GP- Power & Developments: Different systems of government Flashcards
What impact does the type of government a state has have on global politics?
A: It has an impact on global politics.
Q: What are the several types of state systems of government mentioned in the text?
A: Democratic states, semi-democratic states, and non-democratic states/authoritarian states.
Q: What are “Democratic States”?
A: Democratic states have democratically elected leaders and governments, through free and fair elections.
Q: What characteristics define free and fair elections in a democratic state?
A: There is a choice of political parties and voters can vote without interference.
Q: What happens when a government loses power in an election in a democratic state?
A: There is a peaceful transition to its successor.
Q: What is a “liberal democratic state”?
A: In liberal democratic states, power is shared between the legislature, executive and judiciary to ensure the government acts within the law, is held accountable for its actions and the population’s views are represented.
Q: What are some examples of democratic states given in the text?
A: The USA, Japan and South Korea.
Q: What are some general characteristics of democratic states?
A: Democratic states tend to be stable and integrated in the global economy. They join IGOs and regional organisations to advance collective interests and generally (although not always) have a strong record on protecting human rights and obeying international law.
Q: What is the text’s definition of a “democratic state”?
A: A state with a government that is elected freely and fairly and where there are checks and balances on executive power and peaceful transition of power between governments.
Q: What are “Semi-Democratic States”?
A: Semi-democratic states have elements of democratic rule but combine this with autocratic elements.
Q: What are some potential issues with elections in semi-democratic states?
A: Their legitimacy may be open to question.
Q: What other issues are likely to be present in semi-democratic states?
A: Widespread corruption and the judiciary may be subject to executive interference, so challenging its independence.
Q: What are some examples of semi-democratic states mentioned in the text?
A: Turkey and, according to some critics, Hungary.
Q: What has happened to civil liberties in Turkey since the failed military coup (2016)?
A: They have been significantly eroded.
Q: What concern is raised about Hungary?
A: Some critics even suggest that Hungary is at risk of becoming a semi-democratic state given the decline of human rights protection and challenges to the rule of law.
Q: What is the likely participation of semi-democratic states in IGOs?
A: They are likely to be active members of IGOs.
Q: What condition do some regional organizations, like the EU, have for membership?
A: They will not allow them to join unless they meet their democratic standards.
Q: What is the assessment of Russia’s current political system?
A: Although elections still occur in Russia many critics argue that the growing authoritarianism of its government and the decline of human rights protection suggest that it is rapidly transitioning into a non-democratic authoritarian state.
Q: What are “Non-Democratic States” or “Authoritarian States”?
A: Non-democratic states have no elections or independent institutions holding the government to account.
Q: What is a common characteristic of non-democratic states?
A: Since there are few, if any, restraints on the government, non-democratic states tend to be authoritarian.
Q: What does “authoritarian” mean in this context?
A: Power is centralised and unaccountable.
Q: What are some examples of non-democratic authoritarian states given in the text?
A: China, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, and Taliban rule in Afghanistan.
Q: What are non-democratic and autocratic states often responsible for?
A: Significant human rights abuses.
Q: What human rights abuse is Myanmar accused of?
A: Genocide against the Rohingya Muslims.
Q: What organizations have been critical of human rights abuses in Iran and Saudi Arabia?
A: Human Rights Watch.
Q: What are some common issues in non-democratic states beyond human rights abuses?
A: Public services, such as health and education, no longer function and there is widespread poverty and hunger.
Q: Which country was considered the world’s most failed state in 2023, according to World Population Review?
A: Yemen.
Q: Why was Yemen considered the world’s most failed state?
A: It did not have a properly functioning government and faced rival military interventions by both Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Q: What is the text’s definition of a “semi-democratic state”?
A: A state with some features of democracy but significant weaknesses.
Q: What is the text’s definition of an “autocratic state”?
A: A state with an unaccountable government which exerts complete control over its citizens and provides no protection for human rights.
