Review Module ’ s 1-3

Review Review ModuleModule’’s 1-3s 1-3

AP Comparative GovernmentAP Comparative Government

What is Comparative What is Comparative Government and Politics?Government and Politics?

Government:Government: leadership and leadership and institutions that make policy decisions institutions that make policy decisions for a countryfor a country

PoliticsPolitics: Power: PowerTopics:Topics:1.1. The Comparative MethodThe Comparative Method2.2. Sovereignty, Authority, and PowerSovereignty, Authority, and Power3.3. Political and Economic ChangePolitical and Economic Change4.4. Citizens, Society, and the StateCitizens, Society, and the State5.5. Political InstitutionsPolitical Institutions6.6. Public PolicyPublic Policy

The Comparative Method The Comparative Method Empirical dataEmpirical data: factual statements and statistics: factual statements and statistics Normative issuesNormative issues: require value judgments: require value judgmentsScientific Method:Scientific Method: Hypothesis:Hypothesis: speculative statement speculative statement Variables:Variables: measurable traits that change under measurable traits that change under

different conditions- different conditions- Independent variableIndependent variable is one is one that influences the that influences the Dependent VariableDependent Variable because its because its action depends on the influence of the Independent action depends on the influence of the Independent variable variable

CausationCausation: The idea that one variable influences : The idea that one variable influences anotheranother

Correlation:Correlation: Exists when change in one variable Exists when change in one variable coincides with a change in another coincides with a change in another

The Comparative Method: The Comparative Method: ExampleExample

Why are poverty rates higher in one country than Why are poverty rates higher in one country than in others?in others?

Causation: What causes or influences poverty Causation: What causes or influences poverty to occur?to occur?

Hypothesis: Poverty level (dependent variable) Hypothesis: Poverty level (dependent variable) might be caused by low levels of education might be caused by low levels of education (independent variable). A correlation exists (independent variable). A correlation exists when a change in one variable coincides with a when a change in one variable coincides with a change in the other. Correlations are an change in the other. Correlations are an indication that causality may exist; they do not indication that causality may exist; they do not always indicate causation. always indicate causation.

The Comparative Method: The Comparative Method: Different ApproachesDifferent Approaches

Three World ApproachThree World Approach (Cold War); Democracy (Cold War); Democracy v Authoritarianism; Communism v. Capitalismv Authoritarianism; Communism v. Capitalism

The impact of informal politicsThe impact of informal politics: Connects civil : Connects civil society to the ways that the formal government society to the ways that the formal government operates- shows how beliefs, values, and actions operates- shows how beliefs, values, and actions of ordinary citizens have on policymaking.of ordinary citizens have on policymaking.

The importance of political changeThe importance of political change: 1991: 1991 The integration of political and economic The integration of political and economic

systemssystems: Citizens are affected in many ways by : Citizens are affected in many ways by economic inefficiency and turn to their economic inefficiency and turn to their government for solutions. government for solutions.

The Comparative MethodThe Comparative Method

Advanced DemocraciesAdvanced Democracies (Great (Great Britain)Britain)

Communist and post-communist Communist and post-communist countriescountries (Russia and China) (Russia and China)

Less developedLess developed (Nigeria) and (Nigeria) and newly industrializingnewly industrializing (or (or developing) countries (Mexico, Iran)developing) countries (Mexico, Iran)

Sovereignty, Authority, and Sovereignty, Authority, and Power Power

StateState: The organization that : The organization that maintains a monopoly of violence maintains a monopoly of violence (force) over a territory and include (force) over a territory and include institutions: stable, long lasting institutions: stable, long lasting organizations that help turn political organizations that help turn political ideas into policy.ideas into policy.

A state that lacks sovereignty lacks A state that lacks sovereignty lacks autonomy, and may be exploited.autonomy, and may be exploited.

States, Nations, and States, Nations, and RegimesRegimes

StateState: All individuals and institutions : All individuals and institutions that make public policy, whether they are that make public policy, whether they are in government or not. A geopolitical unit.in government or not. A geopolitical unit.

NationNation: A psychological term to describe : A psychological term to describe attachment or identity rather than a attachment or identity rather than a geopolitical unit such as a state. (Culture)geopolitical unit such as a state. (Culture)

Nation-State:Nation-State: A state whose inhabitants A state whose inhabitants consider themselves to be a nation. consider themselves to be a nation.

