1. Introduction to Comparative Politics
Countries of Study:
Great Britain
Russia
China
Iran
Mexico
Nigeria

2. Comparative Politics Defined
Systematic study and comparison of the world’s political systems
Seeks to explain similarities and differences among countries
Explores patterns, processes, and regularities among political systems

3. Why Study Comparative Politics?
Helps overcome enthnocentrism (my country is best syndrome!)
To understand how nations change and patterns that occur
Necessary for the understanding of international and foreign policy
It’s fun! And exciting! And part of AP Government!

4. Themes of Study: Globalization

5. Themes of Study: What defines a country?
1. Class
2. Geographic Region
Where in the world? (neighbors, geographic terrain)
Resources
3. Religion
Clerical: supports a national religion (could be a theocracy or not)
Anti-clerical: does not support a national religion
4. Urban vs. Rural
Basis of economy
Differences among society
5. Ideology about Government

6. Themes of Study: Crises in Nation Building
Identity
Legitimacy
Penetration
Participation
Distribution

7. #1 Identity
How do the people define themselves? What makes them distinct?
How is the government defined?
a. Democracy v. Authoritarian
b. Presidential v. Parliamentary
c. Unitary v. Federal v. Confederal

8. Identity: Democracy v. Authoritarian
Democracies include the following:
Free and fair competitive elections
Political parties are free to organize; opposition parties retain their rights
Policy-making through specific procedures that provide due process and accountability
Citizens have political and civil rights
An independent judiciary
(Also, civilian control of the military)
Consolidated Democracy: A government that adheres to all 5 characteristics (U.S.. Great Britain)
Transitional Democracy: A newly established government that has the façade of democracy but often violates the checklist (Russia, Nigeria, Mexico)
Authoritarian: Lacks the elements on the checklist (Iran, China)

9. Identity: Presidential v. Parliamentary Democracies
Parliamentary-A government that consists of a head of state and a head of government (Great Britain)
Presidential-A government that consists of one head (President) separate from the legislature (U.S., Mexico, Nigeria)
Semi-Presidential-A government that consists of elements of a parliamentary and presidential system (hybrid) with a PM and President (Russia)

10. Identity: Unitary vs. Federal vs. Confederal Systems
Who has the power?
Unitary: concentrates policy-making power in one place
Federal: distinctive division of power
Confederal (confederation): spreads power among many sub-units (or states)

11. Identity: Liberal vs. Illiberal Democracy
Liberal Democracy = Competitive elections PLUS
Civil liberties
Rule of law
Neutrality of judiciary
Open civil society
Civilian control of the military
Illiberal Democracy = Competitive elections without the above criteria

12. # 2 Legitimacy Describe as the “right to rule”
Factors that contribute to legitimacy:
economic well-being
Historical tradition
Charismatic leadership
Nationalism/shared political culture
Satisfaction with government’s performance

13. Themes of Study: Ideology and Nation-Building
Critical Questions:
How are governments defined?
Is the government “legitimate?”