AP Comparative Vocabulary Review

A form of government where religion and politics are intertwined.

Process by which a policy issue, amendment, or constitution is sent to the voters for approval.

State that gains a significant portion of its revenue by leasing resources to foreign countries

A fact-based statement.

Methods by which someone is influenced in developing their viewpoint about government/politics.

When many groups are free to participate/compete in the policymaking process.

Countries attempting to improve their economic status, low avg. income & subpar infrastructure.

A movement driven by the politics of ordinary citizens.

Parties are represented in the legislature according to the percentage of votes received.

A formula that measures economic inequality within a country.

Generally accepted view that a government has the right to rule.

The belief that colonization leaves a legacy of poverty and poor governance.

The ability to make and enforce public policy without answering to a higher power.

When many groups are free to participate/compete in the policymaking process.

System: all power is held by the central gov't, which may delegate powers to subnational gov't

The ability of citizens to know what government officials are doing and how money is spent.

A measure of a country’s standard of living, including health and education.

A two-house legislature

Policy changes, tax increases & cuts to social services in order to reform a state’s finances.

A rough measure of average income in a country using economic productivity.

System where cases decided by the highest court serve as precedent for future decisions.

A division that includes people with differences, strengthening society.

A division that strengthens feelings of difference and discrepancy, weakening society.

Countries with a high standard of living and strong economies.

When groups, such as business and/or labor, work closely with the government in policy-making.

The relationship between political and economic systems.

The right to rule because “it has always been that way.”

The right to rule based on the personality of an individual.

When a court has the power to overturn a law passed by the legislature.

Reforms that focus on free trade and the privatization of industry.

Pride in one’s people, and the belief that they have their own unique political destiny.

The right to rule based on a widely accepted system of laws and procedures.

The fundamental norms and rules established by administrations over time.

The executive, legislature, judiciary, and bureaucracy.

Those who want to restore political, social, and economic institutions that existed in the past

Process of expanding & intensifying the interconnectedness among states, societies, & economies

A system of government with both democratic and authoritarian elements.

An apparent connection between variables.

Views about policy-making, the government’s role, the pace of change, and freedom and equality.

A society where people’s basic needs are met, enabling focus on broader world issues.

A system of law where the rules are written in the form of statutes (legislation).

A group of people, organized into government institutions, with sovereignty over territory.

Procedural democracy, with elections that may be flawed & lacking some civil rights & liberties

A state where the government provides for people’s basic needs, like medical care and pensions.

Theory: the elite win struggles over resources. The proletariat will create a classless state.

Protections individuals have against government action.

System of government where elections are not free/fair; civil rights/liberties are restricted.

System where national government has most power; subnational government powers are protected.

When a change in one variable causes a change in another variable.

The transition from an authoritarian system to a liberal democracy.

A statement that includes a value judgement.

The poorest countries. The bottom 12. Might be described as “fourth world.”

The total value of goods and services produced in a country.

The history, values, beliefs, and traditions that influence political behavior.

Winner-take-all. Whoever wins the most votes gets the one seat available in an election.

An economy centrally planned and controlled by the government.

Granting special favors in exchange for special favors; ‘buying off’ critics.

System with political competition, economic freedom, civil rights & liberties, & transparency.

The process of decentralizing power from national governments that stops short of federalism.

Groups and organizations that connect government to its citizens.

The overthrow and replacement of a regime based upon broad popular support.

A group of people with a psychological sense of identity (cultural, geographic, or linguistic).

Methods for identifying, training, and selecting those who will serve in government.

Economy with little government control, where wages & prices are determined by supply & demand.

Protections that governments provide for ethnic, religious, gender, or minority groups.

Voluntary social organizations outside of government representing various interests.