Concepts of State, Nation, Regime, and Government Lesson

Photograph of Abdul Ningi giving a speech Defining the State: In comparative politics, the state is a series of institutions that maintains a monopoly of violence over a territory. It relies on sovereignty—the ability to carry out actions in a territory independently—and power.

A regime is the rules and norms of politics; in some nondemocratic countries where politics is dominated by a single individual, we may use the term regime to refer to that leader. Government is the leadership in charge of running the state. If the state is a computer, the regime is the software and the government is the operator.

A country may be seen as shorthand for all these concepts – state, government, regime – as well as for the people who live within a political system.

Quick Glance

Please complete the following Countries and Their Forms of Government Activity.

Politics and Governance Presentation

It is now time to watch the Politics and Governance Presentation. Take notes as you watch the video and reach out to your instructor with any questions.

What are Governments For? Presentation

It is now time to watch the What Are Governments For? Presentation. Take notes as you watch the video and reach out to your instructor with any questions.

Challenge Activity

Please complete the following activity to help you review the types of government. Drag the vocabulary term to its definition.

Takeaway & Sendoff

Why would the United States of America not be considered a “nation-state”? Consult your class notes and the appropriate chapter in your textbook when reflecting upon this question.

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