Political Science Quiz on Democracy and Governance

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of consensus decision making?

To ensure every group member has a chance to contribute and agree (correct)

To empower a small group of leaders to make decisions for the group

To gather votes and implement a decision rapidly

To make decisions based solely on majority opinion

Which term refers to negative rights that require individuals to be left alone?

Responsibilities

Mandatory voting

Tyranny of the majority

Liberal rights (correct)

Which concept describes the potential problem in a democracy where the majority's will is imposed on minorities?

Elite theory of democracy

Lobbying

Consensus decision making

Tyranny of the majority (correct)

What is the role of lobbying in government?

To influence governmental policy by interest groups Signup and view all the answers

What does the elite theory of democracy suggest?

Decisions should be made by a small group of informed individuals Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a military dictatorship?

The military has complete control and power. Signup and view all the answers

What does party solidarity imply in the context of a political party?

Party members consistently vote with the party. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of representative democracy?

Regular elections for citizens to choose their representatives. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential disadvantage of mandatory voting?

Higher number of spoiled ballots Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism allows citizens to vote on a proposed piece of legislation directly?

Referendum Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about proportional representation?

Seats are allocated based on the number of votes received. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that a small group of well-informed individuals should govern?

Elite Theory of Democracy Signup and view all the answers

What is an oligarchy?

A government system with complete control held by a small group. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of lobbying by interest groups?

Potential influence on public policy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes inefficient governance?

The perception that a government is unable to make beneficial decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'tyranny of the majority' refer to?

Imposition of majority will on minority rights Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of mandatory voting?

High voter satisfaction Signup and view all the answers

In what political system is a one-party state characterized?

Only one political party being permitted to exist. Signup and view all the answers

Which resource is required to enforce mandatory voting laws?

Increased election staff Signup and view all the answers

Why might governments choose practicality over popular opinion in decision making?

To address urgent needs or necessities Signup and view all the answers

What does the will of the people generally refer to in the context of democracy?

Majority opinion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the separation of powers in government?

To prevent abuse of power by dividing responsibilities. Signup and view all the answers

In a parliamentary democracy, what does the term 'responsible government' imply?

The legislative branch can challenge the executive's legislative proposals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of the single-member constituency system?

Each constituency sends only one representative to the House of Commons. Signup and view all the answers

How is the US Congress structured?

It has two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism does the Electoral College use in the election process?

It assigns electors based on Congressional representation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of the proportional representation system?

It provides a more accurate representation of the popular vote. Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible disadvantage of a proportional representation system?

It may result in minority governments that are less effective. Signup and view all the answers

Which country is known for implementing mandatory voting?

Australia Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of modifying a proposed response in the consensus decision making process?

To address the concerns of those who disagree Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a stated benefit of consensus decision making?

Decisions are made quickly Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does consensus decision making NOT face according to the content?

High quality of outcomes Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of the Miracle of Aggregation apply to decision making?

It suggests uninformed errors cancel each other out Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'systematic mistakes' refer to in a voting context?

Consistent and predictable errors in decisions Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential criticism of citizens' roles in consensus decision making?

They may lack rationality in their decision making Signup and view all the answers

What is a common quality of decisions made using consensus decision making?

They often reflect input from all members of the group Signup and view all the answers

If a group does not reach full agreement during consensus decision making, what happens next?

The concerns of dissenters are presented and discussed Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of a one-party system?

A single party claims to embody the will of the people Signup and view all the answers

How do military dictatorships typically come to power?

Through a coup d'etat Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is commonly used by authoritarian governments to shape public perception?

Propaganda Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of the visions held by authoritarian governments?

A strong sense of nationalism or ideology Signup and view all the answers

What is one method authoritarian governments use to divert public discontent?

Creating an enemy for the public to focus on Signup and view all the answers

What role do show trials play in authoritarian regimes?

To stage predetermined outcomes and silence opposition Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary objective of the Cultural Revolution in China?

To suppress liberal leanings and spread communism Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is utilized by authoritarian governments to maintain control through fear?

