Political Philosophy Quiz

A hypothetical situation where there are no laws or government, resulting in chaos and competition for survival. Individuals act in their self-interest, leading to a 'war of all against all'.

An agreement between individuals to create a society and government to maintain order and protect individual rights. Individuals give up some freedoms in exchange for security and protection.

The supreme power or authority within a legal system. The sovereign makes and enforces laws, and is not subject to any other authority.

The implied agreement to a law or rule by not objecting to it. The silence of the people indicates their acceptance.

A theory of law that sees law as a command issued by a sovereign with the power to enforce it. People obey laws out of fear of punishment.

A society where everyone agrees on the same principles of justice, and these principles are also followed by institutions.

Rational means pursuing your own self-interest, while reasonable means being willing to cooperate fairly and recognize other's rights.

Political power is only valid if used in a way that all reasonable people can agree on.

Citizens with different beliefs can agree on basic political principles, creating stability in a diverse society.

Political discussions based on principles everyone can understand, not personal or religious beliefs.

Dworkin believes that law is inherently tied to what is 'right' and cannot be separated from moral principles. He argues that rules can be clearly defined and prioritized, while principles are more fluid and subjective.

This philosophy suggests that the Constitution should be interpreted in light of contemporary values and societal changes. Rather than being a fixed document, it should adapt to the needs of the present.

Fuller believed that natural law exists independently of religious or divine authority. He argued that certain universal moral principles are essential for a just legal system.

Both forms of legal positivism focus on identifying law as that which is officially enacted or recognized. However, hard positivism strictly adheres to legal sources, while soft positivism acknowledges the influence of extra-legal factors.

Hart believed that law can be influenced by extra-legal factors, such as social norms, morality, and public opinion. He recognized that the legal system is a complex interplay of laws and social realities.

A theory focusing on fairness within the fundamental structure of society, aiming to create a just system of laws and institutions.

The core institutions of a society like the political system, economy, and social structure.

A standalone viewpoint focusing solely on the fairness of societal structures.

Concepts like a fair system, the idea of a person as an autonomous individual, and ideals of a well-ordered society.

A constitution is legitimate if its core principles are based on fairness and justice, gaining broad agreement from diverse views and beliefs.

The power to establish or change the fundamental rules of a society, usually exercised through a constitution.

The constitution, reflecting the fundamental values and rights of a society, established by the people's constituent power.

Laws made by the government, within the framework of the constitution, such as laws passed by Congress.

The division of government authority into different branches, such as legislative, executive, and judicial, to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful.

In Rawls' view, ultimate power in a constitutional democracy is shared among the three branches of government, with each branch having specific roles and limitations.

A society based on fairness, where everyone has equal basic rights and liberties, and inequalities benefit the least advantaged.

The principle that states inequalities are acceptable only if they benefit the least advantaged members of society.

The constitution as a fundamental principle or form, not just a set of rules. It's the underlying essence of a society's organization.

The constitution as a specific collection of written provisions and articles, like a legal document.

The constitution as a result of a political decision, where a sovereign authority decides the fundamental law.

Fundamental rules of justice, considering diverse perspectives and beliefs in a society.

Imagine creating societal rules without knowing your own personal circumstances, such as wealth, abilities, or social status.

A process of constantly adjusting your moral views to create consistency in your beliefs about justice.

A theoretical starting point where individuals imagine creating societal rules without knowing their own identity or place in society.

The idea that equal rights and opportunities are essential to a fair society, especially for those most vulnerable.

The reality that many different beliefs and ideologies exist in a society.

Conditions that make justice necessary, such as limited resources and diverse groups with conflicting interests.

The acceptance of diverse beliefs and doctrines in a free society.

A philosophy of law that believes laws are made by humans and are independent of natural justice or morality. Law is based on sovereign will and rules, not on a higher moral order.

A basic norm or fundamental principle that lies at the foundation of a legal system. It's the ultimate source of legal authority, not founded on any other legal rule.

The belief that there are universal moral principles that govern human behavior. These principles are inherent in the world and can be discovered through reason.

Legal Positivism argues that law and morality are distinct concepts. A law is a law, regardless of its moral implications. Natural law disagrees.

Legal positivism views law as a self-contained system with its own rules and interpretations. It's distinct from other areas of knowledge, like morality.

These rules govern changes in legal status or relationships, such as contracts, wills, or marriage.

These rules establish procedures for resolving legal conflicts, including the creation and organization of courts.

These rules identify the sources of valid law within a legal system. Their validity cannot be questioned.

Locke believed individual freedoms are crucial in a commonwealth and that a sovereign's power should not be above the law.

This perspective argues that laws must have moral merit to be valid. It suggests that legal understanding requires consideration of law's ethical implications.

Law as it actually exists, focusing on how rules are applied in real-world situations. It emphasizes the factual accuracy of legal rules.

Focuses on what the law should be, aiming to improve legal systems and address deficiencies. It assesses the adequacy of existing law based on societal values.

A collection of rules and principles that shape social interactions, governing behavior and relationships.

Rules that govern and limit existing actions. They impose constraints on behavior that already exists.

Rules that create new actions or behaviors by defining their very existence. They establish what is possible.