Political Science Overview

Questions and Answers

What key questions does Lasswell define as central to politics?

Who determines political ideologies?

Who enforces political laws?

Who leads political discussions?

Who gets what, when, and how? (correct)

What is the main focus of political science as a discipline?

The development of military strategies in politics.

The systematic study of political structures and processes. (correct)

The examination of philosophical texts on governance.

The exploration of historical events in politics.

According to Sartori, what significantly influences political research methods?

The kind of evidence available and the problems addressed. (correct)

Public opinion and media influence.

Cultural values and beliefs.

Political affiliations of researchers.

What distinguishes the traditional approach in political science?

The emphasis on normative and ethical values. Signup and view all the answers

Which ancient philosophers are referenced in relation to the traditional approach to political science?

Plato and Aristotle. Signup and view all the answers

What does the philosophical form of the traditional approach primarily focus on?

The moral evaluations of political societies. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does political science explore regarding politics at various levels?

The theory and practice of government. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is NOT typically associated with the traditional approach to political science?

Focus on empirical data and statistics. Signup and view all the answers

What does effective participation in governance require?

Active involvement of all affected and interested parties Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by a 'verticalized system' of governance?

A top-down approach with government monopoly on powers and responsibilities Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a 'horizontal system' in governance?

Cooperation between government and various societal sectors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following forms of participation is considered direct in representative democracies?

Elections, initiatives, and referendums Signup and view all the answers

How does the Local Government Act of 1989 relate to Philippine governance?

It promotes decentralization to enhance local governance Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant benefit of decentralized governance?

Enhanced service delivery through proximity to constituents Signup and view all the answers

What constitutional aspect emphasizes participation in the Philippines?

Provisions promoting relational and inter-sectoral governance Signup and view all the answers

In what way does public participation manifest in the Philippine governance system?

Via public consultations and hearings conducted by the government Signup and view all the answers

What does the historical approach in political science primarily focus on?

Analyzing the history of political realities Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of the behavioral approach emphasizes the need for verification in research?

Verification Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the institutional approach in political science?

Study of formal structures like legislatures and judiciaries Signup and view all the answers

What does the behavioral approach to political science reject?

Value-laden analysis in research Signup and view all the answers

According to the behavioral approach, what is required after collecting data?

Measurement and quantification of the data Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant point made by Alexis Mortensen in the opinion survey on the importance of politics?

It is crucial to have an understanding of current political affairs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary motive of many aspiring politicians in the Philippines according to the content?

Money and profit during their term in office Signup and view all the answers

What does circumvention of the law often involve?

Compliance with the letter of the law but violation of its spirit Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains the characteristic of 'systematization' in the behavioral approach?

Combining theory with empirical research methodically Signup and view all the answers

What does the behavioral approach imply regarding the relationship between political science and other social sciences?

Political science should integrate insights from various social sciences. Signup and view all the answers

What effort has the Philippines made to combat systemic corruption?

Filing cases against high-ranking officials Signup and view all the answers

Which legislation aims to make the legal process more efficient in the Philippines?

Judicial Affidavit Rule Signup and view all the answers

What are the two key components needed for good governance?

Effectiveness and efficiency Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best characterizes systemic corruption?

A pervasive problem that harms the overall function of government Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of the circumvention of the law by legal practitioners?

Evading accountability for rich clients Signup and view all the answers

In what way does effective governance relate to societal needs?

It ensures that institutions meet the necessities of society Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary requirement for improving public service delivery according to the content?

Establishing a citizen-centered government Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Red Tape' refer to in the context of public service delivery?

The procrastination in public service delivery Signup and view all the answers

Which act was established to simplify governmental transactions in the Philippines?

Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 Signup and view all the answers

What factor is crucial for professionalism in the Philippine bureaucracy?

Merit-based appointments Signup and view all the answers

Why is coordination among government agencies important?

To eliminate redundant information requirements Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for the economic well-being and morale of civil servants?

Increases in compensation Signup and view all the answers

What does transparency in governance imply?

Openness about decision-making processes Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a barrier to effective public service delivery?

Cumbersome procedures and high costs Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lasswell's Definition of Politics

Politics involves the determination of "who gets what, when, and how."
Key components of political decision-making include:
- Distribution of benefits, rewards, and advantages among members of a political society.
- Timing of when these benefits are received.
- Methods of distribution and access to benefits.

The Study of Political Science

Political science examines political phenomena to enhance understanding and develop theoretical frameworks.
Focuses on governmental theory and practice at local, state, national, and international levels.
Systematic study encompasses political structures, processes, and behavior.

Approaches in Political Science

Traditional Approach:
- Philosophical, ethical, and institutional perspectives since Plato and Aristotle focus on state organization.
- Normative in nature, emphasizing values and political structures.
- Forms include:
  - Philosophical: Evaluates moral aspects of political systems.
  - Historical: Analyzes political realities through historical context.
  - Institutional: Studies formal political institutions (e.g., legislatures, judiciary).
  - Legal: Examines legal processes and the role of the judiciary.
Behavioral Approach:
- Stresses objective, value-free analysis of political phenomena using empirical methods.
- Shifts focus from state and government to individual and group behaviors.
- Key characteristics include:
  - Regularities in political behavior that allow predictive theories.
  - Emphasis on verification of findings as a hallmark of scientific inquiry.
  - Use of reliable research techniques and quantification of data.
  - A commitment to integrating various social sciences for a comprehensive political understanding.

Importance of Politics and Government

Active political participation is essential for understanding and influencing societal conditions.
Participation fosters inclusiveness, equity, and a collaborative governance model.
Emphasis on transitioning from a "verticalized system" to a "horizontal system" allows for inter-sectoral collaboration.
In the Philippines, both direct (elections, initiatives) and indirect (public consultations) participation enhance democratic practices.

Governance Challenges in the Philippines

Systemic corruption and its impact on governance highlighted by ongoing cases implicating high-ranking officials.
Corruption often linked to financial motivations among politicians and exploitation of legal loopholes.
Efforts towards promoting the rule of law and improving governance include:
- Cases against officials for graft.
- Legislative acts aimed at expediting judicial processes (e.g., Alternative Dispute Resolution Act).

Effectiveness and Efficiency in Governance

Good governance demands institutions and actors meet societal needs while utilizing resources efficiently.
Governance effectiveness focuses on addressing community necessities; efficiency involves optimal resource use.
Initiatives for effective governance include:
- Standardization of public service quality.
- Professionalization of bureaucracy to ensure merit-based appointments.
- Coordination among agencies to streamline processes and reduce redundancy.

Transparency in Governance

Transparency ensures openness regarding decision-making and implementation processes.
Availability of public information is crucial for fostering informed citizenry and enhancing accountability.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of political science as defined by Harold Lasswell. This quiz delves into the dynamics of who receives what in society and the mechanisms behind political decision-making. Prepare to test your understanding of political benefits, rewards, and their distribution.