POLS definitions

Question 1

Advanced democracy

Answer 1

Stable and institutionalized democracy with a high level of economic development and prosperity

Question 2

Initiative

Answer 2

a national vote called by members of the public to address a specific proposal

Question 3

Referendum

Answer 3

a national vote called by a government to address a specific
proposal, often a change to a constitution

Question 4

Civil Rights

Answer 4

Individual rights regarding equality

Question 5

Civil Liberties

Answer 5

Individual rights regarding freedom

Question 6

International Integration

Answer 6

The process by which states pool their sovereignty to an international organization, surrendering some of their individual powers in exchange for political, economic, or societal benefits

Question 7

Devolution

Answer 7

The process of devolving, or “sending down,” political power to lower levels of government

Question 8

Postindustrialism

Answer 8

the shift from economic growth and employment in industry to growth and employment in services

Question 9

Postmodern value

Answer 9

The idea that after basic needs of a person are met, they begin to worry about social issues such as justice or the environment.

Question 10

Nondemocracy

Answer 10

a political regime controlled by a small group of individuals who exercise power over the state without being constitutionally responsible to the public

Question 11

Authoritarianism

Answer 11

A political system in which a small group of individuals exercises power over the state without being constitutionally responsible to the public.

Question 12

Totalitarianism

Answer 12

A nondemocratic regime that is highly centralized, possessing some form of strong ideology that seeks to transform and absorb fundamental aspects of state, society, and the economy, using a wide array of institutions.

Question 13

Resource curse

Answer 13

theory of development in which the existence of natural resources in a given state is a barrier to its modernization and democratization

Question 14

Coercion

Answer 14

compelling individuals to comply and obey the regime by threatening harm to their lives or livelihoods or use
of force against people

Question 15

Surveillance

Answer 15

Maintaining a close watch over a population

Question 16

Co-optation

Answer 16

the process by which individuals outside an organization are brought into a beneficial relationship with the state

Question 17

State corporatism

Answer 17

The formal structure of integration with state or party with a limited number of state-sanctioned organizations

Question 18

Clientelism

Answer 18

Informal structure and system of payoffs. There is no need for state-sanctioned organization but it relies on individual patronage

Question 19

Personality cult

Answer 19

Encouragement of the public to venerate and obey their leader. The image of the leader is promoted above all other mortal qualities

Question 20

Nomenklatura

Answer 20

a list of influential posts in government and industry to be filled by Communist Party appointees

Question 21

False consciousness

Answer 21

The way that people in capitalist societies are misled into believing that the social order is just and normal. It is used to trick the working class into not overtaking their suppressors.

Question 22

O’Neil democracy definition

Answer 22

Political power exercise directly or indirectly by citizens through participation competition and liberty

Question 23

Schmitter and Karl

Answer 23

System of governance in which the leaders are held accountable in the public realm by citizens acting indirectly through the cooperation and competition of their elected officials