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Intro to Political Science
Table of Contents
Unit 13 Overview: Governing Regimes
13.1 Contemporary Government Regimes: Power, Legitimacy, and Authority
13.2 Categorizing Contemporary Regimes
13.3 Recent Trends: Illiberal Representative Regimes

Modern governments come in various forms, from authoritarian regimes to representative democracies. Each type has distinct characteristics, shaping how power is exercised and citizens are governed. Understanding these differences is crucial for grasping global politics.

Legitimacy is key to a government's stability and effectiveness. It stems from performance, ideology, and adherence to procedures. Recent trends like democratization, globalization, and populism are reshaping political landscapes worldwide, influencing how governments operate and interact with citizens.

Types of Contemporary Regimes

Classification of governing regimes

  • Authoritarian regimes are governed by a single leader or small group, have limited political pluralism, lack free and fair elections (China, Russia, Saudi Arabia)
  • Representative democracies hold regular, free, and fair elections, have political pluralism and competition, protect civil liberties and political rights (United States, United Kingdom, Germany)
    • These systems often have a strong civil society, which includes voluntary associations, NGOs, and interest groups that operate independently of the government
  • Hybrid regimes combine elements of both authoritarian and democratic systems, may have elections that are not fully free or fair, have limited political competition and civil liberties (Turkey, Venezuela, Hungary)

Types of authoritarian regimes

  • Personalist dictatorships concentrate power in the hands of a single leader, prioritize loyalty to the leader (North Korea under Kim Jong-un, Uganda under Idi Amin)
  • Single-party dictatorships are dominated by one political party that controls access to political power and resources (China under the Communist Party, Cuba under the Communist Party)
  • Military dictatorships involve the armed forces exercising direct political control, often come to power through coups d'état (Myanmar under the military junta, Egypt under Abdel Fattah el-Sisi)
  • Monarchies are ruled by a royal family with power passed through hereditary succession, can be absolute or constitutional (Saudi Arabia - absolute, United Kingdom - constitutional)

Characteristics of representative democracies

  • Presidential systems have separate executive and legislative branches, the president is directly elected and serves as both head of state and head of government (United States, Brazil, Mexico)
  • Parliamentary systems have an executive branch (prime minister and cabinet) accountable to the legislature, the prime minister is typically the leader of the majority party or coalition in parliament (United Kingdom, Germany, Japan)
  • Semi-presidential systems combine elements of both presidential and parliamentary systems, have a directly elected president and a prime minister accountable to the legislature (France, Russia, Ukraine)
  • Proportional representation allocates legislative seats based on the percentage of votes received by each party, encourages multi-party systems and coalition governments (Israel, Netherlands, Sweden)
  • Majoritarian systems require candidates or parties to win a majority of votes to gain power, often result in two-party systems and single-party governments (United States, United Kingdom, Canada)

Principles of Democratic Governance

  • Sovereignty: The supreme power or authority within a state, typically vested in the people in a democracy
  • Rule of law: The principle that all individuals and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced
  • Separation of powers: The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another
  • Checks and balances: A system in which each branch of government has some oversight authority over the other branches
  • Political participation: The involvement of citizens in political processes, including voting, campaigning, and civic engagement

Legitimacy in government systems

  • Legitimacy is the belief that a government has the right to rule and its actions are justified
  • Sources of legitimacy include:
    1. Performance legitimacy based on a government's ability to provide goods and services
    2. Ideological legitimacy based on a government's adherence to a particular set of values or beliefs
    3. Procedural legitimacy based on a government's adherence to established rules and procedures
  • Authoritarian regimes often rely on performance and ideological legitimacy, lack procedural legitimacy due to absence of free and fair elections, challenges to legitimacy can lead to instability and regime change
  • Representative democracies primarily rely on procedural legitimacy through free and fair elections, performance and ideological legitimacy also play a role, lack of legitimacy can lead to public dissatisfaction and electoral turnover
  • Political culture, which includes the attitudes, beliefs, and values that shape a society's political behavior, can significantly influence a regime's legitimacy
  • Democratization involves the spread of democratic systems following the end of the Cold War, faces challenges such as the rise of populism and democratic backsliding, has historical roots in the Enlightenment and the American and French Revolutions
  • Globalization leads to increased economic, political, and cultural interconnectedness, impacts national sovereignty and the role of international organizations, has historical roots in the post-World War II era and the creation of international institutions
  • Populism involves anti-establishment movements that appeal to "the people" against "the elite", can challenge traditional political parties and institutions, has historical roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with resurgence in the 21st century
  • Identity politics involves political mobilization based on shared social identities (race, ethnicity, gender, religion), can lead to increased representation but also polarization and conflict, has historical roots in the civil rights, feminist, and LGBTQ+ movements of the 20th century
  • Technology and social media impact political communication, mobilization, and public opinion, present challenges related to disinformation, echo chambers, and foreign interference, have historical roots in the development of mass media and the internet revolution

