3 Regimes and Democratization Free Online FlashCards

What is a political regime?

A political regime is the set of rules and practices governing who can gain power, how they exercise it, and how they are held accountable.

How does a state differ from a political regime?

The state is the enduring institutions and territory through which public authority is exercised; governments and regimes can change.

What defines a closed autocracy?

Citizens cannot choose the chief executive and legislature through meaningful multiparty elections.

What makes a regime an electoral autocracy?

Multiparty elections exist, but they are not sufficiently free and fair for citizens to choose leaders meaningfully.

What defines an electoral democracy?

Citizens choose leaders through meaningful, competitive, free, and fair multiparty elections. This does not necessarily ensure strong rights protections or executive checks.

What distinguishes a liberal democracy?

It combines competitive elections with civil and minority rights, equality before the law, and institutional limits on executive power.

Why are elections alone insufficient to establish democracy?

Elections alone do not establish democracy; meaningful competition, civil liberties, rule of law, and constraints on executive power also matter.

Why might authoritarian regimes maintain legislatures, courts, or elections?

They can help rulers gather information, distribute favors, manage elites, or signal public support without independently constraining rulers.

What is democratization?

Democratization is a process through which political power becomes more open to public competition and accountability.

Why does a transition from authoritarian rule not guarantee lasting democracy?

A transition away from authoritarian rule does not automatically create a consolidated democracy; institutions and political norms must also develop and endure.

What democratic function do elections serve?

Elections choose representatives and allow citizens to remove leaders peacefully.

How can courts contribute to democratic accountability?

Courts apply the law and may protect rights or review government action, depending on their authority and independence.