1. Comparative Political Systems
Topic 14

2. Democracy And The Changing World
Democratization: the change from dictatorship to democracy, marked by the holding of free and fair elections
Hardliners: those who fight to maintain the status quo
Reformers: those who work to change or reform government
Democratic Consolidation: the process of establishing the factors considered necessary for a democracy to succeed (free press, competitive group of political parties, civilian-controlled military and security force, and a number of engaged interest groups)
Failed States: nations in which security is nonexistent, the economy has collapsed, healthcare and school systems are in shambles, and corruption is flourishing

3. The United Kingdom
Consists of: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Democracy with a unitary, parliamentary government (Parliamentary System: chief executive is chosen by the parliament rather than being directly elected)
Government: Monarchy, with the Prime Minister holds the real power and the monarch is a figurehead
Example of Constitutionalism: government in which power is distributed and limited by a system of laws that must be obeyed by its rulers

4. The Russian Federation
The Communist Party came to power after Lenin led a revolution
After Lenin’s death, Stalin became the new Soviet leader in which he consolidated his power with purges (process of government purification by removing rivals)
In 1985, Gorbachev began a reform program based on two principles: Perestroika (restructuring of economic and political life) and Glasnost (policy of openness under which the government increased its tolerance of dissent and freedom of expression)
The Russian government is now struggling toward democracy and economic reform; it has a multi-party system

5. China
Communist Party; Top members of the p arty hold the highest positions in the government and military
There are very few comparisons to draw between American politics and Chinese politics; American politics tends to be decentralized, full of checks and balances, and influenced by multiple actors such as interest groups, the media, and public opinion.
China is completely governed by a single party, and more specifically by the top level of that party. There are no formal mechanisms to affect governance or policy.