownership.

procedural democracy Refer to illiberal democracies. proportional representation Multimember districts in which more than one legislative seat is contested in each district. Votes are casted for a party and % of votes receives determines number of seats they get. radicalism Belief that rapid dramatic changes need to be made in existing society, including political system. reactionary belief Protect against change, want to turn back the clock to older times, use violence. recruitment of elites Ways to identify and select people for future leadership positions. referendum A national ballot called by govt on a policy issue; allows public to make direct decisions about policy itself. reform Change that does not advocate overthrow of basic institutions; changes methods to reach goals regime The rules that a state sets and follows in exerting its power. revolution Change at a basic level, major revision or overthrow to existing institutions. Affects larger area. revolution of rising expectations Crisis preceded by a period of relative improvement in the standard of living fuels discontent. rule of law Provides for equal treatment of citizens and due process. Samuel Huntingtons clash of civilizations Primary source of conflict on religious and cultural lines. semi-presidential system Prime minister coexists with a president who is directly elected by people with lots of power. separation of powers Powers split among branches, they check each other. social boundaries Separation of people based on social cleavages. social capital The amount of reciprocity and trust that exist among citizens between them and state. social cleavages Divisions that impact policy making (religion, ethnic groups, races, social and economic classes) social movements Organized collective activities that aim to bring about or resist fundamental change to society. socialism Values equality and freedom, accept promote private ownership w/strong state regulations. societal corporatism (neo-corporatism) Interest groups take the lead and dominate the state. sovereignty The ability to carry out actions or policies within borders independently from interference from outside or inside. state The organization that maintains a monopoly of violence over a territory. state corporatism State determines which groups are brought in. subject activities Obeying laws, following military orders, paying taxes. substantive democracy Citizens have access to multiple sources of info. succession

 Process that determines procedure for replacing leaders when they resign, die or no longer effective. technocrats Military regime formed ruling coalition that includes military officers and civilian bureaucrats. third wave of democratization First wave gradually over time, second wave after WWII, third wave characterized by defeat of dictators. Factors Loss of legitimacy by both right and left wing authoritarian regimes Expansion of an urban middle class in developing countries New emphasis on human rights by US and EU Snowball effect third world Economically underdeveloped and deprived nations three-world approach United States and allies Soviet Union and allies Third world nations totalitarianism Repressive, detested regime; has strong ideological goal, does not necessarily use violence. transmission belt Convey to members views of party elite. transparency Government that operates openly and keeps citizens informed. two-party system More common in plurality election systems, first past the post. tyranny of the majority Tendency in democracies to allow majorities to neglect rights and liberties of minorities. unitary systems Concentrates all policymaking powers in one central geographic place.

Advanced Democracies modernism A set of values that comes along with industrialization, including secularism, emphasis on reasoning, materialism, technology, bureaucracy, and freedom. post-modernism Values include preservation of environment, promotion of health care and education post-industrialism Majority of the people are employed in the service sector. sectors of the economy (agriculture, industrial, service) Service industries such as technology, health care, business and legal services, finance, and education Industrial employs people to create tangible goods Agricultural sector small, everything is mechanized nowadays. Britain Backbenchers Less influential MP, sit away from table. Beveridge Report Social insurance program that made all citizens eligible for health, unemployment, pensions, and other benefits. Blair, Tony Labour pt, promised to bring about a third way, a centrist alternative to the left Labour and the rt Conservative. British Broadcasting Corporation Monopoly over media. Sought to educate citizens and was usually respectful of govt officials. Govt strictly regulated BBC, ie, no ads for politicians, parties, or political causes. Labour supports license fee that allows BBC to maintain a large presence on TV, conservatives critical, want a

more transparent BBC. British National Party Party on the far right, formed in 1982, never represented in parliament, and overtly anti-Semitic Now focusing on presence of Muslims in Britain. Brown, Gordon Long time cabinet member who became PM after Blair resigned. Had difficulty taking control of govt. Cameron, David Current party leader of the conservatives. Caucuses Meetings of people from the same area or of like mind. civic culture Political culture characterized by trust, deference to authority and competence, pragmatism and harmony. Clause 4 Called for nationalization of British industry, at first part of Labour party. Clegg, Nick Leader of Liberal Dems, criticized Labour for erosion of civil liberties. collective consensus based on social democratic values that support a great deal of govt control of economy. collective responsibility leaders of the majority party take responsibility for making policy for the country, all members of the cabinet publicly support PMs decisions. Confederation of Business Industries Negotiated with TUC for lower wages in exchange for 3% income tax reduction rate. Conservative Party Dominant party btwn WWII and 1997, main pt on the right, usually pragmatic rather than ideological. Characterized by noblesse oblige, organization is elitist, Party is divided into traditional wing (one-nation Tories), who want to take everyones opinions into account and support membership in the EU, and Thatcherite wing who want more free market. Constitution of the Crown Britains unwritten constitution, includes important documents, common law, and customs cultural heterogeneity Different cultures are about the same. Democratic Unionist Party Party in northern Ireland led by protestant clergymen. devolution Turning over of some political powers to regional govt. English Bill of Rights Lists rights retained by Parliament, gave policymaking power to parliament, power of the purse. Euroskeptics Those of the Thatcherite wing who think EUs move toward integration is a threat to British sovereignty. first-past-the-post voting systems Single member districts that are given to plurality winner. the Glorious Revolution Established constitutional monarchy the government Consists of MPs on the first rows of majority party side, most important policymakers as long as they hold power. gradualism Political change that is gradual in nature. hereditary peers Those who hold seats on House of Lords that have been passed down through family ties. home rule Ruled by themselves, especially in Northern Ireland where there was too much conflict btw Protestant/Catholic