Key Terms to Review (51)

Supreme Leader: A Supreme Leader is the highest-ranking official in a government, who often has control over all branches of government and is not subject to checks and balances. This position is typically found in authoritarian regimes where power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual or a small group.
Conservative populism: Conservative populism is a political ideology that blends traditional conservative values, such as an emphasis on national sovereignty, traditional social norms, and skepticism towards elites, with a populist approach that seeks to appeal directly to the general populace's concerns and desires. It often manifests in policies or rhetoric that aim to protect what are perceived as the traditional ways of life against changes brought about by globalization, immigration, and liberal policies.
Rule of law: The rule of law is a principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated, and which are consistent with international human rights principles. It ensures that no one is above the law, providing a framework for safeguarding individual liberties and maintaining social order.
Third wave of democratization: The third wave of democratization is a period characterized by the global surge in democratic regimes from the 1970s through the 1990s, marking a significant increase in the number of democracies worldwide. This wave includes transitions from authoritarian to democratic governance in various regions, including Southern Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Morocco: Morocco is a North African country with a monarchy that has been transitioning toward a constitutional system, where the King holds substantial power in governance, including roles in the legislative, executive, and religious spheres. This country's political structure showcases how traditional and modern governance concepts can coexist within a categorizing contemporary regime.
Legislative sovereignty system: A legislative sovereignty system is a political structure where the legislature holds supreme power over the creation, amendment, and repeal of laws, often with limited checks from other branches of government. In this context, it contrasts with systems where courts (judicial review) or executives have comparable or superior influence over legal matters.
Soft authoritarianism: Soft authoritarianism is a political system where the government maintains control through indirect means, such as controlling the media and limiting political freedoms, rather than overt violence or totalitarian methods. These regimes often maintain a veneer of democracy, like holding elections, but manipulate the process to ensure they remain in power.
Indigenous: Indigenous peoples are ethnic groups who are the original inhabitants of a given region, having distinct cultural, social, and political characteristics that differentiate them from dominant populations. They maintain practices, traditions, and languages that are often linked to their ancestral territories and natural resources.
Civil society: Civil society is the realm of organized social life that is voluntary, self-generating, (largely) self-supporting, autonomous from the state, and bound by a legal order or set of shared rules. It consists of a wide array of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and associations that represent the interests and will of citizens.
Judgments about legitimacy: Judgments about legitimacy involve assessments of the rightfulness or acceptability of a governing regime's authority by its populace or the international community. These judgments are crucial for the stability and effectiveness of governance, as they reflect the perceived justification of political power and authority.
Separation of powers: Separation of powers is a principle in political science that divides the responsibilities and powers of a government into distinct branches to prevent any one group or individual from gaining too much control. Typically, these branches are the legislative (makes laws), executive (implements laws), and judicial (interprets laws).
Semi-presidential systems: A semi-presidential system is a form of government where a president exists alongside a prime minister and a cabinet, with the dual executive roles being divided between them. The president, typically elected by the public, shares executive powers with the prime minister who usually has the support of the parliamentary majority.
Hard authoritarianism: Hard authoritarianism is a form of governance where power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small elite group, and political freedoms and civil liberties are significantly restricted. This regime type employs strict control over social, economic, and political life often through coercion or force.
Proportional representation: Proportional representation is an electoral system in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them. This system allows for a wider range of political parties to be represented in the legislature, reflecting the diversity of voter preferences more accurately than winner-takes-all systems.
Juche: Juche is a political and ideological principle of self-reliance developed in North Korea which emphasizes the independence of the state in political, economic, and military affairs. It serves as the guiding principle of governance in North Korea, prioritizing its autonomy from foreign influence.
Political culture: Political culture encompasses the set of beliefs, values, and norms that define how individuals within a society understand and engage in political activities. It shapes how people perceive their role in politics, the functioning of political institutions, and their interactions with these institutions.
