ST.
CLARE COLLEGE OF CALOOCAN
College of Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Module in Introduction to Comparative Politics (BAPOL 206)
Topic: Foundations, Nature, Scope, and Significance of Comparative Politics
Prepared by: Prof. John Crisbert B. Lachica, MPA
Instructor, St. Clare College of Caloocan
Academic Year: 2025
Semester: First
Chapter I – Introduction & Rationale
Comparative Politics is a core field in Political Science that deals with the study of political
systems, institutions, processes, and behavior across different countries. By comparing
political systems, students learn not only about the differences and similarities among
states but also gain insights into how political structures shape governance and citizen
participation.
Comparative Politics is relevant for Philippine students because it provides a framework to
understand the strengths and weaknesses of our political system in relation to others. By
comparing the Philippines with countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, China,
or Germany, students can evaluate how institutions perform and how reforms might be
applied locally.
In compliance with CHED Memorandum Order No. 25, Series of 2014, this module ensures
that Political Science majors are exposed to the theories, approaches, and methodologies of
Comparative Politics in order to enhance critical thinking and analytical skills.
Chapter II – Learning Outcomes (OBE-Based)
At the end of this module, students are expected to achieve the following outcomes:
Knowledge (Cognitive): Define the nature, scope, and approaches of Comparative Politics.
Skills (Psychomotor): Analyze political systems and institutions using comparative
methods.
Attitudes (Affective): Appreciate diversity of political experiences and respect for different
forms of governance.
Chapter III – Nature of Comparative Politics
Comparative Politics focuses on understanding and explaining political life across nations. It
emerged as a distinct discipline in the 20th century, although its roots can be traced to
Aristotle, who studied constitutions.
In modern scholarship, Comparative Politics includes both traditional and behavioral
approaches:
- Traditional: Focuses on constitutions, laws, and institutions.
- Behavioral: Focuses on political behavior, participation, and culture.
Comparative Politics connects with other fields of Political Science, such as International
Relations (which looks at state-to-state interactions) and Political Theory (which deals with
normative principles of governance).
Chapter IV – Scope of Comparative Politics
The scope of Comparative Politics is broad and multidisciplinary, covering:
1. Political Systems – Democracy, Authoritarianism, and Hybrid regimes.
2. Political Institutions – Executives, legislatures, judiciaries, and bureaucracies.
3. Political Culture – Norms, values, and attitudes towards authority and governance.
4. Political Participation – Parties, elections, interest groups, and movements.
5. Policy-making – How policies are made, implemented, and evaluated in different contexts.
By studying these areas, Comparative Politics provides an in-depth understanding of
governance across different societies.
Chapter V – Significance of Comparative Politics
Comparative Politics is significant for several reasons:
- It helps us understand why political systems differ and what lessons can be learned from
each.
- It provides tools for evaluating the Philippine political system in a global context.
- It highlights the strengths and weaknesses of democracy, authoritarianism, and hybrid
systems.
- It encourages reform-oriented thinking and innovation in governance.
Ultimately, Comparative Politics fosters a global perspective while strengthening national
identity.
Chapter VI – Key Approaches
Several theoretical approaches guide Comparative Politics:
1. Institutional Approach – Focuses on structures like constitutions, legislatures, and courts.
2. Behavioral Approach – Studies political behavior, attitudes, and culture.
3. Structural-Functionalism (Gabriel Almond & G. Bingham Powell) – Looks at how political
systems fulfill functions like socialization, recruitment, and policymaking.
4. Systems Theory (David Easton) – Sees politics as a system of inputs (demands/support)
and outputs (policies).
5. Marxist Approach – Focuses on class struggle, power, and economic structures.
6. Rational Choice Theory – Emphasizes individual decision-making and cost-benefit
analysis.
Chapter VII – Comparative Case Studies
Case studies are central to Comparative Politics as they allow for empirical analysis:
Case Study 1: Democracy in the U.S. vs. Authoritarianism in China.
- U.S. emphasizes checks and balances, individual rights, and free elections.
- China emphasizes centralized authority and collective goals.
Case Study 2: Parliamentary vs. Presidential Systems.
- UK Parliament is fusion of executive and legislature, while the U.S. and Philippines
maintain separation of powers.
Case Study 3: Federal vs. Unitary Systems.
- Germany’s federalism provides local autonomy, while France and the Philippines are
primarily unitary with central authority.
Chapter VIII – Learning Activities
Activity 1: Reflection Essay
- Question: Why is Comparative Politics important for Political Science?
Activity 2: Group Debate
- Motion: 'The Parliamentary system is better than the Presidential system.'
Activity 3: Case Study Analysis
- Analyze one country’s political system and compare it with the Philippines.
Activity 4: Comparative Table
- Create a table comparing three countries in terms of institutions, systems, and culture.
Chapter IX – Assessment & Rubrics
Assessment Breakdown:
- Quizzes – 20%
- Reflection Papers – 20%
- Group Debate/Presentation – 25%
- Case Study/Comparative Paper – 35%
Rubric for Essays/Reflections:
- Content & Argument: 40%
- Organization & Clarity: 20%
- References & Sources: 20%
- Critical Insight: 20%
Chapter X – Conclusion
Comparative Politics provides essential tools for understanding governance in a global
context. It teaches students to critically analyze political systems and institutions across
countries, fostering both a comparative and reflective perspective. By learning from other
systems, students can identify reforms and innovations relevant to the Philippine
experience.
This aligns with CHED’s goal of producing graduates who are analytical, globally aware, and
nationally committed.
Chapter XI – References (APA 7th Edition)
Almond, G. A., & Powell, G. B. (1978). Comparative politics: Systems, process, and policy.
Little, Brown.
Hague, R., Harrop, M., & McCormick, J. (2019). Comparative government and politics: An
introduction. Macmillan International Higher Education.
Newton, K., & Van Deth, J. W. (2016). Foundations of comparative politics. Cambridge
University Press.
Heywood, A. (2013). Politics. Palgrave Macmillan.
Commission on Higher Education (CHED). (2014). CMO No. 25, Series of 2014: Policies,
Standards and Guidelines for the BA Political Science Program.
