4 Building Blocks of Governmental Systems

Presidential System (2)

Parliamentary System (4)

Semi-Presidential Systems

Prime Minister's Power (4)

How to get rid of a Prime Minister (4 options)

Cabinet: Executive Body in Parliament (3)

Functions of Heads of State in Europe (3)

2 Models of Democratic Governments

Role of Parliament (3)

Interpellation

Second/Upper Chamber Argument (for and against)

Distinguishing Party Families (3 approaches)

Main European Left Parties (4 + key points)

Main European Right Parties (5 + key points)

Concept of Cleavage (3)

Types of Cleavages in Europe (4)

Freezing Hypothesis (& Unfreezing)

Realignment vs. Dealignment Theories

Why are parties a "necessary evil"? ( 3)

Party Functions (5)

Key Structures of Political Parties (3)

Key Party People (3)

Key Party Documents (2)

3 Faces of Political Parties

2 Ways Candidates are Elected for Parties

Sources of Party Finance (6)

Cadre Parties

Mass-Parties

Catch-All Parties

Cartel Parties

Typology of Gunther & Diamond (3)

Proto-hegemonic Parties

Types of Political Parties (5)

Types of Mass-Based Parties (6)

Significance of Elections (2)

Single Member Plurality

Merits & Drawbacks of Single Member Plurality

Strategic Voting

Gerrymandering

Two-Round System

Proportional Representation

Merits Proportional System (4)

Disadvantages of Proportional Representation (3)

List-Proportional Representation (4 varieties/dimensions)

Degree of Choice in List-PR (3 types)1

Mixed Electoral System

Consequences of Electoral System Choice (6)

Referendum

Totalitarian Regime (5 features)

Command Economy (6)

Benefits of Command Economy (3)

Weaknesses of Command Economy (4)

Dissent against Soviet Union in East Bloc (4)

5 Patterns of Collapse of Communism

Transition from Communism Struggles (4 major factors)

Communist Legacies in East Europe (2 trends)

Criteria for EU Accession (5)

Acquis Communicataire

Context of Fall of Communism (3)

Explanations for Lack of Democracy (9)

Perils of Presidentialism (5)

Path Dependence