AP Comp Gov democratization and regime types key terms

What is democratization?

The transition from an authoritarian regime to a democratic one, characterized by the establishment of democratic institutions and practices.

True or False: Democratization is always a peaceful process.

False. Democratization can involve violence, civil unrest, or revolutions as seen in various historical contexts.

Define 'liberal democracy.'

A form of government that emphasizes individual rights, free and fair elections, and the rule of law, often with protections for minorities.

Fill in the blank: ____________ refers to the process of citizens actively participating in governance.

Political participation.

What are the stages of democratization?

1. Liberalization 2. Transition 3. Consolidation

What is 'authoritarianism'?

A political system where a single authority or party controls power, limiting political freedoms and civil rights.

Compare 'transitional democracy' and 'consolidated democracy.'

Transitional democracy is in the process of democratization; consolidated democracy has stable democratic institutions and practices.

What does 'political culture' refer to?

The shared attitudes, values, and beliefs about politics within a society that influence its democratic development.

True or False: Economic development hinders democratization.

False. Economic development is often linked to increased democratization due to the growth of a middle class and better education.

What is 'civil society'?

Organizations and institutions that operate independently of the government, fostering public participation and advocacy for democratic values.

Cause → Effect: What does increased education lead to in democratization?

Increased education leads to greater political awareness and participation, which can strengthen democratic practices.

What role do elections play in democratization?

Elections provide a mechanism for public choice, accountability, and legitimacy in governance, essential for democratic systems.

Define 'political pluralism.'

A system where multiple groups and parties coexist and compete for power, essential for a democratic society.

Fill in the blank: ____________ are often the first step in a democratization process.

Political reforms.

What does 'rule of law' mean?

The principle that all individuals and institutions are accountable to the law, which is applied equally to all.

True or False: International pressure can influence democratization.

True. External factors, such as foreign aid and diplomatic pressure, can promote or hinder democratization efforts.

What defines a democracy?

A democracy is defined by the presence of free and fair elections, political pluralism, and protection of civil liberties.

True or False: An authoritarian regime allows multiple political parties.

False. Authoritarian regimes typically limit political pluralism and often have a single dominant party.

Describe a totalitarian regime.

Totalitarian regimes seek to control all aspects of public and private life. Characteristics include: - Centralized control - State propaganda - Suppression of dissent.

Fill in the blank: A _____ regime has limited political freedoms but allows some social liberties.

hybrid

What is a theocracy?

A theocracy is a regime where religious leaders control the government, and laws are based on religious principles.

Compare a parliamentary system to a presidential system.

Parliamentary: - Executive derives from legislature - May have coalition governments. Presidential: - Separate election of executive - Fixed terms.

What characterizes an authoritarian regime?

Authoritarian regimes are characterized by: - Concentration of power - Limited political freedoms - Suppression of opposition.

True or False: In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch has absolute power.

False. In a constitutional monarchy, the power of the monarch is limited by law or a constitution.

What is a single-party state?

A single-party state is a political system where one political party controls the government, and other parties are banned or excluded.

Describe a military regime.

Military regimes are characterized by: - Control by military leaders - Suspension of civil liberties - Often result from coups.

Fill in the blank: A _____ democracy features a system where citizens directly participate in decision-making.

direct

What distinguishes a federal system from a unitary system?

Federal systems distribute power across multiple levels of government; unitary systems centralize authority in a single national government.

True or False: Liberal democracies prioritize individual rights and freedoms.

True. Liberal democracies emphasize civil liberties, rule of law, and protection of minority rights.

What is a dominant-party system?

A dominant-party system is where multiple parties exist, but one party consistently wins elections, often leading to limited competition.

Describe a participatory democracy.

Participatory democracy emphasizes broad participation in decision-making, often through local assemblies or direct votes.

What is an oligarchy?

An oligarchy is a regime where power resides in a small group of people, often distinguished by wealth or social status.

Fill in the blank: A _____ regime is characterized by significant public participation but lacks full democratic standards.

illiberal

How does a confederal system differ from a federal system?

In a confederal system, member states retain most of the power, while a federal system has shared powers between national and state governments.

What is a bureaucratic authoritarian regime?

A bureaucratic authoritarian regime is characterized by rule by elites in a bureaucratic framework, often with a focus on economic development at the expense of political freedoms.

True or False: Socialism can coexist with democratic governance.

True. Democratic socialism seeks to combine political democracy with social ownership of the means of production.

Political Transition

The process of changing from one political regime to another, often involving significant changes in governance.

True or False: Political transitions are always peaceful.

False. Political transitions can be violent, as seen in revolutions and civil wars.

What is a coup d'état?

An illegal seizure of power, typically by a small group. Examples include military takeovers.

Fill in the blank: __________ can hinder political transition by fostering instability.

Corruption

Revolution vs. Reform: What's the difference?

Revolution: drastic change; Reform: gradual change. Both aim for political improvement.

What is a transitional government?

A temporary governing body that leads a country from one regime to another, often after a coup or revolution.

Cause → Effect: What causes democratization?

Economic development often leads to democratization, as wealth can create a middle class that demands political rights.

What role do civil society organizations play in political transitions?

They mobilize citizens, advocate for change, and provide frameworks for political engagement.

True or False: External influences do not impact political transitions.

False. External pressures, like sanctions or support, can significantly impact political transitions.

What is regime change?

The replacement of one government regime with another, which can occur through legal means, revolutions, or military actions.

Examples of political transitions: Name two.

- South Africa post-apartheid - Tunisia post-Arab Spring

What is state capacity?

The ability of a government to implement policies and maintain order, critical during political transitions.

What is political participation?

Political participation refers to the ways in which individuals engage in politics and influence decision-making. Examples include voting, campaigning, and activism.

True or False: Civil society is solely about government organizations.

False. Civil society includes non-governmental organizations, community groups, and social movements that engage citizens in political processes.

Fill in the blank: __________ is the act of voting in elections.

Voting.

How does political participation impact democracy?

Higher political participation strengthens democracy by promoting representation, accountability, and civic engagement.

What distinguishes formal from informal political participation?

Formal participation: voting, running for office. Informal participation: protests, social media advocacy.

What role does civil society play in political participation?

Civil society fosters engagement by mobilizing citizens, promoting awareness, and creating networks for collective action.

Cause → Effect: Increased voter turnout leads to __________.

More representative political outcomes.

Which is an example of political participation?

- Joining a political party - Attending town hall meetings - Signing a petition - Volunteering for a campaign