Essentials of Comparative Politics

Question 1

Asymmetric Federalism

Answer 1

A system in which power is divided unevenly among regional bodies—for example some regions are given greater power over taxation or language rights than others, a more likely outcome in a country with significant ethnic divisions.

Question 2

Autonomy

Answer 2

The ability of the state to wield its power independently of the public or international actors

Question 3

Capacity

Answer 3

The ability of the state to wield power to carry out basic tasks such as defending territory, making and enforcing rules, collecting taxes and managing the economy.

Question 4

Charismatic legitimacy

Answer 4

Legitimacy built on the force or ideas embodied by an individual leader

Question 5

Country

Answer 5

A state, government, and regime and the people who live within that political system.

Question 6

Devolution

Answer 6

A process in which political power is “sent down” to lower levels of state and government

Question 7

Failed state

Answer 7

A state so weak that it’s political structures collapse, leading to anarchy and violence

Question 8

Federalism

Answer 8

A system in which significant state powers, such as taxation, lawmaking, and security, are devolved to regional bodies

Question 9

Government

Answer 9

The leadership or elite in charge of running a state

Question 10

Legitimacy

Answer 10

A value whereby an institution is accepted by the public as right and proper, thus giving it authority and power

Question 11

Rational-legal legitimacy

Answer 11

Legitimacy based on a system of laws and procedures that are highly institutionalized

Question 12

Regime

Answer 12

The fundamental rules and norms of politics, embodying long term goals regarding individual freedom and collective equality, where power should reside, and how it should be used

Question 13

Sovereignty

Answer 13

The ability of a state to carry out actions and policies within a territory independently of external factors and rivals

Question 14

State

Answer 14

The organization that maintains a monopoly of force over a given territory; (2) a set of political institutions that generates and executes policy regarding freedom and equality

Question 15

Strong State

Answer 15

A state that is able to fulfill basic tasks, such as defending territory, making and enforcing rules, collecting taxes, and managing the economy

Question 16

Traditional Legitimacy

Answer 16

Legitimacy that accepts aspects of politics because they have been institutionalized for long periods of time

Question 17

Unitary State

Answer 17

A state in which most political power exists at the national level, with limited local authority

Question 18

Weak State

Answer 18

A state that has difficulty performing basic tasks, such as defending territory, making and enforcing rules, collecting taxes and managing the economy