Politics

Hello, I need help if some one got this book below

Introduction to Comparative Politics

Comparative Politics Domestic Responses to Global Challenges Eighth Edition

ISBN 9781-111-83255-1

I got 12 question over this book need them in 6 pages or more like large paragraph each question.

see the attachment for the qestions and other resources

needed by Sunday night. it should the answer has .

I have 12 questions for the final exam and i want 6 pages answers for them, 2 answer for 2 questions in a page. My professor need an excellent answer and really can convince him . please do your best it is a final, Thanks

Introduction to Comparative Politics

Fall 2013

Final Exam 280

Instructions.

Answer the following essays (the essays selected for the final exam will be determined by the instructor). You may use your lecture notes, power points and class reading assignments. There is no limit to how much you may write one each question, taking into account the two-hours allotted for the exam. Good luck.

1.
What are the basic precepts of Marxist political theory (explain Marx’s theory of revolution in dealing with this question). How was Marx’s political theory modified in practice by Lenin and Stalin?

2.
What factors gave rise to totalitarian regimes in Russia and Eastern Europe? (make sure you integrate the lecture and readings in this question and consider the importance of Stalin’s “Socialism in one country” policy)

3.
According to Hauss, what are the political characteristics of communist regimes? (discuss the relationship of party to government and state, the role of ideology, political parties and elections).

4.
Based on the lecture, power points and the text, what do you think are the prospects for democracy and capitalism in the post Communist political systems (Russia, the former Soviet Republics and Eastern European countries like Poland)? Explain how the transition experiences from communism in these countries affect the degree of political support for capitalism and democracy in those countries today ?

5.
The Chinese revolution occurred in a rural country with a weak central government and which had been invaded or occupied by foreign powers over a period of a century. According to Hauss and the lectures, how did those circumstances affect the way the Chinese communists went about trying to put Marxist ideas and ideals into practice?

6.
List three developments in China that lead many political scientists to the conclusion that it may no longer be warranted to call China ‘s political system “totalitarian” in the post Mao era .

7.
Compare China and the U.S. in terms of how societal interests are aggregated and influence the political system in both countries. Include Hauss and the lectures in the discussion of the limits on interest group participation in politics (economic, religious etc).

8.
Using the lectures and Hauss, discuss the structure of the Chinese part- state in the post Mao era? Include in this discussion an explanation of where power resides in policy making evaluation the role of the executive, legislature, courts etc.

9.
According to the Wang article and the lectures, what is the role of private enterprise in China today?

10.
Compare and contrast the powers of the French President and British Prime Minister in the decision making function. Based on this comparison, which political office has the greatest power vested in it by the constitution? Include in this discussion the information from the lectures and Hauss

11.
Being careful to explain Lipset’s and Hauss’ thesis of American exceptionalism, to what extent do you think that American politics today is similar to or different from that of the UK or France?

12.
According to the Wang article, “the Problems of State Weakness”, in what sense is the “weakness” of the Chinese state today damaging the country’s prospects for becoming a full-fledged democracy?

Comparative Politics:
Domestic Responses to Global Challenges, Seventh Edition
by Charles Hauss

Chapter 4: Great Britain

*
Chapter Cover Slide – book cover, book title, chapter number, chapter title

Learning Objectives
After studying this chapter, students should be able to:
explain how the economic problems faced by Britain have had such dramatic political consequences.
define and give examples of gradualism within the context of British political history.
describe examples of the changes made by Prime Ministers Thatcher and Major to the political/economic culture of Britain.
describe how “New Labour” differed from “Old Labour” and from Thatcherism.
identify 4-6 major developments in the creation of the current regime.
describe the basic elements of the collectivist consensus.
describe several ways in which the civic culture of the collectivist consensus broke down in the 1970s.

Learning Objectives, continued
After studying this chapter, students should also be able to:
explain why the three major parties in Britain are considered “catch-all” parties today.
identify the main characteristics of the Conservative Party that ensured its success and survival.
describe the conflict between ideological and pragmatic politics within the Labour Party that eventually led to Tony Blair’s election as party leader.
explain in general terms how interest groups function in Britain.
explain the roles of the parliamentary party, the shadow cabinet, and collective responsibility in the functioning of Commons.
describe the basics of the debates in Britain over the country’s relationship with Europe.

The Blair Decade
In 2008, the British government nationalized Northern Rock.
The government gained a majority of seats on the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) board of directors in 2008.
The economy shrank by 0.6% in the last six months of 2008.
The British government introduced a stimulus package.

Thinking about Britain:
The basics
One of world’s most densely populated countries
No longer an “all white” country
Welfare state is still strong
Social class remains a powerful force

Thinking about Britain:
Gradualism- democracy evolved over centuries
Post WWII collectivist consensus- mixed economy and welfare state
Only in recent years has its power started to decline

Thinking about Britain
Four Themes:
Britain has suffered from less unrest and has had a more consensual history than any other country.
Britain’s relative economic standing declined dramatically in the second half of the 20th century.
The conservative governments of Margaret Thatcher and John Major in the 1980’s and 1990’s redefined political life.
Impact of Blair and the “New Labour” Party

*
Table 4.1

The Evolution of the British State
Sequential, rather than simultaneous, tasks of British
Building the nation state
Defining the role of religion
Establishing liberal democracy
Industrial revolution
Maintained legitimacy without constitution

The Evolution of the British State
Broad Sweep of British History
British State dates back to the Magna Carta
Reformation and Henry VIII
Two Revolutions in the 17th Century paved the way for Parliamentary Democracy
Bill of rights
Act of Settlement 1701
Industrial Revolution resulted in working class demanding political change
Great Reform Act of 1832
Late 1860’s brought greater electoral reform
In 1911 House of Lord stripped of power

