European Political History
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Questions and Answers

What is the mythical root of the term 'Europe'?

Europa, a Phoenician princess abducted by Zeus.

Which of the following is NOT a key European value?

  • Critical Spirit: a tradition of skepticism and debate
  • Collectivism: prioritizing group needs over individual needs (correct)
  • Individualism: prioritizing personal rights and freedoms
  • Unity in Diversity: shaped by cultural pluralism

    • What is the main difference between the 'polis' and 'cosmopolis'?

    The 'polis' refers to a city-state, while 'cosmopolis' represents the idea of a world-citizen.

    How did Christianity become dominant in the Roman Empire?

    <p>Through Constantine's conversion and Theodosius I declaring it the empire's official religion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary impact of the fall of the Roman Empire on the rise of Christianity?

    <p>The Church became a significant political force, filling the power vacuum.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event symbolized the fusion of Roman, Christian, and Germanic traditions?

    <p>Charlemagne's coronation as Emperor by the Pope in 800 AD.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Church played a significant role in preserving and transmitting Greco-Roman knowledge.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were the two key features of Medieval social structure?

    <p>Feudalism and Divine Right.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main influence of the 'Paideia' concept in the European mind?

    <p>The concept of 'Paideia' (Greek ideal of education) was blended with Christian teachings to promote cultural unity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is NOT a key feature of the Renaissance?

    <p>Emphasis on religious dogma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the 3 reasons for the Renaissance?

    <p>Refuge of Byzantine scholars in Europe after the fall of Constantinople</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main message of the Enlightenment?

    <p>Reason and evidence should guide progress, replacing superstition and tradition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Peace of Westphalia established the modern concept of state sovereignty, non-interference, and territorial integrity.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the three types of legitimacy proposed by Weber?

    <p>Traditional, Charismatic, and Rational-Legal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of the modern State?

    <p>Maintaining order and providing public goods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a component of democracy?

    <p>Absolute Power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the three faces of power?

    <p>Decision-making, Agenda-setting, and Thought control.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a challenge faced by democracies?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between polyarchy and liberal democracy?

    <p>Polyarchy focuses on minimum standards of participation, while Liberal Democracy emphasizes broader freedoms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The French Revolution abolished feudal privileges and established the concept of legal equality.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of authoritarian regimes?

    <p>Free and fair elections</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hybrid regimes combine both democratic and authoritarian elements, like elections and censorship.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two main instruments of authoritarian control?

    <p>Repression and Benefits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Democratic backsliding is a gradual erosion of democratic institutions due to electoral victories or national security concerns.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the three branches of government?

    <p>Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key benefit of a parliamentary system?

    <p>Stability through majority rule.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key difference between liberalism and socialism?

    <p>Liberalism prioritizes individual freedom, while socialism promotes collective equality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do conservatism and fascism oppose Enlightenment ideas?

    <p>Conservatism rejects rapid change and focuses on tradition, while fascism rejects individual rights, rationalism, and democracy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a key concern addressed by contemporary ideologies?

    <p>Religious fundamentalism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main focus of contemporary ideologies?

    <p>Inclusivity, sustainability, and addressing inequalities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Contemporary ideologies challenge traditional political structures to create more inclusive and sustainable societies.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main role of political parties?

    <p>To represent diverse interests and organize political participation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is NOT a challenge faced by political parties today?

    <p>Increased voter participation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of party system does the United States primarily have?

    <p>Two-party system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the key purposes of elections?

    <p>To choose representatives and ensure accountability and legitimacy of governance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which electoral system allocates seats based on vote share, promoting inclusivity?

    <p>Proportional representation system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Gerrymandering involves manipulating district boundaries for electoral advantage.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between majoritarian and PR systems?

    <p>Majoritarian systems prioritize clear outcomes, while PR systems ensure broader representation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of civil society?

