AP Comparative Gov — Regimes and Institutions

Front

Define a **Regime** and distinguish it from a Government.

Back

A **regime** is the enduring set of rules, norms, and institutions that structure power distribution in a country (e.g., democracy, authoritarianism). A **government** is the specific group of individuals currently in office. Example: The UK is a democratic regime, but the government changes from Conservative to Labour.

Front

What is the difference between a **State** and a **Nation**?

Back

A **State** is a political entity with a monopoly on the legitimate use of force within a territory (sovereignty). A **Nation** is a group of people with a shared cultural identity, language, or history. When they overlap, you get a **Nation-State** (e.g., Japan). When they do not, conflict often arises.

Front

Define **Political Legitimacy** and list three sources.

Back

Legitimacy is the belief that a regime has the right to rule and should be obeyed. Sources include: 1. **Traditional** (history/custom, e.g., monarchies); 2. **Charismatic** (personality of a leader, e.g., revolutionary heroes); 3. **Rational-Legal** (based on laws and procedures, e.g., modern democracies).

Front

Define **Political Efficacy** and its two types.

Back

**Political efficacy** is a citizen's belief that they can understand and influence political events. **Internal efficacy** is confidence in one's own ability to participate. **External efficacy** is the belief that the government will respond to citizens' demands.

Front

Compare **Parliamentary** and **Presidential** systems regarding executive selection.

Back

In **Parliamentary** systems, the executive (Prime Minister) is selected by the legislature (parliament) and is part of it (fused powers). In **Presidential** systems, the executive is elected separately from the legislature (independence) and serves a fixed term, making removal difficult.