insularity The feeling of separation from the continent of Europe. Irish Republican Army Imposed home rule, used guerilla warfare tactics to convince British to allow Irish independence. Iron Lady Prime minister for 11 years, supporters thought she was capable, critics thought she was crippling. Keynesianism Government takes action to secure full employment, expand social services, maintain steady growth, keep prices stable. Labour Party Represent the rights of the newly- enfranchised working man (1906) Control from 1997, Tony Blair prime minister until 2007. Started out as alliance of trade unions and then strengthened with expansion of rights law lords 5 people who serve as Britains highest court of appeals. Liberal Democratic Alliance Liberals and Social Democrats, merged, got 26% of pop vote in 1983, campaigned for prop rep and Bill of Rights liberalism Philosophy that emphasizes political and economic freedoms for the individual and market. life peers Those people appointed to the House of Lords based on distinguished service to Britain. limited government Minimal intervention by govt of economy and personal liberties. loyal opposition The party that receives the second most votes. Magna Carta King agrees to consult nobles before he makes important political decisions, especially those with taxes. misery index Inflation + unemployment. mixed economy Government directing economy and nationalizing major industries, w/o giving up capitalism. multi-nationalism Different cultures that are united under a govt still impact political system with their national identities. neo-corporatism Interest groups take the lead and dominate the state neo-liberalism Revival of class values that support low lvls of govt regulation, taxation, and social expenditures, and the protection of individual property rights. Reversed Keynesianism noblesse oblige The duty of the upper classes to take responsibility for the welfare of the lower classes. OPEC Organization for Petroleum Exporting Countries, caused oil price spike and embargo, effect was devastating. Oxbridge Oxford and Cambridge = portal through elite classes such as members of parliament or cabinet positions. parliamentary system Prime minister and cabinet are members of legislature. Plaid Cymru Smaller party in Wales. plurality voting system Person who has most votes wins the district. politics of protest The tendency to disagree openly and sometimes violently proportional representation

 Multimember districts, number of seats = % of votes received. quangos quasi autonomous nongovernmental organizations or policy advisory boards that the govt appoints. Question Time an hour where PM and ministers defend themselves against attack from opposition and sometimes members of their own party. rational-legal legitimacy System of well-established laws and procedures referendum Public votes on particular policy issues such as on the new EU constitution and the Euro. safe districts Members of parliament do not have to live in the district they are representing, so leaders run in districts where it is almost guaranteed that they will win. Scottish National Party Minor party in Scotland, both Plaid Cymru and SNP managed to shut out conservatives. shadow cabinet Members of the opposition partys cabinet that would be in place if they became the majority. Sinn Fein Political arm of the IRA, a regional party in northern Ireland. solidarity Keeping old job and living in the old neighborhood more important than individual success. Speaker of the House The member of parliament that resides of the debate in Question Time, usually not part of majority party. Thatcherism A conservative capitalist backlash led by Margaret Thatcher the third way A more central approach to politics. Tories Tories supporting the king from Charles II, Irish bandits, became Conservatives Trade Union Congress A coalition of trade unions that has been a major force in British politics. traditional leadership Hereditary ruling family had a right to rule. UK Independence Party Focused more on opposition to Britains membership in EU. unitary government Political authority centralized in London-based govt. PM not directly elected by ppl but is a MP. PM speaks for all members of parliament, chooses cabinet ministers and subordinate posts, makes decisions in the cabinet with agreement of ministers, and campaigns and represents party in parliamentary elections. vote of confidence A vote on a key issue, if issue not supported, members of the cabinet resign immediately and elections for new MPs must be held. welfare state Government has responsibility to provide public benefits, such as education, health care, and transportation. National Health Service falls into this category. Whigs Whigs opposing the king, started with Charles II, Scottish bandits, became Liberals.

European Union Commission 27 members, 1 per each country, supported by bureaucracy. Each commissioner takes responsibility for a particular area of policy, each heads a dept called Directorate General. Commission headed by prez, swear an oath to the EU. Together, supposed to initiate and implement new programs, form an executive.