Nationalism:Nationalism: The sense of belonging The sense of belonging and identity that distinguishes on nation and identity that distinguishes on nation from another. (patriotism) from another. (patriotism)


Regime:Regime: the rules that a state sets and follows in the rules that a state sets and follows in exerting its powerexerting its power

Democracies: Indirect-Democracies: Indirect- elected officials elected officials representing the people or representing the people or Direct-Direct- individuals have individuals have immediate say over decisionsimmediate say over decisions

Parliamentary SystemsParliamentary Systems: Citizens vote for legislative : Citizens vote for legislative representatives, which in turn select leaders of the representatives, which in turn select leaders of the executive branchexecutive branch

Presidential SystemsPresidential Systems: Citizens vote for legislative : Citizens vote for legislative representatives as well as for the executive branch representatives as well as for the executive branch leadersleaders

Hybrid systemsHybrid systems (semi-presidential): Combine (semi-presidential): Combine elements of a presidential and parliamentary system elements of a presidential and parliamentary system


Authoritarian RegimesAuthoritarian Regimes::1.1. Political elites (1 person, political party, or many Political elites (1 person, political party, or many

people) make decisions. people) make decisions. 2.2. Citizens have little or no input into selection of Citizens have little or no input into selection of

leaders and government decisionsleaders and government decisions3.3. Economy is tightly controlled (communism) and Economy is tightly controlled (communism) and

state corporatismstate corporatism (an arrangement where (an arrangement where government officials interact with people/groups government officials interact with people/groups outside the government before they set policy. outside the government before they set policy. Patron-client systemsPatron-client systems provide reciprocal favors provide reciprocal favors and services to their supporters. and services to their supporters.

4.4. No constitutional responsibility of leaders to the No constitutional responsibility of leaders to the publicpublic

5.5. Restriction of civil rights and liberties Restriction of civil rights and liberties


Totalitarianism:Totalitarianism: Used to describe a Used to describe a repressive, detested, regime. Seek to repressive, detested, regime. Seek to control and transform all aspects of the control and transform all aspects of the political and economic systems of a political and economic systems of a society and have a strong ideological goal.society and have a strong ideological goal.

Military Regimes: Military Regimes: Non-democratic rule. Non-democratic rule. When legitimacy and stability are in When legitimacy and stability are in question (violence), the military may question (violence), the military may intervene. intervene. Coup dCoup d’’etat:etat: forced take over forced take over of government. of government.


Corporatism:Corporatism: A method through which A method through which business, labor, and/or other interest groups business, labor, and/or other interest groups bargain with the state over economic policy. bargain with the state over economic policy. Makes an authoritarian state seem less Makes an authoritarian state seem less controlling.controlling.

A less structured means of A less structured means of co-optationco-optation, or , or the means a regime uses to get support from the means a regime uses to get support from citizens is citizens is patron- clientalism, patron- clientalism, a system in a system in which the state provides specific benefits or which the state provides specific benefits or favors to a single person or small group in favors to a single person or small group in return fro public supportreturn fro public support. .


Pluralism:Pluralism: A basic principle of democracy- A basic principle of democracy- Power is split among many groups that compete Power is split among many groups that compete for the chance to influence the governmentfor the chance to influence the government’’s s decision making.decision making.

Democratic (neo) CorporatismDemocratic (neo) Corporatism: Different from : Different from pluralism:pluralism:

1.1. Pluralism: the formation of interest groups is Pluralism: the formation of interest groups is spontaneous. Corporatism: interest spontaneous. Corporatism: interest representation is institutionalized through representation is institutionalized through recognition of the state.recognition of the state.

2.2. Pluralism: dialogue between state and interest Pluralism: dialogue between state and interest groups is voluntary. Corporatism: organizations groups is voluntary. Corporatism: organizations develop legally binding links with state agencies- develop legally binding links with state agencies- groups become semi-public agencies, which act groups become semi-public agencies, which act on behalf of the state. on behalf of the state.