*
Table 4.2

The Evolution of the British State
The Collectivist Consensus
During WWII, Winston Churchill and opposition parties agreed to suspend normal politics
The Conservatives under Churchill agreed to establish a Commission to overhaul the social services system
Surge of reform came to an end in 1949, but the Conservatives did not repeal the reforms

The Evolution of the British State
The Collectivist Consensus
From 1945 to the mid 1970’s was the golden era of British politics
WWII coalition government became an informal agreement on many issues
Beveridge Report of 1942 formed core of “Collectivist Consensus”
Post-war political cleavages were class based more than policy based

*
Table 4.3

British Political Culture
The civic culture and the collectivist years
High levels of legitimacy
Great civic tolerance
Patriotic enthusiasm

British Political Culture
The Politics of Protest: Toward an Uncivic Culture?
Growing unrest with the collectivist consensus in the 1970’s
Bloody Sunday 1972
Racism and riots
Radicalization of unions in face of growing unemployment and economic decline
Thatcher government played on dissatisfaction with left and political culture/support for regime did not change

British Political Culture
The civic culture holds
Dangers of protest were fleeting
Economic recovery of the 1980s eased many problems
Skepticism toward politicians grew

British Political Culture
Will there always be a Britain?
Identification with the UK has declined since the late 1960’s
Resurgence of support for regional parties in Scotland and Wales
Devolution (regional parliaments)
Monarchy’s loss of influence and prestige
Increasing racial diversity (most born in the UK)
Growing importance of the EU, euroskeptics

Political Participation
Parties primary vehicle for participation for over 100 years
Party manifestos (platforms) have been very important in past
Ever since WWII, the Labour Party or the Conservative Party has won each general election
The parties began to change in the 1970’s, with the parties both moving towards ideological extremes
All major parties have become “catch-all” parties

*
Table 4.4

Political Participation
The Conservatives
Conservatives have been successful
They were flexible and changed policies
They emphasized market forces but maintained responsibility to the poor
They have an elitist but effective organization
Party strong during Thatcher years
Party has had four leaders since 1997
Today they are stronger contenders because of public dissatisfaction with Labour Party
Views on Europe not shared by majority of British, aging party leadership

Political Participation
Labour
Began as alliance of unions, socialists, and cooperative associations in the early 20th century
Clause 4: Formally repudiated by Blair
Economic crisis and New Left activists led to leadership by party’s left wing
Leaders more interested in electoral success than ideology were chosen in mid-‘80s
New Labour: Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, and younger, more moderate leaders took over in mid-1990s

*
Table 4.5

Political Participation
Liberal Democrats
Product of 1987 merger of Liberal and Social Democratic parties
“First past the post” system prevent from winning as many seats
Currently challenging the Conservatives as second-largest party
It has capitalized on dissatisfaction with conservatives to build base
The party has fared better under new leader Charles Kennedy

Political Participation
Minor Parties
Rise in Scottish, Welsh, and Irish nationalism has led to moderate growth in support for regional parties
What is devolution?
In recent general elections they have often come second in their regions
Regional parties have always dominated Northern Ireland
Other minor parties

Political Participation
The British Electorate
The British electorate
Long time class-based politics upset by radicalism and Thatcher victories
Dealignment instead of realignment
Labour victories result of:
Voters’ “fatigue” with Conservative government
Success in appealing to middle class and post-materialist voters
Labor has tried to increase support among women by nominating them to elected positions

Political Participation
Interest Groups
Many interest groups, but little actual lobbying
Lobbying must be done when bills are drafted
Focus their activity on the people who make the decisions
Civil servants
Ministers
Party leaders
Trade Unions Council has close links with labor, Confederation of British Industries with Conservatives
What was their role during collectivist years?

The British State: Enduring Myths and Changing Realities
Walter Bagehot’s The English Constitution
Britain’s Constitution composed of acts of Parliament, understandings, and traditional practices that everyone agreed to follow
Difference between the “dignified” and “real” constitution

The British State: Enduring Myths and Changing Realities
The Monarchy and the Lords: visible but powerless
House of Lords: 92 have hereditary membership, life seats to recognize exemplary service, church officials, and law lords
Can delay legislation for up to six months
In theory, monarch still rules “in Parliament”, but not in practice

The British State: Enduring Myths and Changing Realities
House of Commons
Represent single member districts elected in first past the post system
MPs do not have to live in their districts
Elections are party centered

The British State: Enduring Myths and Changing Realities
Key to British Democracy is the Parliamentary Party
Leader of majority party is Prime Minister
Head of minority party is the shadow cabinet
Backbenchers
Thatcher and Brown’s career paths are typical

The British State: Enduring Myths and Changing Realities
The Cabinet
Cabinet members are all members of the House of Commons except for the Attorney General and Leaders of the House of Lords
Collective responsibility
Introduces all legislation
90% of legislation passes after extended study and debate
Richard Crossman memoirs, cabinet becoming less important

The British State: Enduring Myths and Changing Realities
The rest of the British State:
Civil servants act as administrators, not policy makers
Regulatory agencies oversee newly privatized companies
QUANGOs make a great deal of policy and regulation
While courts have potential to be more active, they have never exercised a policy-making role

FIGURE 4-1 Decision Making in Britain

Public Policy: The Thatcher and Blair Revolutions
Domestic politics
After the 1945 election Labour nationalized key industries, were performing poorly by the 1960’s
Welfare state became a growing expense
Thatcher reduced the role of state and privatized government owned companies and government services
Tony Blair’s “Third Way”

Public Policy: The Thatcher and Blair Revolutions
Domestic Policy: Thatcher and Major governments
Privatization was popular in the short term
Attempts to reduce social service met with resistance
Supporters: saved British economy
Detractors: Widened gap between rich and poor

Public Policy: The Thatcher and Blair Revolutions
Domestic Policy: Blair government
Welfare to work
Raised minimum wage
Tuition increases
Congestion pricing

Public Policy: The Thatcher and Blair Revolutions
Foreign policy: Europe
International power has waned since WWII
Special relationship with United States
Britain divided on “Europe”
Issue of single currency
Should the UK join European Monetary Union?
Should the UK ratify the new EU treaty (constitution)?

