Political Stability - AP Comparative Government and Politics

  1. How can decentralization impact political stability?
    Empowers local governance. Local control reduces central government tensions.
  2. Identify a key indicator of political stability.
    Low levels of political violence. Absence of riots, coups, and armed conflict indicates stable governance.
  3. How does media freedom influence political stability?
    Promotes accountability and transparency. Independent press exposes corruption and holds leaders accountable.
  4. What role does legal accountability play in political stability?
    Maintains rule of law. Legal consequences deter governmental abuse of power.
  5. Identify a structural factor of political stability.
    Stable institutions. Strong bureaucracy and courts provide governance continuity.
  6. How does corruption affect political stability?
    Erodes trust in government. Public loses confidence in governmental effectiveness.
  7. What is regime stability?
    The durability and endurance of a particular government. Focuses on how long specific leadership remains in power.
  8. How do constitutional laws contribute to political stability?
    Provide legal framework and limits on power. Written rules constrain arbitrary government actions.
  9. What is the role of the military in political stability?
    Can stabilize or destabilize, depending on involvement. Military coups destabilize; civilian control stabilizes.
  10. What is the impact of political instability on economic growth?
    Hinders economic growth. Uncertainty discourages investment and business confidence.
  11. What is a failed state?
    A state unable to perform fundamental government functions. Government loses capacity to provide basic services.
  12. What is the impact of political stability on social services?
    Improves delivery of social services. Stable government provides consistent public services.
  13. How does political legitimacy contribute to stability?
    Legitimacy strengthens governmental authority. Popular acceptance of government enhances compliance.
  14. Identify a cultural factor that can influence political stability.
    Shared national identity. Common values reduce ethnic and regional conflicts.
  15. What impact do international relations have on political stability?
    Strong alliances can enhance stability. External support provides security and legitimacy.
  16. What is the effect of ethnic diversity on political stability?
    Can lead to instability if not managed well. Requires inclusive policies to prevent ethnic conflict.
  17. Identify a factor that undermines political stability.
    Widespread corruption. Erodes public trust and weakens governmental legitimacy.
  18. Which institution's strength is crucial for political stability?
    Strong and independent judiciary. Courts ensure rule of law and check government power abuse.
  19. What is the role of elections in political stability?
    Legitimate transfer of power. Democratic voting ensures peaceful leadership succession.
  20. What role does education play in political stability?
    Educated populace supports democratic governance. Informed citizens make better democratic choices.
  21. How does political stability affect foreign investment?
    Increases foreign investment. Investors seek predictable, secure environments for capital.
  22. What is the impact of globalization on political stability?
    Can spread both stability and instability. International connections transmit both order and chaos.
  23. Identify a consequence of political instability.
    Increased emigration. People flee unstable conditions for safety elsewhere.
  24. How does income inequality affect political stability?
    Can lead to social unrest. Economic disparities create grievances and protests.
  25. How can power transitions affect political stability?
    Smooth transitions enhance stability. Peaceful leadership changes demonstrate institutional strength.
  26. Identify a geopolitical factor affecting political stability.
    Regional conflicts. Neighboring wars and tensions destabilize border regions.
  27. Which type of political system is generally more stable?
    Democratic systems. Peaceful power transfers and accountability reduce instability.
  28. Identify a policy that promotes political stability.
    Transparent governance. Open processes build public trust and accountability.
  29. What is political stability?
    The degree to which a government is free from turmoil and operates effectively. Measures how well a government functions without disruption.
  30. Which demographic factor can influence political stability?
    Youth bulge. Large young populations may challenge existing order.
  31. How do international organizations influence political stability?
    Provide support and oversight. External monitoring and aid support stable governance.
  32. Which economic condition can lead to political instability?
    High unemployment. Economic hardship fuels social unrest and protests.
  33. Why is social cohesion important for political stability?
    Reduces internal conflicts. Unified society prevents ethnic and regional divisions.
  34. Identify a political event that can destabilize a country.
    Civil war. Armed conflict destroys governmental institutions completely.
  35. What role does economic performance play in political stability?
    Strong economic performance supports political stability. Economic growth increases public satisfaction and regime legitimacy.
  36. What is a coup d'état?
    An illegal, overt seizure of a state by the military. Military forces overthrow existing government illegally.
  37. How can civil society contribute to political stability?
    By promoting democratic processes. Civic engagement strengthens democratic institutions.
  38. Identify a measurement used to assess political stability.
    Political Stability Index. Quantifies stability using various political indicators.
  39. What is the relationship between political stability and crime rates?
    Higher stability often correlates with lower crime rates. Stable governance improves law enforcement effectiveness.
  40. What is the effect of historical grievances on political stability?
    Can lead to persistent unrest. Past injustices fuel ongoing political tensions.

Study these flashcards