Chapter 1 Flashcards
What does the concept of legitimacy refer to?
The perception that political authority is right and should be obeyed.
What is one factor that influences the concept of democratic legitimacy?
Political culture, which varies across regions and is shaped by historical processes.
What are institutions in the context of political analysis?
Enforced rules that govern society, which can be formal (e.g., laws) or informal (e.g., social norms).
How do stable democracies reinforce legitimacy?
Through institutionalization, enforcement of rules, and alignment with political culture.
What role do competitive elections play in democratic legitimacy?
They provide a source of legitimacy by allowing the public to have the final say on who governs them and to remove unpopular leaders.
How can different institutional arrangements (such as presidential vs. parliamentary systems) impact perceptions of legitimacy?
Different institutional arrangements may generate specific notions of what is legitimate, influencing stability and governance effectiveness.
What is one way in which referendums reinforce the legitimacy of democratic systems?
By giving people a direct voice in decision-making, thereby enhancing their sense of ownership of the state.
What was the historical approach to comparative politics?
Comparative politics historically focused on studying political institutions, with an emphasis on general models such as American presidentialism or the Westminster system.
Why did some academics shift away from institutional analysis in the late 1950s?
Some academics shifted away from institutional analysis towards disciplines like sociology, psychology, and economics in search of fresh insights into political behavior.
What has led to a recent trend back towards institutional studies?
Factors such as the influence of government institutions on power relationships and the realization that political society cannot be explained without considering how institutions work have led to a recent trend back towards institutional studies.
How do enforced rules tend to change?
Enforced rules tend to change slowly, with significant changes often occurring during times of crisis.
What was the significance of the poll tax example in Britain?
The unpopularity and resistance to the poll tax in Britain led to its abolishment, highlighting the importance of legitimacy and cultural values in determining the acceptability of rules.
Why is understanding political culture important in comparative politics?
Understanding political culture is important because cultural and social context, as well as informal understandings, significantly influence how institutions work in practice.
What challenges arise in comparative analysis when comparing countries based on their degree of institutionalization?
Challenges arise in comparative analysis when comparing countries based on their degree of institutionalization, especially in countries where democracy is not well established, and issues like the disrespect for laws and weak law enforcement systems complicate the analysis.
What concepts have scholars developed to address challenges in democratic institutions?
Scholars have developed concepts like “illiberal democracy” and “democratic consolidation” to address challenges in democratic institutions, helping classify democracies based on their level of institutional strength and legitimacy.
