AP Comparative Government and Politics Flashcards: Democratization

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Democratization, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Comparative Government and Politics.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: Identify a common challenge faced by new democracies.

Answer: Weak rule of law. Legal systems need time to develop and strengthen.

Flashcard 2: Identify a key factor that promotes democratization.

Answer: Economic development. Modernization theory links wealth with democratic governance.

Flashcard 3: Identify a region that experienced democratization during the 'third wave.'

Answer: Latin America. Military regimes transitioned to civilian rule.

Flashcard 4: What is the 'democratic peace theory'?

Answer: Democracies are less likely to engage in war with each other. Empirical observation about democratic states' foreign relations.

Flashcard 5: Identify a social movement that has contributed to democratization.

Answer: Civil rights movement. Mass mobilization for equal rights expanded democracy.

Flashcard 6: What is a hybrid regime?

Answer: A political system with both democratic and authoritarian elements. Electoral democracy without full liberal protections.

Flashcard 7: What role do civil societies play in democratization?

Answer: They promote political participation and accountability. Act as intermediaries between citizens and state.

Flashcard 8: What is an electoral democracy?

Answer: A system where government officials are selected through elections. Procedural democracy focused on competitive elections.

Flashcard 9: What is the role of international pressure in democratization?

Answer: Encourages political reform and accountability. External actors can incentivize democratic reforms.

Flashcard 10: Which factor can hinder democratization?

Answer: Strong authoritarian regimes. Repression and control prevent political opening.

Flashcard 11: What is the role of free media in democratization?

Answer: Facilitates informed citizenry and accountability. Independent press ensures transparency and oversight.

Flashcard 12: Which scholar is associated with the 'third wave' concept?

Answer: Samuel P. Huntington. Coined the term in 'The Third Wave' (1991).

Flashcard 13: Which region experienced significant democratization in the late 20th century?

Answer: Eastern Europe. Post-Cold War transitions from communist rule.

Flashcard 14: What is the impact of economic inequality on democratization?

Answer: It can undermine democratic stability. Inequality threatens democratic legitimacy and participation.

Flashcard 15: What role do political parties play in democratization?

Answer: Organize electoral competition. Channel political participation through electoral process.

Flashcard 16: What is the significance of the Velvet Revolution for democratization?

Answer: Peaceful transition to democracy in Czechoslovakia. Non-violent revolution that ended communist rule peacefully.

Flashcard 17: Identify a common challenge faced by new democracies.

Answer: Weak rule of law. Legal systems need time to develop and strengthen.

Flashcard 18: What is meant by 'democratic backsliding'?

Answer: Erosion of democratic institutions. Gradual weakening of democratic norms and practices.

Flashcard 19: What is the impact of economic inequality on democratization?

Answer: It can undermine democratic stability. Inequality threatens democratic legitimacy and participation.

Flashcard 20: What is the difference between democratization and liberalization?

Answer: Democratization involves full transition; liberalization involves partial reforms. Liberalization allows limited reforms without regime change.

Flashcard 21: Identify a characteristic of consolidated democracy.

Answer: Stable democratic institutions. Democracy becomes 'the only game in town' institutionally.

Flashcard 22: Identify a method used by authoritarian regimes to resist democratization.

Answer: Censorship. Restricts information flow to maintain control.

Flashcard 23: What is the significance of a written constitution in democratization?

Answer: It provides a legal framework for governance. Establishes rules and limits on government power.

Flashcard 24: Which region experienced significant democratization in the late 20th century?

Answer: Eastern Europe. Post-Cold War transitions from communist rule.

Flashcard 25: Identify a social movement that has contributed to democratization.

Answer: Civil rights movement. Mass mobilization for equal rights expanded democracy.

Flashcard 26: What is the role of education in democratization?

Answer: Promotes informed citizenry and civic engagement. Educated citizens better participate in democracy.

Flashcard 27: Identify a factor that can support democratic consolidation.

Answer: Strong institutions. Effective institutions resist authoritarian challenges.

Flashcard 28: Identify a region that experienced democratization during the 'third wave.'

Answer: Latin America. Military regimes transitioned to civilian rule.

Flashcard 29: Identify an example of a country that democratized in the 'third wave.'

Answer: Poland. Solidarity movement led peaceful transition from communism.

Flashcard 30: Identify a challenge to democratization in post-conflict societies.

Answer: Rebuilding trust in institutions. War damage requires institutional reconstruction efforts.

Flashcard 31: What is the significance of a written constitution in democratization?

Answer: It provides a legal framework for governance. Establishes rules and limits on government power.

Flashcard 32: What is the 'democratic peace theory'?

Answer: Democracies are less likely to engage in war with each other. Empirical observation about democratic states' foreign relations.

Flashcard 33: What is meant by 'democratic backsliding'?

Answer: Erosion of democratic institutions. Gradual weakening of democratic norms and practices.

Flashcard 34: What is the difference between democratization and liberalization?

Answer: Democratization involves full transition; liberalization involves partial reforms. Liberalization allows limited reforms without regime change.

