Comparative Approaches Flashcards
Rational Approach
Focuses on individual (pres., pm, mp, lord, congressperson, senator.
suggests individuals actions are guided more by consideration of own interests than influence from groups/structures. The individual judges how best to realise own goal.
Approach is most effectively applied when looking at individuals within political systems- pres, pm, politicians and voters.
Example of Rational Approach:
Comparing power of pres and pm, it can be said that both act in a rational manner, using their own powers to achieve their policy goals. Both have considerable authority as leaders of gov. to set a political agenda for the country based on their personal views. Also have the power to appoint ppl to key decision-making positions.
Focusing on power of congressperson and MP, both vote in Congress/Parliament acting rationally to maintain their position of power. Might resist structural and cultural factors. May ignore executive patronage-power or the dominant view of party because they’re trying to maintain their own political power by pleasing constituents.
Cultural Approach
Focus on groups (pressure groups, political parties, factions and voter groups)
highlights influence of groups on politics. Suggests that people operate as they do due to the group they’re in.
The group has a culture- shared ideas, beliefs & values- to which members conform, and which influences individuals actions. Individuals often choose to join the group, but the group restricts/influences actions after joining.
Culture is habitual and perceived as natural, giving it power over individuals that they may not be aware of.
Examples of Cultural Approach:
Comparing pm and pres. both may alter their policy goals due to culture of their party. Happens when their view is out of step with the view of their party and they feel like they need to adjust policy goals
Looking at parties, high levels of party unity in UK and increasingly in US, there may be a dominant value system that leads to tribal politics, influencing the behaviour of politicians. They act on basis of party culture, without considering their own ration self-interest or structural influences.
Structural Approach:
Focus on Structures (regional power, legislative processes, election processes, constitution, sovereign bodies and other political processes and institutions).
Structural approach- compares main political institutions and processes. Shows the ‘big picture’ perspective
Involves understanding main constitutional roles, powers and limits of a political process/institution.
Structural approach suggests political actions are determined by wider structures, and that people who operate within politics are influenced by them. Actions of individuals and groups are limited and determined by structures.
Structural approach can be applied to all topics because major political structures, like the constitution, influence or determine political processes in every area.
Examples of Structural Approach:
Comparing the pm and president using the structural approach: the constitution provides a structure that restricts the office holders political actions. Both are subject to constitutional rules and may find that their powers/policy goals are restricted (e.g. by courts). Both have seen some of their key policy goals restricted by court decisions.
Politicians in Congress and Parliament, they have different levels of power from each other. Arguably, UK MPs are more limited because of the power of the executive, whereas US members of Congress have greater ability to act as they wish because their is less pressure from executive.