Legitimacy: The right to ruleLegitimacy: The right to rule1.1. Traditional AuthorityTraditional Authority2.2. Charismatic AuthorityCharismatic Authority3.3. Rational-legal Authority: Common Law- Rational-legal Authority: Common Law-

based on tradition, legal precedents. Code based on tradition, legal precedents. Code law- a comprehensive system of written law- a comprehensive system of written rules (codes)rules (codes)

Factors which contribute to legitimacy:Factors which contribute to legitimacy:Economic well-being, historical tradition, Economic well-being, historical tradition,

charismatic leadership, nationalism/shared charismatic leadership, nationalism/shared political culture, satisfaction with the political culture, satisfaction with the governmentgovernment’’s responsiveness/ performance s responsiveness/ performance


Political Culture and Political IdeologiesPolitical Culture and Political Ideologies Political culture: collection of political beliefs, Political culture: collection of political beliefs,

values, practices and institutions that the values, practices and institutions that the government is based on.government is based on.

Social capital: the amount of reciprocity and trust Social capital: the amount of reciprocity and trust that exists among citizens, and between citizens that exists among citizens, and between citizens and the state. and the state.

Types:Types:1.1. Consensual political culture: accepts both Consensual political culture: accepts both

legitimacy of the regime and solutions to major legitimacy of the regime and solutions to major problemsproblems

2.2. Conflictual political culture: sharply divided on Conflictual political culture: sharply divided on both legitimacy of the regime and solutions to both legitimacy of the regime and solutions to major problems major problems


Political Ideologies:Political Ideologies: Liberalism: economic and political Liberalism: economic and political

freedomfreedom Communism: values equality over freedomCommunism: values equality over freedom Socialism: shares the value of equality Socialism: shares the value of equality

and freedomand freedom Fascism: Limits individual freedoms and Fascism: Limits individual freedoms and

rejects the value of equalityrejects the value of equality Religions: Important source of group Religions: Important source of group

identity; Theocraciesidentity; Theocracies

Political and Economic Political and Economic ChangeChange

Interested in causes and impact on Interested in causes and impact on the various policymaking process the various policymaking process found in the 6 countriesfound in the 6 countries

Overall trend toward changeOverall trend toward change Political and Economic change occur Political and Economic change occur

together and influence one anothertogether and influence one another Tension is created when one occurs Tension is created when one occurs

without the other (China)without the other (China) Can authoritarian governments Can authoritarian governments

effectively guide market economies?effectively guide market economies?


Types of Change:Types of Change:

1.1. ReformReform: Does not advocate the : Does not advocate the overthrow of basic institutions overthrow of basic institutions

2.2. RevolutionRevolution: Advocates the : Advocates the overthrow of basic institutions overthrow of basic institutions

3.3. Coup dCoup d’’etatsetats: Limited. Replace : Limited. Replace leadership of a country with new leadership of a country with new leaders. Instiutions remain intact leaders. Instiutions remain intact


Attitudes Toward ChangeAttitudes Toward Change1.1. RadicalismRadicalism: Rapid, dramatic change must : Rapid, dramatic change must

be made (social/political) Revolution. be made (social/political) Revolution. 2.2. Liberalism:Liberalism: Supports reform and gradual Supports reform and gradual

change rather than revolution change rather than revolution 3.3. ConservatismConservatism: Less supportive of : Less supportive of

change: Resist changechange: Resist change4.4. Reactionary BeliefsReactionary Beliefs: Go further to : Go further to

protect against change than do protect against change than do conservative beliefs- Oppose both conservative beliefs- Oppose both revolution and reform but also find the revolution and reform but also find the status quo unacceptable. Turn back the status quo unacceptable. Turn back the clock to earlier eras and will use violence clock to earlier eras and will use violence if necessary. if necessary.


Three TrendsThree Trends

1.1. DemocratizationDemocratization

2.2. Movement Toward Market Movement Toward Market EconomiesEconomies

3.3. Revival of Ethnic or Cultural Revival of Ethnic or Cultural PoliticsPolitics


DemocratizationDemocratizationLiberal Democracies:Liberal Democracies:1.1. Competitive Elections: Free, fair, and Competitive Elections: Free, fair, and

regularregular2.2. Civil libertiesCivil liberties3.3. Rule of LawRule of Law4.4. Neutrality of the JudiciaryNeutrality of the Judiciary5.5. Open Civil SocietyOpen Civil Society6.6. Civilian Control of the MilitaryCivilian Control of the MilitaryIlliberal democraciesIlliberal democracies are missing all of the are missing all of the

above characteristics above characteristics EXCEPT EXCEPT Competitive elections.Competitive elections.


