Unit 1: Political Systems, Regimes, and Governments
This type of political system centralizes all power in one central government.
What is a unitary system?
The ability of a state to govern itself without external interference.
What is sovereignty?
This institution typically has the power to make and pass legislation.
What is the legislature?
The collective attitudes and beliefs of individuals on political issues.
What is public opinion?
The shift from an agricultural economy to one based on industry.
What is industrialization?
The term for a political system where multiple parties exist but only one holds power.
What is a dominant-party system?
The recognized right to rule, often granted through a constitution or a popular mandate.
What is legitimacy?
A political system in which the head of state and head of government are separate offices.
What is a parliamentary system?
The role that interest groups and political parties play in a democratic society.
What is interest articulation?
The policy of reducing government intervention in the economy.
What is economic liberalization?
This type of regime is characterized by rule of law, separation of powers, and protection of civil liberties.
What is a democratic regime?
This term refers to the practice of using force or threats to maintain control in a political system.
What is coercion?
The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws.
What is the executive branch?
The process through which individuals learn about politics and develop their political beliefs.
What is political socialization?
The process by which political authority and responsibility are transferred from central to local governments.
What is devolution?
The process by which a state moves from an authoritarian regime to a democratic one.
What is democratization?
The use of informal political networks to wield influence within the state.
What is patron-clientelism?
The system where government powers are divided among different branches to prevent any one from becoming too powerful.
What is separation of powers?
This term refers to the widespread use of social media and technology in modern political communication.
What is digital democracy?
The transformation from a command economy to a market-based economy.
What is economic transition?
This political system divides power between a central government and regional or local governments.
What is a federal system?
The theoretical basis that supports the legitimacy of a state's power and authority.
What is political ideology?
This principle ensures that government actions are subject to review by an independent judiciary.
What is judicial review?
The extent to which citizens believe they can influence political affairs.
What is political efficacy?
This term describes significant shifts in political, economic, or social structures within a society.
What is structural adjustment?