Lesson 1- Purpose and Methods of
Comparison and Classification

The AP Comparative Government & Politics
course will compare the governments of six
countries: United Kingdom, Russia, China,
Nigeria, Mexico and Iran. By studying other
political systems, students will not only have a
better understanding of their own system but
will also have an introduction to global politics.

COUNTRY FACT SHEETS
For each country, you will be expected to complete a country fact
sheet (based off of the content in the various units. This sheet will
be due on the test date for each country. Each student will be
expected to use these country fact sheets to help compare and
contrast between the various countries.
Multiple Choice
 You will have 45 minutes to complete 55 MC
questions. They are similar to the AP US Govt.
& Politics exam in format.(50% of grade)
Free Response Questions (50% of grade)
 Type I: Short Answer Questions
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They ask you to briefly define or describe a major
concept in Comparative Politics and may or may not
ask you to give an example from one of the
countries.
They can be answered in 2-3 sentences.
There will be 5 of these on the exam. (suggested
time: appx. 25 minutes to complete all 5)
Free Response Questions
 Type II: Conceptual Questions

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This question will ask you to elaborate on one major
concept in Comparative Politics and will NOT
request country specific data.
This may have several subparts that you must
elaborate on.
There is one of these types of questions and you
should spend approx. 25 minutes on it.
Free Response Questions
 Type III: Country Specific Questions
These questions will ask you to provide country
specific information to support a major concept in
comparative politics.
 There are two of these types of questions and the
suggested length of time for the two questions is 50
minutes
 You should take approx. 25 minutes each

Almond: Comparative Politics Today
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The only way we can fully understand our own
political system. Comparing the past and present of
our nation and our experiences with other nations
depends our understanding of our own political
institutions.


Comparing takes us beyond the familiar and helps us
expand our awareness of the possibilities of politics.
Helps us develop explanations and test theories of
the way political change occurs.
O’Neil- Essentials of Comparative Politics

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Helps us place our own system in perspective by
highlighting alternatives to our own political order
and challenging our common assumptions that
there is one right way to organize political life.
We ignore the outside world at our peril

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Examples of U.S ignoring outside world?
By understanding politics in a comparative setting,
we arm ourselves with the knowledge necessary to
make informed political choices about our own
lives.
Quantitative
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Gathering of statistical data
across a large number of
countries in order to look for
correlations and test
hypotheses about cause and
effect.
“Breadth over depth”
Researchers examine the
relationships among
variables and seek
correlation and causal
factors. More precise way of
measuring things.

Example: taxation rates,
voter turnout, page 33 in
Almond book.
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Qualitative
Mastery of a limited number
of cases through the detailed
study of their history,
language, and culture.
Focuses on unique aspects of
nations.
“Depth over breadth”
Researchers need the depth
provided in these studied to
form insightful hypothesis
for statistical testing in the
first place. Also, can
examine cause and effect
relationships.
THINK/PAIR/SHARE:
 Which of these two methods is numerical?
Verbal?
 Which method do you think you would best
learn from or be better at researching? Why?
The “Three World Approach”

1.
2.
3.
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First World countries-advanced capitalist
democracies. Also known as Developed.
Second world countries are the communist bloc
(formerly run by the Soviet Union).
Third world countries are the remaining states of
the world who are not rich or western. Also known
as Developing.
North and South is another way to classify
nations with the north being the richer,
capitalistic democracies, generally.
Big and Small States is the final way to classify
nations. Geographic location has important
strategic implications, often.

Advanced Democracies

These countries have well-established democratic
governments and a high level of economic
development.
 Ex. Great Britain

Communist and Post-communist Countries

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These countries have sought to create a system that
limits individual freedoms in order to divide wealth
more equally.
Current Trend: Democracy in the 21st Century
 Ex. Russia (post communist country) China
(communist country)

Less Developed

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Traditionally referred to as “third world”
Currently experiencing rapid economic growth,
tendency towards democratization, and political and
social stability.
 Ex. Mexico and Iran (kind of)

Newly Industrializing Countries
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Lack significant economic development.
Authoritarian regimes.
 Ex. Nigeria (some democratization recently)
1. What are some institutions in the United States
that we have not discussed and what is their
significance?
2. Guidelines: List 5 political institutions and 5
physical institutions. Be ready to share with the
class after your team’s discussion
3. What are some institutions in New York state,
in New Paltz, and in your family?
1.
2.
3.
Explain the importance of studying
comparative politics.
Describe some ways political scientists
typically classify countries.
Describe why institutions are important when
studying comparative politics?