Political Science Exam Guide

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Download our mobile app to listen on the go

Get App

Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the 'fusion of powers' concept as it relates to parliamentary systems?

A system where the judiciary has ultimate authority.
The merging of executive and legislative functions. (correct)
The dissolving of the traditional arms of government.
A strict separation between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Which of the following descriptions accurately contrasts the Head of State and the Head of Government in a parliamentary system like the British government?

The Head of State is the top lawmaker, while the Head of Government is a national symbol.
Both roles are ceremonial without any real power.
The Head of State is the national symbol (e.g., monarch), while the Head of Government (PM) is the top lawmaker. (correct)
Both roles are combined into a single individual with equal powers.

In the context of political science, how does 'persuasion' function as a form of power?

It involves formal legal authority.
It involves offering material benefits to influence behavior.
It relies on physical coercion to achieve compliance.
It uses reasoned arguments and appeals to change beliefs. (correct)

Which of the following is most accurate regarding the difference between autocracies and totalitarian regimes?

Totalitarian regimes aim for absolute control over all aspects of life, whereas autocracies may allow some social or economic freedom as long as it doesn't threaten their rule. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of 'incentives' as a means of exercising power in politics?

To influence behavior through rewards and benefits. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do 'referendums' function as a form of democracy, and what are potential problems?

They serve as direct democracy but can suffer from voter lack of information or oversimplification of complex issues. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key distinction between 'formal' and 'informal' sources of constitutional law?

Formal sources consist of written rules and laws, while informal sources are unwritten norms and practices. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the core tenet of 'parliamentary sovereignty' in the British government?

Parliament holds supreme legal authority and can make or repeal any law. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor most contributes to failed or fragile states?

Inability of the State to maintain order. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'First Past the Post' (FPTP) electoral system function?

The candidate with the most votes wins, even if it is not a majority. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do presidential systems typically differ from parliamentary systems regarding the executive's control over legislation?

Presidential systems often feature a greater separation between the executive and legislative branches, which may lead to divided government. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is generally understood as the 'science' part of political science?

The application of the scientific method to study politics. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How might a referendum be problematic in a modern democracy?

Referendums can oversimplify complex issues, and voters may lack sufficient information. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key distinction between unitary and federal constitutions?

Unitary constitutions concentrate power in the central government, while federal constitutions divide power between a central authority and regional entities. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential drawback of 'direct democracy' compared to 'representative democracy'?

Direct democracy may lead to tyranny of the majority and can be impractical for large populations. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the structure of government in a parliamentary system differ from presidential systems regarding the separation of powers?

Parliamentary systems feature a fusion of powers, while presidential systems emphasize the separation of powers. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'home rule bodies' within the context of devolution?

They are regional bodies with some delegated powers from the central government. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the French Fifth Republic, what are the general powers of the President, according to the 1958 Constitution?

The President shares executive powers with the Prime Minister and the cabinet. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios would exemplify 'coercion' as a form of power in politics?

A country threatening military action to force another to comply with its demands. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'consolidation of states' outside of Europe typically differ from the consolidation that occurred within Europe?

Outside Europe consolidation often involved colonialism or external imposition. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the U.K. Supreme Court?

To handle both criminal and constitutional matters. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason that some consider a 'shallow' definition of democracy inadequate for comparative politics?

It may not capture the nuances and variations in democratic practices across different countries. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is most closely associated with the core elements of liberalism?

Individual rights and limited government. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What potential risk arises from boiling down complex policy questions into simple yes/no answers, particularly in the context of referendums?

It can oversimplify the issue and distort public opinion by presenting an incomplete picture. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the '3/5 Compromise' in the context of the U.S. Constitution?

It determined how enslaved people would be counted for representation and taxation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between 'majority rule' and 'minority rights'?

Majority rule suggests that decisions should reflect the preferences of the majority, while minority rights ensure the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms for those not in the majority. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the historical context of Liberalism?

Arising from the Enlightenment. It focused on individual rights, freedoms, and limited government. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the historical context of Conservatism?

Emerged as a reaction to the Enlightenment. It emphasized tradition, social order, and hierarchy. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following descriptions relates to Autocracy?

System of government where supreme power is concentrated in the hands of a single person. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes what a constitution is?

A document establishing the rules and principles by which a country or organization is governed. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which power does the House of Lords hold?

Power that is held by membership (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of the executive branch within presidential systems?

A parliamentary head is controlled by the President. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What occurred to the consolidation of the state in Europe after Napoleon?

Europe after Napoleon (A) Signup and view all the answers

Who was Charles de Gaulle?

A 5th Republic politician (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Persuasion in Politics

The practice of influencing other people through persuasion, negotiation, or incentives.

Incentives in Politics

Offering benefits or rewards to encourage cooperation or compliance in politics.