Political Science Concepts and Government Critiques
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason why we believe governments are necessary?

  • To protect property and other rights
  • To create and maintain a stable and peaceful community (Nation building)
  • To ensure a strong military presence in all nations (correct)
  • To promote economic efficiency and growth
  • Voluntary politics suggest that people are obligated to follow political decisions made by authorities.

    False (B)

    The two main types of comparisons used in the comparative method are Synchronic comparisons, which involve comparing across different locations, and Diachronic comparisons, which involve comparing across different time periods.

    Which of the following is NOT a reason why we compare political systems?

    <p>To prove that one political system is superior to another (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

    <p>Most Similar System = Comparing cases with significant similarities except for the independent variable Most Different System = Comparing cases with contrasting features to see if the dependent variable remains consistent Individualist Fallacy = Generalizing from individual-level data to an entire population Ecological Fallacy = Applying aggregate-level data to individuals within that group</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The 'Most Different System' approach involves comparing countries that share many similarities.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The term '________' refers to the tendency to view one's own political system as inherently superior.

    <p>political ethnocentrism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one potential problem associated with overgeneralizations in comparative research?

    <p>Both the 'Individualist Fallacy' and the 'Ecological Fallacy' are potential problems associated with overgeneralizations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a challenge faced in comparative research?

    <p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Political behavior, such as voting patterns, is not a relevant aspect of comparing political systems.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Give an example of how comparisons can help us learn from other countries.

    <p>Scandinavian countries, faced with increased immigration, looked to Canada's experiences in managing immigration to learn from their successes and challenges.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The example of the two Koreas is a prime example of the '________' approach to comparison.

    <p>Most Similar System</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a nation?

    <p>A specific geographic location (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Political culture refers to the citizens' orientations towards political systems, processes, and policy outcomes.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the difference between cross-cutting cleavages and mutual reinforcing cleavages?

    <p>Cross-cutting cleavages occur when different groups share similarities that bridge divides, reducing the potential for conflict. Mutual reinforcing cleavages, however, amplify differences and create divisions that can lead to political violence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process by which individuals develop their political attitudes, beliefs, and values is known as ______.

    <p>political socialization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered an agent of political socialization?

    <p>Weather Patterns (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their respective definitions:

    <p>National Identity = A sense of belonging to a nation and a belief in its political aspirations Political Culture = The basic norms for political activity in a society Political Socialization = The process by which individuals acquire attitudes, beliefs, and values relating to the political system Political Violence = Violence outside of the state's control that is politically motivated</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Political violence is always motivated by psychological issues.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Provide one example of a nation that crosses political boundaries.

    <p>The Abenaki nation, which spans from Canada to Vermont.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Quebec, the ______ language and culture dominated in certain regions, contributing to historical tensions.

    <p>French</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a social identity?

    <p>Atheist (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a challenge faced by comparative political scientists when studying international cases?

    <p>Lack of interest from researchers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A regime can be defined as a set of specific attributes and societal institutions that make one group of people culturally different from others.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic that distinguishes a state from other organizations?

    <p>The monopoly of force over a given territory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The three main types of legitimacy discussed are _____, _____, and _____.

    <p>traditional, charismatic, legal-rational</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of democratic regimes with their respective examples.

    <p>Parliamentary democracy = Canada Presidential democracy = USA Presidential-parliamentary system = France</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a non-democratic regime?

    <p>Military regime (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between a state and a regime?

    <p>A state is the organization that maintains the monopoly of force, while a regime refers to the fundamental norms and rules of politics regarding power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The concept of endogeneity suggests that variables can only be causes, never effects.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A(n) _____ regime is a temporary government that manages a period of political change.

    <p>transitional</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a dominant-party regime?

    <p>Free and fair elections are regularly held. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of political liberalism?

    <p>Skeptical of the use of government to improve the human condition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A unicamel legislature has only one legislative body, while a bicamel legislature has two.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two key differences between political liberalism and political conservatism?

    <p>Political liberalism tends to favor change and emphasizes human reason, while political conservatism resists drastic change and is more skeptical of human reason.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A country with institutionalized democracy and a high level of economic development is considered a ______ democracy.

    <p>developed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following political ideologies with their general characteristics:

    <p>Liberalism = Favors change, emphasizes human reason, and supports using government to improve society Conservatism = Resists drastic change, is skeptical of human reason, and is cautious about government intervention Communism = Advocates for a classless society and the abolition of private property Fascism = Emphasizes nationalism, authoritarianism, and a strong leader Anarchism = Advocates for the complete abolition of all forms of government</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The 'Most Different System' approach to comparison involves comparing countries that share many similarities.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is politics, according to the provided content?

    <p>The competition for public power, where power is the ability to extend one's will.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Politics

    Competition for public power to extend one's will.

    Governments

    Organizations legally empowered to make binding decisions for a community.

    Public Politics

    Decision-making that belongs to the public within a community.

    Private Politics

    Choices that occur in personal settings, not involving public decisions.

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    Authoritative Politics

    Politics that are binding; force can be used to enforce decisions.

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    Voluntary Politics

    Political decisions made willingly, not by force.

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    Dependent Variable

    The outcome in a study that can be explained by other factors.

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    National Identity

    A sense of belonging to a nation and belief in its political aspirations.

