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Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of political psychology?
What is the primary focus of political psychology?
Which of the following is NOT a key area of study within international relations?
Which of the following is NOT a key area of study within international relations?
What is the main concern of public administration research?
What is the main concern of public administration research?
Which of the following is NOT considered a political institution?
Which of the following is NOT considered a political institution?
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What is a fundamental element studied within political institutions?
What is a fundamental element studied within political institutions?
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What is the primary focus of political theory?
What is the primary focus of political theory?
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Which system of government is characterized by extreme control over all aspects of life?
Which system of government is characterized by extreme control over all aspects of life?
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What does legitimacy refer to in the context of political science?
What does legitimacy refer to in the context of political science?
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What describes a hybrid political system?
What describes a hybrid political system?
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What aspect of political behavior involves individuals actively influencing policy decisions?
What aspect of political behavior involves individuals actively influencing policy decisions?
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Which of the following best describes citizenship?
Which of the following best describes citizenship?
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What is the primary concern of comparative politics?
What is the primary concern of comparative politics?
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What is a characteristic feature of democratic systems?
What is a characteristic feature of democratic systems?
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Study Notes
Branches of Political Science
- Political science studies power, governance, and political behavior.
- It includes political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and public administration.
- Political theory examines justice, liberty, and the state.
- Comparative politics analyzes political systems across countries and cultures.
- International relations studies interactions among states and global actors.
- Public administration focuses on implementing government policies and programs.
- Political methodology involves research design and analysis techniques.
Key Concepts in Political Science
- Power is influencing behavior, often through coercion or persuasion.
- Authority is the legitimate right to power, based on tradition, law, or will.
- Legitimacy is acceptance of power as rightful.
- Sovereignty is supreme authority over a territory and people.
- Citizenship is belonging to a political community, with rights and responsibilities.
- Democracy is a system where power resides with the people, often through elections.
- Authoritarianism concentrates power in the hands of a few, with limited freedoms.
- Totalitarianism is extreme authoritarianism, controlling all aspects of life.
- Ideologies are systems of beliefs shaping political goals and actions.
Political Systems
- Political systems include democratic (e.g., parliamentary, presidential), authoritarian (e.g., monarchies, dictatorships), and hybrid systems.
- Each system has unique characteristics regarding government structure, citizen roles, and policy-making.
- The political system chosen often impacts individual rights and freedoms.
Political Behavior
- Political behavior involves individual and group participation in politics.
- This includes voting, campaigning, protesting, and lobbying.
- Political behavior is influenced by factors such as attitudes, party affiliation, and socioeconomic status.
- Political psychology examines psychological influences on behavior.
- Political sociology examines social forces shaping behavior.
International Relations
- International relations focus on interactions between states and other global actors.
- Key areas include diplomacy, international law, conflict/peace studies, globalization, international organizations (e.g., UN, NATO), and war/peace studies.
- Interactions involve the interplay of power, interests, and values.
Public Administration
- Public administration implements government policies and programs.
- It involves managing government resources and personnel.
- Public administration research assesses the effectiveness and efficiency of public organizations.
- It analyzes policy implementation challenges and governance improvements, including relationships with citizens, businesses, and stakeholders.
Political Institutions
- Political institutions structure political activity, including legislatures, executives, judiciaries, and bureaucracies.
- Studying these institutions shows power distribution and policy-making mechanisms.
- Different political systems have different institutions, impacting authority enforcement and citizen participation.
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Description
Explore the fundamental branches of political science, including political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and public administration. This quiz helps you understand key concepts such as power, authority, and legitimacy within the field.
