70 Questions
Which subfield of political science focuses on the comparative analysis of domestic political systems across different countries?
Comparative Politics
Which of the following is NOT considered a subfield of political science according to the passage?
Geopolitics
Which theory in political science posits that nations act primarily out of self-interest?
Realism
Which subfield of political science focuses on the management of public institutions, policies, and services?
Public Administration
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a key aspect of political science in the passage?
The study of political psychology
Which subfield of political science examines questions of justice, power, legitimacy, rights, representation, and democracy?
Political Theory
Which of the following is NOT listed as a key subfield of political science in the passage?
Political Sociology
Which theory in political science suggests that the actions of nations are primarily driven by their own self-interest?
Realism
What does the rational choice approach suggest?
Individuals make decisions in their own best interest.
Which perspective emphasizes human interaction and meaning construction through shared norms and ideas?
Constructivism
What does Marxism, as a macro-level approach, explore?
Class conflict, capitalism, and revolution
What aspect of governance do political scientists focus on regarding elections?
Voter turnout and campaign strategies
What is a crucial task for political scientists in relation to public policies?
Critically evaluating public policies
In summary, what does political science offer valuable insights into?
Nature of power structures and political dynamics
What do political scientists contribute significantly to understanding and improving?
Governance, decision-making processes, and international relationships
'Policy Analysis' involves evaluating what aspect of public policies?
'Policy evaluation'
What is a key characteristic of a monarchy?
Power is inherited or elected through a hereditary system.
Which of the following statements about democracies is true?
The rule of law is upheld.
In a constitutional monarchy, what is the role of the monarch?
The monarch's power is largely ceremonial, with real power lying with the government and legislative branch.
Which of the following statements about oligarchies is true?
Power is held by a small group of elite individuals.
What is a key characteristic of democracies?
Citizens have the power to participate in decision-making.
In an absolute monarchy, what is the extent of the monarch's power?
The monarch wields absolute power with little interference from other branches of government.
What is a key feature that distinguishes democracies from other forms of government?
Free and fair elections
Which of the following statements about monarchies is true?
Modern monarchies often incorporate elements of parliamentary democracy, limiting the monarch's powers.
What is a key characteristic that distinguishes democracies from oligarchies?
Citizens have the power to participate in decision-making in democracies, but not in oligarchies.
Which of the following statements accurately describes the flexibility of monarchies?
Monarchies can transition from autocratic to constitutional systems, demonstrating their flexibility.
In a parliamentary democracy, who is usually the leader of the majority party in parliament?
The prime minister
Which country is NOT mentioned as an example of a parliamentary democracy in the text?
United States
What is a key difference between parliamentary and presidential democracies?
The separation of powers between branches
In a presidential democracy, who is responsible for forming the government and leading it?
The president
Which two countries are explicitly mentioned as examples of presidential democracies in the text?
United States and France
In an oligarchy, who typically holds power in the government?
Wealthy individuals or ruling elites
What distinguishes oligarchies from other forms of government?
Decision-making by a small powerful group
What is the primary role of the United States Congress?
To make laws
What is the system called where Congress comprises two houses, the Senate and House of Representatives?
Bicameralism
What is the purpose of the Senate's equal representation from each state?
To provide a more deliberative and stable legislature
How often do congressional elections occur?
Every two years
What is the purpose of having staggered terms for members of both houses of Congress?
To ensure continuity in governance
Which of the following powers is NOT granted to Congress by the Constitution?
To appoint the President
What is the first step in the lawmaking process?
The bill is introduced in either the Senate or House of Representatives
What is the purpose of the system of checks and balances between the Senate and House of Representatives?
To allow for mutual oversight and control between the two chambers
What is the role of the President in the lawmaking process?
The President has the power to veto bills passed by Congress
What is the purpose of having the House of Representatives represent the nation's diverse population?
To reflect regional differences and accommodate change
What is the primary purpose of redrawing congressional districts after each decennial census?
To ensure proportional representation based on population shifts
Which committee oversees matters related to justice and law enforcement in Congress?
Judiciary Committee
What is the responsibility of subcommittees within congressional committees?
To focus on specific areas under the committee's jurisdiction
What is one key function of congressional committees in overseeing government operations?
