final exam

Question 1

democracy

Answer 1

A system of government where power is vested in the people, typically through free and fair elections.

Question 2

cult of personality

Answer 2

A political system where a leader is idolized and portrayed as a heroic or almost divine figure, often seen in authoritarian regimes.

Question 3

competitive authoritarianism

Answer 3

A political system where elections exist but are not entirely free or fair, with significant limits on political competition, often under authoritarian leaders.

Question 4

national peoples congress

Answer 4

The highest legislative body in China, where most decisions are made, though it operates under the guidance of the Communist Party.

Question 5

“socialism with chinese characteristics

Answer 5

A term used to describe China’s unique model of socialism, where state control over the economy coexists with elements of capitalism.

Question 6

guided democracy

Answer 6

A form of government in which the leader or ruling party controls the democratic process to ensure that the political system operates within certain boundaries.

Question 7

guardian council

Answer 7

A body in Iran that oversees elections and legislative decisions to ensure they align with Islamic law.

Question 8

state capacity

Answer 8

The ability of a state to effectively implement policies, maintain control, and provide services to its citizens.

Question 9

racial democracy

Answer 9

A term used in Brazil to describe the idea that the country has transcended racial discrimination, though it has been criticized for ignoring ongoing racial inequality.

Question 10

bolsa familia

Answer 10

A social welfare program in Brazil that provides financial assistance to low-income families, aimed at reducing poverty and inequality.

Question 11

Neopatrimonialism

Answer 11

A system where political leaders use state resources for personal benefit, blending traditional patronage with formal institutions.

Question 12

zoning

Answer 12

The division of land into zones to regulate the use of land for different purposes, such as residential, commercial, or industrial.

Question 13

“federal character” doctrine

Answer 13

A principle in Nigeria that aims to ensure fairness and representation across the country’s ethnic groups in government positions.

Question 14

african national congress

Answer 14

The political party in South Africa that led the struggle against apartheid and became the ruling party post-apartheid.

Question 15

apartheid

Answer 15

The system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that existed in South Africa from 1948 to 1994.

Question 16

rainbow nation

Answer 16

A term coined by South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu to describe post-apartheid South Africa’s diverse and multicultural society.

Question 17

human development index

Answer 17

A composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and per capita income, used to measure and compare human development across countries.

Question 18

poverty trap

Answer 18

A situation in which individuals or communities are unable to escape poverty due to systemic barriers, lack of resources, or economic conditions.

Question 19

ethnicity

Answer 19

A category of people who share a common cultural, linguistic, or ancestral heritage.

Question 20

partition

Answer 20

The division of a country or territory into separate, often ethnically or religiously distinct, states or regions.

Question 21

Lok Sabha

Answer 21

The lower house of India’s Parliament, responsible for making laws and overseeing the government.

Question 22

Hindutva

Answer 22

An ideology associated with Hindu nationalism, which advocates for the dominance of Hindu culture in India’s political and social life.

Question 23

Clientelism

Answer 23

A political system in which politicians provide material benefits to constituents in exchange for political support, often on an individual basis.

Question 24

populism

Answer 24

A political approach that seeks to represent the interests of ordinary people, often in opposition to the elite or establishment.

Question 25

revolution

Answer 25

A fundamental and often violent change in the political and social order, typically involving the overthrow of an existing government or social system.

Question 26

What is the difference between a democracy and a non-democratic regime?

Answer 26

A democracy gives power to the people through free and fair elections, with leaders accountable to voters. In a non-democratic regime, power is held by a few, with no free elections or political pluralism, and limited citizen participation.

Question 27

what is the difference between a strong state and a weak state

Answer 27

A strong state enforces laws, keeps order, and provides services effectively. A weak state struggles with these due to corruption, inefficiency, or conflict.

Question 28

What is the difference between institutional, ideational, and individual-level explanations for political violence?

Answer 28

Institutional: Violence from failing or dysfunctional institutions (e.g., no democracy).
Ideational: Violence justified by ideas like nationalism or religion.
Individual: Violence driven by personal motives like revenge or injustice.

Question 29

What is the difference between personal/sultanistic rule and single-party rule?

Answer 29

Personal rule: One leader holds absolute power, relying on loyalty and patronage.
Single-party rule: One party dominates the state through a structured system.

Question 30

What is the difference between contentious politics and political violence?

Answer 30

Contentious politics: Non-violent protests like strikes or demonstrations.
Political violence: Use of force or threats to achieve political goals.

Question 31

According to Mahmood Mamdani, what is the difference between “indirect rule” and “decentralized despotism” in Africa during colonialism?

Answer 31

Indirect rule: Colonial powers governed through local leaders, keeping some local authority.
Decentralized despotism: Colonial powers centralized control, weakening local authority.

Question 32

In class we discussed some “pathologies” of democracy. Why does Professor Harris use this term? What are these? In what ways can they be harmful to democracy? Can you see any real-world examples of them in the countries that we have studied in this class?

Answer 32

Clientism, populism, and polarization. All pathologies undermine democracy in different ways. Clientism is the exchange of goods or services for political support. Quid-pro quo (this for that) (something for something). Populism emphasizes the common people and puts them in “opposition” to a perceived elite group. Polarization conflict between groups with increasingly extreme views. Social Polarization driven by income inequality, can lead to political polarization as seen in northern Ireland.