Terror and violence Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts and Terms

Authoritarianism: A system where the ruler has complete control and power.
Consensus decision making: A process where decisions are made through agreement, not majority vote.
Direct democracy: Citizens participate directly in decision-making.
Military dictatorship: A system with complete military control.
Oligarchy: A small group holds complete control.
One-Party state: Only one political party is permitted.
Party solidarity: Party members vote with the party, not individual conscience.
Proportional representation: Seats are allocated based on vote percentage.
Representative democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
Responsible government: The government is accountable to the people.
Lack of representation: Citizens feel not represented by their government.
Inefficient governance: Governments seen as ineffective in decision-making.
Initiatives: Citizens can create legislation through petitions.
Referendums/Plebiscites: Citizens vote on proposed legislation.
Recalls: A majority of voters can remove an elected official.

Representative Democracy

Periodic elections: Regular elections to ensure representation aligns with the people's will.
Multiple parties: Different parties represent diverse perspectives and monitor each other.
Separation of powers: Different branches of government have distinct powers to prevent abuse.
Independent media: A free press holds those in power accountable.
Independent judiciary: A separate judiciary interprets laws independently.
Rule of law: A consistent set of rules applying to everyone, even those in power.

Parliamentary Democracy

Responsible government: The executive branch is accountable to the legislative branch.
Parliamentary vote of non-confidence: A vote that can force a government to resign or call an election.
Single-member constituency system: Each constituency elects a single representative to the parliament.

US Congress

Two chambers: The House of Representatives (435 members, based on population) and the Senate (100 members, two per state).

Election Process (US)

Electoral College: A process where electors chosen by each state elect the president.

Proportional Representation

Allocation of seats: Seats are proportional to the number of votes a party receives.
Advantages: More accurate representation of the popular vote, encourages participation of minority parties.
Disadvantages: Can lead to coalition governments, potentially unstable or ineffective governments.

Mandatory Voting

Required by law: Citizens are legally obligated to vote.
Advantages: Increased voter turnout, more representative government.
Disadvantages: Potential for more spoiled ballots, additional resources needed.

Elite Theories of Democracy

A small group of qualified individuals making decisions for society.
Individuals may not feel responsible for their decisions in a large group.

Lobbying by Interest Groups

The attempt to influence government policy by groups with vested interests.
Interest groups may donate money to campaigns.

Tyranny of the Majority

The potential problem in democracies where the majority imposes its will on minorities.
Practicality vs Popular Opinion: Governments sometimes make decisions based on practical needs, even if unpopular.
Liberal rights, responsibilities and mandatory voting are also covered.

Consensus Decision Making Process

Group members share ideas until a collective agreement is reached.

Types of Authoritarian Governments

Oligarchies: Power held by a small elite.
Military dictatorships: Power held by the military.
Ideological one-party states: Only one party holds power.
Monarchies: Power held by a monarch.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Authoritarian Systems

Strengths: Ability to make quick decisions, stability and order.
Weaknesses: Lack of individual freedoms, potential for human rights abuses.

One-Party Systems

Characteristics: Single party holds power, may claim to represent the will of the people.
Criticism: Not truly democratic, often does not represent the will of the people.

Military Dictatorships

Characteristics: Military leadership holds power, often come to power via a coup.
Justifications: Often justify power as necessary for stability or to rescue the country from ideological threats.

Authoritarian Techniques

Propaganda: Shaping public opinion to support the regime.
Controlled participation: Allowing the illusion of participation while maintaining control.
Visions: Creating a vision of the future to justify decisions.

Authoritarian Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths: Ability to provide stability and order, potential to promote economic growth.
Weaknesses: Human rights violations, lack of peaceful political transitions, lack of representation of the populace.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts in political science, including consensus decision making, lobbying, and the implications of representative democracy. This quiz explores various theories and structures of government, providing a comprehensive overview of democratic practices and challenges. Ideal for students and enthusiasts of political science.