POLS 304

COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND

POLITICS
AN INTRODUCTION
THE SCIENCE OF COMPARING

INNOCENT A. DAUDU
megainno@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION
COMPARATIVE POLITICS
Is a subfield of political science in which the
Primary focus is on comparing power and
decision making across countries.
Comparativists also compares political
phenomena in more than one place, during
more than one period, and they try to
develop generalised understanding of
political activities.

Definition of terms and

concepts
Concepts- Are terms, ideas or
categorizations.
Conception- Is the broader interpretation
or understanding of a concept. It implies
building an argument based on a concept
Politics- The process by which groups
reach and enforce binding decisions.

Definition of terms and

concepts
Power- It is the capacity to bring about
intended effects.
Political Science- Is the systematic study
of politics and power.
Government- Implies the institutions
responsible for making collective decisions
for the society
Governance- Implies the activity of making
collective decisions

Concepts in comparative
politics ......continued
Hypothesis- A relationship established
between two or more variables.
Theory- An Abstract argument that
provides a systematic explanation for
phenomena. [Empirical theories explains
actual occurrences, while Normative theory
explains what ought to occur]
Authority- Is the right to rule.

Definition of terms and

concepts
Legitimacy- A recognised right to exercise
authority and to make decision
State- Is a political community formed by a
territorial population subject to one
government
Political ideology- A systematic set of
believes about how a political system ought
to be structured.

THE MODERN STATE AND CHARACTERISTICS

STATE - Is a political community formed by a

territorial population subject to one
government
Characteristics
A, Territory
B, Sovereignty
C, Citizens
D, Government

Territory Clearly defined borders over which a

state lays claim and exercises authority.
Legitimacy- A recognised right to exercise
authority and to make decision. And citizens.
Sovereignty- Sole governing authority within a
territory and legal equality to other states.
Bureaucracy/Government Officials and
institutions who function to implement state laws.
Citizens- Loyal population

Classification

Liberal democracy
Authoritarian governments
Characteristics of Liberal DemocraciesPolitical elections. Individual rights,
limitations of government by laws, political
competition

ExamplesCanada, USA,

Characteristics of Authoritarian
governments

Leaders stand above the law

Examples
North Korea, Saudi Arabia and Iran

THANK YOU