Political Science Quiz: Power and Government

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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes authority from power?

Authority involves intimidation.

Authority is based on the perceived legitimacy of the individual in power. (correct)

Authority is more subtle than power.

Authority is inherited, but power is seized by military force.

Which type of authority is not primarily vested in a leader?

Dictatorial

Legal-rational (correct)

Traditional

Charismatic

What type of authority is demonstrated by the seniority ranking system in the U.S. Senate?

Charismatic

Traditional

Legal-rational (correct)

Dictatorial

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is best categorized as which type of leader?

Charismatic Signup and view all the answers

Which current world figure is perceived to have the least political power?

Queen Elizabeth II Signup and view all the answers

What historical factor contributes to the scarcity of charismatic female leaders?

Few women have had the opportunity to hold leadership roles over history. Signup and view all the answers

Many constitutional monarchies originated from which form of government?

Absolute monarchies Signup and view all the answers

Which nation is classified as an absolute monarchy?

Oman Signup and view all the answers

What effectively summarizes why the United States is not considered a true democracy?

Politicians are elected but often influenced by special-interest groups. Signup and view all the answers

Which test was historically used by Southern states to restrict African American voters?

Literacy test Signup and view all the answers

Which president is historically known for signing the Voting Rights Act into law?

Lyndon Johnson Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does not significantly influence voting practices in the U.S.?

Voting booths Signup and view all the answers

The U.S. Supreme Court case that led to the revision of voting districts based on population density is called?

Reynolds v. Sims Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'one person, one vote' signify?

Every voter has an equal chance to vote. Signup and view all the answers

Which sociologist is least associated with conflict theory?

George H. Mead Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following paradigms would be critical of movements pushing for rapid social change, such as Occupy Wall Street?

Functionalism Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about authority is accurate?

Authority is derived from the perceived legitimacy of the individual. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of authority is not closely linked to the characteristics of the leader?

Legal-rational authority Signup and view all the answers

What form of government seeks to control all aspects of citizens’ lives?

Totalitarian dictatorship Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental aspect of a democracy?

Voting is used to elect representatives. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of constitutional monarchies at their inception?

They began as absolute monarchies. Signup and view all the answers

Which leader is most widely perceived as a dictator?

Kim Jong-Un Signup and view all the answers

Why have there been historically few charismatic female leaders?

Insufficient opportunities for women in leadership positions. Signup and view all the answers

Which nation is appropriately identified as an absolute monarchy?

Oman Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a totalitarian dictatorship?

The government seeks to control all aspects of citizens' lives. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of authority is considered the most prone to instability?

Charismatic authority Signup and view all the answers

What practice refers to the manipulation of electoral district boundaries for political gain?

Gerrymandering Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily influences public opinion on political issues?

Media coverage Signup and view all the answers

What defines a representative democracy?

A government where citizens elect officials to represent their interests. Signup and view all the answers

In a constitutional monarchy, what is the role of the monarch?

To serve as the ceremonial head of state within the constitution's limits. Signup and view all the answers

Why is gerrymandering considered an example of the power elite at work?

It helps maintain control over political outcomes by powerful groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant method used by totalitarian regimes to suppress dissent?

Utilizing propaganda and surveillance. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would best define an oligarchy?

A system where power resides in a small, elite group. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between charismatic authority and other forms of authority?

It is based on the personal qualities of an individual leader. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary issue caused by special-interest groups in the political system?

They undermine the democratic process. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes a literacy test used by Southern states to discourage voting?

A discriminatory practice targeting African Americans. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement explains the impact of social class on voter turnout?

Lower classes face practical barriers to participation. Signup and view all the answers

What concept does 'one person, one vote' embody?

Every individual's vote should be counted equally. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a functionalist perspective on government?

Maintaining law and order. Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective believes wealth is integral for power and influence?

Conflict theory. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions best demonstrates a characteristic of patrimonialism?

Military enforcement of a ruler's decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Who is most closely associated with the development of conflict theory?

Karl Marx. Signup and view all the answers

Which Supreme Court case led to redistricting based on population density?

Reynolds v. Sims. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is least likely to impact an individual's expectations about voting practices in their community?

Weather conditions on election day. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement would a proponent of functionalism likely agree with?

Society's components must work together for stability. Signup and view all the answers

Which best characterizes the societal views during the Arab Spring and similar movements?

Represented broader calls for systemic change. Signup and view all the answers

What best defines power according to Max Weber?

The ability to exercise one's will over others. Signup and view all the answers

Which would be considered an undesirable movement from a functionalist perspective?

Movements demanding radical change. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Power and Authority

Power differs from authority; authority stems from perceived legitimacy, while power can be forceful.
Authority is more subtle than power.
Authority is based on the perceived legitimacy of the individual in power.
Legal-rational authority isn't solely tied to a leader; it's based on established rules and procedures.
The U.S. Senate seniority system exemplifies legal-rational authority.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. exemplified charismatic leadership.
Determining the least powerful contemporary figure is subjective and context-dependent.
Charismatic authority is the most unstable due to its reliance on an individual leader.
Power, according to Weber, is the ability to exercise one's will even against resistance.

Forms of Government

Many constitutional monarchies historically evolved from absolute monarchies.
Oman is an absolute monarchy.
Kim Jong-Un is considered a dictator.
A totalitarian dictatorship is an extremely oppressive government controlling all aspects of citizens' lives.
A democracy values citizen's rights, is based on a constitution, and involves citizen votes for representatives.
The United States is a representative democracy where citizens choose representatives.
A constitutional monarchy combines a monarch with elected representatives and a constitution.
A representative democracy functions through citizens electing officials to make decisions on their behalf.
Patrimonialism is a form of governance where a ruler exercises authority through personal relationships, and their power is enforced by a military or administrative faction loyal to them.
Totalitarian dictatorship attempts to control all aspects of citizens' lives.

Politics in the United States

Southern states historically used literacy tests to suppress African American voting rights.
Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act.
Voting practices are influenced by race, social class, and ethnicity, not voting booths.
Reynolds v. Sims mandated redistricting based on population density.
"One person, one vote" signifies equal voting power for every citizen.
Gerrymandering is the manipulation of electoral district boundaries for political gain.
Media coverage significantly shapes public opinion on political issues.
Lower-paying jobs with inflexible hours contribute to lower voter turnout among those with lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Theoretical Perspectives on Government and Power

Functionalism emphasizes interdependence and societal stability.
Conflict theorists, like C. Wright Mills and Karl Marx, see social structures as driven by power struggles.
Marx saw social change as stemming from conflict and power imbalances.
The Arab Spring, Occupy Wall Street, and the Tea Party are examples of social movements representing conflict theory issues.
Functionalism posits four government roles: maintaining law, meeting needs, planning society, and resource distribution.
G. William Domhoff's work on power structures aligns with conflict theory; he argues wealth is crucial for political influence.
Functionalists may see social movements as disruptive.
Conflict theory posits that societal structures benefit those in power, while marginalizing others.
Weber's concept of power is the ability to impose one's will on others, regardless of legitimacy.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the concepts of power and authority, different forms of government, and the political landscape in the United States. Explore the distinctions between legal-rational authority and charismatic leadership, as well as the characteristics of democracies and dictatorships. Assess your understanding of how these elements shape governance.