lecture one additional Flashcards
(16 cards)
How do political institutions shape public policy?
They determine decision-making processes, influence policy priorities, and allocate resources to address societal challenges.
What role does citizen participation play in democracy?
It helps expose corruption, holds leaders accountable, and ensures decisions reflect public interest.
What causes erosion of political legitimacy?
Corruption, misallocation of resources, loss of public trust, and perceived injustice.
How does media influence social trust?
Free, independent media fosters transparency and accountability, increasing trust in institutions.
What is the goal of the capability approach?
To expand individuals’ freedoms and opportunities so they can live the lives they value.
How does comparative politics support evidence-based policymaking?
By analyzing systems globally to identify best practices, assess outcomes, and inform local policies.
What is the purpose of theory building in comparative politics?
To explain political phenomena and test theories across diverse political contexts.
What does Sartori say about concept travel in comparative politics?
He argues Western-developed concepts must be carefully adapted for use in other political and cultural contexts.
Why is logical discipline important in comparative analysis?
It ensures precision, avoids ambiguity, and helps build valid, comparable concepts.
What are taxonomical networks in comparative politics?
Systems of classification that help organize political concepts for meaningful comparison.
How does the capability approach differ from other approaches in social science?
Unlike utilitarian or resource-based approaches, the capability approach focuses on what individuals are able to do and be, emphasizing freedom and opportunities rather than just material wealth or utility.
What role do political institutions play in fostering economic development?
Political institutions create a stable environment for investment, enforce property rights, and provide public goods necessary for economic growth.
How does income inequality influence social trust?
High levels of income inequality can erode social trust by fostering resentment and perceptions of unfairness, leading to weaker social cohesion.
What risks might arise when comparative politics experts engage in public debates?
Risks include oversimplification of complex issues, politicization of their expertise, and potential loss of academic neutrality.
Can authoritarian regimes also contribute to societal well-being? If so, how?
Some authoritarian regimes achieve societal well-being through economic development, stability, and efficient policy implementation, though often at the expense of political freedoms.
What is Sartori’s ladder of abstraction, and why is it important in comparative politics?
Sartori’s ladder of abstraction refers to the trade-off between conceptual specificity and generalizability. Higher abstraction allows broader application but less detail, while lower abstraction provides detailed insights but limits scope.
