Political Systems and Government Types
Which societal factor most commonly strengthens support for democracy within a nation's political culture?
The presence of extensive natural resources
Predominance Of rural population over urban one
Higher levels of education among citizens
A significant income disparity between socioeconomic classes
Which characteristic is present in an illiberal democracy or hybrid regime?
Elected government officials exercising authority to keep themselves in power
Free and fair elections.
Limited autonomy of society from state control.
Competitive elections.
What role does civil society play in transitioning from authoritarianism to democracy according to modernization theorists?
Civil society organizations foster social capital necessary for democratic governance and can challenge authoritarian power structures.
Modernization theorists argue that civil society's only function is economic development which indirectly contributes to democratization processes.
It plays no significant role since modernization theory emphasizes economic factors over social structures during political transitions.
Civil society is seen primarily as a destabilizing force that undermines both democratic transitions and existing authoritarian regimes alike.
Considering different governmental structures, how would federalism potentially shape policies differently from unitary systems regarding local governance?
Local authorities have little autonomy, ensuring uniformity in policy implementation nationwide.
Centralized decision-making processes dictate policies despite diverse regional needs or identities.
Policies would be more prone to reflect regional preferences due to decentralized power structures.
Federal entities must always conform strictly to national laws without any scope for adaptation based on locality.
What is a common characteristic of social movements aiming to bring about political change in authoritarian regimes?
They typically seek to privatize national industries.
They often demand greater political freedom.
They usually support the status quo.
They often promote a single-party system.
What expected consequence civilian control military transitioning from authoritarian rule towards democracy?
Expansion of the military's independence in decision-making on national security strategies.
Consolidation of personalist leadership centering armed forces.
Support continuation of legacy military-dominated politics.
Strengthened institutional checks against unreasonable interference in domestic affairs.
In an illiberal democracy, how might societal norms impact elections compared to those in a liberal democracy?
There is robust civil society participation ensuring transparent election monitoring.
Norms may tolerate unfair electoral practices undermining fair competition.
Electoral laws are reformed frequently to reflect progressive values.
Societal norms enforce strict adherence to universal suffrage principles.

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How might external actors influence internal governmental structures transitioning from an autocracy to multiparty electoral systems?
External actor involvement generally triggers nationalism eroding legitimacy those local reformers trying establish credible multiparty systems may hold amongst populace.
Foreign governments imposing sanctions exclusively force quick changes without necessarily supporting underlying structural transformations needed.
International organizations could provide observers ensuring legitimacy & transparency thus reinforcing newly established electoral processes.
Non-state groups offering unilateral military support overwhelm domestic stakeholders limiting agency determining course post-autocratic institution-building efforts entail.
What is a defining characteristic of a democratic regime?
Independent judiciary
Little political accountability or transparency
Rigged elections
Limited political participation
Why might a population alternatively support an authoritarian government over a democratically elected government?
Peoples prefer authoritarian rules because democratic governments fail to allow any forms of public participation.
Populations may support authoritarianism for promising stability and economic growth.
Populations opt for authoritarian systems due solely to dissatisfaction with political polemics in free elections.
Individuals choosing authoritarianism typically negate the idea of individual rights and political freedoms in favor of mass surveillance and control.