AP Comparative Government: Key Terms and Concepts

AP Comparative Government: Key Terms and Concepts Authoritarian - Correct Answer A system of government in which decisions are made by political elites, without much input from citizens. They may be ruled by a single dictator, a hereditary monarch, or a small group of aristocrats or a single political party. Ex) The Soviet Union was an authoritarian regime under the Communist Party, as was England prior to 1215, when the monarch had absolute authority. Command Economy - Correct Answer Economies where centralized planning and state ownership are the norm. Command economies have strong ties to socialist principles, and are mostly fading from existence in favor of market or mixed economies. Ex) The Soviet Union and China both had command economies, where industries were state owned and the government had massive oversight on the economy. Democracy - Correct Answer A regime which bases its authority on the will of the people. They are often indirect, with the people voting directly for a representative for the legislative branch, and occasionally the executive branch (presidential system). Generally speaking, businesses and corporations are allowed to move independently of the government in the economy. Ex) The UK is a democracy on the parliament system. Citizens vote for their member of parliament (legislative body) and parliament members select a prime minister (executive). Legitimacy - Correct Answer The right to rule as determined by the citizens of a nation. There are many sources of legitimacy, with 3 basic forms. They are traditional, charismatic, and rational-legal. Ex) The legitimacy of the UK stems mostly from its gradual change over time and the continual presence of the monarchy. Political Culture - Correct Answer The collection of political beliefs, values, practices, and institutions that a government is based on. The government reflects these views in their policies. Ex) The UK political culture values individualism which it demonstrates in having a liberal society with great freedoms granted to the people Political Socialization - Correct Answer The forces which help citizens form their opinions about politics. The major force of political socialization is the family, as children form their opinion based on the opinions of their parents. Ex) The propaganda of the USSR is still visible today with the majority of citizens of Russia who still see Stalin as a great leader. Power - Correct Answer The measure of a person's ability to control those around him/her and the environment they are in. In terms of politics, it is the ability of someone to enforce their decision through persuasion or force. Ex) Power in the UK is mainly held by the Prime Minister, who can both pass laws and enforce them.