Comparative Politics Glossary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The belief among citizens that a government has the right to rule, derived from sources such as tradition, legal authority, or charisma.

The theory that economic development generates social conditions favorable to the emergence and sustaining of democratic governance.

A system where formal state institutions coexist with informal networks of patronage, personal rule, and clientelism, common in many developing states.

A system of government where the executive derives its legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislature.

The concept that past institutional choices constrain future options, creating self-reinforcing trajectories of political development.

A model of politics in which multiple competing interest groups influence government policy through open competition and lobbying.

Robert Dahl's term for a real-world political system approximating democracy through competitive elections, broad participation, and civil liberties.

A system of government in which the president is elected independently of the legislature and serves a fixed term.

A state that derives a substantial share of revenue from external sources such as natural resource exports rather than domestic taxation.

The ability of a state to effectively implement policies, enforce laws, collect revenue, and deliver public services across its territory.