PLS 131 - Second Mid-term Exam:

Essay question

Thinking about the political development and modernization of France and Brazil, write an essay in which you use the various tools of comparative politics “theory” to characterize these two countries.

In your essay, you should:

 (1) Explicitly mention some of the prominent views of “political development.”

(2) Indicate the extent to which these views help categorize and explain the historical evolution of politics in the two countries; and,

(3)  Based on a quick overview of their current institutions and policies offer a comparison - which seems to be more politically developed than the other and why.  Is either an example of successful or failed "political development?"

Remember, the best essays are those that are well-organized (NOT one long paragraph), detailed, use examples and specific references, and of sufficient length to demonstrate knowledge of the subject matter.