Public Policy: The Thatcher and Blair Revolutions
Foreign policy: Iraq
Great Britain supported 1991 Gulf War and U.S. effort in Afghanistan after 9/11
Under Blair government, Great Britain became second largest contingent of troops in Iraq in 2003
Britain pulled half of its troops by mid-2007

Feedback
Centralized, professional media
11 main daily newspapers, London dailies
Regional newspapers, local newspapers
Five quality newspapers known as broadsheets
Tabloids are superficial and scandalous
BBC and independent broadcasters offer thorough political coverage
Papers usually support a political party
Very little local news
Conclusion: Blair’s legacy and British democracy, regime has rock solid support

Dr. Fernandez

Cuba
2013

Island Nation

Cuba Today

Geography
Area – slightly smaller than Pennsylvania
Natural resources: cobalt, nickel, iron ore, chromium, copper, salt, timber, silica, petroleum, arable land
Proximity to the US, a fact that has shaped Cuban culture and politics since the country was a Spanish colony through independence and revolution. Diana Nyad photo, 60 yr old woman swims from varadero to keys.
3

People and society, stereotypes

People and society

People
Population: 11,394,043 (July 2007 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 18.8
15-64 years: 70.5%
65 over 11% (US 13.7%)
Median age: total: 36.3 years
Population growth rate: 0.273% (2007 est.)
6

Cubais a melting pot of cultures, primarily those of Spain and Africa.
Racial and Race and Ethnicity
mulatto 51%, white 37%, black 11%, Chinese 1%
ethnic diversity of population
7

People and society

Ethnic diversity, Chinese and Japanese

Chinese community mausoleum for distinguished Chinese-cubans
9

People and society: religion

Religions: nominally 85% Roman Catholic .Protestants, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jews, and Santeria are also represented
Before revolution, mostly catholic, now becoming more diverse. Government tolerant of religious diversity since 90’s as long as not directly involved in political work.
10

Religion and Politics

Overseeing Habana marble statue of Jesus
11

Religion and society

Baptist church by U of Habana
12

People and society

Habana neighborhoods, city is divided into neighborhoods: vedadado, Old Habana, marianao, artemisa, Habana downtown etc.
13

People and society

Vedado street scene, poor infrastructure—road conditions, is common, like most LDC countries. Lack investment in infrastructure.
14

People and society

Old Habana better off, restoration due to UN World Heritage Fund which has invested in historic preservation
15

People and society

Old habana
16

People and society

Transportation system
Public transportation is reasonable by busses and cabs, with large number of cabs fleet being vintage 1950 vehicles from US.
Easy to get around, most cab fares in city cost about $3 dollars
18

People and society

Note gas is subsidized by Venezuela. Pay 1.20 a liter in Cuban currency or about $ 2 a gallon
Car is Russian Lada, from 1970’s, most Cubans who have cars own American models from 50’s and Russian ones from 60’s and 70’s
19

People and Society

China-Cuba relations close, Chinese providing loans for improving transportation system—busses and cabs
Plans to replace the dilapidated fleet of taxis with Chinese made cars.
20

Infrastructure Outside of Habana

Strategic bridge connects Habana province with Matanzas province
Infrastructure serves military needs is much better.
21

Sports and Culture

Sport is Cuba’s national passion. Baseball is by far the most popular; other sports and pastimes in Cuba include basketball, volleyball, cricket, and athletics. Cuba is the dominant force in amateur boxing, Cuban music is very rich and is the most commonly known expression of culture.
The “central form” of this music is Son, which has been the basis of many other musical styles like salsa, rumba and mambo. Havana, the Cuban capitol, was the heart of the rap scene in Cuba when it began in the 1990sCuban cuisine is a fusion of Spanish and Caribbean cuisines. Cuban recipes share spices and techniques with Spanish cooking. The typical meal could consist of plantains, black beans and rice, ropa vieja (shredded beef), Cuban bread, pork with onions, and tropical fruits. Black beans and rice, referred to as Platillo Moros y Cristianos
22

History and Culture

Colony of spain until 1898, Spanish-American war Cuba transferred to US as protectorate and became “independent” in 1902
23

Morro castle and Cabana

Cont’d

National Opera and Ballet in Old Habana, from pre Rev days. Restored with help of UN World Heritage Fund
27

Cont’d

Economy:Basics
Cuba ranked by CIA as 117/229 in per capita gdp in 2012
Similar to Thailand and Ecuador.
Estimated about $10,000 in purchasing parity, because much of basic consumption such as food, housing, medicine is subsidized
Wages are low (about $50 a month, on average, so not much for private consumption)
Country’s exports are sugar and derivatives, medical services and tourist services
Cuba faces “massive” problems including a large public debt, dependence on Venezuela, an aging population, decades of brain drain and one of the world’s slowest Internet connections

After Cuban revolution, government nationalized private properties, domestic and foreign, and instituted a Soviet style planned economy substituting government planning for demand and supply. Focus on collective goods such as free education and medicine and guaranteed basic food rations. Incomes are very low. Average Cubans make about 300-400 pesos a month, or equivalent of about $50 dollars a month.
29

Economy and economic reforms

Basically earnings from its exports are sugar and derivatives, tourism, and medical services to Brazil, Venezuela, varios Middle East countries,—, over 30,000 Cuban medical services personnel abroad repatriate salaries back to Island and Cuba compensated for services
Legendario rum best known in Cuba, handcrafted
30