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    Nation

    A group desiring self-government or sharing a common culture and history.

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    Political Culture

    The basic norms for political activity in a society.

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    Political Violence

    Violence outside state control, politically motivated.

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    Cross Cutting

    Where different people share similarities, reducing political violence.

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    Mutual Reinforcing

    Differences lead to political violence, running along separate lines.

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    Political Socialization

    Process by which individuals acquire political attitudes and values.

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    Agents of Socialization

    Factors that influence political beliefs, such as family, media, and peers.

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    Direct Political Socialization

    Acquisition of political attitudes through direct teaching and interaction.

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    Indirect Political Socialization

    Formation of political beliefs through indirect experiences, like media exposure.

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    Most Similar System

    A comparative method using cases alike except for one independent variable.

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    Most Different System

    A comparative method using cases that differ widely except for one dependent variable.

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    Political Ethnocentrism

    Assuming one's political ideas are superior or universally applicable to others.

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    Overgeneralizations

    Making broad conclusions based on limited data or examples.

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    Comparative Research Challenges

    Issues faced when comparing political systems across different contexts.

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    Ecological Fallacy

    Assuming the characteristics of a group apply to individuals within that group.

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    Benefits of Political Comparison

    To understand diverse political systems, learn from others, and refine political knowledge.

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    Selection Bias

    Choosing cases based on their effects rather than causes, leading to skewed results.

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    Endogeneity

    When two variables affect each other, making it hard to determine which is the cause.

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    Legitimacy

    The public's belief that a government is right and proper.

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    State

    An organization that holds a monopoly on the use of force in a territory.

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    Regimes

    Norms and rules determining how power is allocated and exercised in politics.

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    Traditional Legitimacy

    Authority based on historical customs and traditions.

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    Charismatic Legitimacy

    Authority derived from the personal qualities of a leader.

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    Legal-Rational Legitimacy

    Authority based on established laws and procedures, often enshrined in a constitution.

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    Democratic Regimes

    Political systems where power resides with the people, who elect their representatives.

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    Transitional Regime

    A temporary government that oversees a period of political change.

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    Political Ideology

    Basic values held by individuals about politics' goals and processes.

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    Political Liberalism

    Favors change, believes in human reason, and uses government to improve lives.

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    Political Conservatism

    Resists drastic change, skeptical of reason, and cautious about government intervention.

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    Democracy

    Political power exercised either directly or indirectly by the people.

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    Unicameral Legislature

    A legislative body with only one chamber.

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    Study Notes

    Political Concepts

    • Politics is the competition for public power, defined as the ability to extend one's will. It exists in private (personal decisions) and public (community or territorial decisions) domains, as well as in authoritative (decisions enforced by force) and voluntary (unforced) forms.

    Governments

    • Governments are organizations with legal authority to make binding decisions on behalf of a community. Their purpose includes building a stable, peaceful community, protecting property and rights, promoting economic growth, and supporting social justice.

    Criticisms of Government

    • Critics argue that governments may destroy natural communities and violate individual rights. Specific concerns cite suppression of individual freedom and control over actions.

    Studying Politics

    • Research methods in political science include statistical analysis, experimental designs, case studies, and comparative approaches.
    • Comparative analysis involves comparing similar or different political systems, often across various countries.

    Dependent vs Independent Variables

    • Dependent variables are those being explained; independent variables are the factors that potentially explain the dependent variable. A concrete example: High levels of democracy = lower corruption.

    Political Systems: Models

    • Party models: Include different categories like particularistic (appealing to a specific demographic segment) and catch-all parties (broad appeal).
    • Multi-party systems: Characterized by more than two significant parties competing for power.
    • Presidential systems: Voters directly elect the president.
    • Parliamentary Systems: Elected representatives make up a parliament that chooses a prime minister.
    • Referendums: Direct votes by citizens on policy matters.
    • Plurality systems: Simple system where the most votes win.

    Political Culture

    • Political culture refers to societal norms and values regarding political activity. This can differ across cultures as evidenced by consensual or conflictual approaches.

    Political Violence

    • Political violence is violence motivated by political reasons, falling outside of state control, differing from common criminal activity, and employing either institutional, ideational, or individual motivations.

    Political Legitimacy

    • Legitimacy is how acceptable a government is seen by its citizens.
    • Efficiency vs legitimacy are key considerations when analyzing various political systems.

    Political Ideologies

    • Political ideologies are sets of beliefs about the fundamental values and principles that form political direction, including both unifying and oppositional views.
    • Specific ideologies are outlined along with their key concepts and defining elements. Ex: Communism, Liberalism, Conservatism

    Political Systems' Attributes

    • Analysis explores different systems of governance (like Parliamentary, Presidential, Unicameral, Bicameral) along with the characteristics and roles of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches within each. Analysis includes how cultures influence the function of those systems.
    • Analysis includes how political parties compete for power and what factors impact system responsiveness and legitimacy. Examples of these systems are outlined, alongside relevant case studies.

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    POL101 Study Guide PDF

    Description

    Explore fundamental political concepts, the role of governments, and various criticisms of governmental authority. This quiz covers methods of studying politics, including statistical analysis and comparative approaches. Test your understanding of power dynamics and political organization.

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