Chapter 2 “Comparing Political Systems” Comparison is the scientific study of politics Theories are developed on political processes

Comparative Analysis….. Helps us choose among strategies, reduce costs and increase benefits Helps us describe political processes and change; Provides a point of reference

We use functional approach Comparing countries according to a set of functions which are performed in every political system Functions interact in a domestic & international environment

Why We Compare Enables us to develop explanations and test theories Draw comparisons among societies and states Form general theories of political relationships Traditional practice

How We Compare Case studies (small n studies) – comparison of one state across time or of 2 states at the same time Statistical studies (large n studies) – comparing multiple states across one or multiple time periods; used to determine commonalities and differences

Comparative Method Step 1 – description *need conceptual framework Step 2 – explanation *identify relationships Step 3 – theory *general statement *needs to be tested

Comparative Method (cont.) Step 4 – test *large n studies are more precise; examine relationship among variables *small n studies are more detailed in particulars; better for cause & effect

Comparative Systems: Structure & Functions System *Political System *Inputs & Outputs in domestic & international environment (see page 35) *interdependence has increased in recent decades

Comparative Systems (cont.) Structure *Structures perform functions *Structures are specific agencies such as courts, bureaucracies, administrative agencies *Functions enable the government to formulate, implement and enforce policies *Policies reflect goals, agencies provide means *6 Common structures in all systems, but function differently

Comparative Systems (cont.) Function *System – maintain the system, keep it stable and running; fundamentally important *Process – converts inputs of demands arising from society and the international environment into policy outputs; necessary for policy to be made and implemented *Policy – effect domestic society and international environment

System Functions Socialization – families, schools, media, churches, etc. that develop, reinforce and transform attitudes in society Recruitment – selection of people for government activity Communication – flow of information through society and political structures

Process Functions Interest Articulation – expressing interests to the government Interest Aggregation – overall views of people; combination of demands Interest Adjudication – justification of policies (consequences, order, decree) Process functions are performed by political parties, legislatures, executives and courts

Policy Functions Leads to inputs & outputs

Analysis Structural Analysis – tells how the number of political parties, organization of legislature, branches of government, media, interest groups, etc. are set up and how they operate Functional Analysis – how the institutions and organizations interact to produce and implement policies

Policy Level: Performance, Outcome & Evaluation How are goals of welfare, justice, freedom and equality affected? Effectiveness is measured in culture, economy, technology and environment Outputs of a political system are its performance