Cont’d

Rum factories
32

Cont’d: Joint ventures in tourist industry (Spain/Cuba)

Since Raul Castro came to power in 2008 as President, economic reforms undertaken to make economy more productive and efficient, including attracting foreign investment, establishing tax free zones (as in China to encourage foreign investors), encouraging small businesses and private cooperatives, supporting free labor markets with over 200 categories of jobs in services and retail classified as self employment jobs, moving away from state employment which used to account for 95% of all jobs.
33

Cont’d

Hotel built by US Investors in 50’s, now state owned
34

Cont’d: Cuba/Canada nickel refinery

Economic Reforms: Cooperatives and Microenterprises

Farmers cooperatives and independent farmers encouraged to sell food at market prices (demand and supply) after they meet contractual obligations with government contracts for basic staples “libretas”
37

Microenterprises: “pensiones and paladares”

Challenges with economic reforms
Irregular and diminished payment to foreign companies due to financial downturn after 2008 impact on tourism, raw material exports
Corruption issues
Rule of law is poorly developed, targeting of business by zealous bureaucrats of foreign investors residing on the Island and their Cuban business representatives creates uncertainty
Micro enterprises subject to conflicting and arbitrary regulations (independent cab drivers told can transport someone outside of Habana, but cannot bring anyone back on return trip)

Politics

Since revolution of 1959, country ruled by one party under leadership of Castro brothers. Some political institutions exist like a legislature, but power in Party and top leadership. Cubans vote, but indirectly thru workplaces and community organizations run by party for representatives to people’s Congress
41

Politics

Cuba one party state, communist political system
42

Political reforms??
Similar to China, the CCP seeks to retain political control while carrying our economic reforms, but is instituting some China like reforms
proposed that politicians be limited to two five-year terms in an effort to rejuvenate a political system dominated by aging loyalists of the revolution. This happened in China in 80’s
Behind the scenes, Raul Castro has led an anti-corruption campaign and replaced many of Fidel’s confidantes with loyal military officials who earned his trust during his four plus decades as the nation’s armed forces chief.
Problem that military is in charge of key state enterprises in tourism, energy sector, construction and other key areas. Raises questions about the limits to economic and political reforms should they threaten the interest of top military ranks.

U.S. Cuban Relations
Historically US and Cuba were close allies
Since Cuban Revolution and Cold War there has have been no official state to state diplomatic relations
Cuba is under trade embargo from US. First declared by JFK. Renewed by Helms-Burton
Country is listed on State Department’s list of terrorist states

Plaza de la visa
46

Comparative Politics:
Domestic Responses to Global Challenges, Seventh Edition
by Charles Hauss

Chapter 8:
Current and Former Communist Regimes

*
Chapter Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

After studying this chapter, students should be able to:
• identify the basic characteristics of Marxist-Leninist states.
• describe the creation and evolution of Marxist nation-states.
• explain briefly the socialist critique of capitalism.
• explain briefly the Marxist critique of liberal democracy.
• identify the primary factors that brought an end to most Marxist states.
• identify the reforms initiated by former President Gorbachev and explain why they failed to save the Soviet Union.

*
The basics

Crisis? What Crisis?
In former communist states, few people want to return to communist rule
People miss the security of the party
Some former communist states joined EU and NATO; turning economic corner
Few protest new regimes where democracy has taken root
Poverty and ethnic conflict in some states
Eurasian countries are in midst of transition for which there is no real precedent

Thinking about the Current and Former Communist Regimes
Weaknesses of communist regimes appeared by 1980s
States relaxed repressive policies
Factional disputes divided Chinese rulers
Mikhail Gorbachev became leader of USSR

Thinking about the Current and Former Communist Regimes
Former communist states declared themselves democracies
Transitions very difficult
Countries that have joined EU and NATO have made progress politically and economically
China, Vietnam, North Korea, and Cuba remain communist regimes

Thinking about Communism
Marxist-Leninist regimes:
Former USSR in 1917
Eastern Europe—“Satellite States” after WWII
Asia—China 1949
Cuba 1959
Several Marxist-like regimes in North Africa, Arabia, and South America

Thinking about Communism
The Leninist state
Communist Party controlled all political life
Democratic centralism was regime paradigm
Until 1950s, USSR controlled “Communist World”
China and USSR split in late ‘50s offered an alternative model

Thinking about Communism
Command economies
Government owned and controlled nearly all industrial and retail activity
State planning committees determined output and consumption goals
Benefits of command economies began diminishing in late ‘80s, planning and coercion could not stimulate innovation

*
Table 8.1

Thinking about Communism
Key questions
What contemporary and historical, domestic and international forces shaped their development?
How are decisions made in these countries?
What role do average citizens play in policy making?
What are the public policies?
How is political life affected by global forces?
How could regimes that seemed so strong collapse so quickly?
What have some communist systems survived? What are the political implications of economic reform in countries that have kept communism and in those that have abandoned it?
Why are they all facing much more serious domestic and global challenges than any of the countries covered in Part 2?

