Comparative Politics Cheat Sheet

The core ideas of Comparative Politics distilled into a single, scannable reference — perfect for review or quick lookup.

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Quick Reference

Regime Types

The classification of political systems into categories such as democracies, authoritarian regimes, and hybrid regimes based on how political power is acquired, exercised, and constrained. Scholars like Juan Linz and Larry Diamond have developed influential typologies.

Democratization

The process by which a political system transitions from authoritarian rule to democracy. This includes liberalization of political rights, the holding of competitive elections, and the consolidation of democratic institutions and norms.

Presidentialism vs. Parliamentarism

Two fundamental models of democratic government. In presidential systems, the executive is elected independently of the legislature and serves a fixed term. In parliamentary systems, the executive (prime minister) is drawn from and accountable to the legislative majority.

Electoral Systems

The rules and methods by which votes are translated into seats in a legislature. Major types include first-past-the-post (plurality), proportional representation, and mixed systems. Electoral rules profoundly shape party systems and political representation.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is constitutionally divided between a central authority and subnational units such as states or provinces. Each level of government has its own jurisdiction and cannot unilaterally abolish the other.

Political Culture

The set of attitudes, beliefs, and values that shape how citizens relate to their political system. Gabriel Almond and Sidney Verba identified parochial, subject, and participant political cultures in their landmark study 'The Civic Culture.'

Institutionalism

A family of theoretical approaches that emphasize the role of formal and informal institutions, meaning the rules, norms, and procedures that structure political behavior, in shaping political outcomes. Variants include historical, rational choice, and sociological institutionalism.

State Capacity

The ability of a government to effectively implement its policies, collect taxes, maintain order, and provide public goods throughout its territory. Weak state capacity is associated with corruption, underdevelopment, and political instability.

Civil Society

The realm of organized social life that is voluntary, self-generating, and autonomous from the state, including nongovernmental organizations, labor unions, religious groups, and civic associations. A vibrant civil society is widely considered essential for democratic governance.

Comparative Method

The systematic methodology used to compare political phenomena across countries or over time. Key designs include Most Similar Systems Design (comparing similar countries with different outcomes) and Most Different Systems Design (comparing dissimilar countries with similar outcomes).

Key Terms at a Glance

Authoritarianism:A form of government characterized by strong central power, limited political freedoms, and the absence of free competitive elections.

Bicameralism:A legislative structure consisting of two chambers or houses, often designed to represent different constituencies or provide checks on legislation.

Civil Society:The realm of voluntary associations and organizations that operate independently of the state and market.

Clientelism:A political system where politicians distribute material goods or favors to individuals or groups in exchange for political support.

Coalition Government:A government formed by two or more political parties that agree to share executive power, common in parliamentary and proportional representation systems.

Comparative Method:The systematic methodology of comparing political phenomena across countries or time periods to identify causal relationships.

Consociationalism:A power-sharing model for governing deeply divided societies through grand coalitions, mutual vetoes, proportional representation, and group autonomy.

Corporatism:A system of interest intermediation in which organized groups such as labor and business negotiate policy with the state.

Democratization:The process of transition from an authoritarian regime to a democratic political system.

Devolution:The transfer of powers from a central government to subnational authorities, which can typically be reversed by the central authority.

Electoral System:The set of rules governing how votes are cast and translated into seats in a representative body.

Failed State:A state that has lost the ability to perform basic functions such as maintaining order, providing public services, and controlling its territory.

Federalism:A constitutional arrangement dividing governmental power between a central authority and subnational units.

Hybrid Regime:A political system combining democratic and authoritarian elements, such as holding elections while restricting civil liberties.

Institutionalism:A theoretical approach that emphasizes the role of formal and informal rules, norms, and procedures in shaping political behavior and outcomes.

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