POL 312 POL 312 Comparative PoliticsComparative Politics

This course intends to examine different political systems from a structural-functional perspective. Why are there different political systems in the world? Are there any similarities

between them? How can political systems be examined? While seeking answers to these questions, this course also intends to

develop students’ methodological skills. After providing comparative theoretical and methodological

base, the second part of the course examines different political systems in the world such as the United States, France, Russia,

India, Nigeria U.K, Brazil and China.

Chapter 1Comparative Political Systems

1. Issues in Comparative Politics

Structural Framework and Main definitions:

Definition of politics, government, governance, state, sovereignty, nation, nationalism, interdependence,

power, legitimacy, legality.

Basis of Authority

Max Weber analyzed the 3 ways of validating political power:

1. Traditional This authority is based on what has always existed.

2. Charismatic The leaders are obeyed because they inspire thier followers.

3. Legal rational Obedinece is through principles and rules rather than

individuals.

Benefits of Comparative Approach

1. Oldest, simplest and best way of learning. 2. Helps to formulate hypothesis 3. Helps to make predictions 4. Helps to make generalizations

First comparisons:

1. Democratic and Authoritarian States Key elements of authoritarian regimes (illiberal and

undemocratic) Key elements of democratic regimes:

2. Consolidated and Transitional States Stable vs. Ustable

3. Developed and Developing States High living standards vs. Low living standards

Chapter 2:Democracy

Definition of Democracy Types of Democracy

1. Ideal Democracy

2. Libreal Democracy 3. Semi Democracy

Conditions of Democracya) Modernizaqtion Framework

b) Historical Approach

Chapter 5:Political Participation

Definition of Political Participation Patterns of Participation

1. Liberal Democracies:

Voluntary participation 2. Comunist States: Regimented Participation 3. Developing Countries Patron Client

Case Studies: INDIA

(Test Bank to accompany Roskin, Countries and Concepts: Politics, Geography, Culture, 2009 by Pearson Education)

Political Structure

Like many former British colonies, India adopted a parliamentary democracyHas survived many challenges including political change, societal

change and wars

Decentralization of power:

1.The President

The office combines ceremonial roles with some substantive powers Power formally vested in the president, and he is expected to exercise these powers on the advice of the Council of Ministers, with the prime

minister at its head.

2. The Prime Minister

Controls and coordinates the departments of government and determines policy through the submission of a program for parliamentary action

Political Institutions: The Parliament

1. Upper House – the Rajya Sabha: (the Council of States)

It has some features of the U.S. Senate (India is a federation)

2. Lower House – Lok Sabha: (House of the People)

545 members; 543 are directly elected and two are nominated by the president of India.

Simple majority; single member constituencies; 5 year term. Designed to be an instrument of democratic accountability

Political Institutions: The Judiciary

Constitution committed to individual rights of equality and libertySystem that is both independent from external control and free to

interpret the law.

Supreme Court has original and exclusive jurisdiction in disputes between the Union government and one or more states, or

disputes between two or more states

Supreme Court determines the constitutionality of any enactment.

Main Political Parties:1. The Congress System

The Congress Party: Congress Party cuts across all social groups and cleavages of India; catch-all party

2. The Bharatiya Janata Party

Hindu nationalist BJP is very much a party of the Hindu-Hindi-belt – has extended somewhat beyond the upper social order and Hindu upper caste.

3. The Communist Party

Communist parties (CPM and CPI) attracts more support from lower social classes and the more educated voters.

Case Studies: ChinaStructure of the Party State

Guardianship

Describes the main relationship between the Communist Party and society

Representation of “historical best interests”

Mass line

Party Organization

Democratic centralism – Leninist principle

Refers mainly to consultation: opportunities for discussion, criticism, and proposals in party

organizations

Two Hierarchies, with Party Leadership

Division of labor between party and government structures

Government Structures

1. National People’s Congress (NPC) – legislative

2. State Council-executive functions

3. Communist Party Leadership

4. Judiciary:

Supreme People’s Court

Supreme People’s Procuratorate

Party Structures

National Party Congress

Central Committee:

Exercises the powers of the congress between sessions

Chinese political elites

Politburo: Politburo Standing Committee

Top Leader and the Succession Problem

Party Bureaucracy

Islamic Republic of Iran

World’s only theocracyA form of government in which ideally all laws are

grounded in religion and express the will of God, and the clergy exercises supreme power

Established in 1979 Religious and secular people overthrew Mohammad-

Reza Shah Pahlavi – the last ruler of the country’s monarchy.

Ruholla Khomeini –led the 1979 revolution

Institutions of the Islamic Republic

Multiple power centers

LeaderHighest authority in the Islamic Republic

Assembly of ExpertsChoose the Leader

PresidentElected by universal suffrage every four years

Must be a Twelver Shiite and a male; does not have to be a cleric

Parliament

Unicameral, the Majles, comprises about 290 members

Must be Muslims but the Constitution provides for five members of Parliament to represent Christians (3), Jews (one) and Zoroastrians (one)

Council of Guardians

Six members of the ulema and six lay Muslim lawyers.

Expediency Council

“A council for determination of what is in the interest of the regime”