Questions and Answers
Which sociologist saw political conflict as the only means of promoting positive change for the underprivileged?
From the functionalist perspective, which of the following is NOT a purpose of government?
How did Max Weber define power?
The ability to exercise one's will over others
Which sociologist studied the power elite, and wrote the book entitled Who Rules America?
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What was the significance of the famous case Reynolds v. Sims?
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Queen Noor of Jordan is a leader of which form of government?
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Over the past decades, the turnout of minority voters has:
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Kendra believes the U.S. government to be corrupt and thinks that there should be no governing force to control people's lives. Kendra believes in:
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What is traditional power?
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What is charismatic power?
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What is rational-legal power?
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Juan believes that battles such as the French Revolution are necessary for a country to preserve liberty and will ultimately lead to a more even distribution of wealth among a population. From which sociological perspective do Juan's thoughts come from?
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What is the difference between an oligarchy and a monarchy?
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Hitler was an example of what kind of authority?
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Please define representative democracy:
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Which of the following best defines the term patrimonialism?
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Which of the following contributes to a lower percentage of voter turnout from those who come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds?
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In recent decades, lobbying has become a powerful force in the political world. Which sociological perspective would be most interested in examining the lobbying movement?
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Which sociological perspective would consider activism such as Occupy Wall Street and Teacher's Union rallies undesirable, because they force political change?
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Communist regimes, which attempt to control all aspects of citizens' lives, are examples of which form of government?
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Study Notes
Political Conflict and Change
- Karl Marx believed that political conflict was essential for promoting positive change for the underprivileged.
Government Functions
- From a functionalist perspective, the primary functions of government include planning and directing society, meeting social needs, and managing international relations.
- Lobbying for corporate interests is not considered a purpose of government in this view.
Definitions of Power
- Max Weber defined power as the ability to exercise one's will over others.
Key Sociologists
- G.William Domhoff analyzed the power elite and authored "Who Rules America?"
- C. Wright Mills contributed to the understanding of political power dynamics.
Legal Principles
- In Reynolds v. Sims, the concept of equal voting rights was reaffirmed, emphasizing that each person's vote should hold equal weight.
Forms of Government
- Queen Noor of Jordan is a leader in a constitutional monarchy.
- Anarchy is the belief in no governing force to control individuals' lives.
Voter Turnout Trends
- The turnout of minority voters in elections has steadily increased over recent decades.
Authority Types
- Traditional authority is based on long-standing customs.
- Charismatic authority stems from a leader's exceptional personal qualities.
- Rational-legal authority is legitimized through established laws and regulations.
Sociological Perspectives
- Juan's thoughts on necessary battles for liberty reflect conflict theory.
- Oligarchy members may not necessarily derive their status from noble ancestry, contrasting with monarchies where such ties are typical.
Historical Figures
- Adolf Hitler exemplified charismatic authority through his leadership style.
Representative Democracy
- Defined as a government where citizens elect officials to represent their interests.
Patrimonialism and Authority
- Patrimonialism involves a type of authority enforced by military and administrative factions that uphold the master's power.
Voter Barriers
- Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often face challenges like inflexible work hours, making it difficult to vote.
Lobbying Dynamics
- Lobbying has become a powerful force in politics, often involving clandestine meetings between lobbyists and lawmakers.
- Symbolic interactionism is the sociological perspective that might analyze this lobbying movement.
Activism and Sociological Perspectives
- Functionalism tends to regard activist movements like Occupy Wall Street as undesirable, interpreting them as forces for unwanted political change.
Totalitarian Dictatorship
- Communist regimes aiming to control various aspects of citizens' lives exemplify a totalitarian dictatorship.
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Description
Test your knowledge on key concepts in government and politics with these flashcards. Dive into sociological theories and the functionalist perspective on the role of government. Perfect for students and enthusiasts looking to reinforce their understanding of political sociology.