    <p>To empower citizens, foster public debate, and advocate for rights and accountability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Civil society acts as both a partner, collaborating on social initiatives, and a watchdog, holding power accountable.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Exam Information

    • EXAM 16/12/2024
    • YASMINA EL AMRANI BOUKICH

    Table of Contents

    • Lecture 1: What is Europe? – page 2
    • Lecture 2: The Challenge to Christian Europe – page 5
    • Lecture 3: From Christian Europe to Humanism – page 7
    • Lecture 4: The Challenge of Sovereignty – page 9
    • Lecture 5: The Challenge of Checking Power (History of Democracy) – page 10
    • Lecture 6: The Challenge of Checking Power (Democracy in Europe Today) – page 12
    • Lecture 7: The Challenge of Unchecked Power (Authoritarianism) – page 13
    • Lecture 8: Checked Power in Practice (Branches of Government) – page 14
    • Lecture 9: The Challenge of Accurate Representation (Traditional Ideologies) – page 15
    • Lecture 10: The Challenge of Accurate Representation (Contemporary Ideologies). – page 17
    • Lecture 11: The Challenge of Accurate Representation (Political Parties) – page 18
    • Lecture 12: The Challenge of Fair Representation (Elections) – page 19
    • Lecture 13: The Challenge of Freedom Beyond the State (Civil Society) – page 20

    Lecture 1: What is Europe?

    • Origin of the term: Europa, a Phoenician princess, symbolizes Europe's connection to ancient civilizations.
    • Geographical and cultural distinction: The Greeks viewed Europe as their sphere of influence, contrasting it with perceived despotism in Asia and Africa.
    • Historical framework: Europe emerged as a concept linked to Greek philosophy, governance, and artistic achievement. Alexander the Great's conquests spread Hellenistic culture, leading to the idea of cosmopolitanism.

    Lecture 2: The Challenge to Christian Europe

    • Christianity as a unifying force: Originated as a persecuted sect in the Roman Empire, becoming dominant after Constantine's conversion and Theodosius I's declaration as the official religion.
    • Impact of the Fall of Rome (476 AD): The collapse led to a power vacuum, the Church adopted Roman structures, and the Pope became a central figure, both spiritually and politically.
    • Charlemagne and the Holy Roman Empire: Charlemagne's conquests unified Europe under Christianity. 800 AD, he was crowned Emperor by the Pope, symbolizing a fusion of Roman, Christian, and Germanic traditions.

    Lecture 3: From Christian Europe to Humanism

    • Transition from the Middle Ages: Marked by the Renaissance (1400-1650) and Enlightenment (1650-1820), shifting from religious dominance to reason, human potential, and secular values.
    • Renaissance (Rebirth): Inspired by classical Greco-Roman ideals, promoting individualism, artistic expression, and critical inquiry.
    • The Protestant Reformation: Martin Luther's 95 Theses challenged Catholic Church practices. Created Protestantism, emphasizing personal faith over Church hierarchy.
    • The Enlightenment: Advocated for reason, empiricism, and secular governance, introducing concepts of equality, liberty, and individual rights.

    Lecture 4: The Challenge of Sovereignty

    • The Peace of Westphalia (1648): Established state sovereignty, non-interference, and territorial integrity.
    • Development of the Modern State: Defined by territory, population, government, and international recognition (Montevideo Convention, 1933). Functions include maintaining order and providing public goods.
    • Nationalism and Nation-States: Emerged as cultural and political unity aligned with sovereign states.

    Lecture 5: The Challenge of Checking Power (History of Democracy)

    • Democracy's Evolution: Originated in ancient Greece, initially exclusive to free male citizens, facing criticism for potential mob rule and inefficiency.
    • Social Contract: Philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau defined the relationship between individuals and government, emphasizing natural rights and popular sovereignty.
    • French Revolution (1789): Overthrew feudalism, establishing equality under the law, and promoting ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, impacting global democratic movements.
    • Key Democratic Principles: Utilitarianism (maximizing overall good), gradual limitation of power (constitutions restricting authority), and the separation of powers.