Socialism, Marxism, Leninism
Socialism
Capitalism leads to inequality
Equality of outcome necessary
Public ownership of means of production
Freedoms are vital, but democracy should be expanded
Capitalism does not allow humans to realize their potential
Public ownership would improve human relations

Socialism, Marxism, Leninism
Marxism
Dialectic—evolution of society when basic values are challenged
Historical materialism—distribution of economic power
Contradictions—people will not accept being exploited and will revolt
Bourgeoisie vs. Proletariat
Alienation of the proletariat
Revolution—but not long because the proletariat overwhelms the capitalists
Dictatorship of the proletariat
Communism

Figure 8.1: Base, Superstructure, and Contradictions, According to Marx

*
Figure 8.1

Figure 8.2: The Role of Money in Feudalism and Capitalism

*
Figure 8.1

Socialism, Marxism, Leninism
Marxism-Leninism
Democratic centralism
Revolutions did not occur in advanced industrialized societies
Expansion
Third International (Comintern)
Eastern Europe
Asia
Stalinism—totalitarianism

*
Table 8.2

Socialism, Marxism, Leninism
De-Stalinization
Khrushchev’s “secret speech” (1956)
Slight loosening of intellectual controls
Khrushchev replaced by a series of hardline leaders who resisted change after Cuban Missile Crisis
Brezhnev era of more control and economic stagnation
No longer a unified communist movement
Need to change grew at a time leaders were trying to prevent change

The Marxist-Leninist State
The party state
Secretariat
Politburo and General Secretary
Nomenklatura
All groups were communist groups
Communism was about the party leaders, not Marx’s intention
Control not as absolute in Eastern Europe

The Marxist-Leninist State
The party state in China
Mao objected to de-Stalinization
Cultural revolution 1965
After Mao’s death in 1976, moderates led economic change but not political

The Marxist-Leninist State
The graying of communism: “thumbs” and “fingers”
Leaders found it difficult to continue to control societies, especially with media, Western tourists, and a better educated public
“Lack of fingers” resulted in a poor standard of living
Even military lagged
Communist countries in an even deeper economic bind with a globalizing economy

The Crisis of Communism: Suicide by Public Policy
Reform: Too Little, Too Late
Gorbachev reforms to “revitalize” communism
Glasnost: Openness in a political system
Democratization of the party
Perestroika: Economic restructuring
New thinking in foreign policy
Change and resistance in Eastern Europe: cultural change occurred more rapidly

*
Table 8.3

The Crisis of Communism: Suicide by Public Policy
1989: The Year That Changed the World
Solidarity in Poland
Opening the Iron Curtain in Hungary
Emigration and protest in East Germany, fall of Berlin Wall in 1989
Czechoslovakia’s “Velvet Revolution”
Violent revolution in Romania
Massive protest in Tiananmen Square
1991—fall of communism in former USSR, Boris Yeltsin

The Crisis of Communism: Suicide by Public Policy
The remnants of the communist world
A few parties and governments are willing to continue to use force
Countries too poor and too closed to outside influences
Most had been outside Soviet Union’s sphere of influence for some time

Transitions
Economies hit rock bottom and began to recover by the middle or late 1990’s
Only a handful have made major progress toward democracy or capitalism

*
Table 8.4

Transitions
Relative Success: Eastern and Central Europe
Hungary as an example:
Relative ethnic homogeneity
Economic progress with reform
Communist leaders made common cause with opposition (pacting)

Transitions
Troubled transitions: The former Soviet Union
No real shift of power to new leaders
Great problems with corruption
Ethnic conflict
The former Yugoslavia
Russian war with rebels in Chechnya

Transitions
What’s Left of Marxism?
North Korea and Cuba have maintained Marxist-Leninist systems
Countries are among the poorest in the world
China and Vietnam have reformed economies
Monopoly power of Communist Parties remains
Countries are among the poorest in the world

Feedback
Marxist-Leninist regimes controlled all media
Authorities kept Western media out
Loosening of controls in 1980s
Russian state still controls the media, but the press is relatively open
Radio, satellite television, cell phones, and the Internet have made controls much more difficult

Conclusion: The End of the Cold War important because
Cold War determined the evolution of communist and non-communist states
Communist past vital to understanding present of communist and former communist states today

Political Parties, Elections, Interest Groups: Input Function in American Politics

Comparative Politics

Two party system (Democrats and Republicans regularly get 75% or more of the vote in elections)

Third parties playing a role in times of crisis. Usually co-opted by one of the two dominant parties

Non ideological parties (“catch all” parties) prevail (at least until recently)

Characteristics of U.S.Political Parties

Focus is on forming broad coalition to win elections more than ideological orientation
Both parties characterized by loose coalition of interests with varied interests often at odds with others in the big tent.
Examples of Republicans during the Progressive era and Democrats during the New Deal
Republican and Democratic Party Coalitions

Moderate Republicans and Moderate and Left leaning Democrats would unite to pass legislation such as Medicare and Great Society Program that expanded role of government in economy
Coalition of Democrats and Republican moderates and liberals broadly accepted the idea of a mixed economy along the lines of FDR. Nixon famously said “we are all Keynesians now”
Coalition backed civil rights legislation
Party System Led to Cross-Cutting Coalitions Across Party Lines

1980 elections a pivotal realignment of political parties
Parties become more ideological as their base of support changes.
Democrats “big tent” reflects new social movements of the “New Left” and demographics
Republicans reflect countermovement of the :New Right”
Turn to Ideological Parties?

Change in Party Composition In the NeoLiberal Era

The Financial Crisis of 2008
Deficits expanded, unemployment, and housing prices collapsed.
Income inequality has been getting worse under neoliberalism and middle class in crisis
Tea Party Movement shifts Republicans to Right
What’s difference today?
2008 elections: More polarized political system?

Larger percent of voters are independent of either party, voter turnout has been declining with blips along the way. More Americans in polls say they distrust politicians and political parties. And levels of cynicism in political institutions and leaders , the media and business and labor, have grown since the 1980’s
Prospects for Parties and Democracy?
Civic Culture in Trouble?

Framework for Comparison

280 Introduction to Comparative Politics

Dr. Fernandez

2
Chapter Learning Objectives

monarchy Tyranny
aristocracy Oligarchy/plutocracy
polity./mixed constitution democracy

Aristotle’s Classification of Political Systems
Whose interest
Majority
Few
who rules
one
Few
Many

The State
The State: All institutions and individuals that exercise power
Power: The ability to get people or groups to do what they otherwise would not do
Government: Set of institutions and people authorized by formal documents to pass laws and issue regulations
Does the government hold all of the power in a state?

