case studies
Who was the philosopher who came up with the theories of legitimacy/authority? Name those theories.
Max Weber. Traditional authority, rational legal authority, charismatic authority.
What is the state?
a political entity that rules and governs the society in that geographic area
what does the state do?
provide capacity
this revolution took place in Europe in 1789 to 1799 and was the first time this country rejected their monarchy and traditional authority. it was a strong case of nationalism being used both positively and later negatively. sovereignty was placed in the people mostly during the revolution rather than after it.
the French Revolution
Who was the philosopher who wrote "Bowling Alone" and is typically associated with ideas of civil society?
Robert Putnam
define civil society and give an example
the realm of social life encompassing private, voluntary organizations
what does nationalism do?
defines the community
this was a mediating institution where industrialization introduced social cleavages to this system. too many political parties meant too many demands to be able to get anything passed legislatively and there was an incredibly weak version of rational-legal legitimacy.
weimar
This (possible) case study is based on a European country's government that lasted from 1919-1933, is understood to be a general failure of democracy, and led to the direct rise of authoritarian rule in this country.
Weimar Germany
define nation
an affective or imagined community based on various “raw materials” like language, ethnicity, religion, shared descent, common history/culture, or memories.
what does democracy do?
provides consent (of the governed)
this revolution took place worldwide and increased social complexity and demands for representation, rights, welfare, and economic protection.
industrial revolution
This European country has had 3 major revolutions in modern history, but the most well known one involved mass killings, heads on pikes, and women with no pants! Name that revolution/country!
the French revolution (1789)
what is the legitimation deficit?
modernization strengthened states but disrupted traditional society and industrialization increased political and economic demands
what do political parties do?
organizes the citizens' demands
how can nationalism be both positive and negative for a country?
positive: creates community among the citizenry
negative: can allow for populism and an authoritarian state if it goes far enough
This country has not been one explicitly mentioned in class, but, if you know your world history, you would be able to make a case for it. It experienced a citizenry-led revolution in 1917, leading to the overthrowing of the monarchy and a state of anarchy prior to finally settling into a state of governance that they still practice today.
Russia
describe the three types of legitimacy according to Weber.
traditional authority: the belief that a political system is right and just because it has always been that way
rational legal legitimacy: legitimacy comes from formal rules and procedures
charismatic authority: relies on a leader's personal qualities, followers obey out of devotion rather than obligation
what does civil society do?
creates participation and trust between the citizenry and the government
this country combined constitutional government, political parties, regional institutions, and civil society to create one of the strongest postwar democracies of the time. we learned that democracy works best when institutions and political culture reinforce each other from this country.
Postwar Italy