Introduction to Comparative Politics COUNTRIES OF STUDY GREAT

Introduction to Comparative Politics COUNTRIES OF STUDY: GREAT BRITAIN RUSSIA CHINA IRAN MEXICO NIGERIA

Comparative Politics Defined Systematic study and comparison of the world’s political systems Seeks to explain similarities and differences among countries Explores patterns, processes, and regularities among political systems

Why Study Comparative Politics? Helps overcome enthnocentrism (my country is best syndrome!) To understand how nations change and patterns that occur Necessary for the understanding of international and foreign policy It’s fun! And exciting! And part of AP Government!

Themes of Study: Globalization

Themes of Study: What defines a country? 1. Class 2. Geographic Region – – Where in the world? (neighbors, geographic terrain) Resources 3. Religion – – Clerical: supports a national religion (could be a theocracy or not) Anti-clerical: does not support a national religion 4. Urban vs. Rural – – Basis of economy Differences among society 5. Ideology about Government

Themes of Study: Crises in Nation Building 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Identity Legitimacy Penetration Participation Distribution

#1 Identity How do the people define themselves? What makes them distinct? How is the government defined? a. Democracy v. Authoritarian b. Presidential v. Parliamentary c. Unitary v. Federal v. Confederal

Identity: Democracy v. Authoritarian • Democracies include the following: – – – Free and fair competitive elections Political parties are free to organize; opposition parties retain their rights Policy-making through specific procedures that provide due process and accountability Citizens have political and civil rights An independent judiciary (Also, civilian control of the military) Consolidated Democracy: A government that adheres to all 5 characteristics (U. S. . Great Britain) Transitional Democracy: A newly established government that has the façade of democracy but often violates the checklist (Russia, Nigeria, Mexico) Authoritarian: Lacks the elements on the checklist (Iran, China)

Identity: Presidential v. Parliamentary Democracies • Parliamentary-A government that consists of a head of state and a head of government (Great Britain) • Presidential-A government that consists of one head (President) separate from the legislature (U. S. , Mexico, Nigeria) • Semi-Presidential-A government that consists of elements of a parliamentary and presidential system (hybrid) with a PM and President (Russia)

Identity: Unitary vs. Federal vs. Confederal Systems Who has the power? Unitary: concentrates policymaking power in one place Federal: distinctive division of power Confederal (confederation): spreads power among many subunits (or states)

Identity: Liberal vs. Illiberal Democracy Liberal Democracy = Competitive elections PLUS Civil liberties Rule of law Neutrality of judiciary Open civil society Civilian control of the military Illiberal Democracy = Competitive elections without the above criteria

# 2 Legitimacy Describe as the “right to rule” Factors that contribute to legitimacy: economic well-being Historical tradition Charismatic leadership Nationalism/shared political culture Satisfaction with government’s performance

Themes of Study: Ideology and Nation-Building Critical Questions: How are governments defined? Is the government “legitimate? ”