The State

Other aspects of the state:
Governance: The exercise of political authority and the use of institutional resources to manage society’s problems and affairs
Regime: Practices that endure from government to government
What does “regime change” mean?
Nation: Cultural and linguistic identities that tie people together

6
Table 1.1

The State
Industrialized democracies: Have the most resources and strongest built-in restraints on power
Current and former communist regimes: Characterized by central control that reinforces hostility
Less Developed Countries: Very poor, unstable states
Newly industrializing countries

The State
Strong states take on more responsibilities, carry them out more effectively, and regimes have widespread support
What types of states are considered strong?
Weak states cannot effectively carry out public policy
Repression only strengthens in the short term

Year Democracies (competitive parties) Non-Democracies (one party or no party) Percent democratic nation states
1942 12 49 20%
1962 36 75 33%
2000 59 71 45%

Democratic and Authoritarian States in Modern World

Popular sovereignty
Majority rule
Political Equality
Political Rights
Civil liberties
Authority from multiple sources –heredity, ideology , religion–
Rule by minority
Selection of leaders non transparent limited rights Mix , limited rights and liberties,
Elections to choose leaders, seldom definitive
Presidential (US)
Parliamentary (UK, Germany, Canada) Communist one party systems
Theocracies
Military dictatorships Transitional cases such as post communist countries, many developing countries

Hauss Framework : Types of States I
Characteristics of regimes: relationship of state to society
authoritarian
features
subtypes
democracies
hybrid

Divided and ineffective elites
Lack of resources to fund state programs (underdeveloped economies, ineffective or poorly resourced states)
Poorly trained or corrupt bureaucracies
Broad scope of authority and responsibility given to state in economy Unified and highly coherent policy making
Well resourced governments and states (Developed and affluent economies, stable tax revenues)
Efficient, highly trained and qualified administrative elites
Accountable adminstrations
Limited scope of responsibility
Capitalist democracies
Third world countries Socialist democracies
Newly industrializing countries like S. Korea

Hauss Framework : Types of States II
Characteristics of state institutions: relationship of state to economy
strong
features
subtypes
weak

Figure 1.1 The Political System

12
Figure 1.1

Figure 1.2 The Impact of Global and Domestic Forces on the State

The United States

Introduction to Comparative Politics:

Chapter 3

Dr. Fernandez

Learning Objectives
Identify the cultural, social and political influences on the development of a weak state
Identify the causes of the development of American exceptionalism and its influence on the American regime
Identify contributions of American political thought to democratic thought and the American regime

American Exceptionalism
Weak state
Rugged Invidualism and Work Ethic
Egalitarianism, Low deference to traditional authority
Religious beliefs with Separation of Church and State
Patriotism
Low Participation and Distrust of Government
American creed

The Weak American State

4
Checks and Balances

Federalism

Culture

Bill of Rights and Enumerated Powers

Weak State

Time Line of U.S. Political Development

5
1607-1776

1776-1789

Establishment of American Regime and State

Foundations of American Culture and Society

1803-1860’s

Landed Expansion, the Mexican American War and the Civil War

1875-1930

Industrialization, the development of laissez faire and the Weak state

1930-1970’s

The rise of the interventionist state-the Great Depression, WW2 and the Great Society

1970’s to 2008

Neoliberalism and the return to a weak state

Political Parties in the U.S.
Post Civil War Depression and World War 2
Republicans Laissez faire capitalism with progressive policies to moderate capitalism. Party of business, farmers, freed slaves Laissez faire capitalism, protection from international trade. Defend corporations from the New Deal reforms. (eg. Less progressive income taxes. Lower corporate rates, support for business).
Democrats Party of “outs” ethnic immigrants, labor movement, urban African Americans. Limit the negative effects of capitalism on the outs Reform capitalism by expanding government role in managing business cycles and expanding labor and consumer rights and protections.

Political Parties in the U.S.
Post WW 2 -1960’s Late 1970’s to today
Reform capitalism, but slow the rate of growth of government influence over the economy. Appeal to western farmers, small business and large manufacturing corporation. Party of free trade. Traditional values (self reliance, pragamatism can do attitudes) and Neo liberalism—deregulation, lower taxes and privatize government functions. With New Right, Republicans place a greater focus on cultural issues. Americans divided and more contentious
Reform capitalism and increase the rate of growth of government influence over the economy. Agree on free trade (but support for labor requires more strings). Pursue new public purposes through regulation of the corporation: ( group rights ) affirmative action, school integration, equal opportunity for women and environmental regulations. The big tent gets smaller. Appeal to coalition of African Americans, women, young (anti Viet nam war movement) and middle class professionals, urban secular voters Adopt elements of neo-liberalism. Adopt the Third way. This means-Reform the welfare state but keep it to protect the outs (new groups now include Latinos, minorities and new groups such as gays and lesbians)

Comparative Politics:
Domestic Responses to Global Challenges, Seventh Edition
by Charles Hauss

Chapter 5: France

*
Chapter Cover Slide – book cover, book title, chapter number, chapter title

Learning Objectives
After studying this chapter, students should be able to
Describe the main developments in French political history
Identify the political divisions that created stalemate before the Fifth Republic
Describe the changes the Fifth Republic’s constitution brought to the French regime and political culture
Describe the centralization of French government and politics
Identify the parties and interest groups that play significant roles in French politics
Describe the general political positions of those parties and interest groups
Explain the effects of proportional, plurality, and majority/second round-ballot electoral systems have on parties and on the partisan make-up of legislatures
Define “integrated elite” and provide examples from French political culture
Explain the role of grandes ecoles in the integration of the elite
Compare the integration of elites in France with the integration of elites in other countries studied
Describe how economic policies have dominated French politics
Identify the major policy issues facing the French government today

*
Chapter Learning Objectives

Crise? Quelle Crise?
Despite a history of protest, France has avoided most of the problems from the recession experienced by the U.S., U.K., and Germany
However, some banks were involved in risky lending
2009 French students and workers went on strike
The crise poses no threat to the regime
President Sarkozy an “eccentric conservative,” not part of elite

Crise? Quelle Crise?
In the 1950’s the average French government lasted nine months
Fifth Republic of 1958 is a stable regime despite tradition of protest
Charles De Gaulle
One “welcomed” vote of no confidence
2007 presidential election

Thinking about France
Key questions
Why did the establishment of stable democracy take so long?
How did de Gaulle’s changes to the country’s institutions and social, political, and economic processes contribute to the creation of an effective democratic state?
What is the impact of the influential elite whose roots lie in the bureaucracy?
Why has the French economy proven more resistant to reform over the past twenty years than the British?

