Quiz 1 Flashcards
0
Q
Empirical
A
Ask and explain why something is; from observation
1
Q
Comparative politics
A
Sub field of poli sci explaining phenomena using the comparative method
2
Q
Normative
A
How it ought to be; morally justified
3
Q
Concept
A
Abstract ideas we use to think about the processes we study (freedom, democracy, justice, war)
4
Q
Good concepts are:
A
Clear, coherent, consistent, useful
5
Q
Sartoris ladder
A
Order concepts on basis of specificity
6
Q
Operationalization
A
Making basic concepts measurable; using indicators
7
Q
Challenges to indicators
A
Validity and reliability
8
Q
Validity
A
Extent a measurement captures what we research
9
Q
Reliability
A
Extent a measurement produces consistent results
10
Q
Theory
A
Explanation for empirical claim
11
Q
Hypothesis
A
Specific and empirically testable prediction derived from a theory; comes from deductive reasoning
12
Q
Empirical evidence
A
Facts supporting an argument, info has implications for hypothesis, improve and scope conditions of theories
13
Q
Qualitative evidence
A
Narrative form
14
Q
Quantitative evidence
A
Mathematical
15
Q
Correlation
A
Measures association between 2 variables related
16
Q
Causation
A
One variable causes another
17
Q
Problems with causation: omitted variable
A
Z–>X & Y
18
Q
Problems with causation: reverse causation
A
X<–Y
19
Q
Problems with causation: Endogeneity problem
A
X–>Y
Y–>X
20
Q
Problems with causation: intervening variable
A
X–>Z–>Y
21
Q
Problems with causation: Spurious correlation
A
X–>?<–Y
22
Q
Empirical critique
A
Deviant cases, evidence that does not support a theory
23
Q
Theoretical critique
A
Logical limitations
24
Comparative method
Examines cases, look at how variables interact, focus on casual relations
25
Most similar system
Compare similar cases with distinct outcomes
26
Most different systems
Compare differing cases with similar outcomes
27
Comparative checking
Testing conclusions from set of comparisons
28
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
29
The nation state
State embodies one nation (belief/identity)
30
Sovereignty
Ultimate authority within a demarcated territory
31
Bureaucracy
Organization with individuals operating under established rules and procedures
32
Impersonality
State identifies with institutions not leaders
33
Functions of modern state
Defense, police, tax, economic management, social welfare (health, education, pension), infrastructure
34
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
35
Government
Administrative apparatus or leadership in charge
36
Patrick O'Neil quote
```
State= machinery of politics
Regime= programming
Government= operator
```
37
State capacity
States ability to govern and perform it's functions
38
Strong state
High legitimacy and capacity
39
Failed state
Cannot perform functions
40
4 theories of why modern states emerge
Bellicist theory, economic theory, cultural theory, diffusion theory
41
Bellicist theory of modern state
War made the state
42
Economic theory of modern state
Underlying economic interests (Marxist: state is tool for ruling class)
43
Cultural theory of modern state
Protestantism--> state institutions OR emergence of nationalism
44
Diffusion theory of modern state
States dominate because military advantage OR elites use state to dominate world OR states are cultivated norm
45
Development
A process by which a society advances, often measured by economic growth, or quality of life, etc
46
Most common development indicator/faults
GDP; not reliable or valid
47
Development indicators
Poverty rate, inequality (gini coefficient), employment/inflation, HDI (health and development), happiness index, consumption (PPP, Big Mac index)
48
Potential costs of development
Loss of culture/tradition, environment/sustainability
49
Causes of development
Resources, history (colonizer), market vs state economy, institutions, culture
50
Market-led development
"Invisible hand"; little to no state intervention; economy can correct itself more quickly
51
State-led development
State can push investment, coordinate, provide infrastructure, guide; offers some protections
52
Institution
A regularized patterned activity that shapes the behavior of individuals and groups; formal v informal (norms and values)
Ex: property rights protection
53
Culture and development variables
Level of trust, social capital (civil society), religion, norms/ethics/values
54
Structural/systematic factors in development
Marxist world system: favors rich countries, harms poor
| Geography: favors rich countries, sets back poor
55
Authoritarianism
Ideology of government that favors closed, concentrated and hierarchical process of decision making
56
Personalistic dictatorship
Centers on personality of dictator
57
Bureaucratic-Authoritarianism
State controlled by group of elites
58
Totalitarian regime
Aims to control everything about the lives of the population
59
Theocracy
Controlled by religious leaders
60
Causes of nondemocratic regimes
Historical institutionalism; poverty/inequality; state weakness & failure; political culture, rational choice
61
Historical institutionalism cause of authoritarianism
Coalitions create enduring institutions
62
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
63
State weakness & failure cause of authoritarianism
Weak institutions more likely to be authoritarian; less resistant to exploitation; there may be an intervening variable
64
Political culture cause of authoritarianism
Cultural traditions more suited (Asian values)
65
Why do authoritarian regimes persist?
Rational calculations and personal incentives--> free rider problem; need to overcome barriers (individual incentive, organization)
66
Democracy
A form of regime associated with "rule by the people" with rights and liberties for citizens (political and civil)
67
Procedural democracy
Basic rules, minimal; free, fair and open competitive elections for officials with power
68
Substantative democracy
Emphasis on achieving end goals/participation
69
Democratization
Regime change to become more democratic
70
Direct democracy
Direct citizen involvement in politics (plebiscites, referenda)
71
Representative democracy
Politician/institutions represent the electorate; behavior constrained by elections, participation
72
Five perspectives explaining democracy
Modernization, cultural explanations, international system, domestic institutions, prominent leaders
73
Types of questions asked in comparative politics
Cause-effect, why, open-ended
74
Variables
Indicators we use to measure concepts
75
Welfare state
States functions in social welfare and public goods
76
State characteristics
Sovereignty, bureaucracy, impersonality
77
Explaining development: the role of institutions
Strong and proper institutions necessary for economic development and investment
78
Democratic transition
Movement from authoritarian to democratic
79
Democratic consolidation
A New Democratic order becomes Institutionalized and more likely to endure
80
Explaining democracy: modermization
Democracy accompanies economic development; emergent middle class plays a role, modernization may prevent democratic breakdown
81
Explaining democracy: cultural explanations
Different regions have distinct cultures regarding power, authority, and rights
82
Explaining democracy: international system
Major powers in the world affect smaller countries chances for democracy
83
Explaining democracy: domestic institutions
Federalism, electoral rules
84
Explaining democracy: prominent leaders
May act as a trigger (Gandhi, Gorbachev, George Washington)
