Syriana

Final Comparative Politics Study Guide 1. 1.) Who are the political elite and how are they different from the masses? Discuss both values and political participation. * The political elite is the power wielded by corporate owners/managers which overlaps with the ‘upper class’ * 1 % of the population; upper class * Social life: schools, universities, clubs * Economic control * The political elite differ from the masses: * Have control & influence on politics due to their economic backgrounds * Are privileged & are born into wealth for the most part * “Rainy Day”- Political participation is greater due to their social status; they are able to vote regardless of weather or any other variables because they do not have to worry about these things like the majority of people 2. 2.) How different are rates and types of mass participation and approaches around the world distinctive from each other? * VOTER TURNOUT 3. 3.) What is civil society and why do many authors, such as Samuel Huntington, believe that civil society participation is an element that is crucial to democratic politics?
World Bank definition: Refers to the wide array of non-governmental and not-for-profit organizations that have a presence in public life, expressing the interests and values of their members or others, based on ethical, cultural, political, scientific, religious or philanthropic considerations. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) therefore refer to a wide of array of organizations: community groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), labor unions, indigenous groups, charitable organizations, faith-based organizations, professional associations, and foundations”. * Samuel Huntington: He observed that in the 1950s & 60s, there was high level of political instability in developing countries * Increasing levels of economic & social development often leads to coups, revolutions, & military