Regime — definition?
Set of rules, norms, institutions governing power.
Regime change — process?
Alteration of governing rules or institutions.
Modern democracy — key features?
Inclusive participation, free elections, rule of law.
Democracy as contestation — focus?
Extent of political competition and freedoms.
Polyarchy — Dahl's concept?
Governance with contestation and inclusion.
Inclusion — meaning?
Who participates in the democratic process.
Measuring democracy — tools?
Binary (Democracy-Dictatorship), continuous (Freedom House, V-Dem).
Validity — in measurement?
Measures accurately reflect the concept.
Democratic decline — what?
Weakening of democratic features over time.
Democratic stagnation — meaning?
No significant progress or deterioration in democracy.
Waves of democratization — Huntington?
Periods of significant democratic expansion.
Counterwaves — what?
Periods of democratic decline or reversal.
Dictatorship — key trait?
Lack of free, competitive elections; repression.
Types of dictatorships — examples?
Monarchic, military, civilian, personalist, dominant-party.
Electoral competition — importance?
Ensures meaningful, fair political contestation.
Presidential vs parliamentary — difference?
Presidential: independent election of leader; parliamentary: government accountable to legislature.
Political parties — role?
Organized groups competing in elections to influence policy.
Coalition bargaining — purpose?
Form government and divide ministerial roles.
Answer 9 questions on Understanding Regimes and Democratic Transitions.
1. What is a 'regime' in the context of political science?
2. How can policymakers practically apply the concept of 'Democracy as Contestation' to strengthen democratic governance?
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