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?

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

Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

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 Signup and view all the answers

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

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

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

political ethnocentrism Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

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

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

Most Similar System Signup and view all the answers

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

A specific geographic location (C) Signup and view all the answers

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

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

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

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. Signup and view all the answers

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

political socialization Signup and view all the answers

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

Weather Patterns (B) Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their respective definitions:

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 Signup and view all the answers

Political violence is always motivated by psychological issues.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Provide one example of a nation that crosses political boundaries.

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

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

French Signup and view all the answers

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

Atheist (D) Signup and view all the answers

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

Lack of interest from researchers (D) 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.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

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

The monopoly of force over a given territory. Signup and view all the answers

The three main types of legitimacy discussed are ___, _, and ___.

traditional, charismatic, legal-rational Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

Military regime (A) Signup and view all the answers

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

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. Signup and view all the answers

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

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

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

transitional Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

developed Signup and view all the answers

Match the following political ideologies with their general characteristics:

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 Signup and view all the answers

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

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is politics, according to the provided content?

The competition for public power, where power is the ability to extend one's will. 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.