Comparative Government

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Sovereignty:

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the ability of states to carry out actions or policies within a territory independently from external or internal rivals.

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Politics:

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is defined as the struggle in any group for power that will give one or more people the ability to make decisions for the larger group.

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Comparative Politics:

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is a subfield that compares the struggle (explained in the politics definition) across countries.

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Comparative Method:

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a way to make comparisons across cases and draw conclusions by comparing 2 or more countries.

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Quantitative Method:

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the method that relies on statistical data (such as taxation or voter turnout) from a range of countries to construct hypotheses about politics

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Qualitative Method:

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method that underscores that one cannot truly understand a country or region unless one is stepped in its history and culture.

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Modernization theory:

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Theory that states that as societies develop, they will become capitalist democracies, converging around a shared set of values and characteristics.

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Institutions:

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organizations or activities that are self-perpetuating and valued for their own sake. They play and important role in defining and shaping what is possible and probable in political life by laying out the rules, norms, and structures through which we operate.

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sovereignty

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The ability of a state to carry out actions or policies within a territory independently from external actors or internal rivals.

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regime

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The fundamental rules and norms of politics, embodying long-term goals regarding individual freedom and collective equality, where power should reside, and the use of that power.

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government

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The leadership or elite in charge of running the state.

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country

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Term used to refer to state, government, regime, and the people who live within that political system.

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legitimacy

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A value whereby an institution is accepted by the public as right and proper, thus giving it authority and power.

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traditional legitimacy

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Legitimacy that accepts aspects of politics because they have been institutionalized over a long period of time.

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charismatic legitimacy

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Legitimacy built on the force of ideas embodied by an individual leader.

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rational-legal legitimacy

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Legitimacy based on a system of laws and procedures that are highly institutionalized.

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federalism

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A system in which significant state powers, such as taxation, lawmaking, and security, are devolved to regional or local bodies.

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unitary state

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A state in which most political power exists at the national level, with limited local authority.

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federalism

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A system in which significant state powers, such as taxation, lawmaking, and security, are devolved to regional or local bodies.

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unitary state

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A state in which most political power exists at the national level, with limited local authority.

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devolution

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A process in which political power is "sent down" to lower levels of state and government.

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strong state

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A state that is able to fulfill basic tasks, such as defending territory, making and enforcing rules, collecting taxes, and managing the economy.

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weak state

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A state that has difficulty fulfilling basic tasks, such as defending territory, making and enforcing rules, collecting taxes, and managing the economy.