Introduction to Political Science and Comparative Politics

Questions and Answers

What is the defining characteristic of a state with high autonomy?

The state is able to operate independently from societal pressures. (correct)

The state has a high level of legitimacy among its citizens.

The state is able to effectively implement its policies.

The state has a strong military presence.

Which type of legitimacy is primarily based on the charisma of a leader?

Economic legitimacy

Traditional legitimacy

Charismatic legitimacy (correct)

Rational-legal legitimacy

What is a key factor in maintaining a state's monopoly?

Strong military forces

Effective taxation policies

Recognition and acceptance by the public (correct)

Rapid economic growth

What is the relationship between ethnic identity and national identity, according to the content provided?

National identity requires a shared ethnic identity, but individuals can have multiple ethnic identities. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the main advantage of a state with high autonomy and high capacity?

Enhanced ability to implement policies and achieve its goals, without needing to rely on public opinion. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a failed state?

A state that lacks the capacity to enforce its laws Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential advantage of a state with strong capacity and autonomy?

Social equality Signup and view all the answers

How does rational-legal legitimacy differ from charismatic legitimacy?

Rational-legal legitimacy is based on the belief in the legality of the system, while charismatic legitimacy is based on the leader's personality. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor in determining the quality or power of a state?

Geographic location Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the defining characteristic of citizenship?

A political identity explicitly defined by the state. Signup and view all the answers

Which example best illustrates a state with high autonomy and low capacity?

North Korea Signup and view all the answers

How does the content characterize the relationship between a state's capacity and its ability to implement policies?

States with high capacity can implement policies more effectively, regardless of public opinion. Signup and view all the answers

What does the content suggest is the connection between a state's monopolistic power and economic growth?

Monopolistic power enables states to tax its citizens, generating revenue for economic development. Signup and view all the answers

How is the distribution of power within a state determined?

The ability to mobilize resources effectively Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of an authoritarian regime?

Restricted participation and liberty, with a small group of individuals holding power Signup and view all the answers

In a democracy, what is the source of legitimacy for states?

Laws Signup and view all the answers

What is the opposite of authoritarianism?

Democracy Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between a democracy and a non-democracy?

The presence of a constitution Signup and view all the answers

What is a dictatorship?

A government where one person has absolute power Signup and view all the answers

What is the main feature of a democratic system?

A balance between the three branches of government Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic that defines a state?

Sovereignty over a defined territory Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect differentiates internal sovereignty from external sovereignty?

The authority to enact laws recognized by the population Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of zero-sum imply in political contexts?

One party's gain results in another party's loss Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of norms and values in political behavior?

Immutable factors integral to people's lives Signup and view all the answers

Comparative politics primarily examines what aspect of different regimes?

The balance between equality and freedom Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a necessary component of sovereignty?

Cultural identity Signup and view all the answers

How do political institutions affect political activity within a state?

They structure and enable political interaction Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between a country and a state?

A state is the political organization of a community within a specific territory Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of political parties in a political society?

To help establish majority rule and enact policies Signup and view all the answers

In a single-member district system, what is the primary outcome for voters?

Voters must strategically choose between the best two parties Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a mixed electoral system?

It combines features of both plurality and proportional representation Signup and view all the answers

What does a referendum allow the public to do?

Directly decide on policy issues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines civil rights?

Equal treatment under the law and access to public services Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes civil liberties from civil rights?

Civil liberties are protected by laws against government interference Signup and view all the answers

What outcome does a proportional electoral system typically encourage?

The allocation of seats based on party votes rather than individual candidates Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of political parties?

Enforcing strict ideological conformity among citizens Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Political Science

Political science is about understanding patterns of activity that are self-perpetuating and valued for their own sake, such as taxes, armies, elections, and the state.
Political science sets the stage for political behavior by influencing how politics is conducted and varies from country to country.
It embodies norms or values considered central to people's lives and thus are not easily changed or dislodged.

Comparative Politics

Comparative politics is about finding the balance between equality and freedom in different regimes, democratic and non-democratic.
Democratic regimes lie somewhere in the middle of the spectrum.

The State

The state is a machinery of politics that should be sovereign, having a monopoly over a territory and being highly institutionalized.
Sovereignty is the core element of a state, referring to the ability to carry out policies within a given territory.
There are two types of sovereignty: internal (the authority to make laws and carry out administrative tasks) and external (recognition by foreign powers of a government's claim to independence).

Legitimacy

Legitimacy is a value whereby someone or something is recognized and accepted as right.
A legitimate institution is widely accepted and recognized by the public.
There are three types of legitimacy: traditional, charismatic, and rational-legal.

State Power Distribution

State power distribution refers to the ability to mobilize its own resources effectively.
States with high autonomy can make decisions without considering public reactions, while states with high capacity can mobilize resources effectively.

Nations and Society

Citizenship is a political identity developed explicitly by states and accepted or rejected by individuals.
Ethnic identity is based on culture, while national identity is based on political aspiration.
There are similarities and differences between ethnic identity, national identity, and citizenship.

Political Parties

Political parties are organizations that bring people together, serving two functions: helping to establish the means by which the majority can rule and enacting policies.
Parties are often diverse and unable to fully dominate politics.

Electoral Systems

Electoral systems can be single-member districts (plurality) or multi-member districts (proportional).
Mixed electoral systems combine elements of both.

Referenda and Initiatives

Referenda allow the public to make direct decisions about policy.
Initiatives are collections of suggestions or proposals made for the public.

Civil Rights, Liberties, and Rules of Law

Civil rights consist of things like the right to vote, equal treatment under the law, and access to public things without discrimination.
Civil liberties refer to individual freedoms like freedom of speech, religion, and privacy.
The rule of law is important in making democracy, as seen in England, where the country is ruled by law, not by the king.

Non-Democratic Regimes

Authoritarianism is characterized by restricted participation, competition, and liberty, with power controlled by a small group of individuals.
Legitimacy in non-democratic regimes may differ from democratic regimes.
Different models of non-democratic regimes include dictatorships, which imply absolute power by one person.
Legitimacy in dictatorships can come from various sources.

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Description

Understand the basics of political science, including self-perpetuating activities, and comparative politics, including how politics is conducted across countries.