🗳️AP Comparative Government AP Cram Sessions 2021

Key Concepts and Theories

• Comparative politics analyzes and compares the political systems, institutions, and processes of different countries
• Major political systems include democracies, authoritarian regimes, and hybrid systems that combine elements of both
  • Democracies feature free and fair elections, political pluralism, and protection of civil liberties (United States, Japan)
  • Authoritarian regimes concentrate power in a single leader or party, often suppressing opposition and limiting freedoms (China, Russia)
• Sovereignty refers to the supreme authority of a state to govern itself and make decisions independently
• Political institutions such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches shape the distribution and exercise of power
• Electoral systems, including majoritarian and proportional representation, influence the composition of governments and policy outcomes
• Political culture encompasses the values, beliefs, and attitudes that shape political behavior and participation in a society
• Theories of democratization examine the factors that contribute to the emergence and consolidation of democratic systems (economic development, civil society)

Historical Context and Background

• The study of comparative politics emerged in the post-World War II era as a distinct subfield of political science
• Decolonization and the formation of new nation-states in Africa and Asia expanded the scope of comparative analysis
• The Cold War period (1947-1991) shaped the global political landscape and the ideological competition between capitalist democracies and communist systems
• The collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War led to a wave of democratization in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet republics
• Globalization and the increasing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and political systems have influenced the development of comparative politics
• Historical legacies, such as colonialism and imperialism, continue to shape the political trajectories of many countries
• The Arab Spring uprisings (2010-2012) challenged authoritarian rule in the Middle East and North Africa, with varying outcomes across the region

Political Systems Compared

• Presidential systems feature a directly elected head of state who serves as both the chief executive and head of government (United States, Brazil)
  • Presidents typically have the power to veto legislation and appoint cabinet members
• Parliamentary systems have a head of government (prime minister) who is chosen by the legislature and is accountable to it (United Kingdom, India)
  • The prime minister and cabinet are usually drawn from the party or coalition with the most seats in parliament
• Semi-presidential systems combine elements of both presidential and parliamentary systems, with a directly elected president and a prime minister responsible to the legislature (France, Russia)
• Federal systems divide power between a central government and regional or state governments (United States, Germany)
• Unitary systems concentrate power in the central government, with limited autonomy for local or regional authorities (France, Japan)
• Comparing political systems helps identify patterns, similarities, and differences in how countries are governed and how power is exercised

Case Studies and Country Analyses

• China's one-party system and state-led economic model have achieved rapid growth and development, while limiting political freedoms and dissent
• India's diverse, multi-party democracy has faced challenges in balancing economic reforms, social inequality, and regional tensions
• The United States' two-party system and checks and balances have shaped its political landscape and policy debates
• The European Union's supranational structure and decision-making processes have influenced the political and economic integration of its member states
• Brazil's presidential system has grappled with corruption, economic instability, and social inequality
• Nigeria's federal system and ethnic and religious diversity have posed challenges for political stability and national unity
• Iran's theocratic system and the role of the Supreme Leader have shaped its domestic politics and foreign policy

Institutions and Power Structures

• Constitutions establish the fundamental rules and principles governing a country's political system
  • They define the powers and responsibilities of different branches of government and protect individual rights
• Legislatures, such as parliaments or congresses, are responsible for making laws and holding the executive accountable
  • Unicameral legislatures have one chamber, while bicameral legislatures have two (House of Representatives and Senate in the United States)
• Executives, such as presidents or prime ministers, are responsible for implementing laws and policies
  • They often have the power to appoint cabinet members, conduct foreign policy, and command the military
• Judiciaries interpret laws, resolve disputes, and ensure that government actions comply with the constitution
  • The role and independence of the judiciary vary across different political systems
• Bureaucracies are the administrative agencies and civil servants responsible for implementing government policies and delivering public services
• Political parties organize and mobilize voters, contest elections, and shape policy agendas
  • Party systems can be single-party, two-party, or multi-party, influencing the dynamics of political competition
• Interest groups and civil society organizations seek to influence policy and hold governments accountable

Current Events and Global Trends

• The rise of populist and nationalist movements in Europe and the Americas has challenged established political parties and institutions
  • Examples include Brexit in the United Kingdom and the election of Donald Trump in the United States
• The COVID-19 pandemic has tested the capacity and resilience of political systems in responding to public health and economic crises
• Climate change and environmental degradation have emerged as pressing global challenges, requiring international cooperation and domestic policy responses
• The growth of social media and digital technologies has transformed political communication, campaigning, and public discourse
• Protests and social movements, such as Black Lives Matter and the global climate strikes, have mobilized citizens to demand political and social change
• The geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China has intensified, with implications for trade, technology, and international relations
• The erosion of democracy and the rise of authoritarianism in countries like Venezuela, Turkey, and Hungary have raised concerns about the future of liberal democracy

Exam Strategies and Practice Questions

• Read the questions carefully and identify the key concepts, countries, or issues being addressed
• Use specific examples and evidence from the course material to support your arguments and analyses
• Practice writing clear, concise, and well-structured essays that directly address the prompt
• Utilize compare and contrast techniques to highlight similarities and differences between political systems or countries
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts, theories, and historical context covered in the course
• Analyze and interpret data, graphs, or charts that may be included in the exam questions
• Manage your time effectively during the exam, allocating sufficient time for each question or section
• Review and practice with past exam questions and sample essays to familiarize yourself with the format and expectations

Additional Resources and Study Tips

• Utilize the textbook, course notes, and assigned readings to reinforce your understanding of key concepts and case studies
• Create concept maps or summary sheets to visualize the connections between different topics and countries
• Engage in study groups or discussions with classmates to share insights, test your knowledge, and learn from different perspectives
• Watch documentaries, news reports, or political analyses related to the countries and issues covered in the course
• Read academic articles or research papers to deepen your understanding of specific topics or theoretical debates
• Utilize online resources, such as the CIA World Factbook or the Economist Intelligence Unit, to access up-to-date data and analysis on different countries
• Attend review sessions or office hours with your instructor to clarify any questions or concerns you may have
• Practice active reading techniques, such as annotating texts or summarizing key points, to improve your retention and comprehension of the material