Flashcard 35: What is democratization?

Answer: The transition from authoritarian to democratic political systems. Process of political change from autocracy to democracy.

Flashcard 36: Identify a factor that can support democratic consolidation.

Answer: Strong institutions. Effective institutions resist authoritarian challenges.

Flashcard 37: Identify a risk associated with democratization.

Answer: Potential for political instability. Transitions can create power vacuums and uncertainty.

Flashcard 38: What is the 'third wave' of democratization?

Answer: The surge in democratic transitions from the 1970s to the 1990s. Named by Huntington for its widespread global impact.

Flashcard 39: What role do civil societies play in democratization?

Answer: They promote political participation and accountability. Act as intermediaries between citizens and state.

Flashcard 40: What is the role of free media in democratization?

Answer: Facilitates informed citizenry and accountability. Independent press ensures transparency and oversight.

Flashcard 41: What is a defining feature of a democratic transition?

Answer: Free and fair elections. Competitive elections legitimize democratic governance.

Flashcard 42: Identify a risk associated with democratization.

Answer: Potential for political instability. Transitions can create power vacuums and uncertainty.

Flashcard 43: Which factor can hinder democratization?

Answer: Strong authoritarian regimes. Repression and control prevent political opening.

Flashcard 44: What is the role of international pressure in democratization?

Answer: Encourages political reform and accountability. External actors can incentivize democratic reforms.

Flashcard 45: What is the relationship between democratization and human rights?

Answer: Democratization often leads to improved human rights. Democratic systems typically protect individual rights better.

Flashcard 46: What is the impact of globalization on democratization?

Answer: Facilitates the spread of democratic ideals. Global communication spreads democratic norms.

Flashcard 47: What role do political parties play in democratization?

Answer: Organize electoral competition. Channel political participation through electoral process.

Flashcard 48: Which scholar is associated with the 'third wave' concept?

Answer: Samuel P. Huntington. Coined the term in 'The Third Wave' (1991).

Flashcard 49: Identify a challenge to democratization in post-conflict societies.

Answer: Rebuilding trust in institutions. War damage requires institutional reconstruction efforts.

Flashcard 50: What is a defining feature of a democratic transition?

Answer: Free and fair elections. Competitive elections legitimize democratic governance.

Flashcard 51: Identify a key factor that promotes democratization.

Answer: Economic development. Modernization theory links wealth with democratic governance.

Flashcard 52: What is the role of education in democratization?

Answer: Promotes informed citizenry and civic engagement. Educated citizens better participate in democracy.

Flashcard 53: Identify an economic policy that can support democratization.

Answer: Market liberalization. Economic freedom can complement political freedom.

Flashcard 54: Which event is considered a pivotal moment in democratization?

Answer: Fall of the Berlin Wall. Symbolized end of communist control in Eastern Europe.

Flashcard 55: What is the significance of the Velvet Revolution for democratization?

Answer: Peaceful transition to democracy in Czechoslovakia. Non-violent revolution that ended communist rule peacefully.

Flashcard 56: Identify a common outcome of failed democratization.

Answer: Return to authoritarian rule. Democratic breakdown returns to autocratic governance.

Flashcard 57: What is the significance of the Arab Spring for democratization?

Answer: Triggered democratic movements in the Middle East. Mass protests challenged authoritarian rule regionally.

Flashcard 58: Identify a democratic principle often enshrined in constitutions.

Answer: Separation of powers. Prevents concentration of power in single branch.

Flashcard 59: What is the 'third wave' of democratization?

Answer: The surge in democratic transitions from the 1970s to the 1990s. Named by Huntington for its widespread global impact.

Flashcard 60: What is a hybrid regime?

Answer: A political system with both democratic and authoritarian elements. Electoral democracy without full liberal protections.

Flashcard 61: Identify a benefit of democratization.

Answer: Increased political freedom. Citizens gain voice in governance and policy.

Flashcard 62: Identify a benefit of democratization.

Answer: Increased political freedom. Citizens gain voice in governance and policy.

Flashcard 63: Identify a characteristic of consolidated democracy.

Answer: Stable democratic institutions. Democracy becomes 'the only game in town' institutionally.

Flashcard 64: Identify a democratic principle often enshrined in constitutions.

Answer: Separation of powers. Prevents concentration of power in single branch.

Flashcard 65: What is democratization?

Answer: The transition from authoritarian to democratic political systems. Process of political change from autocracy to democracy.

Flashcard 66: Identify an example of a country that democratized in the 'third wave.'

Answer: Poland. Solidarity movement led peaceful transition from communism.

Flashcard 67: What is an electoral democracy?

Answer: A system where government officials are selected through elections. Procedural democracy focused on competitive elections.

Flashcard 68: Which event is considered a pivotal moment in democratization?

Answer: Fall of the Berlin Wall. Symbolized end of communist control in Eastern Europe.

Flashcard 69: Identify a common outcome of failed democratization.

Answer: Return to authoritarian rule. Democratic breakdown returns to autocratic governance.