1. Chapter 2 Comparing Political Systems

2. How we Study Politics Describe Describe Predict Predict Explain Explain A. Description Conceptual Framework – set of concepts that are clearly defined and understood Conceptual Framework – set of concepts that are clearly defined and understood B. Explanation – seeking to identify relationships b/w political phenomena. (Ex. Democracy & Peace) C. Prediction – based on success & accuracy of first two.

3. I. Why We Compare A. See wider range of political alternatives B. Understand virtues and shortcomings of our own system C. Develop explanations & test hypotheses about how political processes work D. Understand conditions of political change E. Not possible to conduct controlled experiments

4. II. How we Compare A. Case Studies Small n Small n Allows researchers to look in-depth at particulars of a case Allows researchers to look in-depth at particulars of a case B. Large N Studies Statistical studies Statistical studies Enough variables to allow researchers to examine relationships Enough variables to allow researchers to examine relationships

5. III. Comparative Systems A. System 1. Interacting with environment 2. Moving parts 3. Legitimacy

6. Comparative Systems Continued B. Structure Media Media Interest Groups Interest Groups Political Parties and Legislatures Political Parties and Legislatures Executives Executives Bureaucracies Bureaucracies Courts Courts

7. Comparative Systems continued C. Functions Implies purpose, direct & indirect Implies purpose, direct & indirect 1. Systems Functions Political Socialization Political Socialization Recruitment Recruitment Communication Communication 2. Process Functions Interest articulation Interest articulation Interest aggregation Interest aggregation Interest adjudication Interest adjudication

8. Function Continued 3. Policy Functions Impact on society, economy, & culture Impact on society, economy, & culture Interaction with international environment Interaction with international environment Extraction Extraction Regulation of Behavior Regulation of Behavior Distribution Distribution

9. IV. Policy Level Performance, Outcome, Evaluation A. Relevant to the interests and needs of society B. Evaluation of Performance C. Responsive to Value Change D. Degree of Stability or Adaptability