Thinking about France
The basics:
France is a large European country
Until recently, it has had a relatively homogeneous population
90% Roman Catholic (most unobservant) and 8% Muslim
Paris dominates France
An affluent country
Leading economic and technological power

Figure 5.1 Traditional Republican Politics in France

*
Table 5.1

The Evolution of the French State: Centuries of Turmoil
Transformation and division
15th-century centralization
Not isolated from wars of Europe (like British isles)
Revolution of 1789 reinforced centralization
Jacobins
Made political power of church officials an issue

The Evolution of the French State: Centuries of Turmoil
Transformation and division
19th and 20th centuries anticlerical left and proclerical right
Democratic traditions
1789 Declaration of Rights of Man
Universal suffrage for men after the Revolution of 1848
Industrial Revolution
Fragmented political opinion (many parties)
Fragmented economy (no unified economic right wing)

The Evolution of the French State: Centuries of Turmoil
Traditional republican politics: A vicious circle
Six major ideological groups
Resulted in deadlocked parliament
President and prime minister could not dissolve parliament
Difficult issues remained unsolved
Politicians were self serving
Centralized bureaucracy
French questioned regime

*
Table 5.2

The Evolution of the French State: Centuries of Turmoil
From the Fourth to the Fifth Republic
Discredited Third Republic became model for Fourth after WWII
Brief prosperity with de Gaulle’s provisional government, established ENA
Ineffective government could not respond to post-war economic, social, and political change
Revolt from army and settlers in Algeria brought regime to an end

The Evolution of the French State: Centuries of Turmoil
From the Fourth to the Fifth Republic
Charles de Gaulle given power to deal with the rebellion and revise the constitution
Fifth Republic in place when de Gaulle left office in 1969

*
Table 5.3

French Political Culture: From Alienation to Consensus
Taming political protest
Events of May 1968
Turning point in legitimizing Fifth Republic
De Gaulle used a new power and dissolved the National Assembly, ending the crisis
Different from past protest movements:
Groups had common adversary in the state
No one questioned legitimacy of the Fifth Republic, but advocated policy changes
In 1971 Mitterand’s socialist party adopted platform of reforms

French Political Culture: From Alienation to Consensus
Taming political protest
Neo-Socialists and Neo-Gaullists
Electoral success of Socialists in ’81 legitimized opposition
Transition to Socialist-led government legitimized regime

*
Table 5.4

French Political Culture: From Alienation to Consensus
New divisions
Race
Unassimilated immigrant communities still alienated
Violent protests in Parisian suburbs – 2005
Activity of National Front and other anti-immigrant groups

French Political Culture: From Alienation to Consensus
New divisions
The EU
Referenda on EU issues display French ambivalence toward further integration
Same groups who feel threatened by immigrants oppose integration with Europe

Political Participation
Renewing the party system
Instead of fragmentation, party system formed by left and right coalitions. From 1962 on, either coalition has won a majority of seats in the National Assembly and the presidency
Catch-all parties

Political Participation
Renewing the party system: the Majority
Gaullist: Right leaning, frequently changed name
First disciplined party
Regularly wins at least ¼ of the vote
Committed to legacy of De Gaulle
Focused appeal around single leader
Slowest to adopt rhetoric of market capitalism
Independent republicans and Union for French democracy

*
Table 5.5

*
Table 5.6

Political Participation
Renewing the party system: The left
Socialist Party (PS)
Strong party during first half of 20th century, declined after WWII
Mitterand the force behind Socialist change and success
Championed autogestion
Alliance with PCF
Won presidency in 1981
1980’s no clear policy agenda
Party in need of another renewal- 2007 election Hollande and Royal

Political Participation
Renewing the party system: The left
Communist Party (PCF)
Born Christmas 1920, group of socialists who supported the Bolshevik Revolution
Gained support during World War II
20-25% of the vote in the 1970’s
PCF did not change views, less than 2% of the vote in 2007

Political Participation
Renewing the party system
The National Front
Anti-democratic, super-nationalistic party of far right
Rides anti-immigrant fears to some electoral success
Jean-Marie Le Pen

Political Participation
Renewing the party system
Minor parties
Greens
Far left
Parties that participate in an election and then fade
Rarely win 10% of popular vote

Political Participation
Why these changes happened: The French electoral
system
Proportional representation of the past
Easy for small parties to win seats
The two-ballot system and single-member districts
Any legislative candidate can contest the run-off election if they get 12.5% of vote or withdraw and support someone else
Direct election of the president, two candidates on run-off ballot

Political Participation
Parity: A victory for feminism?
Manifesto of 577
Parity Law: Constitutional amendment requires parties to run equal numbers of male and female candidates in proportional elections
Only 19% of National Assembly is female

Political Participation
Interest groups
Grassroots groups are small and rarely coordinated
Unions still active and influential, but fragmented
Business interests promoted more through informal, personal relationships

The French State
A new constitution for a new state
Strong president
Emergency powers
Can call a referendum
Directly elected by a majority
Can dissolve parliament and call for new elections
Large personal staff

