Comparative Methods
What is the difference between a dependent and independent variable in comparative political research?
Independent variables explain changes in dependent variables. The dependent variable is what we are trying to explain.
What is the difference between a procedural (minimalist) and substantive definition of democracy?
A procedural (minimalist) definition of democracy focuses on elections and formal democratic institutions, while a substantive definition considers civil liberties, representation, and participation.
What is the difference between a unicameral and bicameral legislature?
Unicameral legislatures have one chamber; bicameral legislatures have two (e.g., U.S. Congress: House and Senate).
What is the key distinction between presidential and parliamentary systems?
Presidential systems have a separately elected executive, while parliamentary systems have an executive accountable to the legislature.
What is judicial review, and how does it function in a democracy?
Judicial review is the ability of courts to declare laws unconstitutional.
What research design compares cases that are very different in most aspects but share a common outcome?
Most-Different-Systems (MDS) Design compares cases that differ on most variables but share an outcome.
Which theory explains democracy as a product of economic development?
Modernization Theory argues that economic development leads to democracy.
What kind of electoral system does Germany and New Zealand use?
Germany and New Zealand use a mixed-member proportional system, where voters cast two votes—one for a candidate and one for a party.
What process allows a legislature to remove a president in presidential systems?
Impeachment is the process through which a legislature removes a president from office.
What term refers to government limited by laws and institutions, ensuring the rule of law?
Constitutionalism refers to limited government and the rule of law.
Name two examples of qualitative data that a political scientist might use.
Examples of qualitative data include historical accounts, primary documents, ethnographic interviews, case studies, and archival research.
What is the term for the collapse of democracy and transition to an authoritarian regime?
Democratic Breakdown is when a democracy collapses into an authoritarian regime.
What does a constructive vote of no confidence do, and which country famously uses it?
A constructive vote of no confidence prevents a government from being removed unless a new one is ready to take over. Used in Germany.
What is a vote of no confidence, and how does it function differently from impeachment?
A vote of no confidence is when the legislature removes the government in a parliamentary system. Unlike impeachment, it removes the entire executive branch.
What is the key difference between federalism and unitarism?
Federalism divides power between central and regional governments; unitarism centralizes power at the national level.
Why do scholars pay attention to deviant cases in comparative research?
Deviant cases are cases that do not fit expected patterns of a theory, which helps refine or challenge existing theories.
What is a hybrid regime, and how does it differ from full authoritarianism?
A hybrid regime has elements of both democracy and authoritarianism, such as Turkey (and until recently Russia).
In a proportional representation system, how are legislative seats allocated?
In proportional representation (PR), seats are distributed based on the percentage of votes a party receives.
In which system (parliamentary or presidential) do coalition governments tend to form, and why?
Coalition governments tend to form in parliamentary systems because no single party may win a majority, requiring cooperation.
What is the separation of powers, and why is it important in a democracy?
Separation of powers divides government responsibilities among executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
What is comparative checking, and how does it help political scientists refine their theories?
Comparative checking is the process of adding additional cases to test the robustness of a hypothesis, helping political scientists refine their conclusions.
What is authoritarian persistence, and name a country where this has occurred.
Authoritarian persistence refers to the ability of an authoritarian regime to remain in power, either by continuing the same government or transitioning to another form of authoritarianism. Example: China, North Korea, or Iran.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of first-past-the-post (FPTP) electoral systems?
Advantages of First-Past-the-Post (FPTP): Simple, clear winner, strong governments. Disadvantages: Wasted votes, minority rule, underrepresentation of smaller parties.
What is the strongest argument against Juan Linz’s claim that presidentialism is more prone to democratic breakdown?
Scott Mainwaring and Matthew Shugart argue that the instability of presidentialism is often due to other factors (e.g., weak party systems) rather than presidentialism itself.
How can a constitution affect the longevity of a democracy? Give an example.
A well-designed constitution can enhance democracy’s longevity by ensuring power-sharing, accountability, and a stable legal framework. Example: The U.S. Constitution has lasted over 200 years.