AP Comparative Government and Politics Ultimate Guide

Empirical Data

Information gathered through observation, experimentation, or other forms of data collection.

Normative Data

Data that represents typical or average performance or behavior within a specific population.

Quantitative Analysis

The use of mathematical and statistical methods to analyze numerical data.

Qualitative Analysis

The use of non-numerical data such as interviews, observations, and surveys to analyze and interpret patterns and themes.

Correlation

A statistical measure that indicates the degree to which two variables are related to each other.

Positive Correlation

A relationship between two variables in which an increase in one variable is associated with an increase in the other variable.

Negative Correlation

A relationship between two variables in which an increase in one variable is associated with a decrease in the other variable.

Causation

A relationship between two variables in which one variable directly influences or causes a change in the other variable.

Human Development Index (HDI)

A composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators, which are used to rank countries into four tiers of human development.

Gini Index

A measure of income inequality within a population, ranging from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality).

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

The total value of goods and services produced within a country's borders in a given time period.

Freedom House

An organization that conducts research and advocacy on democracy, political freedom, and human rights.

Transparency International

An organization that monitors and publicizes corporate and political corruption in international development.

Failed (or Fragile) States Index

An annual ranking of countries based on their vulnerability to conflict and instability, as well as their capacity to provide basic services and maintain the rule of law.

United Kingdom

This country has a parliamentary system of government with a constitutional monarchy.

Russia

This country has a federal semi-presidential republic system of government.

Iran

This country has an Islamic republic system of government.

Mexico

This country has a federal presidential representative democratic republic system of government.

China

This country has a single-party socialist republic system of government.

Nigeria

This country has a federal presidential representative democratic republic system of government.

Political scientists

These are professionals who study political systems, behavior, and institutions.

Surveys

Political scientists use this to gather information about public opinion, voting behavior, and other political attitudes and behaviors.

Interviews

They may conduct this with politicians, government officials, or other experts in the field.

Case Studies

This method involves analyzing a single case in depth to gain insights into broader political trends.

Quantitative Analysis

Political scientists use these to analyze large amounts of data.

Political Theory

The study of political ideas and concepts.

Comparative Politics

The study of different political systems and institutions around the world.

International Relations

The study of the relationships between different countries and the ways in which they interact with each other.

Public Policy

The study of how governments make decisions and implement policies.

Political Systems

Refers to the set of institutions, laws, and procedures that are used to govern a country or a group of people.

States

A political entity that has a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and the ability to enter into relations with other states.

Regime

Refers to the set of rules, institutions, and practices that govern a country or a political system.

Government

Refers to the group of people who are responsible for making and enforcing laws and policies in a country or a political system. It includes the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Nation

Refers to a group of people who share a common culture, language, history, or identity.

Democracy

It is a system of government in which power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.

Authoritarianism

It is a system of government in which power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group of individuals.

Monarchies

These are regimes in which power is held by a hereditary monarch or royal family.

Military Juntas

These are regimes in which power is held by a group of military officers who have seized control of the government.

Single-Party States

These are regimes in which power is held by a single political party that controls all aspects of government.

Personalist Regimes

These are regimes in which power is held by a single individual who dominates the political system.

Theocracies

These are regimes in which power is held by religious leaders or institutions.

Hybrid Regimes

These are regimes that combine elements of authoritarianism and democracy.

Direct democracy

A form of democracy in which citizens directly participate in the decision-making process.

Representative democracy

A form of democracy in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Presidential democracy

A form of democracy in which the president is both the head of state and the head of government.

Parliamentary democracy

A form of democracy in which the parliament is the primary decision-making body.

Semi-presidential democracy

A form of democracy in which the president and prime minister share power.

Consensus democracy

A form of democracy in which decisions are made through consensus rather than majority vote.

Hybrid democracy

A form of democracy that combines elements of different types of democratic regimes.

Democratization

The process of transitioning a government from an authoritarian regime to a democratic one.

Democratic waves

Refer to the periods in history when there is a significant increase in the number of countries that transition to democracy.

First Democratic Wave (1828-1926)

This wave occurred in the 19th century and early 20th century. It was characterized by the establishment of democratic regimes in Europe and North America.

Second Democratic Wave (1943-1962)

It was characterized by the establishment of democratic regimes in Western Europe and Japan.