DemocratizationDemocratization Samuel Huntington: 3Samuel Huntington: 3rdrd wave of wave of

democratization- 1970s- defeat of democratization- 1970s- defeat of dictatorial leaders in Africa and S. Americadictatorial leaders in Africa and S. America

Why has democratization occurred?Why has democratization occurred?1.1. Loss of legitimacy by authoritarian regimesLoss of legitimacy by authoritarian regimes2.2. Expansion of the urban middle classExpansion of the urban middle class3.3. Emphasis on Human RightsEmphasis on Human Rights4.4. Snowball effect- when one becomes Snowball effect- when one becomes

democratic others will followdemocratic others will followRevolution of rising expectations Revolution of rising expectations


Movement Toward Market Economies Movement Toward Market Economies 1.1. Belief that government is too bigBelief that government is too big2.2. Lack of success of command economies Lack of success of command economies Command economies-Command economies- socialist principles of socialist principles of

centralized planning and state ownershipcentralized planning and state ownership Market economy-Market economy- One that is based on free One that is based on free

market controlsmarket controls Mixed economyMixed economy – Shares the principles of both – Shares the principles of both

command and market economiescommand and market economies MarketizationMarketization: state: state’’s re-creation of a market s re-creation of a market

in which property, labor, services, and goods all in which property, labor, services, and goods all function in a competitive environmentfunction in a competitive environment

PrivatizationPrivatization: the transfer of state-owned : the transfer of state-owned property to private ownership property to private ownership


Revival of Ethnic or Cultural PoliticsRevival of Ethnic or Cultural Politics Fragmentation: divisions based on Fragmentation: divisions based on

ethnic or cultural identityethnic or cultural identity Nationalism: identities based on Nationalism: identities based on

nationhoodnationhood Politicization of ReligionPoliticization of Religion

The revival of ethnic or cultural politics The revival of ethnic or cultural politics tends to emphasize differences among tends to emphasize differences among nations rather than commonalities.nations rather than commonalities.

Citizens, Society, and the Citizens, Society, and the StateState

Social CleavagesSocial Cleavages are those facets of society that are those facets of society that interact with the political system and have interact with the political system and have tremendous impact on policy making. (religion, tremendous impact on policy making. (religion, ethnic groups, race, social and economic classes) ethnic groups, race, social and economic classes)

1.1. Bases of Social Cleavages: Mix of classes, etc? Bases of Social Cleavages: Mix of classes, etc? How deep are the cleavages? How do they How deep are the cleavages? How do they separate society? Which cleavages are most separate society? Which cleavages are most influential on policymaking?influential on policymaking?

2.2. Cleavages and Political Institutions: How are Cleavages and Political Institutions: How are cleavages expressed in the political system? Party cleavages expressed in the political system? Party membership based on cleavages? Do elites come membership based on cleavages? Do elites come from one main group or many? Do these cleavages from one main group or many? Do these cleavages block some groups from participation in the block some groups from participation in the political system? political system?


Comparing Citizen/State Relationships Comparing Citizen/State Relationships 1.1. Attitudes and beliefs of the citizens Attitudes and beliefs of the citizens

(political efficacy)(political efficacy)2.2. Political Socialization (How do Political Socialization (How do

citizens learn about government)citizens learn about government)3.3. Types of political participationTypes of political participation4.4. Voting BehaviorVoting Behavior5.5. Factors that influence political Factors that influence political

beliefs and behaviorsbeliefs and behaviors


Social Movements: Organized collective Social Movements: Organized collective activities which bring about or resist activities which bring about or resist change in an existing group or society change in an existing group or society

Civil Society: Organizations outside of Civil Society: Organizations outside of the government that help people define the government that help people define and advance their own interests. Helps and advance their own interests. Helps define the peopledefine the people’’s relationship role in s relationship role in politics and community affairs. politics and community affairs. Prevents tyranny of the majority. Prevents tyranny of the majority.


