Glossary
Authoritarian Regime
A political system where power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group, with limited political freedoms and citizen participation.
Example:
China operates under an authoritarian regime, where the Communist Party maintains strict control over political and social life.
China
A one-party authoritarian state with a unique political system, combining communist party rule with a market-oriented economy.
Example:
The rapid economic growth alongside strict political control in China presents a compelling case study of an authoritarian developmental state.
Democratic Regime
A political system where citizens have the power to choose their leaders and influence public policy, typically through free and fair elections.
Example:
The United Kingdom, with its regular elections and protection of civil liberties, exemplifies a democratic regime.
Iran
An authoritarian theocratic regime where religious leaders hold significant political authority, blending Islamic law with republican institutions.
Example:
The unique governance structure of Iran, where the Supreme Leader has ultimate authority, demonstrates the complexities of a modern theocracy.
Mexico
A democratic federal republic with a presidential system, transitioning from a history of one-party dominance to a multi-party democracy.
Example:
The electoral reforms and increased political competition in Mexico illustrate a country's journey towards a more robust multi-party democracy.
Nigeria
A democratic federal republic with a presidential system, facing challenges of ethnic diversity, corruption, and a history of military rule.
Example:
The ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic institutions in Nigeria despite significant internal divisions offer insights into state-building in a diverse society.
Parliamentary System
A political system where the executive branch (prime minister and cabinet) is drawn from and accountable to the legislative branch (parliament).
Example:
In the UK, the Prime Minister is typically the leader of the majority party in the House of Commons, illustrating a classic parliamentary system.
Political System
The specific set of institutions and practices that organize the government and exercise power within a state.
Example:
Understanding whether a country has a presidential or parliamentary political system helps explain how its executive and legislative branches interact.
Politics
The process by which a society determines who gets power and resources, how they get them, and how decisions are made and enforced.
Example:
In a country like Nigeria, understanding the complex interplay of ethnic groups and their influence on elections is key to analyzing its politics.
Pooled Sovereignty
The concept where states voluntarily give up some of their independent decision-making power to a larger international body for mutual benefit.
Example:
When the UK was part of the EU, it engaged in pooled sovereignty by allowing the European Court of Justice to have jurisdiction over certain national laws.
Presidential System
A political system where the executive branch (president) is separate from and independent of the legislative branch, with both typically elected independently.
Example:
Mexico's President is directly elected by the people and serves a fixed term, distinct from the legislature, characteristic of a presidential system.
Qualitative Data
Non-numerical information, such as interviews, speeches, or historical documents, that provides depth and context to political analysis.
Example:
To understand the public's sentiment towards a new policy in the UK, a researcher might analyze political cartoons or transcripts of parliamentary debates as qualitative data.
Quantitative Data
Information that can be measured numerically, often used to identify patterns and trends in political science.
Example:
When comparing economic development across countries, a student might analyze the quantitative data of GDP per capita or unemployment rates.
Regime
The fundamental rules and norms that govern the exercise of political power in a state, often enduring across different governments.
Example:
While governments in Mexico change every six years, the underlying democratic regime with its constitutional framework remains.
Russia
A post-communist state with an authoritarian regime and a semi-presidential system, characterized by a strong executive and limited political pluralism.
Example:
The concentration of power in the presidency in Russia highlights the challenges of democratic consolidation in a post-Soviet context.
Semi-Presidential System
A hybrid political system that combines elements of both presidential and parliamentary systems, featuring both a directly elected president and a prime minister accountable to the legislature.
Example:
Russia's political structure, with a powerful president and a prime minister, is often categorized as a semi-presidential system.
Supranational Organization
An international organization where member states delegate some of their sovereignty to the organization to achieve common goals.
Example:
The European Union is a prominent supranational organization where member countries agree to abide by common laws and policies.
Theocratic Regime
A political system in which religious leaders hold significant political power and state laws are based on religious principles.
Example:
Iran's unique blend of religious and political authority makes it a prime example of a theocratic regime, where the Supreme Leader plays a pivotal role.
United Kingdom (UK)
A democratic constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system, known for its gradual political evolution and strong legislative branch.
Example:
Studying the United Kingdom (UK) provides insight into how a long-standing democracy adapts to modern challenges while maintaining traditional institutions.