Common Market Informal name for EEC. Council of Ministers Consists of all the leaders of the countries, legislation is passed through here. Each minister gets to prez every 13 years, and they hold meetings as the European Council. crisis management Council put this at core of development of common security and defense of EU members. Crises defined as humanitarian, rescue, and peacemaking tasks. Democratic deficit Loss of direct control of political decisions by the people, is feared because of integration. EC (European Community) Established in 1965, expanded EEC to beyond economics, unified approach to atomic energy. Development limited by disagreements of how much power to be given. EEC (European Economic Community) Established by the Treaty of Rome, informally named the Common Market in 1957 Provisions for elimination of all tariffs between Euro nations and creation of new ones. Enlargement fatigue People are not as willing to enlarge the EU because there arent that much more benefits to doing so. European Central Bank Bank has supranational authority to influence the economic policies of the member-states European Constitution 2004, meant for replacing the overlapping set of treaties that govern interactions. In process of ratification, member-states keep delaying. European Council Heads of the Council of ministers convene every 6 months as the European Council. European Court of Justice Supreme Court of the EU, has power of judicial review, decisions may limit national sovereignty. Has broad jurisdiction, hears cases on disagreements among commissioners, council of ministers, and MEPs Can also settle disputes among member nations, private companies, and individuals, 27 members. European Parliament Does not have a great deal of legislative power, members(MEP) directly elected by the people of their own countries, may propose amendments to legislations, may reject proposals from Council, Council may override with unanimous vote. Weakest of the bodies. European Monetary Union Has the power to set basic interest rates and other fiscal policies. EU 1991 Maastricht Treaty established EU, gave it authority in new areas such as monetary policy, foreign affairs, national security, transportation, the environment, justice and tourism. Important goal was to coordinate economic policies through a common currency, euro. Farm subsidies Guarantees of selling goods at high prices. So far, very expensive, have yet to improve farm efficiency. Free movement Involved setting policy regarding visas, asylum, and immigration integration A process that encourages states to pool their sovereignty in order to gain political, economic, and social clout. Lisbon Treaty Document that attempted to consolidate previous treaties in force (12/2007) A strengthening role for the European Parliament, giving new powers over EU legislation which puts it on equal footing with European Council, new rights in farm subsidy policies, border controls, asylums, and integration and more say over the EU budget, only subservient to areas in tax and foreign policy. A greater involvement of national parliaments Clarification of the relationship between member-states and the EU, more clearly delineate realms of responsibility of the EU.

Withdrawal from the EU. The creation of a permanent president of the EU, 2 term of office. Introduction of a Charter of Fundamental Rights: civil, political, economic, and social rights. Maastricht Treaty Treaty established the EU, has three pillars or spheres of authority MEPs Members of European Parliament, directly elected by people of their countries. mixed economy Government controls some parts of economy, still capitalist. monetary policy Control of the money supply. Euro is generally stronger than most newer members currencies. Requirements for EU membership A stable and function democratic regime A market-oriented economy Willingness to accept all EU laws and regulations. social market economy Team oriented and emphasizes cooperation between management and organized labor Used in Western Europe, provides a stronger economic safety net. supranational organization An organization that integrates a group of things. (UN, EU) three pillars Trade and other economic matters, the euro, and the creation of a European Central Bank Justice and home affairs, policy governing asylum, border crossing, immigration, and judicial cooperation on crime and terrorism. Common foreign and security policy, including join positions and actions and common defense policy. Treaty of Amsterdam Set major policy initiatives for judicial affairs, main pt was to establish free movement within the Union. Defined cooperation among national police forces and judicial authorities in combating crime.

Communist and Post-Communist Countries bourgeoisie Owners of factories and other means of production. BRIC Fast growing economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. Growing so fast, may overtake combined economies of richest countries by 2050. central planning Ownership of private property and market mechanism were replaced with allocation of resources by the state bureaucracy. Communist economies experience problems- Logistical difficulties, management of economy takes more work and energy than market economy which does so spontaneously. Lack of worker incentives, workers dont fear losing their jobs, factories dont worry about going out of business. The Communist Manifesto First interpretation of history and vision for the future in 1848. Saw capitalism as an economic system that exploited workers and increased gap btwn rich and poor. Believed proletariat would overcome bourgeoisie and social class would disappear as ownership of private property would be banned. Equality and cooperation. co-optation Allocation of power throughout various political, social, and economic institutions. democratic centralism Rule by a few for the good of the many. Maoism Also believes in equality and cooperation, but preserves peasant based society.

market-based socialism Allows for significant infusion of capitalism into the system. Marxism The view that capitalism is bad and economic equality and no social class is better. Communism sprouted from here, encouraging equality and cooperation, w/o greed and strife, governments not necessary. Marxism-Leninism Thought revolution would happen in industrialized, capitalist societies, happened in Russia first Lenin believed tsar had to be overthrown, Russia peasants released from oppression. Directed industrialization and agricultural development from a centralized govt, capitalist ventures restricted in soviet union. nomenklatura Recruitment of elites through this, or the process of filling influential jobs in the state, society, or the economy with people approved and chosen by the Communist Party. Includes political jobs and all top positions in other areas, such as university pres, newspaper editors, and military officers. Party approval = party membership. proletariat The working class. social mobility Ability for individuals to change social status over course of lifetime. vanguard of the revolution A group of revolutionary leaders who could provoke the revolution in non-capitalist Russia