Global Civil Society: Led by human Global Civil Society: Led by human rights and environmental groupsrights and environmental groups

Global Cosmopolitanism: A Global Cosmopolitanism: A universal political order that draws universal political order that draws its identity and values from its identity and values from everywhere.everywhere.

Authoritarian states do not foster Authoritarian states do not foster civil society.civil society.

Political InstitutionsPolitical Institutions

Political Institutions: Structures of a Political Institutions: Structures of a political system that carry out the work of political system that carry out the work of governing.governing.

Levels of Government:Levels of Government:

1.1. Unitary: policymaking powers are in one Unitary: policymaking powers are in one central, geographic location.central, geographic location.

2.2. Confederal: Spreads the power among many Confederal: Spreads the power among many sub-units (states) and has a weak central sub-units (states) and has a weak central governmentgovernment

3.3. Federal: Divides the power between the Federal: Divides the power between the central government and sub-units. central government and sub-units.


ContinuumContinuum

Unitary System Federal System Unitary System Federal System Confederal SystemConfederal System

Most concentrated Most concentrated Least Least

Political InstitutionsPolitical Institutions Supranational Organizations: Go beyond Supranational Organizations: Go beyond

natural boundaries- NATO, NAFTA, OPEC, natural boundaries- NATO, NAFTA, OPEC, United NationsUnited Nations

Globalization: an integration of social, Globalization: an integration of social, environmental, economic, technological, and environmental, economic, technological, and cultural activities of nations that has resulted cultural activities of nations that has resulted from increasing international contacts from increasing international contacts

Effects: Internationalizes domestic issues and Effects: Internationalizes domestic issues and events. Counter Trend- fragmentation- a events. Counter Trend- fragmentation- a tendency for people to base their loyalty on tendency for people to base their loyalty on language, ethnicity, religion, or cultural language, ethnicity, religion, or cultural identity.identity.

Political InstitutionsPolitical Institutions Challenges to the Nation-State Configuration: Challenges to the Nation-State Configuration:

Power of supranational organizationsPower of supranational organizations Centripetal ForcesCentripetal Forces: Bind together the people : Bind together the people

of a state and give it strength. Nationalism is of a state and give it strength. Nationalism is developed by states through: symbols, rituals, developed by states through: symbols, rituals, flags, holidays, institutions, infrastructure, and flags, holidays, institutions, infrastructure, and the media.the media.

Centrifugal ForcesCentrifugal Forces: Oppose centripetal : Oppose centripetal forces. Weak, authoritarian states may forces. Weak, authoritarian states may promote extreme nationalism or separatist promote extreme nationalism or separatist movements. Devolution may occur to diffuse movements. Devolution may occur to diffuse tensions, whereby a unitary state (United tensions, whereby a unitary state (United Kingdom) may decentralize decision making to Kingdom) may decentralize decision making to regional governments (Scotland and Wales). regional governments (Scotland and Wales).

Political InstitutionsPolitical Institutions Devolution is a response to centrifugal Devolution is a response to centrifugal

forces. 3 types:forces. 3 types:1.1. Ethnic Forces: Ethno nationalism is the Ethnic Forces: Ethno nationalism is the

tendency for an ethnic group to see itself as tendency for an ethnic group to see itself as a distinct nation with a right to autonomy a distinct nation with a right to autonomy (Northern Ireland, UK and Chechnya, (Northern Ireland, UK and Chechnya, Russia)Russia)

2.2. Economic Forces: Regional economic Economic Forces: Regional economic inequalities (Northern Italy with Southern inequalities (Northern Italy with Southern Italy)Italy)

3.3. Spatial Forces: Devolution occurs in the Spatial Forces: Devolution occurs in the outer regions of the state (Tibet, China?) outer regions of the state (Tibet, China?)

Political InstitutionsPolitical InstitutionsExecutivesExecutives Head of State: A role that symbolizes and represents Head of State: A role that symbolizes and represents

the people and may or may not have policymaking the people and may or may not have policymaking powerpower

Head of Government: Deals with the everyday tasks of Head of Government: Deals with the everyday tasks of running the state and usually directs the activities of running the state and usually directs the activities of other members of the executive branch.other members of the executive branch.

