Presentation Transcript

1. Topics in Comparative Politics

   Sovereignty, Authority, and Power
2. Remember States…. German Max Weber defined the state as the organization that maintains a monopoly of violence over a territory. Idea is that state defines who can and cannot use weapons and force Sets the rules as to how violence is used Often sponsor armies, navies and air forces that use power and violence Individual citizens are very restricted in their use of force. Do you agree with Weber?
3. The institution States also include institutions Stable long lasting organizations that help turn political ideas into policy. Examples? Institutions help states endure change Institutions help provide sovereignty! What is sovereignty? Ability to make decisions without the consent of a higher power. States that can not provide or exercise sovereignty, lack autonomy and are open to corruption and dictatorship.
4. What else? The concept of state is closely tied to nation Nation—a group of people that are bound together by a common political identity. Nationalism is the sense of belonging and identity that distinguishes one nation from another. Often translated as patriotism
5. What are the types of Regimes? Democracy Bases its authority on the will of the people Indirect or direct in nature Usually have 3 major branches: executives, legislatures, and judicial system. Based on a parliamentary or presidential system
6. What are the types of regimes? Authoritarian Decisions are made by political elites (those who hold power) Common characteristics include: A small group of elites exercising power of the state Citizens with little or no input into selection of leaders and government decisions No constitution responsibility of leaders to the public Restriction of civil rights and civil liberties.
7. Totalitarianism v. Military Totalitarianism usually concerns itself with one or a select few of individuals in power. We think of it as tyrannical and negative, but usually totalitarian countries have strong ideological goal. They usually use violence to destroy obstacles Military rule is very common today—especially in Latin America and parts of Africa. When policies and legitimacy are threatened, military intervenes. Usually starts with a coup d'état – forced take over of government. Does not have an specific ideology.
8. Corporatism A method through which busine4ss, labor, and or other interest groups bargain with the state over economic policy. Usually only a handful of groups have the right to speak for the public, effectively silences the majority of citizens. THIS IS NOT PLURALISM!!! Reminder: In Pluralism power is split among many groups that compete for chance to make policy. Relies on citizen participation and input.
9. Parliamentary v. Presidential Parliamentary—citizens vote for legislative representatives which then select the leaders of the executive branch. Presidential—citizens vote for legislative and executive leaders and the two function with separation of powers and checks and balances.

10. Legitimacy

11. What is it? Legitimacy is the right to rule as determined by citizens!! Can be secured in a number of ways like social contracts, constitutions, etc. Three basic types… Traditional Charismatic Rational-legal
12. Traditional Belief that tradition should determine who should rule and how. Rituals and ceremonies reinforce Monarchy is a type of traditional legitimacy. Modern take in Islamic countries is the leaders authority comes from the ability to read and interpret sharia law.
13. Rational-legal Based on system of established laws and procedures. Highly institutionalized and carry over through generations. Based/follows the idea of common law (past practices and legal precedents set by courts) and code law (comprehensive system of codes dived up into commercial, civil, and criminal). Most modern states today are based on this system.
14. Factors leading to legitimacy. Economic well being Historical tradition/longevity Charismatic leadership Nationalism/shared political culture Satisfaction with the government’s performance.
15. Speaking of political culture/ ideology.. Political Culture refers to the collection of political beliefs, values, practices, and institutions that a government is based on. It is often looked at as social capital, the amount of reciprocity and trust among citizens and the states. Consensual political culture—citizens tend to agree on how decisions are made, issues to address and how problems are solved. Conflictual political culture—citizens are sharply divided.
16. Don’t forget Political Ideologies… Political ideologies are values held by individuals regarding the basic goals of government and politics. Liberalism Conservative Communism Socialism Fascism Religion and Religious Beliefs
17. Liberalism and Communism Liberalism (what others call democracy) Places emphasis on individual political and economic freedom. Value the ideal of equal opportunity and will tolerate inequality. Very broad ideology – used by most modern democracies. Communism Values equality over freedom and opportunity. Individual liberties must give way to the needs of the whole society. Believes that competition for scare resources will lead to a small group that will control government and economy. This group will exploit those inequalities and become richer.
18. Socialism and Fascism Socialism Shares the value of equality but also accept individual freedoms and choice. Believe that the state should play a strong role and help ensure some level of equality. Fascism Often confused with communism Fascism rejects equality and accepts the idea that people exist in “degrees” – either inferior or superior. The state has the right and responsibility to mold society into a certain image—will eliminate any obstacle in the way.
19. Influence of Religion Important source of group identity in world. How does religion influence politics United States and may other modern democracies have separation of church and state. Religion serves as a basis of interest groups. States can have an official religion and either be secular in nature (like Great Britain or France). States use religion as a basis of legitimacy. Like Nigeria and Iran use Islamic religious law (sharia) as a way to rule the country.