Third Democratic Wave (1974-2006)

It was characterized by the establishment of democratic regimes in Southern Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia and Africa.

Constitution

A set of fundamental principles and rules that govern a country or organization.

Religion

A system of beliefs and practices concerning the nature of the divine and the purpose of human existence.

Military Forces

Organized groups of armed individuals who are trained to defend a country or organization.

Legislature

A governing body responsible for making laws and policies.

Popular Support

The level of public approval or endorsement for a particular political leader, party, or policy.

Federal system

A type of government where power is divided between a central government and smaller regional governments.

Unitary system

A type of government where power is centralized in a single national government.

Political legitimacy

The acceptance of the authority of a government or governing body by the people it governs.

Traditional legitimacy

Based on the belief that the government has the right to rule because it has always done so.

Charismatic legitimacy

Based on the personal qualities of a leader, such as their charisma, vision, or ability to inspire.

Rational-legal legitimacy

Based on the belief that the government has the right to rule because it was established through a legal process, such as a constitution or election.

Legitimacy

It is the belief of the people that the government has the right to rule.

Political stability

The ability of a government to maintain its power and control over a country without facing any significant internal or external threats.

Parliamentary System

A system of government where the executive branch is accountable to the legislative branch.

Presidential System

A form of government in which a single person, the president, is the head of state and head of government.

Semi-Presidential System

Type of government where there is a president and a prime minister who share power.

Executive systems

These are a set of cognitive processes that are responsible for planning, decision-making, and goal-directed behavior.

Working Memory

This component is responsible for holding and manipulating information in the short-term memory.

Inhibitory Control

This component is responsible for suppressing irrelevant information and inhibiting impulsive responses.

Cognitive Flexibility

This component is responsible for adapting to changing situations and switching between different tasks.

Planning and Goal-Setting

This component is responsible for setting goals, planning actions, and monitoring progress towards achieving those goals.

Executive term limits

The maximum number of terms or years that an individual can serve as the head of state or government in a country.

Legislative systems

These systems vary across different countries and are influenced by factors such as history, culture, and political ideologies.

Unicameral System

This is a legislative system in which there is only one chamber or house of parliament.

Bicameral System

This is a legislative system in which there are two chambers or houses of parliament.

Federal System

This is a legislative system in which power is shared between the central government and the states or provinces.

Unitary System

This is a legislative system in which power is centralized in the central government.

House of Commons

The lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, consisting of elected Members of Parliament (MPs) who represent constituencies across the country.

House of Lords

The upper chamber of the UK Parliament, consisting of appointed and hereditary members who review and revise proposed laws before they are passed?

State Duma

The lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia, responsible for passing laws and approving the budget.

Federation Council

It has the power to approve federal laws and presidential decrees.

Islamic Consultative Assembly

Has the power to approve laws, supervise government activities, and elect the Supreme Leader.

Guardian Council

A powerful body in Iran made up of 12 members who oversee elections, approve laws and candidates for office. They also have the power to veto laws passed by the parliament.

Senate

Mexico's Senate, with 128 senators serving six-year terms, is responsible for lawmaking, budget approval, and international treaty ratification. It operates through committees to review legislation before voting and is part of the bicameral Congress of the Union, alongside the Chamber of Deputies.

Chamber of Deputies

It is usually the lower house and responsible for passing laws and representing the people.

National People's Congress (NPC)

The highest organ of state power in China, responsible for enacting laws, amending the constitution, and electing key officials.

State Council

The highest executive body in China. It is responsible for formulating and implementing policies and laws, as well as managing the economy and social affairs.

Independent legislature

It is a legislative body that is free from external influence and control, particularly from the executive branch of government.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the judicial system.

Appellate Court

Also known as the Court of Appeals, it hears appeals from lower courts.

District Court

Also known as the Trial Court, it is the court of first instance.

Federal Court

Deals with cases related to federal laws, the constitution, and disputes between states.

State Court

Deals with cases related to state laws, including criminal and civil cases.

Local Court

Deals with minor offenses, traffic violations, and small claims.

Family Court

Deals with cases related to family law, including divorce, child custody, and adoption.

Bankruptcy Court

Deals with cases related to bankruptcy and insolvency.