Decentralization Theory Quiz

What is federalism?

Federalism is a system where power is shared between two levels of government, with each level having control over different areas.

Explain shared sovereignty.

Shared sovereignty refers to a constitutional setup where the power to govern is divided between two different levels of government.

Define the term 'foreign'.

The term 'foreign' refers to things that originate from outside one's own country or are unfamiliar.

What is incrementalism?

Incrementalism is the idea that decisions are usually not made with clear goals in mind but are adjusted little by little based on changes and new information. Signup and view all the answers

How does federalism support international cooperation?

Federalism supports international cooperation by allowing regional groups of countries to work together. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean that neither level in federalism is below the other in terms of authority?

In federalism, neither level is subordinate to the other in terms of authority, meaning they have independent control over specific areas. Signup and view all the answers

What is commodity fetishism?

Commodity fetishism refers to the way in which products gain a special significance and power over people, influencing their behavior and society. Signup and view all the answers

Define McDonaldization.

McDonaldization refers to a process where the business and marketing practices of the fast food industry, especially those associated with McDonald's, start to dominate various economic sectors globally. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'community' refer to?

"Community" refers to a group of people who share something in common, such as their location, interests, values, or identity. Signup and view all the answers

Explain economic individualism.

Economic individualism is the belief that individuals should have the freedom to make their own economic decisions and often involves the idea of private property. Signup and view all the answers

How does dominant culture influence less powerful cultures?

It often happens alongside economic and political control, influencing the less powerful culture to adopt the dominant culture's ways, sometimes at the expense of indigenous cultural traits. Signup and view all the answers

Why do objects seem to have value on their own in commodity fetishism?

Objects seem to have value on their own due to the way products gain a special significance and power over people, influencing their behavior and society. Signup and view all the answers

What is decentralization and what does it involve?

Decentralization is the process where local areas gain more control and independence by moving powers and responsibilities from national government to local or regional authorities. Signup and view all the answers

Define localization and explain its significance.

Localization refers to a trend that emphasizes the importance of local levels in political actions, cultural identity, or economic organization. It highlights the role of local areas in making decisions and managing their affairs. Signup and view all the answers

What is devolution and how does it differ from sovereignty?

Devolution is the process where powers are transferred from a central government to regional or local institutions. Regional bodies under devolution do not possess sovereignty; they operate under the authority granted by the central government. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of extending policy-making responsibilities both upwards and downwards in governance.

Extending policy-making responsibilities upwards refers to international or regional levels gaining importance, while downwards refers to local levels, such as regional governments, gaining significance. Signup and view all the answers

How does decentralization impact the decision-making process in local areas?

Decentralization allows local areas to make more decisions on their own without always following national government rules. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the relationship between localization and global influences.

Localization emphasizes the role of local areas in managing their affairs, often in response to or alongside global influences. Signup and view all the answers

What is social capital and how does it benefit a society?

Social capital refers to cultural and moral resources like networks, norms, and trust that help improve social cohesion, political stability, and prosperity. It makes it easier for people to work together and support each other, leading to a more stable and prosperous environment. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of social reflexivity.

Social reflexivity is when individuals and other social actors often think about the conditions of their own actions. It involves higher levels of self-awareness and self-knowledge, allowing them to reflect on their behavior and the reasons behind it. Signup and view all the answers

What does individuality emphasize?

Individuality emphasizes the importance of each person's distinctive characteristics and their journey to achieve self-fulfillment by embracing these traits. Signup and view all the answers

Define countervailing power and explain its significance.

"Countervailing power" refers to the idea that when power is concentrated in one place, it tends to create opposing forces or rival centers of power. It is used to explain why challenges to corporate power or other forms of authority arise. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the New Left movement?

The New Left movement emerged as a rejection of both traditional communism and social democracy. It advocates for a new politics centered on liberation, decentralization, and participatory democracy. Signup and view all the answers

How does social capital contribute to a stable and prosperous environment?

Social capital makes it easier for people in a community or society to work together and support each other, leading to improved social cohesion, political stability, and prosperity. Signup and view all the answers

Define patriotism.

Patriotism is defined as the love for one's fatherland. Signup and view all the answers

What is an ethnic group?

An ethnic group is defined as a community of people who share a common cultural and historical identity. Signup and view all the answers

Explain primordialism.

Primordialism is a theory that views nations as very old and deeply established. Signup and view all the answers

What does Volksgeist refer to?

Volksgeist is a German term meaning 'the spirit of the people.' Signup and view all the answers

Describe civic nationalism.

Civic nationalism is a type of nationalism based on shared political values and beliefs, rather than ethnic or cultural similarities. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of shared identity and its relation to political unity or sovereignty.

Shared identity often leads to a desire for political unity or sovereignty. Signup and view all the answers