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Source:•Michael G. Roskin, Robert L. Cord, James A. Medeiros, & Walter S. Jones. (2012). Political Science: An Introduction. New York: Pearson Longman.
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Nation and State
Nation
Population with common history, culture, language
State
Government structure, independent & sovereign
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Nation and State
French king & state created the French
nation
Framers of the U.S. Constitution created
the U.S. nation
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Institutionalized Power
Political institutions are the working structures of
government
Good institutions are flexible & change; they give stability
to the political system
Personalities create powers of institutions
Institutions are greater than individual leaders
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StatesEffective
States
Control & tax the whole country; laws are obeyed; no corruption; better off
Weak States
Crime; lawlessness, corruption, breakaway
movements; buy justice; rigged elections
Failed States
No real government; little control over country; warlords & criminal cartels; threats of
territorial break up
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AristotleWho Governs
Legitimate Forms:Rules in the Interest of All
Corrupt Forms:Rule in the Interest of Selves
One Monarchy Tyranny
Few Aristocracy Oligarchy
Many Polity Democracy
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Unitary Systems1. The central government controls
everything (not federal system)
2. U.K. officially is unitary.
3. Many countries have devolved & decentralized over the years: U.K., France, Spain, etc.
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Pros & Cons of Unitary SystemsPros
1. Government is close to the people
2. People can influence local governments
3. Can experiment at local level
Cons
1. Local governments lack resources
2. Incompetent & corrupt local officials
3. Duplication & lack of coordination between local & national government
Not clear who is in charge: national or local government
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Federal System
Central government can’t easily override autonomy
& powers
One way to keep a country together, e.g. India at independence
Entities that would otherwise be weak have
stronger defense
Larger economy with no trade barriers; more
prosperous
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Pros & Cons of Fedeal SystemsPros
1. Centralized power solve many problems
2. Clear lines of authority
3. Easier policy coordination
Cons
1. Local governments can’t do simple tasks
2. Local governments may be ignored
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Electoral SystemsSingle-Member Districts
1. One person elected in each district
2. Third parties have little chance of winning many districts
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Single-Member DistrictsPros
1. Politics tend to be moderate (not extremes)
2. Usually one party gets majority in legislature
Cons
1. Artificial majority
2. Gerrymandering makes one party safe for most district seats
3. Stable and dull politics (unlike multiparty systems)
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Electoral SystemsProportional Representation
1. Multi-member districts where political party gets seats proportional to the votes it got
2. A minimum % of votes required to win a seat
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Proportional RepresentationPros
1. Legislature more accurately reflects party strength & public opinion
2. Parties have clear principles & don’t need to appeal to a broad center
Cons
1. Party splintering lead to multi-party systems
2. Coalitions needed, causing instability & inability to make important decisions
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Political Economy1. To what extent should the
state control the economy?
2. To what extent should the country’s wealth be redistributed to the poor?
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Political Economy
Laissez-Faire
Government owns little industry & redistributes
little welfare
Welfare State
Government owns little industry but redistributes
wealth to poor (Scandinavia)
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Political Economy
Statism
Government owns major inefficient industry &
redistributes little welfare (French monarchy)
Socialism
Government owns industry but redistributes extensive wealth (Soviet Union; Mao Zedong’s
China)
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Political Economy1. In reality, governments
combine different models.
2. e.g. U.S. is capitalist, laissez-faire, but has welfare (social security)
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Reference:•Michael G. Roskin, Robert L. Cord, James A. Medeiros, & Walter S. Jones. (2012). Political Science: An Introduction. New York: Pearson Longman.
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