Functions: Chief executive is the most important Functions: Chief executive is the most important person in the policymaking process. Presidential person in the policymaking process. Presidential system, president has veto power, Parliamentary system, president has veto power, Parliamentary system the president has no veto power. system the president has no veto power.

Cabinet: Parliamentary system, the cabinet is the Cabinet: Parliamentary system, the cabinet is the most important collective decision-making body, its most important collective decision-making body, its ministers are leaders of the majority party, and is led ministers are leaders of the majority party, and is led by the prime minister. Presidential system, the by the prime minister. Presidential system, the president appoints the cabinet, and its members are president appoints the cabinet, and its members are not from the legislature, but the president may have not from the legislature, but the president may have them removed. them removed.

Political InstitutionsPolitical Institutions Bureaucracies: Agencies that implement Bureaucracies: Agencies that implement

government policy (executive branch of government policy (executive branch of government)government)

Max Weber:Max Weber:1.1. Hierarchical authority structureHierarchical authority structure2.2. Task specializationTask specialization3.3. Extensive rulesExtensive rules4.4. Clear goalsClear goals5.5. The merit principleThe merit principle6.6. ImpersonalityImpersonality

Political InstitutionsPolitical Institutions Bureaucracies in Democracies: Discretionary Bureaucracies in Democracies: Discretionary

Power- The power to make small decisions Power- The power to make small decisions implementing legislative and executive decisions.implementing legislative and executive decisions.

Bureaucracies in Authoritarian Regimes: Head Bureaucracies in Authoritarian Regimes: Head of government exercises complete control over of government exercises complete control over the bureaucracy.the bureaucracy.

Common Characteristics of Bureaucracies: Common Characteristics of Bureaucracies: 1.1. Non-elected positionsNon-elected positions2.2. Impersonal, efficient structuresImpersonal, efficient structures3.3. Formal qualifications for jobsFormal qualifications for jobs4.4. Hierarchical organizationHierarchical organization5.5. Red tape/ineficiency Red tape/ineficiency

Political InstitutionsPolitical Institutions Legislatures: Branch of government that makes Legislatures: Branch of government that makes

laws.laws. Bicameral: Two houses (most common) Upper Bicameral: Two houses (most common) Upper

house represents regional governments and local house represents regional governments and local interests. Other chamber determined by interests. Other chamber determined by population population

Unicameral: One houseUnicameral: One house Functions: Members formulate, debate, and vote Functions: Members formulate, debate, and vote

on policies and control the budget. Some may on policies and control the budget. Some may appoint members to the other branches or even appoint members to the other branches or even serve (UK) as the court of appeals. May also serve (UK) as the court of appeals. May also play a major role in elite recruitment of future play a major role in elite recruitment of future leaders leaders


Judiciaries: Roles vary considerably from one Judiciaries: Roles vary considerably from one state to another.state to another.

Authoritarian: Courts have little to no Authoritarian: Courts have little to no authority/independence.authority/independence.

Democratic: Offer a constitutional court which Democratic: Offer a constitutional court which serves to defend the democratic principles of a serves to defend the democratic principles of a state. Judicial Review, or the mechanism that state. Judicial Review, or the mechanism that allows the courts to review laws and executive allows the courts to review laws and executive actions for their constitutionality. Judges in actions for their constitutionality. Judges in the US are not directly elected, so they do not the US are not directly elected, so they do not represent the direct will of the people. Weak represent the direct will of the people. Weak branch in most countries. branch in most countries.


Linkage Institutions: Groups that connect the Linkage Institutions: Groups that connect the government to its citizens. (political parties, government to its citizens. (political parties, interest groups, and print and electronic media)interest groups, and print and electronic media)

Parties: Parties: 1.1. Bring different people together and ideas Bring different people together and ideas

together to establish the means by which the together to establish the means by which the majority can rule.majority can rule.

2.2. Provide labels for candidates that help citizens Provide labels for candidates that help citizens decide how to vote.decide how to vote.

3.3. Hold politicians accountable to the electorate Hold politicians accountable to the electorate and/or political elite.and/or political elite.

Most democracies have multi-party systems Most democracies have multi-party systems (parliamentary systems); the two party system (parliamentary systems); the two party system in the US is not common. The plurality of the in the US is not common. The plurality of the electorate is main reason for the two party electorate is main reason for the two party system in the US. system in the US.

