Government and Politics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What best describes a hybrid regime?

A regime that is purely authoritarian without elections.

A political regime where rights are strongly protected and governance is efficient.

A regime that appears democratic but is manipulated to maintain elite power. (correct)

A governmental system where all citizens participate directly in decision-making.

Which type of democracy focuses on the protection of individual rights alongside representation?

Flawed democracy

Liberal democracy (correct)

Direct democracy

Illiberal democracy

What is a key characteristic of an authoritarian regime?

Centralized political control and intolerance of opposition. (correct)

Wide political pluralism and respect for civil liberties.

High levels of participation from all citizens.

Multiple political parties competing fairly in elections.

What is a definition of flawed democracy?

A predominantly democratic regime with governance quality issues. Signup and view all the answers

Which form of government limits the powers of the state in favor of individual rights?

Liberalism Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a codified constitution from an uncodified constitution?

A codified constitution is less flexible than an uncodified one. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept involves the distribution of power among different government institutions?

Checks and balances Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of illiberal democracy?

Elected governments that undermine citizen rights. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the concept of authority in governance?

The right to rule that individuals recognize Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about a nation?

It describes a group of people with a shared culture and historical ties Signup and view all the answers

How does legitimacy differ from authority?

Legitimacy is based on legal recognition, whereas authority is based on acceptance Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a failing state?

Inability to meet basic needs of the population Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of polyarchy?

Government of many, with variations in citizen influence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a de facto state?

A territory that is governed but not recognized internationally Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a state and a nation?

A state has legal authority, while a nation is based on shared culture Signup and view all the answers

What defines a security state?

A state that monitors citizens' activities for preventive measures Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

THEME 1: Government and Politics

Governance: The process of making decisions, laws, and policies, with or without formal institutions.
Power: The ability to achieve intended outcomes, often used synonymously with influence but also describes more forceful modes like coercion.
Authority: The right to rule, which creates power when accepted by the people.
Legitimacy: The condition of being rightful or justifiable; a legitimate government's authority is recognized by those subject to its rule.

THEME 2: States and Nations

State: The legal and political authority within a defined territory, encompassing a population and marked by borders.
Nation: A cultural and historical concept defining a group of people who share an identity based on history, culture, language, or myths.
Microstates: Small states in terms of population and/or territory (e.g., Andorra, Barbados, Palau, Maldives).
Quasi-states: States recognized under international law but whose governments have limited control over their territory.
De facto states: States not recognized under international law but controlling territory and providing governance ("in fact").
Multinational state: A state with multiple distinct national groups under a single government.
Nationalism: A belief in the right of a group with a shared national identity to govern themselves, free from external interference.
Security state: A state that actively monitors its citizens' activities.
Failing state: A state with weak governing institutions, divisions, and unmet basic needs for its people (e.g., examples include Eritrea, Haiti, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen).

THEME 3: Democratic Rule

Democracy: A political system where government authority comes from the people.
Direct democracy: A system where every citizen participates in decision-making.
Full democracy: A system with a strong democratic record, including open and effective governance and respected rights.
Flawed democracy: A system that is predominantly democratic but faces issues in the quality of governance.
Waves of democratization: Periods where societies develop institutions and processes to become democracies (e.g., first: 1828-1926; second: 1943-1962; third: 1974-1991).
Authoritarian regime: A system where power is concentrated in a ruling elite, denying political diversity, opposition, and human rights.
Hybrid regime: A system that exhibits some democratic features but also maintains autocratic characteristics, often controlling rulers or elite groups.
Polyarchy: Rule by many, suggesting that not all individuals have equal power in a democracy.
Representative democracy: A system where people elect individuals to represent their interests and make decisions.

THEME 4: Constitution and Courts

Constitution: A written document (or collection of documents) that defines a state's government structure and citizens' rights as well as limits on government.
Codified constitution: A constitution presented within a single document.
Uncodified constitution: A constitution spread across multiple documents.
Flexible constitution: A constitution easily amended through standard legislative processes.
Rigid constitution: A constitution that requires extensive procedures for amendment.
Eternity clause: A part of a constitution that cannot be amended or removed.
Checks and balances: A system of shared power among government branches to prevent dominance by one.
Liberal democracy: A system combining representation and constitutional protection of individuals' rights.
Limited government: A belief that government powers should be restricted and specific guarantees should be established to limit their scope.
Liberalism: A belief in the individual's worth and natural rights that must be protected from overreaching government.
Illiberal democracy: Democracies that weaken citizen rights and civil liberties and curtail democratic processes.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts of governance, power, authority, and legitimacy. Explore the distinctions between states and nations, including microstates and quasi-states. Dive into the fundamental principles that shape political authority and cultural identities.