Likud Party: The Likud Party is a major right-wing political party in Israel, known for its nationalist, liberal-conservative policies. It has played a significant role in Israeli politics since its establishment in 1973, advocating for Jewish settlement in the West Bank and a strong defense policy.
Unitary system: A unitary system is a form of government where all the powers are held by a single, central authority, leaving little or no authority to political subdivisions. In this system, any powers that regional governments have are delegated to them by the central government.
Thailand: Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia known for its unique form of governance, blending a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. Despite being categorized as a democracy, it has experienced military coups that have periodically interrupted civilian rule.
Nazi: The term "Nazi" pertains to a member of the National Socialist German Workers' Party, which was led by Adolf Hitler and ruled Germany from 1933 to 1945. This party promoted extreme nationalist, racist ideologies and was responsible for the implementation of the Holocaust.
Globalization Introduction,: Globalization is the process through which businesses, ideas, and cultures spread around the world, creating a more interconnected and interdependent global economy. It involves the increasing interaction among governments, companies, and people across international borders.
Political participation: Political participation encompasses the various activities that individuals or groups engage in to influence government actions and policies. It includes voting, protesting, lobbying, and participating in civil rights movements.
Marijuana: Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant used for medical or recreational purposes. It contains substances that can alter mind function and is subject to legal and political regulation.
Separation of Powers: Separation of powers is a fundamental principle of government that divides the functions of the state into distinct branches, each with separate duties and areas of responsibility. This principle aims to prevent the concentration of power in a single authority and promote a system of checks and balances between the different branches of government.
Sovereignty: Sovereignty refers to the supreme and independent authority of a state or political entity to govern itself and its territory without external interference or control. It is a fundamental concept in political science that underpins the power and legitimacy of governments and their ability to make decisions and enforce laws within their borders.
Legitimacy: Legitimacy refers to the justification and acceptance of political authority and power. It is the foundation upon which a government or political system derives its right to govern and the willingness of the people to accept and comply with its decisions and actions.
Civil Society: Civil society refers to the arena of uncoerced collective action around shared interests, purposes, and values. It encompasses a wide array of organizations and associations that exist outside of the state and the market, such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, professional associations, and social movements.
Proportional Representation: Proportional representation is an electoral system that aims to allocate political representation in proportion to the votes cast by the electorate. It seeks to ensure that the composition of a legislative body accurately reflects the preferences of the voting population.
Political Participation: Political participation refers to the various ways in which citizens engage with and influence the political process. It encompasses a range of activities, from voting in elections to actively campaigning for political causes, that allow individuals and groups to shape the decisions and policies that affect their lives.
Globalization: Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of the world's economies, cultures, and populations driven by the expansion of international trade, investment, and communication. It is a multifaceted process that has profound implications across various aspects of political, economic, and social life.
Rule of Law: The rule of law is a fundamental principle that requires all individuals, institutions, and the government itself to be accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated. It ensures that no one, including those in power, is above the law and that the law applies equally to all. The rule of law is a cornerstone of a well-functioning democratic society, as it upholds principles of equality, fairness, and justice.
Checks and Balances: Checks and balances is a fundamental principle of government that establishes a system of mutual control and oversight among the different branches of government, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful. It is a crucial component of the separation of powers doctrine that aims to maintain a balance of authority and prevent the abuse of power.
Populism: Populism is a political approach that appeals to the interests and concerns of ordinary people, often in opposition to an established elite or political establishment. It is characterized by a focus on the common people rather than the privileged or powerful, and a belief in the inherent wisdom and virtue of the people.
Identity Politics: Identity politics refers to a political approach that centers around the shared experiences, concerns, and interests of a particular social group, often based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or religion. It emphasizes the unique needs and perspectives of these groups and advocates for policies and representation that address their specific challenges.
