Democratization

Ella Carter
8 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers democratization, focusing on its seven key characteristics: free and fair elections, competitive elections, government transparency, political and civil rights, independent judiciary, elected officials with authority, and rule of law. It examines these characteristics in several countries, including Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, China, and the UK, comparing emerging and established democracies with authoritarian regimes. The guide also explores democratic consolidation and backsliding, democratic waves, and provides practice questions and exam tips.
AP Comparative Government Study Guide: Democratization
Hey there! Let's get you prepped for the AP Comparative Government exam. This guide is designed to make sure you feel confident and ready to go. We'll break down the key concepts, connect the dots, and make sure you're not just memorizing, but truly understanding.
Unit 1: Democratization
What is Democratization?
Democratization is all about how regimes, whether authoritarian ๐ or democratic ๐๐พโโ๏ธ, incorporate more of the seven characteristics of democracy into their political systems. It's not always a straight path โ sometimes there are steps forward and then backward. Think of it as a dance, not a march! ๐๐บ
Remember, democratization can involve some, but not necessarily all, of the characteristics of democracy.
Seven Characteristics of Democracy ๐๐พโโ๏ธ
Here's a quick rundown of the seven key characteristics. Think of these as the building blocks of a democratic system:
- Free and Fair Elections: Elections where everyone eligible can vote, and votes are counted accurately.
- Competitive Elections: Multiple parties have a real chance of winning; not just a one-party show.
- Government Transparency: Policies and procedures are open, with due process, accountability, and transparency.
- Political and Civil Rights: All citizens possess fundamental rights and liberties.
- Independent Judiciary: A court system that is not controlled by other branches of government.
- Elected Officials with Authority: Elected leaders actually have power over the government.
- Rule of Law: Laws are clear, government is open, there's accountability, and justice is accessible.
Democratization in Action: Country Examples
Let's see how these characteristics play out in our countries of study:
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Free and Fair Elections
- Mexico ๐ฒ๐ฝ & Nigeria ๐ณ๐ฌ: These countries are working on electoral democratization by:
- Increasing multiparty competition.
- Creating gender/cultural quotas to include more people.
- Using proportional representation (seats based on votes, unlike the US winner-takes-all system).
- Adjusting vote thresholds and district boundaries.
- Establishing independent election committees to reduce fraud.
- United Kingdom ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ: Even established democracies evolve! Remember how voting rights expanded to women in 1918 and 1928?
- Mexico ๐ฒ๐ฝ & Nigeria ๐ณ๐ฌ: These countries are working on electoral democratization by:
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Competitive Elections
- Mexico ๐ฒ๐ฝ & Nigeria ๐ณ๐ฌ: The key here is that the party out of power has a chance to win. Mexico's PRI used to dominate for 71 years, but now power shifts between parties.
- Russia ๐ท๐บ: While Russia has multiple parties, no opposition party has ever gained control. This makes it an illiberal democracy โ elections exist, but they're not truly competitive.
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Government Transparency
- Mexico ๐ฒ๐ฝ & Nigeria ๐ณ๐ฌ: Both have passed National Freedom of Information Acts, increasing government accountability. This shows they're moving towards being more democratic.
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Political and Civil Rights
- Mexico ๐ฒ๐ฝ & Nigeria ๐ณ๐ฌ: They have national courts and rights protections, but face challenges, like religious violence in Nigeria.
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Independent Judiciary
- China ๐จ๐ณ: The judiciary is not independent at all, with a 99.3% conviction rate, highlighting its authoritarian nature.
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Elected Officials with Authority
- China ๐จ๐ณ & Russia ๐ท๐บ: In both countries, the President and ruling party control the branches of government, limiting real checks and balances.
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Rule of Law
- Mexico ๐ฒ๐ฝ & Nigeria ๐ณ๐ฌ: Elections matter, and power can change hands.
- Russia ๐ท๐บ: Elections don't really matter, as United Russia always wins.
Remember: Mexico and Nigeria are often cited as examples of countries moving towards democratization.