    Lecture 6: The Challenge of Checking Power (Democracy in Europe Today)

    • Components of Democracy: Participation, equality, competition, freedom, rule of law, and accountability; institutions that ensure checks and balances to prevent power concentration.
    • Types of Democracy: including direct, representative, pluralist, and elitist democracies.
    • Democratic Challenges: Rising populism, authoritarian tendencies, and economic inequality undermining equal representation.

    Lecture 7: The Challenge of Unchecked Power (Authoritarianism)

    • Characteristics of Authoritarianism: Concentration of power, limited political freedom, and repression of dissent. Common forms include personalist regimes, single-party rule, military dictatorships, and monarchies.
    • Hybrid Regimes: Combine democratic elements (e.g., elections) with authoritarian practices (e.g., restricted competition).
    • Democratic Backsliding: Erosion of democratic institutions (e.g., judicial independence, free press) frequently justified by electoral victories or national security concerns.

    Lecture 8: Checked Power in Practice (Branches of Government)

    • Separation of Powers: Executive (implements laws), Legislative (creates laws), and Judicial (ensures constitutionality and fair application of laws).
    • Political Systems: Presidentialism (separate election of executive and legislature), Parliamentarism (executive depends on legislative support), and Semi-Presidentialism (combining features of both).
    • Legislative Functions: Representation, law-making, oversight, and public discourse.

    Lecture 9: The Challenge of Accurate Representation (Traditional Ideologies)

    • What is an Ideology? A set of ideas about the existing political order, the ideal political order, and methods for achieving it.
    • Emergence of Traditional Ideologies: Rooted in the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution, addressing emerging class struggles, such as middle class liberalism and working-class socialism.
    • Key Traditional Ideologies: Liberalism (individual freedom, minimal state intervention), Socialism (equality, collective welfare, state intervention), Conservatism (tradition, gradual change, social hierarchy), Nationalism (national identity, unity, self-determination), and Fascism (rejecting enlightenment ideals and embracing authoritarianism).

    Lecture 10: The Challenge of Accurate Representation (Contemporary Ideologies)

    • What are Contemporary Ideologies? Address modern global challenges, reflecting concerns about inequality, identity, and environmental sustainability.
    • Key Contemporary Ideologies: Feminism (gender equality), Environmentalism (sustainability), Multiculturalism (cultural diversity), and Populism (emphasizing "the people").
    • Challenges to Representation: Balancing individual rights with collective well-being and addressing economic and environmental crises.

    Lecture 11: The Challenge of Accurate Representation (Political Parties)

    • Role of Political Parties: Bridge gap between citizens & government, represent diverse interests, and organize political participation and policymaking.
    • Challenges Facing Political Parties: Partisan polarization, declining trust, and balancing ideological clarity with broad appeal.
    • Types of Party Systems: Single-party, two-party, and multi-party systems.

    Lecture 12: The Challenge of Fair Representation (Elections)

    • Purpose of Elections: Allow citizens to choose representatives and ensure accountability.
    • Electoral Systems: Majoritarian (winner-takes-all), proportional representation (seats based on vote share), and mixed systems.
    • Challenges to Fair Representation: Gerrymandering, voter suppression, and unequal access to information.

    Lecture 13: The Challenge of Freedom Beyond the State (Civil Society)

    • What is Civil Society?: Encompasses NGOs, advocacy groups, grassroots movements, and organizations outside formal government structures.
    • Roles of Civil Society: Holding governments accountable, promoting human rights &social justice, and advocating for marginalized groups.
    • Challenges Facing Civil Society: Suppression by authoritarian regimes, balancing activism with political engagement, and securing funding.

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    Political Challenges Exam Notes PDF 2024

    Description

    Test your knowledge on key themes in European political history, from the challenges to Christian Europe to modern democratic practices. This quiz covers various lectures addressing sovereignty, representation, and the evolution of ideologies. Perfect for understanding how historical contexts shape today's political landscape in Europe.

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