Introduction to Political Science

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'politics' fundamentally involve?

The examination of historical political events.

The analysis of government policies through empirical methods.

The process determining the distribution of power and resources. (correct)

The study of human behavior in scientific frameworks.

Which branch of Political Science focuses on the implementation of government policy?

Comparative Politics

Political Theory

Public Administration (correct)

Political Methodology

What is an example of a normative political statement?

Higher taxes reduce disposable income.

The minimum wage impacts unemployment rates.

Government spending should be prioritized over taxation. (correct)

Unemployment leads to social unrest.

Which of the following concepts signifies the right of a government to exercise power?

Legitimacy Signup and view all the answers

Which area of Political Science studies the political interactions between nation-states?

International Relations Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes positive statements in politics from normative statements?

Positive statements are objective and testable. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Comparative Politics within Political Science?

Examining different political systems across countries. Signup and view all the answers

What central aspect does the study of Political Theory explore?

The ideas from classical thinkers and their implications. Signup and view all the answers

What form of corruption specifically involves public officials using public funds for personal enrichment?

Graft Signup and view all the answers

Which office is responsible for investigating abuses of power and recommending prosecution in the Philippines?

Office of the Ombudsman Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Sandiganbayan?

To deal with cases of corruption and abuse of power Signup and view all the answers

What does the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee primarily investigate?

Government wrongdoing to recommend reforms Signup and view all the answers

What is required for public officials to ensure transparency in their financial dealings?

Public declarations of assets, liabilities, and net worth Signup and view all the answers

What event led to the loss of legitimacy for President Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines?

Widespread reports of electoral fraud Signup and view all the answers

How did Corazon Aquino initially gain legitimacy for her government?

By drafting a new constitution Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main functions of checks and balances in democratic systems?

To prevent any one branch from having absolute power Signup and view all the answers

Which form of monarchy primarily has symbolic governing roles?

Constitutional monarchies Signup and view all the answers

What types of power does a government use to express national power?

Military, economic, and psychological power Signup and view all the answers

How can citizens exercise their sovereignty in a democracy?

Through elections and participatory processes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a way citizens can influence government decisions?

Voting, forming advocacy groups, or public debates Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to a crisis of legitimacy for a government?

Perceived overstepping of authority or power misuse Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'ideology' refer to?

A collection of principles that shape actions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following thinkers is associated with the idea of the social contract?

John Locke Signup and view all the answers

What type of authority is based on established customs and traditions?

Traditional Authority Signup and view all the answers

In representative democracies, how do citizens participate in government?

They elect leaders to govern on their behalf. Signup and view all the answers

What does legitimacy in government primarily derive from?

The recognition and acceptance of its right to rule. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the behavioral revolution in political science during the 1950s and 1960s?

The quantitative study of political behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes power from influence in the political context?

Power is derived from positions, whereas influence can be achieved through persuasion. Signup and view all the answers

How did the concept of sovereignty change during the Age of Enlightenment?

It was placed in the hands of the people through social contract theories. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term that refers to the recognized right to wield power?

Legitimacy Signup and view all the answers

Which inherent power allows a government to acquire private property for public use?

Eminent Domain Signup and view all the answers

In which type of regimes is propaganda and indoctrination often more rigidly enforced?

Totalitarian Regimes Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism allows citizens to propose laws or constitutional amendments directly?

Initiative Signup and view all the answers

Which type of power involves a state's capability to wage war?

Military Power Signup and view all the answers

How does the government typically compel citizens to pay taxes?

Through laws and regulations Signup and view all the answers

What role does advocacy play in citizen participation?

It allows for influence and change. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an effect of power when exercised properly?

Upholding democratic ideals Signup and view all the answers

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.

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.