Populism
Populism definition
What is the political approach that opposes the elites and claims to represent the “common people”;often relies on emotions over facts
An organized group of individuals with common values and goals that seeks to gain and maintain political power by participating in electoral processes and promoting specific policy agendas.
What is a political party?
A system of government where the executive branch exists separately from the legislature and is typically headed by an executive figure who serves as both head of state and government; usually elected independently of the legislative branch and holds significant authority.
What is Presidentialism?
A state governed as a single entity where the central government holds supreme authority, and any administrative divisions exercise only powers that the central government chooses to delegate
What is a unitary state?
An organized group that seeks to influence public policy and decision-making to benefit its members or causes, often through lobbying and advocacy.
What is an Interest Group?
A democratic system of governance in which the executive derives its legitimacy from, and is accountable to, the legislature; the executive and legislative branches are interconnected. The head of government is typically a member of the legislature and is dependent on the confidence of the majority.
What is Parliamentarism?
A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (like states or provinces), allowing both to exercise certain powers independently.
What is Federalism?
Voters prefer candidates closest to their own ideological position on a left-right spectrum. Politicians adjust their positions to appeal to the median voter.
Example: In a two-party system, both parties move towards the center to appeal to swing voters.
What is the spatial theory?
Emphasizes nationalism, anti-immigration sentiments, and often a return to traditional cultural values. Leaders like Donald Trump in the U.S. and Marine Le Pen in France exemplify this form
What is right-wing populism?
The act of attempting to influence decisions made by government officials, often carried out by interest groups seeking favorable policy outcomes. This can involve direct communication with policymakers, funding research, or mobilizing public opinion.
What is Lobbying?
An electoral principle often associated with presidential systems where the candidate with the majority vote wins the executive office, leaving opposing parties without executive power. This can lead to heightened political polarization.
What is Winner Takes All?
Model that explains how different factors influence voter behavior over time
What is the Funnel of Causality?
Voters do not just care about the direction and intensity of policy stances
Candidates who take stronger positions can get more support from committed voters
Ex: A left-wing voter might prefer a progressive candidate over a moderate, even if the moderate is slightly closer ideologically-wise
What is Directional Theory?
Focuses on economic inequality, social justice, and often advocates for wealth redistribution. Examples include Hugo Chávez in Venezuela and the Syriza party in Greece.
What is left-wing populism?
A government formed by multiple political parties who must compromise on policies and share power, typically occurring in parliamentary systems when no single party achieves an outright majority.
What is a coalition government?
A hybrid governmental structure identified by Steffen Ganghof, where the legislature is divided into two parts: one that selects and can dismiss the executive (confidence chamber) and another that participates in legislation without such executive control. This system aims to balance the separation of powers with effective governance.
What is a Semi-Parliamentary System?
An electoral system in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them. This system aims to reflect the diversity of opinions within the electorate.
What is proportional representation?
strongly advocates for and adheres to a particular set of beliefs or ideology, often in a rigid or uncompromising manner; the most coherent type of voter.
What is an ideologue?
An individual's enduring affective or instrumental attachment to one of the political parties. This psychological orientation influences voting behavior and political perceptions.
What is Party ID?
Elections, particularly in presidential systems, where the winner gains full executive control, and the loser gains no executive power, potentially increasing political tensions and polarization.
What are zero-sum elections?
Has greater openness to outsiders running for office
What is a presidential system
the fluctuation of an individual's evaluations or opinions about a subject over time.
What is attitude instability?