The French State
A new constitution for a new state
Strong government and weakened legislature
Cabinet would not have to submit a vote of investiture
Government defeated in a vote of no confidence only by absolute majority
Incompatibility clause
Government could demand a bloc vote
Government could rule by decree
President De Gaulle appointed the prime minister
As a result, the National Assembly functions as smoothly as the House of Commons

*
Table 5.7

The French State
A new constitution for a new state
Top bureaucrats recruited for cabinet posts
Cohabitation threatened gridlock, but pragmatic politicians agreed on a workable system
Senate
Indirectly elected mainly by local officials
Can object to proposals, but National Assembly position prevails if no agreement is reached

Figure 5.2: The Legislative Process in France

*
Figure 5.1

The French State
The integrated elite
Bureaucrats politically powerful
Former bureaucrats lead parties and large corporations
ENA links them all together
Strong iron triangle
Socialists have tried to enact reforms to limit elitism

Figure 5.3: The Iron Triangle

*
Figure 5.2

The French State
Local government
Appointed prefects controlled local government until 1981
Tutelle – extreme oversight of local decisions by French government
Some decentralization under Socialist governments
Abolished Tuelle
Elected departmental and regional council heads

The French State
The courts
Cour des comptes: country’s chief financial investigator
Conseil d’ estat: jurisdiction over the state and its actions
No judicial review
Constitutional Council reviews constitutionality of bills before they become law

The French State
The changing role of the state
Power of civil society has grown
Cohabitation, the absence of proposals for dramatic change, less charismatic leaders, and scandal have reduced the power of the presidency
Global and European forces impinge on policy making

Public Policy:
The Pursuit of Grandeur
Economic policy
Les Trentes Glorieuses: rapid growth under government direction between WWII and 1973
Nationalization and consolidation of corporations
The Gaullists relied on discretionary tax rates, investment credits, subsidies, and other state funds
Improved standard of living

Public Policy:
The Pursuit of Grandeur
Economic policy
Economic decline after OPEC oil embargo
Socialists abandoned nationalization goals in 1980’s
By 1988, left/right consensus was privatization
Public utilities nationalized
State holds stock in many companies

*
Table 5.8

Public Policy:
The Pursuit of Grandeur
Economic Policy
State plays less dominant role in society than it did a quarter century ago
Leading growth in 1990’s in the high-tech sector
Economy is being shaped by European and global financial dynamics

*
Table 5.9

Public Policy:
The Pursuit of Grandeur
The politics of headscarves
France guarantees individual rights to everyone
Secular government, centralization, and egalitarian ideals remain
December 2004—Chirac announced plan to ban conspicuous religious symbols in pubic schools (including headscarves for Muslim girls)

Public Policy:
The Pursuit of Grandeur
Foreign policy: France has pursued its national interest that at times have been at odds with the United States and Great Britain
De Gaulle’s post-WWII goal to restore French prominence in world politics
Created nuclear arsenal
Did not blindly accept U.S. Cold War policy
Opposed British entry into the Common Market

Public Policy:
The Pursuit of Grandeur
Foreign policy
Since OPEC embargo, policy has been more aligned with other European powers
European Integration has divided parties, not widely popular in France
Iraq: objection to U.S. methods

Feedback
Parisian dominated press and broadcast media
Le Monde
Government influence on media has declined since privatization
Tabloid press less influential than in Great Britain
Access to European and global cable and satellite providers reduces influence of French media
Pollsters not allowed to publish findings in the week before an election; Internet has made enforcement difficult
Conclusion: In Sarkoland

Introduction to Comparative Politics

Fall 2013

Final Exam 280

Instructions.

1. What are the basic precepts of Marxist political theory (explain Marx’s theory of revolution in dealing with this question). How was Marx’s political theory modified in practice by Lenin and Stalin?

2. What factors gave rise to totalitarian regimes in Russia and Eastern Europe? (make sure you integrate the lecture and readings in this question and consider the importance of Stalin’s “Socialism in one country” policy)

3. According to Hauss, what are the political characteristics of communist regimes? (discuss the relationship of party to government and state, the role of ideology, political parties and elections).

4. Based on the lecture, power points and the text, what do you think are the prospects for democracy and capitalism in the post Communist political systems (Russia, the former Soviet Republics and Eastern European countries like Poland)? Explain how the transition experiences from communism in these countries affect the degree of political support for capitalism and democracy in those countries today ?

5. The Chinese revolution occurred in a rural country with a weak central government and which had been invaded or occupied by foreign powers over a period of a century. According to Hauss and the lectures, how did those circumstances affect the way the Chinese communists went about trying to put Marxist ideas and ideals into practice?

6. List three developments in China that lead many political scientists to the conclusion that it may no longer be warranted to call China ‘s political system “totalitarian” in the post Mao era .

7. Compare China and the U.S. in terms of how societal interests are aggregated and influence the political system in both countries. Include Hauss and the lectures in the discussion of the limits on interest group participation in politics (economic, religious etc).

8. Using the lectures and Hauss, discuss the structure of the Chinese part- state in the post Mao era? Include in this discussion an explanation of where power resides in policy making evaluation the role of the executive, legislature, courts etc.

9. According to the Wang article and the lectures, what is the role of private enterprise in China today?

10. Compare and contrast the powers of the French President and British Prime Minister in the decision making function. Based on this comparison, which political office has the greatest power vested in it by the constitution? Include in this discussion the information from the lectures and Hauss

11. Being careful to explain Lipset’s and Hauss’ thesis of American exceptionalism, to what extent do you think that American politics today is similar to or different from that of the UK or France?

12. According to the Wang article, “the Problems of State Weakness”, in what sense is the “weakness” of the Chinese state today damaging the country’s prospects for becoming a full-fledged democracy?

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