Welcome to Comparative Politics!
Hi there! In this final part of your USA and Comparative Politics section, we are going to learn how to "connect the dots." You’ve already studied how the UK works and how the USA works. Now, we are going to look at them side-by-side. Comparative politics is simply the study of why these two countries do things differently (or similarly!) and what happens as a result. Don't worry if it seems like a lot to remember—we’ll break it down into simple "lenses" you can use to look at any topic.
1. The Three Big "Lenses" (Theoretical Approaches)
When you are writing an essay, the examiners want to see you using three specific theories to explain why things are the way they are. Think of these as three different pairs of glasses. Depending on which pair you put on, you see a different reason for a political event.
A. The Structural Approach
This lens looks at the rules and institutions. It suggests that political outcomes are decided by the "mechanics" of the system, like the Constitution or the voting system.
Analogy: Imagine a game of football. If the rules say you can’t use your hands, the players will use their feet. The "structure" (the rules) dictates how people behave.
B. The Rational Approach
This lens looks at individuals. it suggests that politicians (and voters) are "rational actors" who make choices based on what is best for them or what helps them achieve their specific goals (like getting re-elected).
Analogy: In that same football game, a player might decide to dive for a penalty because they want to win the game. That’s a rational choice made by an individual to get a specific result.
C. The Cultural Approach
This lens looks at history, traditions, and shared values. It suggests that people behave a certain way because that is "just how we do things here." It’s about the long-standing ideas of a group of people.
Analogy: In some countries, it’s a "culture" to show respect to the referee no matter what, while in others, it’s normal to argue. That’s not a rule; it’s a cultural habit passed down through generations.
Memory Aid: Just remember S.R.C. — Structure (the rules), Rational (the person), Culture (the history).
Key Takeaway: Whenever you compare the UK and US, ask: Is this because of the rules (Structural)? Because a leader wanted power (Rational)? Or because of national history (Cultural)?
2. Constitutional Arrangements
The Constitution is the "rulebook" for the country. The UK and US have very different types of rulebooks.
Key Differences:
• Nature: The US has a codified constitution (one single, written document). The UK has an uncodified one (made of many sources like statutes and conventions).
• Separation vs. Fusion: The US has a strict separation of powers (the President is not in Congress). The UK has a fusion of powers (the Prime Minister sits in Parliament).
• Checks and Balances: Because the US powers are separated, they have much stronger "checks" on each other. In the UK, the government usually dominates Parliament because they have a majority.
Federalism (USA) vs. Devolution (UK):
This is a favorite exam topic! Federalism in the US means power is shared between the national government and the states (like Texas or California), and this is protected by the Constitution. Devolution in the UK is when the central Parliament "lends" power to Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. It can technically be taken back, though it's culturally very hard to do so.
Quick Review Box:
• US = Rigid, Codified, Federal.
• UK = Flexible, Uncodified, Devolved.
3. The Executives: PM vs. President
How do the leaders of these countries compare? Even though they are both "the boss," their powers are very different.
The President (USA):
• Is the Head of State and Head of Government.
• Is not a member of the legislature (Congress).
• Has informal powers (like "the power to persuade").
• Is often "checked" by a hostile Congress.
The Prime Minister (UK):
• Is only the Head of Government (the Monarch is Head of State).
• Must be a member of the legislature (Parliament).
• Usually has a much easier time passing laws because they lead the biggest party in the Commons.
Common Mistake: Students often think the President is more powerful because they are "The Leader of the Free World." However, a UK Prime Minister with a large majority often has a much easier time getting their own way than a US President does!
Key Takeaway: The President is a "lonely" executive who has to negotiate for everything. The PM is a "collective" executive who works with a Cabinet but usually dominates the law-making process.
4. The Judiciaries (The Courts)
Both countries have a Supreme Court, but they use their power differently.
• Judicial Review: In the US, the Supreme Court can declare a law unconstitutional (meaning the law is cancelled). In the UK, the Supreme Court can only say a law is "incompatible" with human rights—they cannot strike down a law made by Parliament because of Parliamentary Sovereignty.
• Independence: Both courts are independent, but the US appointment process is much more political (the President chooses a judge who shares their views). In the UK, judges are chosen by an independent commission (the JAC).
Did you know? In the US, Supreme Court judges serve for life. In the UK, they must retire at age 70 or 75. This makes US appointments much more high-stakes!
5. Electoral and Party Systems
Both the UK and USA are usually described as two-party systems, but the parties themselves look very different.
Party Unity:
• UK Parties: Have high party discipline. MPs usually vote exactly how their party leader tells them to (controlled by the "Whips").
• US Parties: Are much "looser." A Republican from New York might have very different views from a Republican from Alabama. They don't always vote together.
Third Parties:
Third parties (like the Lib Dems or SNP) have much more influence in the UK than third parties (like the Green Party) have in the USA. The US "Winner-Takes-All" system and the Electoral College make it almost impossible for third parties to win anything.
Key Takeaway: UK parties are like disciplined armies; US parties are like big, messy coalitions of people who mostly agree but often argue.
6. Pressure Groups and Civil Rights
Finally, how do ordinary people try to change things?
Pressure Groups:
• In the USA: Groups spend huge amounts of money on electoral finance (donating to campaigns) and use the courts (litigation) to change the law.
• In the UK: Groups focus more on insider status (talking directly to ministers) because the government has so much control over Parliament.
Civil Rights:
• USA: Rights are protected by the Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments). These are very hard to change.
• UK: Rights are protected by the Human Rights Act (1998). This is a regular law, meaning Parliament could technically change or scrap it if they wanted to.
Step-by-Step for Success:
1. Identify a similarity (e.g., "Both countries have two main parties").
2. Identify a difference (e.g., "However, UK parties are more united than US parties").
3. Use a theory to explain why (e.g., "This is Structural because the UK has a parliamentary system where the government needs a loyal majority to survive").
Don't worry if this seems tricky at first! Just keep practicing with your "S.R.C." lenses and you'll be comparing like a pro in no time.