AP Comp Gov legitimacy and sovereignty cheat sheet

What is political legitimacy?

The general belief that a government's rule is justified and accepted by its people.

Types of legitimacy: Traditional

Based on established customs and practices. Examples: - Monarchies - Tribal systems

Types of legitimacy: Charismatic

Based on the personal appeal and extraordinary qualities of a leader. Example: - Revolutionary leaders

Types of legitimacy: Legal-rational

Based on laws and procedures. Example: - Democratic governments following constitutions

True or False: Legitimacy only matters in democracies.

False. Legitimacy is crucial in all forms of government to maintain stability.

What can undermine legitimacy?

Factors include: - Corruption - Violations of rights - Lack of representation

Fill in the blank: Legitimacy can lead to __________.

stability and social order.

Question: How does legitimacy affect compliance?

Higher legitimacy typically results in greater public compliance with laws.

What is a source of legal-rational legitimacy?

Constitutions and legal frameworks that provide clear rules for governance.

Comparison: Traditional vs. Charismatic legitimacy

Traditional: - Inherited - Stability Charismatic: - Personal - Volatile

Example of legitimacy failure.

The Arab Spring showed how perceived illegitimacy can lead to widespread protests.

What is popular legitimacy?

Legitimacy derived from the consent and support of the governed population.

Cause → Effect: High legitimacy leads to...

...lower likelihood of rebellion and greater governmental stability.

True or False: Legitimacy is static.

False. Legitimacy can change over time based on public perception and actions.

Question: How is legitimacy measured?

Through public opinion surveys, electoral turnout, and civic engagement levels.

What role does ideology play in legitimacy?

Ideologies can justify the authority of a regime and shape perceptions of its legitimacy.

Define sovereignty.

Sovereignty is the authority of a state to govern itself or another state, free from external interference.

True or False: A state can lose sovereignty.

True. States may lose sovereignty through external pressures, such as colonization or international treaties.

What is the difference between de jure and de facto sovereignty?

De jure sovereignty refers to legal recognition of authority, while de facto sovereignty refers to actual control and governance.

Fill in the blank: __________ is the ability of a state to exercise power independently.

Sovereignty.

List two challenges to state sovereignty.

- Globalization - International organizations (e.g., UN, EU)

What effect does globalization have on sovereignty?

Globalization can dilute state sovereignty by increasing external influences and interdependence among states.

What are the two main types of sovereignty?

Internal sovereignty (authority within state) and external sovereignty (recognition by other states).

True or False: All states have equal sovereignty.

False. Sovereignty can vary in strength and recognition among states, influencing international relations.

How does international law impact sovereignty?

International law can constrain state actions, requiring compliance with treaties and norms that limit absolute sovereignty.

Question: What role do non-state actors play in sovereignty?

Non-state actors can challenge state sovereignty by influencing policy, providing services, or advocating for rights.

Define the term 'sovereign state'.

A sovereign state is a political entity that has full control over its territory and is recognized by other states.

What is a practical example of sovereignty being challenged?

The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 challenged Ukraine's sovereignty and led to international disputes.

Comparison: National sovereignty vs. Global governance.

National sovereignty prioritizes state authority; global governance focuses on collective management across borders.

Fill in the blank: The principle of __________ asserts that states have the right to govern themselves.

sovereign equality.

List one reason for a loss of sovereignty.

- Civil war - External military intervention

What is self-determination?

Self-determination is the principle that nations have the right to freely choose their sovereignty and political status.

What is the legitimacy of the UK government?

Based on constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. Citizens accept authority through tradition and electoral participation.

True or False: Russia has high legitimacy.

False. Legitimacy is questioned due to political repression, lack of free elections, and corruption.

What factors contribute to Nigeria's legitimacy?

Ethnic diversity and colonial legacy challenge legitimacy. Federalism and electoral systems are key issues.

Compare sovereignty in China and Taiwan.

China claims sovereignty over Taiwan, while Taiwan operates as a separate government with its own institutions.

Fill in the blank: Iran's legitimacy largely stems from _____.

Islamic principles and theocratic governance.

What is the effect of corruption on legitimacy in Mexico?

Erodes trust in government, leading to public disillusionment and lower electoral participation.

How does Argentina's history affect its sovereignty?

Historical military coups and external debt crises challenge stable governance and citizen trust.

True or False: South Africa uses a system of checks and balances.

True. It has a strong constitution protecting rights and balancing power among branches.

What role does nationalism play in India's legitimacy?

Nationalism unites diverse groups under a common identity, enhancing governmental legitimacy despite regional conflicts.

Compare legitimacy in Germany and Venezuela.

Germany has strong legitimacy through democratic processes; Venezuela’s legitimacy is undermined by authoritarian practices.

What is the significance of the EU for UK sovereignty?

EU membership involved shared sovereignty, but Brexit emphasizes a desire for national sovereignty.

Effect of civil war on legitimacy in Syria?

Civil war has led to fragmented authority, reducing legitimacy of the Assad regime and increasing opposition.

Fill in the blank: Japan’s sovereignty is challenged by _____.

Regional tensions, especially with North Korea and China.

What is the legitimacy source in Cuba?

Cuba’s legitimacy is based on revolutionary ideology and control over political expression.

True or False: France's legitimacy is solely based on its historical monarchy.

False. Modern legitimacy stems from democratic ideals and secularism, not monarchy.

What factors challenge legitimacy in Belarus?

Authoritarian rule, lack of freedoms, and disputed elections undermine public trust in the government.