Questions and Answers
What does the term 'politics' fundamentally involve?
Which branch of Political Science focuses on the implementation of government policy?
What is an example of a normative political statement?
Which of the following concepts signifies the right of a government to exercise power?
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Which area of Political Science studies the political interactions between nation-states?
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What distinguishes positive statements in politics from normative statements?
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What is the main focus of Comparative Politics within Political Science?
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What central aspect does the study of Political Theory explore?
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What form of corruption specifically involves public officials using public funds for personal enrichment?
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Which office is responsible for investigating abuses of power and recommending prosecution in the Philippines?
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What is the primary function of the Sandiganbayan?
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What does the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee primarily investigate?
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What is required for public officials to ensure transparency in their financial dealings?
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What event led to the loss of legitimacy for President Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines?
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How did Corazon Aquino initially gain legitimacy for her government?
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What is one of the main functions of checks and balances in democratic systems?
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Which form of monarchy primarily has symbolic governing roles?
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What types of power does a government use to express national power?
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How can citizens exercise their sovereignty in a democracy?
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Which of the following represents a way citizens can influence government decisions?
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What can lead to a crisis of legitimacy for a government?
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What does the term 'ideology' refer to?
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Which of the following thinkers is associated with the idea of the social contract?
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What type of authority is based on established customs and traditions?
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In representative democracies, how do citizens participate in government?
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What does legitimacy in government primarily derive from?
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What is the primary focus of the behavioral revolution in political science during the 1950s and 1960s?
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What distinguishes power from influence in the political context?
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How did the concept of sovereignty change during the Age of Enlightenment?
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What is the term that refers to the recognized right to wield power?
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Which inherent power allows a government to acquire private property for public use?
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In which type of regimes is propaganda and indoctrination often more rigidly enforced?
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What mechanism allows citizens to propose laws or constitutional amendments directly?
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Which type of power involves a state's capability to wage war?
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How does the government typically compel citizens to pay taxes?
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What role does advocacy play in citizen participation?
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Which of the following is an effect of power when exercised properly?
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Study Notes
Politics
- Derived from Greek "Polis," meaning city-state; involves power and resource distribution.
- Encompasses decision-making processes, project implementation, and governance practices.
- Involves law creation, policy formulation, and maintaining public interest.
Political Science
- A branch of social science studying political systems, activities, and human governance behavior.
- Analyzes power allocation, political behavior, and roles of governments and international organizations.
- Employs scientific methods to evaluate governance effectiveness.
Political Scientists
- Analyze political events and formulate principles on political functioning.
- Utilize primary and secondary sources, examining factors like stability, justice, and public welfare.
Political Statements
- Normative Statements: Subjective and express value judgments.
- Positive Statements: Objective and testable claims regarding political outcomes.
Comparison Between Political Science and Politics
- Political Science: Focuses on empirical and normative analysis of state and power.
- Politics: Involves social activities by politicians and administrators aimed at improving public welfare.
Branches of Political Science
- Political Theory: Studies classical ideas from thinkers like Aristotle and Machiavelli.
- Comparative Politics: Analyzes political systems and actors across countries.
- Public Administration: Focuses on government policy implementation.
- International Relations: Studies interactions between nation-states and organizations.
- Public Law: Examines the relationship between governments and citizens.
- Political Methodology: Utilizes quantitative methods to describe political phenomena.
Key Concepts in Political Science
- State: An organized community under a government with population, territory, and sovereignty.
- Legitimacy: The recognized right of a government to exercise power.
- Governance: The actions of governing bodies.
- Ideology: A set of beliefs influencing political views and actions.
Development of Political Science
- Ancient Thinkers: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle laid foundational thought.
- Medieval/Renaissance Influences: St. Thomas Aquinas and Machiavelli shaped political ideas.
- Enlightenment Impact: John Locke, Rousseau, and Voltaire's theories influenced democracy.
- Modern Political Science: Characterized by a behavioral revolution in the 1950s and 1960s.
Power, Legitimacy, and Government
- Power: The capability to influence others within a state; often related to sovereignty.
- Weber's Types of Authority: Include charismatic, traditional, and legal-rational authority types.
- Influence: Achieved through persuasion rather than coercion, affecting political decisions.
The Social Contract and Democratic Sovereignty
- Enlightenment thinkers proposed sovereignty resides with the people, forming the basis for democracy.
- Direct democracies allow citizens to participate directly; representative democracies elect leaders to govern.
Legitimacy
- Refers to the acceptance of a government’s right to wield power, derived from laws and elections.
- A government may lose legitimacy due to perceived overreach or election fraud.
Example of Crisis of Legitimacy
- Ferdinand Marcos lost legitimacy after the 1986 elections in the Philippines, leading to the People Power Revolution and Corazon Aquino's rise to power.
Limits on Political Power
- Democratic systems employ checks and balances to prevent absolute power.
- Power dynamics among government branches ensure accountability.
Forms of Government
- Monarchical States: Power resides fully with a monarch.
- Constitutional Monarchies: Monarchs have symbolic roles; actual power rests with elected officials.
- Presidential Systems: The president serves as both head of state and government.
Power in Governance
- Military Power: Ability to defend sovereignty and wage war.
- Economic Power: Control over resources and finances to influence other states.
- Psychological Power: Reputation and diplomacy shape international relations.
Citizen Participation and Legitimacy
- In democracies, citizens exercise sovereignty through elections, referendums, and public participation.
- Non-violent movements have historically enabled citizens to challenge governments losing legitimacy.
Key Differences and Concepts
- Power: Ability to enforce decisions.
- Legitimacy: Recognized right to use power.
- Government: Organization governing a state or community.
Inherent Powers
- Police Power: Maintains law and order.
- Eminent Domain: Government acquires private property for public use.
- Taxation: Government's authority to impose and collect taxes.
Control and Influence
- Governments compel citizens with laws and regulations, influencing behavior through indoctrination.
- Methods vary between democratic states and totalitarian regimes, i.e., North Korea.
International Power
- Military, economic, and psychological powers shape a state's influence globally.
Power and Citizenship
- Sovereignty lies with citizens, granted rights by the state, ensuring participation in governance.
- Citizens express power through voting, referendums, and initiatives.
Advocacy and Citizen Participation
- Advocacy allows citizens to affect social changes; historical examples include peaceful protests.
- Unconventional participation includes mass demonstrations and movements for change.
Effects of Power
- Properly exercised power upholds democratic ideals and social stability; misuse can lead to rights violations and dissent.
Corruption and Abuse of Power
- Public officials may misuse power for personal gain, committing illegal acts or abuses.
- Types of corruption include bribery, nepotism, and graft.
Accountability Mechanisms
- The 1987 Philippine Constitution establishes mechanisms for holding public officials accountable, including:
- Office of the Ombudsman: Investigates abuses and recommends prosecution.
- Sandiganbayan: Anti-graft court.
- Commission on Audit (COA): Ensures proper fund use.
- Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG): Investigates graft and corruption.
- Senate Blue Ribbon Committee: Investigates governmental wrongdoing.
Transparency
- Public officials required to disclose assets, ensuring accountability and transparency.
- Media plays a crucial role in exposing corruption and holding officials accountable.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of politics, including its definition, origins, and significance in governance. It delves into the role of political science as a branch of social science and examines key elements like power distribution and decision-making processes. Test your understanding of political theories and practices that shape our society.
