1.6 Comparative Theories

• Comparative theories use the comparative method to identify similarities and differences among political systems.
• Match the theory with its key focus:

  Structural-Functional Theory ↔️ Structures and functions of systems

  Systems Theory ↔️ Dynamic, interconnected entities

  Modernization Theory ↔️ Transition to modern systems

  Dependency Theory ↔️ Unequal power relationships
• The Systems Theory views political systems as dynamic entities that interact with their environment.
• What type of relationships does Dependency Theory focus on?

  Unequal power relationships
• The US political system includes a separation of powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
• How does the US presidential system differ from parliamentary democracies?

  Directly elected president
• Systems Theory views the US political system as a network influenced by its environment.


  True
• Dependency Theory argues that the US maintains its dominance through economic and political influence.
• Match the political theory with its key focus in the context of the USA:

  Structural-Functional Theory ↔️ Structural components and their functions

  Systems Theory ↔️ Interconnected network of inputs and outputs

  Modernization Theory ↔️ Evolution from traditional to modern systems

  Dependency Theory ↔️ Unequal relationships maintain dominance
• Modernization Theory views the US as a modern industrial and technological superpower achieved through urbanization, industrialization, and democratic governance
• The US and Canada both share the feature of bicameral legislatures.

  True
• What is the primary goal of comparative theories in political science?

  Understanding political systems
• Comparative theories can aid in policy development and predict political trends.


  True
• What is the key focus of the Structural-Functional Theory?

  Structures and functions
• Modernization Theory assumes all developing countries follow the same linear path toward modernization.

  True
• What principle characterizes the structure of the US political system?

  Federalism
• The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution and rules on the constitutionality of laws.

  True
• The Structural-Functional Theory explains the US political system through its structural components and their functions.
• What does Modernization Theory consider the US an example of?

  A modern political system
• The US political system does not have a prime minister who leads the legislative branch, but instead a president with significant executive powers
• Order the key components of Systems Theory as applied to the US political system:

  1️⃣ Input from citizens

  2️⃣ Processes through government branches

  3️⃣ Output in the form of laws

  4️⃣ Feedback into society
• Comparative theories in political science provide a framework for understanding different political systems
• Order the key elements of comparative analysis in political science:

  1️⃣ Comparison of similarities

  2️⃣ Contrast of unique aspects

  3️⃣ Analysis of underlying causes
• Structural-Functional Theory examines the structures and functions of political systems, assuming they maintain stability through interdependence.
• Structural-Functional Theory assumes that political systems maintain order through interdependent parts.
• The US has a presidential system, where the president has significant executive powers.
• What does the Dependency Theory argue about the relationship between the US and developing nations?

  Unequal core-periphery dynamic
• How does Systems Theory view the US political system?

  Dynamic, interconnected entity
• The Structural-Functional Theory emphasizes the interdependent parts of the US political system to maintain stability and order
• Match the theory with its key application to the US political system:

  Structural-Functional Theory ↔️ Explains structures and functions

  Systems Theory ↔️ Views the US as a network
• Dependency Theory argues that the US benefits from unequal relationships with other nations.


  True
• What weakness of Modernization Theory is highlighted in the study material?

  Assumes linear development
• The US has a presidential system, while Canada has a parliamentary system.
• Comparative theories are important for predicting political trends.


  True
• Systems Theory views political systems as static entities.

  False
• Modernization Theory suggests that all developing countries follow the same path to modernization.


  True
• The US president is the leader of the legislative branch.

  False
• The key structures in the Structural-Functional Theory are the Congress, Presidency, and Supreme Court
• Modernization Theory depicts the US as a successful example of political and economic modernization.


  True
• What does Modernization Theory trace the US's evolution towards?

  Industrialization, urbanization, democracy