Visual Overview:
Hereโs a table to help you visualize the key characteristics across different countries:
๐ Key Characteristics of Democratization-Democratic and Authoritarian Regimes
Country | Rule of Law | Free and Fair Elections | Government control of Media | Independence of Branches |
---|---|---|---|---|
UK Established Democracy | House of Commons directly elected by the public voted against airstrikes in Syria (2013) | In 2010 the Conservative Party won the House of Commons after 13 straight years of control by the Labour Party | Controls some media outlets, but allows private media and media to be critical of the government. | Commons votes against the PM at various times, like our example in Syria. |
Mexico Emerging Democracy | In 2000 the PRI lost the Presidential election to PAN candidate and relinquished power | In 2018 President Nieto who was constitutionally prevented from running again, saw his party relinquish control to an opposing party | Controls some media outlets, but allows private media and media to be critical of the government. However, there has been quite a bit of violence against members of the media | Supreme Court is able to review the Constitutionality of laws |
Nigeria Emerging Democracy | Nigerian legislature directly elected by the people rejected the Presidentโs bid to add a 3rd term to the presidency | In 2015, Nigeria saw its first transfer of power between parties through a presidential election | Controls some media outlets, but allows private media and media to be critical of the government. | The legislature votes against the President, like in our example of adding a 3rd term to the presidency |
Russia Authoritarian | Invasion and annexation of Crimea | Putin has won every election in the first round of voting in each of his elections | Regulates the internet to limit dissent, controls most of the media outlets, violence against reporters common | National legislature is merely a rubber stamp for expansion of Executive Power |
Iran Authoritarian | Election protestors put down violently | Supreme Leader is not directly elected by the people. Supreme Leader directly and indirectly appoints all members of the Guardian Council | Blocks internet content to limit dissent, controls most of the media outlets | National legislature is merely a rubber stamp for expansion of Supreme Leaderโs Power |
China Authoritarian | President Xi ends Constitutional term limits for presidency | No direct elections of high ranking governmental officials, appointed from within the party. | Blocks internet content to limit dissent, controls most of the media outlets | National legislature is merely a rubber stamp for expansion of Executive Power |
Think of "M.N.R.I.C.U" to remember the countries: Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, Iran, China, and UK. This is a good way to keep your countries in order!
Democratic Advancements and Regression
Democratization isn't always a one-way street. Here's what you need to know:
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Democratic Consolidation: This is when a country strengthens its democracy by:
- Maturing election rules.
- Emphasizing separation of powers.
- Protecting civil liberties.
This makes it harder for authoritarianism to take hold. ๐ซ
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Democratic Backslide: This is when a government adopts policies that undermine democratic elections. ๐ตโ๐ซ
- Poverty can hinder democracy by limiting participation.
- Corruption can also damage democracy, but a strong judiciary can help control it.
Democratic Waves ๐
Political scientist Samuel Huntington identified three "waves of democratization:"
- First Wave: The origins of democracy (no specific date).
- Second Wave: After WWII until the 1960s. ๐ก
- Third Wave: The defeat of dictatorships in Latin America in the 1970s, including Mexico's recent party turnover.
When analyzing democratization, remember to consider the specific context of each country and avoid generalizations. Focus on the processes of democracy, not just the presence of democratic institutions.
๐กKey Questions: What makes a nation democratic? What are the goals of democracy? Make sure you can answer these!
Final Exam Focus
Okay, let's talk about what to really focus on for the exam:
- Highest Priority Topics:
- The seven characteristics of democracy.
- How democratization works in different countries (especially Mexico and Nigeria).
- The difference between democratic consolidation and backsliding.
- The concept of democratic waves.
- Common Question Types:
- Multiple-choice questions testing your understanding of key terms and concepts.
- Short answer questions asking you to compare democratization in different countries.
- Free response questions requiring you to analyze the factors that promote or hinder democratization.
- Last-Minute Tips:
- Time Management: Don't spend too long on any one question. If you're stuck, move on and come back later.
- Common Pitfalls: Avoid generalizations and focus on specific examples from the countries of study.
- Strategies: When answering FRQs, use specific evidence and examples to support your claims. Make sure to explain the why behind your answers.
Don't just list the characteristics of democracy. Explain how they function in different contexts. For example, don't just say "free and fair elections;" explain how Mexico and Nigeria are trying to achieve them.
Practice Questions
Alright, let's test your knowledge with some practice questions!
Practice Question
Multiple Choice Questions
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Which of the following best describes the concept of democratic consolidation? (A) A country's transition from authoritarian rule to democracy (B) The process by which a country strengthens and reinforces its democratic institutions (C) A government's efforts to undermine democratic elections (D) The spread of democratic ideals through international organizations
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Which of the following countries is often cited as an example of an illiberal democracy? (A) United Kingdom (B) Mexico (C) Russia (D) Nigeria
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What is a key characteristic of competitive elections? (A) Only one political party is allowed to participate (B) The ruling party always wins (C) Multiple parties have a real chance of winning (D) Elections are conducted without any oversight
Free Response Question (FRQ)
Analyze the factors that contribute to democratic consolidation and democratic backsliding. In your response, be sure to:
- Define democratic consolidation and democratic backsliding.
- Discuss two factors that contribute to democratic consolidation.
- Discuss two factors that contribute to democratic backsliding.
- Use specific examples from at least two countries in the AP Comparative Government course.
FRQ Scoring Breakdown:
- Define democratic consolidation (1 point): A country's process of strengthening democratic institutions and norms.
- Define democratic backsliding (1 point): A government's adoption of policies that undermine democratic processes.
- Discuss two factors that contribute to democratic consolidation (2 points): For example, maturing election rules and protecting civil liberties.
- Discuss two factors that contribute to democratic backsliding (2 points): For example, poverty and corruption.
- Use specific examples from at least two countries (2 points): For example, Mexico's electoral reforms and Russia's restrictions on opposition parties.

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