Political Science: The Concept of the State

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According to Max Weber, what does the state successfully claim the monopoly of within a given territory?

Economic resources

Cultural influence

Physical force (correct)

Religious authority

What is the dominant form of political organization in the world today?

Cities

States (correct)

Kingdoms

Empires

What differentiates the state from government?

International standing

Economic policies

Recognition of authority to administer and represent (correct)

Monopoly of physical force

What signaled the most active period of state formation after World War II?

The independence of colonized areas in Africa and Asia Signup and view all the answers

How many states exist in the world today?

Nearly 200 states Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to political entities that won independence from a colonial power but doesn’t control much of their territory?

Quasi-states Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature shared by all states according to the text?

Territory, population, and government Signup and view all the answers

In which country did the outbreak of a civil war in 1991 lead to the collapse of the central government and the emergence of several competing factions?

Somalia Signup and view all the answers

What is the core of democracy according to the provided text?

Self-rule Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of democratic rule according to the text?

Representative system of government based on regular, fair, secret, and competitive elections Signup and view all the answers

In which ancient city-state was direct democracy the dominant form of rule according to the text?

Athens Signup and view all the answers

What does a quasi-state lack according to the text?

The necessary tools to impose their will on the population they are supposed to govern Signup and view all the answers

In which continent are most full democracies found according to the text?

Europe Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for a democratic form of government according to the provided text?

Open and responsive government Signup and view all the answers

What category is recognized by the international community to have all the rights of states according to the text?

Quasi-states Signup and view all the answers

What emerged in Somalia following the outbreak of a civil war in 1991?

Several factions competing for power Signup and view all the answers

In a unitary system of government, how does the national government relate to regional and local government?

The national government has sole sovereignty over regional and local government. Signup and view all the answers

What proportion of the world's population resides in countries that are constitutionally established as federations?

37% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a unitary state and a federal state?

The level of autonomy granted to regional governments Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of member states in the United Nations are unitary countries?

90% Signup and view all the answers

How does the internal relationship within a unitary state differ from that in a federal state?

Regional governments have less power in a unitary state Signup and view all the answers

What proportion of the world's population resides in unitary member states of the United Nations?

63% Signup and view all the answers

In a unitary system, where does the most substantial political issues tend to be focused?

At the national level Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of regional units in federal systems?

More independence Signup and view all the answers

What is the common unit of analysis in comparative politics?

National government Signup and view all the answers

Which type of government has sovereignty lying ultimately with the national government?

Unitary government Signup and view all the answers

In what type of systems does the national legislature usually have only one chamber?

Unitary systems Signup and view all the answers

What type of structure has naturally emerged in societies with a history of rule by sovereign monarchs and emperors?

Unitary structure Signup and view all the answers

Where are unitary structures also the norm in smaller democracies?