Presidential Systems: A presidential system is a form of government where the executive branch is led by a president who is directly elected by the people, rather than being appointed by the legislative branch. This system is characterized by a clear separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, with each branch serving as a check on the others.
Parliamentary Systems: A parliamentary system is a form of government in which the executive branch derives its democratic legitimacy from the legislative branch, known as the parliament, and is held accountable to that parliament. In a parliamentary system, the head of government, usually called the prime minister, is the leader of the political party or coalition of parties that holds a majority in the parliament.
Political Culture: Political culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, and attitudes that shape the way a society or group of people engage with and participate in the political process. It encompasses the underlying assumptions, norms, and traditions that influence how citizens interact with their government and each other on political matters.
Semi-Presidential Systems: A semi-presidential system is a system of government in which a president exists alongside a prime minister and a cabinet, with the latter two being responsible to the legislature. This type of system combines elements of both presidential and parliamentary systems, creating a unique form of democratic governance.
Majoritarian Systems: Majoritarian systems are a type of electoral system where the political party or candidate that receives the most votes in an election wins the seat, even if they do not receive a majority of the total votes cast. This contrasts with proportional representation systems where seats are allocated based on the percentage of votes received by each party.
Single-Party Dictatorships: A single-party dictatorship is a form of authoritarian government where a single political party holds complete control over the state and its citizens, with no meaningful opposition or challenge to its power. These regimes often feature repressive policies, limited civil liberties, and the suppression of dissent.
Performance Legitimacy: Performance legitimacy refers to the concept that a government's authority and right to rule is derived from its ability to effectively deliver public goods and services, and meet the needs and expectations of its citizens. It is a key factor in categorizing contemporary political regimes.
Representative Democracies: Representative democracies are a form of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions and govern on their behalf. These representatives are tasked with advocating for the interests and needs of the people they serve within the broader political system.
Military Dictatorships: A military dictatorship is a form of government where the military exercises absolute political power and control over the state. In a military dictatorship, the military leadership, rather than civilian politicians, make all or most of the important decisions.
Monarchies: A monarchy is a form of government in which a single person, typically a hereditary ruler, serves as the head of state. Monarchies are often associated with the concept of sovereignty and the divine right of kings, where the monarch's authority is seen as deriving from a higher power or divine source.
Ideological Legitimacy: Ideological legitimacy refers to the degree to which a political regime or government derives its authority and justification from a particular set of beliefs, values, and principles that are widely accepted and internalized by the population. It is a crucial aspect of a regime's overall legitimacy and stability.
Hybrid Regimes: Hybrid regimes are political systems that exhibit a combination of democratic and authoritarian characteristics, blending elements from both types of governance. They are not fully democratic nor fully authoritarian, but rather occupy a middle ground, exhibiting a mix of democratic and autocratic features.
Democratization: Democratization is the process by which a political system becomes more democratic, often involving the transition from an authoritarian or totalitarian regime to a more open and participatory form of government. This term is closely linked to the concepts of political liberalization, the expansion of civil liberties, and the establishment of democratic institutions and practices.
Regime Types: Regime types refer to the different forms of political systems and structures that govern a country or region. These regime types can be categorized based on factors such as the distribution of power, the level of political participation, and the degree of individual rights and freedoms.
Authoritarian Regimes: Authoritarian regimes are political systems characterized by a high degree of state control over society and a lack of democratic freedoms. These regimes concentrate power in the hands of a single leader or a small group, often through the use of repressive measures and the suppression of opposition.
Personalist Dictatorships: Personalist dictatorships are a type of authoritarian regime where power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual, who rules based on their personal control over the state apparatus and security forces, rather than on the basis of an institutionalized political party or ideology. These regimes are characterized by the leader's ability to make decisions without constraints and the suppression of political opposition.
Procedural Legitimacy: Procedural legitimacy refers to the extent to which a political system or government is considered legitimate based on the fairness and transparency of its decision-making processes, rather than the specific outcomes or policies it produces. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to established rules, procedures, and norms in the exercise of political power.