Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of realism in international relations?
What is the primary focus of realism in international relations?
- The examination of class struggles in global contexts
- The importance of power and national interest (correct)
- The impact of cultural norms on diplomacy
- The role of international institutions in fostering peace
Which of the following best describes the role of interest groups in politics?
Which of the following best describes the role of interest groups in politics?
- Agencies that implement government policies
- Political parties competing for election to government
- Groups that seek to influence public policy in specific areas (correct)
- Organizations that enforce laws in government
What is a key characteristic of political polarization?
What is a key characteristic of political polarization?
- Emergence of authoritarian regimes
- Stabilization of political entities
- Increased cooperation among parties
- Growing division and disagreement in political systems (correct)
What method of research focuses on statistical analysis of large datasets?
What method of research focuses on statistical analysis of large datasets?
How does constructivism differ from realism in international relations?
How does constructivism differ from realism in international relations?
Which branch of political science focuses on the implementation of policies and government bureaucracy?
Which branch of political science focuses on the implementation of policies and government bureaucracy?
What concept refers to the accepted right to exercise power in a government?
What concept refers to the accepted right to exercise power in a government?
Which political ideology advocates for social ownership of production and aims to reduce economic inequality?
Which political ideology advocates for social ownership of production and aims to reduce economic inequality?
In which theory do individuals act rationally to maximize their self-interest?
In which theory do individuals act rationally to maximize their self-interest?
Which concept describes a system of government where citizens have the right to participate in decision-making?
Which concept describes a system of government where citizens have the right to participate in decision-making?
What is a key characteristic of authoritarianism?
What is a key characteristic of authoritarianism?
Which political ideology is characterized by strong nationalism and a rejection of liberal democratic values?
Which political ideology is characterized by strong nationalism and a rejection of liberal democratic values?
What does the concept of sovereignty refer to in political science?
What does the concept of sovereignty refer to in political science?
Flashcards
Power
Power
The ability to influence others or achieve desired outcomes.
Authority
Authority
The legitimate right to exercise power.
Legitimacy
Legitimacy
The acceptance of power as justified and appropriate.
Citizenship
Citizenship
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Democracy
Democracy
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Authoritarianism
Authoritarianism
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Liberalism
Liberalism
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Conservatism
Conservatism
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Poststructuralism
Poststructuralism
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Political parties
Political parties
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Realism
Realism
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Comparative method
Comparative method
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Political polarization
Political polarization
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Study Notes
Branches of Political Science
- Political science studies politics, power, and government.
- It includes:
- Comparative politics: Examines political systems across nations.
- International relations: Analyzes interactions & global issues.
- Public administration: Studies policy implementation & bureaucracy.
- Political theory: Explores concepts like justice, liberty, and the state.
- Public policy: Analyzes policy development & implementation.
- Political scientists use methods like:
- Statistical analysis
- Qualitative research
- Case studies
- Historical analysis
Key Concepts in Political Science
- Power: Influencing others or achieving aims.
- Authority: Legitimate right to exert power.
- Legitimacy: Acceptance of power as justified.
- Sovereignty: Supreme authority within a region.
- Citizenship: Rights & duties between individuals & state.
- Democracy: Citizens' participation in decision-making.
- Authoritarianism: Limited or no citizen participation.
Political Ideologies
- Liberalism: Individual rights & freedoms, limited government.
- Conservatism: Tradition, social order, established institutions.
- Socialism: Social ownership of means of production, reduced inequality.
- Fascism: Strong nationalism, authoritarianism, rejection of democracy.
- Anarchism: Advocates for abolition of the state & government.
- Communism: Classless society, no private property.
Theories in Political Science
- Rational choice theory: Individuals act rationally to maximize self-interest.
- Institutionalism: Institutions shape political behavior.
- Constructivism: Ideas, norms, culture shape political outcomes.
- Marxism: Political world analyzed through class struggle & inequality.
- Feminism: Gender's role in political systems & outcomes.
- Poststructuralism: Questions objective knowledge & truth in political science.
Political Processes and Institutions
- Elections: Citizens choose leaders.
- Political parties: Organize to influence policy & gain power.
- Interest groups: Influence policy in specific areas.
- Legislatures: Make laws.
- Executives: Enforce laws.
- Judiciaries: Interpret laws.
- Bureaucracy: Implements policies.
International Relations Theories
- Realism: Power, national interest, and anarchy in global relations.
- Liberalism: International institutions, cooperation, interdependence.
- Constructivism: Ideas, norms, culture shaping international relations.
- Marxism: International relations through lens of class struggle.
Contemporary Issues in Political Science
- Political polarization: Growing division & disagreement in politics.
- Political instability: Increased conflict & upheaval risk.
- Globalization: Increased national interconnectedness.
- Global challenges (climate change, pandemics): How states respond.
- Populism: Political movements emphasizing "the people."
- Authoritarianism's resurgence: Rise of authoritarianism.
Methods of Research
- Qualitative research: In-depth case analysis.
- Quantitative research: Statistical analysis of data.
- Comparative method: Comparing political phenomena across contexts.
- Historical analysis: Analyzing events over time.
- Experimental research: Testing hypotheses in controlled settings.
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