Comparative Government and Politics

Question 1

Example of environmental factors that affect poltiical institutons

Answer 1

1. Size
2. Location
3. Geographic features
4. Economic strength
5. Level of industrialization
6. Cultural diversity

Question 2

What are confederations?

Answer 2

Example: US under the Articles of Confederation

• Weak central government
• Delegate principal authority to smaller units such as states

Question 3

What are federal systems?

Answer 3

Examples: US, Brazil, India

• Divided sovereignty (supreme power or authority) between a central government and those of their separate states

Question 4

What are two countries that have highly centralized, unitary forms of govt where power and authority are at the top?

Answer 4

France and Japan

Question 5

What is parliamentary form of govt?

Answer 5

Legislative and executive power combined, with a prime minister and cabinet selected from within the legislative body. They maintain power only as long as legislative assembly supports their major policies.

Ex: Great Britain

Question 6

What constituional systems?

Answer 6

Limits powers of govt through written and\or unwritten sources.

Law, custom, and precedent combine to protect individuals from the unchecked power of a central authority

Ex: US and Great Britain

Question 7

What is comparative politics and government concerned with?

Answer 7

Mechanisms for change in different nations.

Ex: Can citizens effect reform through ballots, protests, public opinion polls, or revolts?