All Flashcards
What is Democratization?
Process of incorporating more characteristics of democracy into a political system.
What is Democratic Consolidation?
Strengthening of democracy by maturing election rules, emphasizing separation of powers, and protecting civil liberties.
What is Democratic Backslide?
Government adoption of policies that undermine democratic elections.
What is an illiberal democracy?
Elections exist, but they're not truly competitive.
What is Rule of Law?
Laws are clear, government is open, there's accountability, and justice is accessible.
Define Government Transparency.
Policies and procedures are open, with due process, accountability, and transparency.
What are Competitive Elections?
Multiple parties have a real chance of winning; not just a one-party show.
What are Free and Fair Elections?
Elections where everyone eligible can vote, and votes are counted accurately.
What is an Independent Judiciary?
A court system that is not controlled by other branches of government.
What are Political and Civil Rights?
All citizens possess fundamental rights and liberties.
What are the differences between democratization in Mexico and Russia?
Mexico: Moving towards democratization with competitive elections. | Russia: Illiberal democracy with limited competition.
Compare the independence of the judiciary in China and the UK.
China: Judiciary is not independent. | UK: Judiciary is independent.
Compare elections in Nigeria and Iran.
Nigeria: Transfer of power through elections. | Iran: Supreme Leader not directly elected.
Compare government control of media in Mexico and China.
Mexico: Controls some media, allows criticism. | China: Blocks content, controls most media.
Compare the rule of law in the UK and Russia.
UK: House of Commons votes against PM. | Russia: Legislature is a rubber stamp for Executive Power.
Compare the fairness of elections in Mexico and Russia.
Mexico: Opposition party can win elections. | Russia: Putin has won every election in the first round.
Compare the independence of branches in Nigeria and Iran.
Nigeria: Legislature votes against the President. | Iran: Legislature is a rubber stamp for Supreme Leader.
Compare the impact of corruption on democratization in Mexico and Nigeria.
Mexico: Corruption hinders democratization. | Nigeria: Corruption hinders democratization.
Compare the role of term limits in China and Mexico.
China: President Xi ended term limits. | Mexico: President Nieto relinquished control to opposing party due to term limits.
Compare the level of civil rights protection in the UK and China.
UK: High level of civil rights protection. | China: Low level of civil rights protection.
What is the purpose of National Freedom of Information Acts in Mexico and Nigeria?
Increasing government accountability.
What is the policy of using gender/cultural quotas in Mexico and Nigeria?
To include more people in elections.
What is the policy of proportional representation?
Seats based on votes, unlike the US winner-takes-all system.
What is the policy of adjusting vote thresholds and district boundaries?
To impact election outcomes.
What is the policy of blocking internet content in China?
To limit dissent.
What is the policy of regulating the internet in Russia?
To limit dissent.
What is the policy of emphasizing separation of powers?
To strengthen democracy.
What is the policy of protecting civil liberties?
To strengthen democracy.
What is the policy of maturing election rules?
To strengthen democracy.
What is the policy of expanding voting rights?
To increase democratic participation.