Quiz 1 Flashcards
Empirical
Ask and explain why something is; from observation
Comparative politics
Sub field of poli sci explaining phenomena using the comparative method
Normative
How it ought to be; morally justified
Concept
Abstract ideas we use to think about the processes we study (freedom, democracy, justice, war)
Good concepts are:
Clear, coherent, consistent, useful
Sartoris ladder
Order concepts on basis of specificity
Operationalization
Making basic concepts measurable; using indicators
Challenges to indicators
Validity and reliability
Validity
Extent a measurement captures what we research
Reliability
Extent a measurement produces consistent results
Theory
Explanation for empirical claim
Hypothesis
Specific and empirically testable prediction derived from a theory; comes from deductive reasoning
Empirical evidence
Facts supporting an argument, info has implications for hypothesis, improve and scope conditions of theories
Qualitative evidence
Narrative form
Quantitative evidence
Mathematical
Correlation
Measures association between 2 variables related
Causation
One variable causes another
Problems with causation: omitted variable
Z–>X & Y
Problems with causation: reverse causation
X<–Y
Problems with causation: Endogeneity problem
X–>Y
Y–>X
Problems with causation: intervening variable
X–>Z–>Y
Problems with causation: Spurious correlation
X–>?<–Y
Empirical critique
Deviant cases, evidence that does not support a theory
Theoretical critique
Logical limitations
Comparative method
Examines cases, look at how variables interact, focus on casual relations
Most similar system
Compare similar cases with distinct outcomes
Most different systems
Compare differing cases with similar outcomes
Comparative checking
Testing conclusions from set of comparisons
The modern state
Most important form of political organization, central political institution that exerts monopoly on legitimate force; is expected to perform certain functions and provide goods
The nation state
State embodies one nation (belief/identity)
Sovereignty
Ultimate authority within a demarcated territory
Bureaucracy
Organization with individuals operating under established rules and procedures
Impersonality
State identifies with institutions not leaders
Functions of modern state
Defense, police, tax, economic management, social welfare (health, education, pension), infrastructure
Regime
Fundamental rules and norms of politics, embodies basic principles of political life in a society, particularly where power should reside and how it should be used
Government
Administrative apparatus or leadership in charge
Patrick O’Neil quote
State= machinery of politics Regime= programming Government= operator
State capacity
States ability to govern and perform it’s functions
Strong state
High legitimacy and capacity
Failed state
Cannot perform functions
4 theories of why modern states emerge
Bellicist theory, economic theory, cultural theory, diffusion theory
Bellicist theory of modern state
War made the state
Economic theory of modern state
Underlying economic interests (Marxist: state is tool for ruling class)
Cultural theory of modern state
Protestantism–> state institutions OR emergence of nationalism
Diffusion theory of modern state
States dominate because military advantage OR elites use state to dominate world OR states are cultivated norm
Development
A process by which a society advances, often measured by economic growth, or quality of life, etc
Most common development indicator/faults
GDP; not reliable or valid
Development indicators
Poverty rate, inequality (gini coefficient), employment/inflation, HDI (health and development), happiness index, consumption (PPP, Big Mac index)
Potential costs of development
Loss of culture/tradition, environment/sustainability
Causes of development
Resources, history (colonizer), market vs state economy, institutions, culture
Market-led development
“Invisible hand”; little to no state intervention; economy can correct itself more quickly
State-led development
State can push investment, coordinate, provide infrastructure, guide; offers some protections
Institution
A regularized patterned activity that shapes the behavior of individuals and groups; formal v informal (norms and values)
Ex: property rights protection
Culture and development variables
Level of trust, social capital (civil society), religion, norms/ethics/values
Structural/systematic factors in development
Marxist world system: favors rich countries, harms poor
Geography: favors rich countries, sets back poor
Authoritarianism
Ideology of government that favors closed, concentrated and hierarchical process of decision making
Personalistic dictatorship
Centers on personality of dictator
Bureaucratic-Authoritarianism
State controlled by group of elites
Totalitarian regime
Aims to control everything about the lives of the population
Theocracy
Controlled by religious leaders
Causes of nondemocratic regimes
Historical institutionalism; poverty/inequality; state weakness & failure; political culture, rational choice
Historical institutionalism cause of authoritarianism
Coalitions create enduring institutions
Poverty/inequality cause of authoritarianism
If hungry, not concerned about politics OR need money in hands of one capitalist to invest OR inequality leads to distrust
State weakness & failure cause of authoritarianism
Weak institutions more likely to be authoritarian; less resistant to exploitation; there may be an intervening variable
Political culture cause of authoritarianism
Cultural traditions more suited (Asian values)
Why do authoritarian regimes persist?
Rational calculations and personal incentives–> free rider problem; need to overcome barriers (individual incentive, organization)
Democracy
A form of regime associated with “rule by the people” with rights and liberties for citizens (political and civil)
Procedural democracy
Basic rules, minimal; free, fair and open competitive elections for officials with power
Substantative democracy
Emphasis on achieving end goals/participation
Democratization
Regime change to become more democratic
Direct democracy
Direct citizen involvement in politics (plebiscites, referenda)
Representative democracy
Politician/institutions represent the electorate; behavior constrained by elections, participation
Five perspectives explaining democracy
Modernization, cultural explanations, international system, domestic institutions, prominent leaders
Types of questions asked in comparative politics
Cause-effect, why, open-ended
Variables
Indicators we use to measure concepts
Welfare state
States functions in social welfare and public goods
State characteristics
Sovereignty, bureaucracy, impersonality
Explaining development: the role of institutions
Strong and proper institutions necessary for economic development and investment
Democratic transition
Movement from authoritarian to democratic
Democratic consolidation
A New Democratic order becomes Institutionalized and more likely to endure
Explaining democracy: modermization
Democracy accompanies economic development; emergent middle class plays a role, modernization may prevent democratic breakdown
Explaining democracy: cultural explanations
Different regions have distinct cultures regarding power, authority, and rights
Explaining democracy: international system
Major powers in the world affect smaller countries chances for democracy
Explaining democracy: domestic institutions
Federalism, electoral rules
Explaining democracy: prominent leaders
May act as a trigger (Gandhi, Gorbachev, George Washington)
