What distinguishes empirical statements from normative statements?
Empirical statements are factual claims based on evidence, normative statements assert value judgments or policy goals.
What is the main use of cross-national data in comparative government?
To identify political and social problems, evaluate policies, and recommend reforms.
What does political culture consist of?
Norms, values, and expectations about how political power should be obtained and exercised.
In systems theory, what enters the political system as inputs?
Demands and support.
In systems theory, what do state institutions produce?
Policy outputs.
What role do citizens, media, and interest groups play in systems theory?
They provide feedback to the political system.
What are linkage institutions?
Institutions connecting citizens to public policymaking, like elections and political parties.
What is the difference between correlation and causation?
Correlation shows variables change together; causation proves one causes significant change in the other.
What defines a state according to Max Weber?
A state has sovereignty and a monopoly on legitimate force over a territory and people.
What is state capacity?
The ability to execute policies effectively.
What is state autonomy?
The ability to implement policies without public support.
What distinguishes a strong state from a weak state?
Strong states execute policies and deliver goods; weak states have limited legitimacy or capacity.
What characterizes a failed state?
It cannot provide basic law and order.
What is legitimacy in political terms?
People's belief that the state has the right to rule and exercise power.
Which types of legitimacy did Max Weber identify?
Traditional, charismatic, and rational-legal legitimacy.
What is a regime?
The fundamental rules and norms for acquiring and using political power.
What distinguishes a unitary state from a federal system?
A unitary state centralizes power nationally; a federal system divides power constitutionally.
What is devolution in political terms?
Devolution is transferring power from central to regional or local governments.
What power does the central government retain in devolution?
The central government can revoke devolved powers.
What do supranational organizations require from sovereign states?
They require states to accept some restrictions on their sovereignty.
How does the European Union exercise authority over member states?
It governs policy areas members have agreed to transfer to it.
What rights do EU member states retain despite EU authority?
They keep sovereignty in most areas and the right to leave the EU.
What does the World Trade Organization establish for its members?
It establishes agreed trade rules for its members to follow.
How many member states must comply with WTO decisions?
All 164 member states must comply with WTO decisions.
What distinguishes ethnicity from nationality?
Ethnicity is cultural identity; nationality involves shared political goals.
What does ethnicity refer to?
Attributes a group identifies to distinguish itself from others.
Name three types of attributes included in ethnicity.
Cultural heritage, language, and religion.
Which ethnic group is 92% of China's population?
The Han ethnic group.
What percentage of Mexico's population is Mestizo?
Between 60% and 80%.
How many distinct ethnic groups are in Nigeria?
More than 250 distinct ethnic groups.
Name three major ethnic groups in Nigeria.
Hausa-Fulani, Igbo, and Yoruba.
What are the major religious divisions in Nigeria?
Islam, Christianity, and indigenous religions.
What defines ethnicity as a social group belonging?
A common cultural tradition based on heritage, language, religion, or symbolic identifiers.
What political aspect distinguishes nationality from ethnicity?
Nationality involves shared political identity and aspiration for sovereign self-rule.
What is citizenship in relation to an individual and a state?
A formal relationship granting rights and privileges in exchange for allegiance.
Which ethnic group is the largest in Britain according to the 2011 Census?
White British is the largest ethnic group in Britain.
What percentage of Britain's population is White British according to the 2011 Census?
82% of Britain's population is White British.
What are cleavages in a society?
Divisions that generate conflict over government control and policymaking.
Which four major cleavages shape modern European political conflict?
Owner versus worker, church versus state, urban versus rural, and land versus industry.
How do cross-cutting cleavages affect political stability?
They divide people into multiple smaller interests, promoting political stability.
What effect do coinciding cleavages have on political conflict?
They reinforce the same social divisions and intensify political conflict.
What types of differences combine in Nigeria’s northern-southern divide?
Religious, regional, economic, linguistic, tribal, urban-rural, and educational differences.
What threat does Nigeria’s northern-southern divide pose?
It threatens the unity of the state.
What do centrifugal forces do to a state's population?
They divide and polarize the population.
How do centripetal forces affect state stability?
They unite people and enhance state stability and legitimacy.
What is a political attitude?
An individual's perspective on acceptable political change level and pace.
Which political group prefers the status quo?
Conservatives prefer the status quo.
What does liberalism prioritize?
Individual liberty, economic and personal freedom, and equal legal protection.
How does communism seek economic equality?
Through strict state control and common ownership of economic activity.
What distinguishes social democracy from communism?
It combines market principles with state redistribution and economic security.
What does fascism exalt above individual liberty?
The state, nation, or racial group.
How does anarchism seek liberty and equality?
By abolishing the state.
What are the main influences on political culture?
Historical events, ethnic culture and religion, economic development, and political tradition.
Which historical events shaped Britain's political culture?
The English Civil War in 1640 and the Glorious Revolution in 1688.
What political culture did Britain's 1640 and 1688 events establish?
A culture that rejects rulers who overstep their powers.
What is globalization?
The expanding interaction and interdependence among individuals, businesses, and governments across borders.
Through which means does globalization occur?
Technology, economics, transportation, and the exchange of ideas.
What does modernization involve in societies?
Progression away from traditional values toward rational processes and scientific progress.
Which developments characterize modernization?
Economic development, individual rights, and technological development.
What is democratization?
The process of consolidating and institutionalizing political processes for greater public accountability.
Who described the tension between retreat into older identities and convergence under modern values?
Benjamin Barber.
In which work did Benjamin Barber describe the tension between older identities and modern values?
“Jihad vs. McWorld.”
Test your knowledge with 28 questions on Comparative Government Foundations.
1. Which statement is empirical rather than normative?
2. Why is cross-national comparison useful when studying a political problem?
Review the complete course in the study sheet for Comparative Government Foundations.
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