comparative politics

Question 1

how does a State become authoritarian?

Answer 1

1. use of force and spread of fear
2. if the state doesn’t maintain force or control then people will leave
3. the citizens have reduced rights but in some countries the return is no tax

Question 2

how can authoritarians attempt to appear legitimate to the world?

Answer 2

leader can be elected, Kim Jong Un was elected with 100% vote, it gives a sense of false legitimacy

Question 3

what is the ultimate goal of authoritarian leader?

Answer 3

to maintain their power and minimise threat

Question 4

how can authoritarians maintain their power?

Answer 4

1. through fear and control
2. creating power personalisation by appointing family into key positions

Question 5

what role does education play in the state?

Answer 5

education is important to democracy and danger to authoritarians as new ideas can pose threat to authority, instead relies on propaganda and state education

Question 6

what are different types of executive systems?

Answer 6

*presidential (USA)
*parliamentary (UK)
*hybrid presidential-parliamentary (France)

Question 7

what are the responsibilities of British PM laid out?

Answer 7

1. oversees operation of civil service
2. chooses members of govt
3. principle figure in House of Commons

Question 8

what are examples of executive formal powers?

Answer 8

1. veto
2. dissolving legislature
3. decree
4. party control

Question 9

what are examples of executive informal powers?

Answer 9

1.patronage
2. bully pulpit (American term, all media listen to the president)
3. the power to persuade
4. Aides/administration

Question 10

what is the structure of the executive in Iran?

Answer 10

the president is elected for 4 year term by direct vote. however the supreme leader holds all the power, whilst the president is below him in power
e.g 2016, present made agreement with UNESCO about gender equality, but supreme leader disagreed and didn’t allow Western influence

Question 11

how is democracy different in Russia?

Answer 11

special meaning of democracy, Putin defines it as being strong and effective which is fundamental goal. whilst the western definition is More about inclusion and the people

Question 12

what are examples of unicameral legislatures?

Answer 12

Scandinavia (Denmark and Sweden)
authoritarian States (Qatar)

Question 13

what are examples of bicameral legislatures?

Answer 13

UK (house of common and lords)
USA (House of Representatives and senate)

Question 14

how do regimes control judiciaries?

Answer 14

1. self constraint: judges being aware of their insecure position and weakness
2. fragmenting judicial systems: creating exceptional courts alongside regular courts e.g military courts

Question 15

what are the principles of the judiciary?

Answer 15

1. impartiality
2. neutrality
3. independence
4. judicial review
5. principle organs of democratic society

Question 16

what are the arguments that judges should act as umpires?

Answer 16

John Roberts said that ‘judges are like umpires’ not to root for either side, not writing rules but applying them

Question 17

what evidence is there of judges not acting as umpires in the US?

Answer 17

Samuel Alito said that if he gets a case that thinks about his own families difficulties, he would apply own experience, not impartial
judges have been Called “tyrants in robes” they impose their own preference and thwart the democratic will