AP Comparative Government and Politics Flashcards: Democratization
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 16 cards to help you master important concepts.
Besides elections, how else does democratization aim to involve citizens?
Democratization aims to increase citizen participation in policy-making processes.
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Besides elections, how else does democratization aim to involve citizens?
Democratization aims to increase citizen participation in policy-making processes.
List three ways electoral systems can accommodate ethnic diversity.
Electoral systems can use gender or cultural quotas, proportional representation, and changes in vote thresholds and district boundaries to accommodate diversity.
What is democratization?
Democratization is the transition from an authoritarian regime to a democratic regime.
If a new democracy establishes proportional representation in its legislature, what goal is it likely trying to achieve?
It is likely trying to accommodate ethnic diversity and increase multiparty competition within its democratic electoral system.
What does 'greater governmental transparency' involve?
This goal of democratization involves making the government's operations and decision-making processes more open and accessible to the public.
What is meant by 'universal suffrage for adult citizens'?
This is a goal of democratization ensuring that all adult citizens have the right to vote in elections.
A country that has achieved democratic consolidation is faced with a military coup. What does this represent?
This represents an external shock that could cause a democratically consolidated regime to revert to authoritarianism.
Define democratic consolidation.
It is the process by which a democratic regime matures in its election rules, separation of powers, and civil liberties, making it unlikely to revert to authoritarianism.
What institution is key to reducing corruption and protecting civil rights during democratization?
An independent judiciary can reduce political corruption while also protecting individual liberties and civil rights.
What is the significance of consensus among competing groups for democratization?
Consensus among competing cultural and political groups about governmental policies can advance the democratization process and make it sustainable.
What three characteristics indicate that a democratic regime is maturing and consolidating?
A maturing democratic regime shows well-established election rules, a clear separation of powers, and strong protection of civil liberties.
What are the primary goals of the democratization process?
The process aims for fairer elections, increased citizen participation, universal suffrage, governmental transparency, protected civil rights, equal treatment of citizens, and the establishment of the rule of law.
A government passes new laws restricting freedom of the press and assembly. How does this action relate to democratization?
This action impedes democratization, as these policy changes work against the goal of protecting civil rights and liberties.
What does 'establishment of the rule of law' mean as a goal of democratization?
It means creating a system where all citizens and government entities are equally subject to and accountable under the law.
How does political corruption affect democratization?
Political corruption inhibits the process of democratization.
Is the process of democratization always linear and successful?
No, democratization can stall or be reversed. Policy changes regarding election rules and civil liberties can either support or impede the process.