Final Exam Study Guide for Political Science

Influence is the ability to persuade or sway others. Coercion involves the use of force or threats to compel compliance. Authority refers to the legitimate right to exercise power, while legitimacy means the acceptance of that power by those subject to it.

A constitution outlines the fundamental principles, structures, and processes of a government. Its elements typically include a bill of rights protecting individual freedoms, the separation of powers among different branches of government, and the definition of citizenship and rights. The purposes are to establish a framework for governance, define the relationship between the state and individuals, and provide a mechanism for peaceful change.

Environmentalism broadly refers to a concern for the protection and preservation of the natural environment. Anthropocentrism/androcentrism views humans as the primary focus and value, while biocentrism extends moral consideration to all living organisms. An example of anthropocentrism is prioritizing economic development over environmental protection, while a biocentric approach would advocate for the conservation of endangered species, even at the expense of human convenience.

<p>Nationalism is a strong sense of identification with, and loyalty to, one's nation. Civic nationalism emphasizes shared values, principles, and institutions as the basis of unity, while ethnic nationalism emphasizes shared cultural, racial, or ethnic heritage. An example of civic nationalism is the United States, where citizenship and adherence to the Constitution are paramount. An example of ethnic nationalism is the concept of blood and soil prevalent in some European countries, which emphasizes shared ancestry and heritage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Populism generally refers to a political approach that appeals directly to the concerns and frustrations of ordinary people, often opposing the perceived elite or establishment. Criticisms include its potential for demagoguery, suppression of dissenting voices, and disregard for democratic norms. Its aims often focus on simplifying complex issues, emphasizing strong leadership, and promising radical change. Populist movements often utilize direct appeals to the public, social media, and framing of issues in starkly binary terms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A parliamentary system features a fusion of powers, where the executive branch (government) is drawn from and accountable to the legislature (parliament). The prime minister is elected by and serves as the leader of the majority party in the parliament. A presidential system has a separation of powers, where the executive branch (president) is elected independently from the legislature (congress). The president holds both executive and ceremonial roles, and they are not directly accountable to the legislature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A liberal/constitutional democracy emphasizes individual rights and freedoms, a system of checks and balances, and the rule of law. Key characteristics include: a constitution that limits government power, free and fair elections, an independent judiciary, a multi-party system, and the protection of civil liberties (e.g., freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Plurality/majority systems are characterized by a winner-take-all approach, where the candidate with the most votes wins. Proportional systems aim to reflect the overall share of votes received by different parties in the legislature. Mixed systems combine elements of both, often with a mix of single-member districts and proportional representation. Advantages of plurality/majority systems include simplicity and clear mandates. Disadvantages include potential for wasted votes and a lack of proportional representation. Proportional systems offer greater representation for smaller parties, promoting diversity of opinion and views. Disadvantages include potential for coalition governments and complexity. Mixed systems attempt to balance the benefits and drawbacks of each system, but they can also be complex and potentially confusing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Traditional authoritarianism typically involves a concentration of power in the hands of a single individual or small group, often maintained through hereditary succession or long-standing custom. Revolutionary authoritarianism usually emerges from a violent overthrow of the existing order, often driven by ideologically motivated movements seeking radical change. Traditional authoritarianism may be more stable and less prone to change, but often lacks accountability and transparency. Examples: Saudi Arabia, North Korea, Cuba. Revolutionary authoritarianism can be more dynamic but can also be more prone to instability and violence. Examples: the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, the Iranian Revolution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Totalitarian regimes aim for total control over all aspects of society, including politics, economics, culture, and personal life. Key features include the suppression of opposition, the establishment of a one-party system, the use of propaganda and mass surveillance, and an emphasis on ideological conformity. Unlike authoritarian regimes, which primarily focus on political control, totalitarian regimes seek to reshape all aspects of society in line with their ideology. Totalitarianism represents a more extreme form of control, aiming to achieve a complete transformation of society, often through violence, coercion, and ideological indoctrination.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In a federal system, power is divided between a central government and regional or provincial governments. Each level of government has its own sphere of authority, and there is often a constitutionally entrenched system of checks and balances between them. A unitary system, in contrast, concentrates power in the central government, with regional or local governments acting as agents of the central authority. Canada provides a good example of a federal system. The Canadian federal government has powers over defense, foreign affairs, and interprovincial trade. However, provinces like Quebec and Ontario have their own legislative bodies and powers over education, healthcare, and other matters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Political parties are organized groups that seek to win elections and control government. Interest groups advocate for specific policies or causes, seeking to influence government decision-making but not to directly control it. Social movements, often more decentralized and informal, seek broader societal change through collective action and mobilization. Political parties: Canadian Liberal Party, Republican Party (USA). Interest groups: Greenpeace (environmental advocacy), Canadian Labour Congress (labor unions). Social movements: Women's suffrage movement, Black Lives Matter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Political parties can be categorized into different types based on their ideology, organization, and goals. Catch-all parties seek to appeal to a wide range of voters, often by moderating their positions; Examples: Liberal Party (Canada), Democratic Party (USA). Ideological parties adhere to a specific set of principles or beliefs; Examples: Green Party (Canada), Libertarian Party (USA). Single-issue parties focus on a particular policy or concern; Examples: Pirate Party, Animal Liberation Front. Regional parties focus on the interests of a specific geographic region; Examples: Bloc Quebecois (Canada), Scottish National Party (UK).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Interest groups can be categorized based on their focus and methods. Business groups advocate for policies beneficial to their industry; Examples: Canadian Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Labor unions represent the interests of workers and their bargaining rights; Examples: Canadian Labour Congress, AFL-CIO (USA). Environmental groups focus on protecting environmental resources and sustainability; Examples: Greenpeace, Sierra Club. Consumer advocacy groups promote the rights and interests of consumers; Examples: Consumers International, Consumers Union.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Political culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, and attitudes of a society toward politics and governance. Different types of political culture can be identified, including: Consensual political culture: Characterized by shared values and a relatively high degree of trust in government institutions; Example: Scandinavian countries. Conflictual political culture: Marked by divisions and polarization, with sharp disagreements about fundamental political principles and values; Example: The United States. Participatory political culture: Encourages active citizen engagement in politics and public affairs; Example: Switzerland. Submissive political culture: Characterized by a low level of citizen participation and a high degree of deference to authority; Example: Some authoritarian regimes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Unconventional politics refers to political activity that falls outside of standard norms and practices, often involving protests, direct action, or civil disobedience. Types include: Social movements: Organized groups that seek social and political change through collective action; Examples: Black Lives Matter, Me Too. Protest politics: Public displays of dissent and opposition to government policies or social injustices; Examples: Occupy Wall Street, Anti-war protests. Civil disobedience: The deliberate violation of laws or policies considered unjust or immoral to raise awareness and challenge the status quo; Examples: Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on a bus, Martin Luther King Jr.'s non-violent protests. Terrorism: The use of violence or threats of violence to intimidate or coerce governments or civilians to achieve political objectives; Examples: Al-Qaeda, ISIS.</p> Signup and view all the answers