Political InstitutionsPolitical Institutions Electoral SystemsElectoral Systems: Rules that decide how votes are : Rules that decide how votes are

cast, counted, and translated into seats in a legislature.cast, counted, and translated into seats in a legislature. Democracies: All divide their populations by electoral Democracies: All divide their populations by electoral

boundaries. boundaries. Arrangements: Arrangements: First-pat-the-postFirst-pat-the-post divide their divide their

constituencies into constituencies into single-member districtssingle-member districts in which in which candidates compete for a single representatives seat. candidates compete for a single representatives seat. Also called Also called plurality systemplurality system, or , or winner-take-all winner-take-all systemsystem (don (don’’t need a majority to win, only the most t need a majority to win, only the most votes ). votes ). Proportional RepresentationProportional Representation creates multi- creates multi-party districts in which more than one legislative seat is party districts in which more than one legislative seat is contested in each district. Voters cast ballots for a contested in each district. Voters cast ballots for a party, not a candidate and the percentage of votes a party, not a candidate and the percentage of votes a party receives determines how many seats the party will party receives determines how many seats the party will gain in the legislature. Russia and Mexico use a mixed gain in the legislature. Russia and Mexico use a mixed system. system.

Political InstitutionsPolitical Institutions Presidential System- directly elects the Presidential System- directly elects the

president, Parliamentary system, the president, Parliamentary system, the prime minister is elected by the prime minister is elected by the legislature.legislature.

Elections found in democracies:Elections found in democracies:1.1. Election of Public Officials: Legislators Election of Public Officials: Legislators

and other officials.and other officials.2.2. Referendum: Allows the public to vote on Referendum: Allows the public to vote on

particular policy issues. Plebiscite: A particular policy issues. Plebiscite: A ballot to consult public opinion in a non-ballot to consult public opinion in a non-binding way.binding way.

3.3. Initiative: A vote on a policy that is Initiative: A vote on a policy that is initiated by the people. initiated by the people.

Political InstitutionsPolitical Institutions Interest Groups: Organizations of like-

minded people whose goal is to influence and shape public policy.

Types: Occupations, labor, business interests, agriculture, community action, or advocacy for a cause and may be organized at the national, state or local level. Many are non-political.

Power: Determined by how much autonomy the group has from the government.

Political InstitutionsPolitical Institutions Interest Groups in authoritarian systems: Groups Interest Groups in authoritarian systems: Groups

serve as a vehicle for the transmission of ideology and serve as a vehicle for the transmission of ideology and are chosen by the political elite.are chosen by the political elite.

Interest Group Pluralism: Found in Western Industrial Interest Group Pluralism: Found in Western Industrial democracies and guard their independence b selecting democracies and guard their independence b selecting their own leaders and raising their own funds. These their own leaders and raising their own funds. These groups are always competing for control over policy.groups are always competing for control over policy.

Corporatism: Fewer groups compete than in Corporatism: Fewer groups compete than in pluralism, one for each sector. (labor, agriculture, and pluralism, one for each sector. (labor, agriculture, and management) The groupmanagement) The group’’s monopoly over its sector is s monopoly over its sector is approved by the state and sometimes protected by the approved by the state and sometimes protected by the state. 2 types:state. 2 types:

1.1. State Corporatism: State determines which groups State Corporatism: State determines which groups are brought inare brought in

2.2. Societal Corporatism (neocorporatism): Interest Societal Corporatism (neocorporatism): Interest groups dominate the state. groups dominate the state.

Public PolicyPublic Policy

Common Policy Issues:Common Policy Issues:

1.1. Economic Performance: Gross Domestic Economic Performance: Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Gross National Product Product (GDP), Gross National Product (GNP), GNP or GDP per capita, and (GNP), GNP or GDP per capita, and Purchasing Power Parity. Purchasing Power Parity.

2.2. Social Welfare: The Gini Index, The Social Welfare: The Gini Index, The Human Development Index (HDI)Human Development Index (HDI)

3.3. Civil liberties, rights and freedoms: Civil liberties, rights and freedoms: Freedom HouseFreedom House

4.4. Environment: Green partiesEnvironment: Green parties

Documents

Review Module ’ s 1-3