To ensure federal agencies operate effectively and efficiently
How long is the term of office for members of the House of Representatives?
Two years
What does the bicameral structure of Congress aim to balance?
Representation and deliberation
In which committee would discussions on funding decisions for various government programs typically take place?
Appropriations Committee
What is the main difference in the duration of terms between Senators and House members?
Senators serve six-year terms, House members serve two-year terms.
What role do subcommittees play within congressional committees?
They focus on specific areas under the committee's jurisdiction.
What is the primary reason for redrawing congressional districts based on population shifts?
To maintain proportional representation with population changes.
What is a primary objective of government foreign and defense policies according to the passage?
Safeguarding national security
Which of the following is NOT listed as a key objective of government foreign and defense policies in the passage?
Expanding territorial control
According to the passage, which of the following is a reason governments may pursue humanitarian intervention?
To protect human rights
Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage as an objective of government foreign and defense policies?
Enhancing military capabilities
According to the passage, which of the following is a key objective of government foreign and defense policies for economically powerful nations?
Promoting favorable trade agreements and market access
What is a primary reason governments may pursue humanitarian intervention according to the passage?
To prevent genocide and protect human rights
Which of the following is NOT listed as a key objective of government foreign and defense policies in the passage?
Expanding territorial control
According to the passage, which of the following is a key objective of government foreign and defense policies for certain nations?
Defending specific resources or critical infrastructure
What is NOT mentioned in the passage as a key objective of government foreign and defense policies?
Enhancing military capabilities
According to the passage, which of the following is a primary reason governments may pursue humanitarian intervention?
To protect human rights and prevent genocide
What method do intelligence agencies primarily use to assist policymakers in making decisions?
Intelligence gathering and analysis
Which aspect of government policies can encroach upon civil liberties or undermine democratic processes?
Fundamental rights and freedoms
In the context of foreign and defense policies, what could be a consequence of aggressive policies?
Conflict and instability
What is the primary purpose of economic sanctions as mentioned in the text?
Exert pressure on target regimes
Which tactic may governments employ to defend the nation, secure resources, or respond to emergencies?
Military intervention
What could be a consequence of foreign and defense policies on regional stability and alliances?
Impact neighboring regions
What strategy might governments employ to create alliances and promote cooperation?
Diplomacy
Study Notes
Political science is the study of government structures, elections, public policy, political economy, international relations and the overall functioning of governments. It encompasses various branches and subfields that explore different aspects of how political systems operate. Here are some key points related to this field of study:
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Subfields: Political science has many subfields including comparative politics, international relations, law, political theory, public administration, and political behavior. Each subfield focuses on specific areas within the broader realm of political analysis.
- Comparative Politics: This branch compares the domestic political systems of countries, often focusing on similarities and differences between countries.
- International Relations: This area explores diplomacy, warfare, trade, immigration, and globalization across multiple states.
- Law: Legal studies in political science analyze laws' origins, implementation, interpretation, and enforcement.
- Public Administration: This subfield focuses on managing public institutions, policies, and services.
- Political Theory: Political theory examines questions of justice, power, legitimacy, rights, representation, and democracy, among others.
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Theories: Several theories guide political science research. Some notable ones include:
- Realism: This view posits that nations act primarily from self-interest.
- Rational Choice: Known as a micro-level approach, it suggests individuals make decisions in their own best interest.
- Constructivism: This perspective emphasizes human interaction and meaning construction through shared norms and ideas.
- Marxism: A macro-level approach that explores class conflict, capitalism, and revolution.
-
Elections and Public Policy: Political scientists study the mechanics of voting systems, election outcomes, voter turnout, and campaign strategies. They also examine governance issues such as budgeting, taxation, regulation, and welfare programs.
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Policy Analysis: One crucial task for political scientists is to evaluate public policies critically. They assess whether a program addresses its intended goals fairly and efficiently, with minimal unintended consequences.
In summary, political science offers valuable insights into the nature of power structures and political dynamics at local, national, regional, and global levels. It contributes significantly to understanding and improving governance, decision-making processes, and international relationships.
Explore the fundamental aspects of political science, including subfields, theories, elections, public policy, and policy analysis. Learn about comparative politics, international relations, law, political theory, and public administration within the realm of political analysis.
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