General Knowledge Quiz Introduction

Political parties aggregate voter interests, create understandable political choices, encourage civic engagement, and provide government direction.

Single-member plurality systems, like in the US, create a tendency toward two-party systems or dominance; proportional representation encourages multiparty systems.

Party systems vary; Dominant-party systems (rare), two-party systems (less common), and multiparty systems (most common).

Party systems with 5 or more significant parties are common and often support proportional representation, allowing for a larger variety of voices.

Voting rules affect party systems, but other factors, such as ideology and history, also play a significant role.

Elections for a president, which usually favor the majority but introduce proportional elements through the separation of powers.

A system where different parties control different branches of government, a common occurrence.

A system where the executive branch relies on support from the legislative majority- voters elect legislators who then choose the prime minister.

The concept in the Parliamentary model where the executive branch relies on the support of a legislative majority.

System where different communities have a voice, even if they're minorities in some areas.

A political arrangement where citizens choose governments through elections, and can remove disliked incumbents.

A specific type of democracy focusing on elections.

Citizens choose individuals or parties to make decisions.

Citizens decide on political issues directly.

Winner-takes-all system, like first-past-the-post.

Direct voting on a specific issue from above.

Direct voting on issues proposed by citizens.

The current office holder.

Civil servants are somewhat shielded from societal pressures while still being aware of them.

Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) in the 1960s helped drive Japan's economic growth, influencing other East Asian countries.

This model features a free market with minimal government intervention.

These economies feature more active government involvement in directing the economy.

Certain economic policies, like healthcare, can spark debate due to ideological differences and national political cultures.

A situation where the actions of an agent (like a bureaucrat) might not align with the goals of the principal (like a political leader).

The study of how government agencies implement decisions made by politicians and how to ensure outcomes match original objectives.

A reform approach in the 1990s that aimed to make government more business-like by introducing incentives, competition, and performance measures.

Adopting a profit-oriented approach to government activities, focusing on efficiency and effectiveness.

Prioritizing quality and results in public management, instead of just following rules.

Emphasizing better service delivery and responsive public services.

Dividing government functions into clear roles: policy making, service delivery, and production.

Promoting the use of market-based solutions like privatization and internal competition to improve government efficiency.

A growing division of opinions within a society, leading to extreme viewpoints and less common ground.

The degree to which an issue is important or relevant to people, often influencing political discourse and decision-making.

An increase in the number and variety of individuals and groups involved in political processes, often driven by growing awareness and participation.

A gradual process of policy change through small adjustments and adjustments, often involving diverse actors and interests.

A chaotic approach to policy-making where different interests, options, and tools mix together, sometimes resulting in unexpected outcomes.

The tendency for past policy choices to influence future decisions, making it difficult to change course even if new information is available.

The stages of policy-making, starting with recognizing an issue and culminating in evaluation and potential continuation or termination.

The crucial initial stage where an issue gains prominence and is framed for political discussion and potential action.