Introduction to Political Science

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What is the primary reason citizens obey the law in a government with high legitimacy?

Because they are forced to by the government.
Because they think it is the right thing to do. (correct)
Because they are afraid of punishment.
Because they have no other choice.

What is the ability of the government to exercise power without resorting to violence?

Legitimacy
Sovereignty
Authority (correct)
Political Power

What is the right to exercise political power over a group of people or a geographical area?

Legitimacy
Sovereignty (correct)
Political System
Authority

What is an example of a government that is not sovereign?

State government of the United States (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a geographic/political organization uniting people by a common government?

Nation-state (C) Signup and view all the answers

What includes monarchies, dictatorships, and democracies?

Political Systems (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of political science in terms of decision-making?

The process, substance, and impact of decision-making (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between authority and power?

Authority is the legitimate right to do something, while power is the ability to impose sanctions (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the scope of regional decision-making in political science?

It takes in many communities (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest level of decision-making examined in political science?

International level (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do scholars define politics?

Variously and differently (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of political science at the national level?

The study of the country as a whole (B) Signup and view all the answers

What do political culture and political behaviour have in common?

They are different but related (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between attitudes and values?

Attitudes are more temporary, while values are more enduring (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the dimension of political culture that is easy to track?

Political behaviour (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of 'by their deeds we shall know them' in the context of political culture and behaviour?

It is a limited way to determine political culture (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why may 'by their deeds we shall know them' be an oversimplification in the context of political culture and behaviour?

Because people may behave in ways that are not consistent with their beliefs (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of behaviour that may not be consistent with one's beliefs?

A person who values discipline rebelling against a framework that requires discipline (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a strength of the parliamentary system?

The executive branch can get things done efficiently (A) Signup and view all the answers

What can sometimes happen in a presidential system?

There is a stalemate between the executive and legislature (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential weakness of the parliamentary system?

The prime minister can become too dominant (D) Signup and view all the answers

Where is the parliamentary system of democracy predominant?

Western Europe and the Caribbean (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a semi-presidential system?

The executive has both a prime minister and a president (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following countries is an example of a semi-presidential system?

France (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the executive branch in a government?

To make policies and put laws into effect (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of a presidential democracy?

Separation of powers with each branch able to check the others (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the judicial branch?

To interpret laws and make judgments (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of political parties in almost every country?

They are a major secondary institution of political socialization (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between presidential and parliamentary democracies?

The way the main branches of state power are connected (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of media in shaping public attitudes?

It influences public attitudes even if not consciously analyzed (D) Signup and view all the answers