Political Regimes 2

Question 1

According to Robert Dahl, democracy is what type of political system and what opportunities do citizens have?

Answer 1

Ideal-Type Political System
Opportunity to:
1). formulate their preferences
2). signify preferences to fellow citizens and government
3). preferences weighted equally in the conduct of government

Question 2

Robert Dahl’s Polyarchy

Answer 2

1) Right to Join and form orgs
2) Free Expression
3) Right to Vote
4) Right to political participation in government
5) competition between politicians
6) alternative sources of information
7) Free and Fair elections
8) Policies depend on expression of preference

Question 3

Two Models of Democracy According to Arendt Liphart?

Answer 3

1). Majority of people = majoritarian
model (or Westminster model)
2). Consensus model = as many as possible = it accepts majority rule only as
a minimum requirement: to maximize
the size of these majorities

Question 4

What is a consociational democracy?

Answer 4

Reliance on elite cooperation of leaders in divided communities.

Question 5

Two other models of democracy and their definitions:

Answer 5

Centripetalism - inter-communal moderation
by promoting multi-ethnic political
parties and intergroup accommodation.
Communalism - explicit ethnic representation

Question 6

Linz’s four characteristics of central importance in characterizing a regime:

Answer 6

1) rule of law
2) civil society institutions
3) the elections
4) accountability of government

Question 7

Three perspectives that bring about democracy?

Answer 7

1) revolution
2) social transformation
3) By transitions

Question 8

Three states of transition from authoritarian to democratic regime.

Answer 8

1) Liberalization - an authoritarian regime releases its authority over a society
2) Transition - opponents claim and dispute power with first free and fair elections
3) Consolidation - made stronger and more solid