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Questions and Answers
Which political ideology aligns most closely with the belief that the government should actively redistribute wealth to achieve greater social equality?
Which political ideology aligns most closely with the belief that the government should actively redistribute wealth to achieve greater social equality?
- Socialism (correct)
- Liberalism
- Conservatism
- Fascism
An environmental advocacy group lobbies for stricter emission standards on automobiles. Which type of political actor does this represent?
An environmental advocacy group lobbies for stricter emission standards on automobiles. Which type of political actor does this represent?
- Social Movement
- Interest Group (correct)
- Political Party
- Non-governmental Organization
In a country using a first-past-the-post (FPTP) electoral system, a candidate can win an election even without securing more than 50% of the votes. Which of the following scenarios illustrates this outcome?
In a country using a first-past-the-post (FPTP) electoral system, a candidate can win an election even without securing more than 50% of the votes. Which of the following scenarios illustrates this outcome?
- The winning candidate is allocated additional seats based on proportional representation to achieve a majority.
- The winning candidate forms a coalition with other parties, collectively holding a majority.
- The winning candidate receives a majority of the votes in a runoff election.
- The winning candidate receives the most individual votes, but not a majority, in a single-round election with multiple candidates. (correct)
A survey reveals that a majority of citizens support increased funding for renewable energy but are hesitant to pay higher taxes to finance it. Which aspect of political behavior does this scenario best illustrate?
A survey reveals that a majority of citizens support increased funding for renewable energy but are hesitant to pay higher taxes to finance it. Which aspect of political behavior does this scenario best illustrate?
Which political ideology most strongly advocates for national unity and the suppression of political opposition to achieve national goals?
Which political ideology most strongly advocates for national unity and the suppression of political opposition to achieve national goals?
A researcher aims to compare the electoral systems of the United States and Canada, focusing on how these systems affect voter turnout. Which core aspect of political science is this researcher primarily engaging in?
A researcher aims to compare the electoral systems of the United States and Canada, focusing on how these systems affect voter turnout. Which core aspect of political science is this researcher primarily engaging in?
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of 'legitimacy' in political science?
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of 'legitimacy' in political science?
A country's constitution grants the legislative branch the power to impeach and remove the president. Which key concept of government does this best illustrate?
A country's constitution grants the legislative branch the power to impeach and remove the president. Which key concept of government does this best illustrate?
A study aims to understand how social media influences voting behavior among young adults. Which core aspect of political science would be most relevant to this research?
A study aims to understand how social media influences voting behavior among young adults. Which core aspect of political science would be most relevant to this research?
Which scenario exemplifies the concept of 'political socialization'?
Which scenario exemplifies the concept of 'political socialization'?
A researcher is analyzing the impact of international trade agreements on a country's domestic policies. Which field of political science is most relevant to this study?
A researcher is analyzing the impact of international trade agreements on a country's domestic policies. Which field of political science is most relevant to this study?
Which of the following examples illustrates the function of the executive branch of government?
Which of the following examples illustrates the function of the executive branch of government?
A country is undergoing a period of rapid industrialization, leading to significant changes in its social structure and political system. Which concept would a political scientist most likely use to analyze these broad societal shifts?
A country is undergoing a period of rapid industrialization, leading to significant changes in its social structure and political system. Which concept would a political scientist most likely use to analyze these broad societal shifts?
Which international relations theory would be most likely to explain a country increasing its military spending as a direct reaction to a rival nation's increase in military strength?
Which international relations theory would be most likely to explain a country increasing its military spending as a direct reaction to a rival nation's increase in military strength?
A public policy analyst is tasked with evaluating a new education program. Which of the following would represent an analysis of the program's efficiency?
A public policy analyst is tasked with evaluating a new education program. Which of the following would represent an analysis of the program's efficiency?
Which political thinker would most likely agree with the statement: "The ends justify the means, even if those means are morally questionable."
Which political thinker would most likely agree with the statement: "The ends justify the means, even if those means are morally questionable."
A researcher wants to understand the effect of social media on political polarization. Which research method would be most suitable to establish a causal relationship?
A researcher wants to understand the effect of social media on political polarization. Which research method would be most suitable to establish a causal relationship?
Which type of regime is characterized by a single ruler who inherited power through family lineage?
Which type of regime is characterized by a single ruler who inherited power through family lineage?
A government implements tariffs on imported goods to protect domestic industries. Which political economy perspective is most aligned with this action?
A government implements tariffs on imported goods to protect domestic industries. Which political economy perspective is most aligned with this action?
A country's geographic location provides access to vital trade routes and abundant natural resources. How would geopolitics analyze this situation?
A country's geographic location provides access to vital trade routes and abundant natural resources. How would geopolitics analyze this situation?
A nation invests heavily in cybersecurity infrastructure to protect against foreign cyberattacks. Which field of study is most directly concerned with this?
A nation invests heavily in cybersecurity infrastructure to protect against foreign cyberattacks. Which field of study is most directly concerned with this?
A political campaign uses targeted ads on social media to influence voter behavior. Which field of study is best suited to analyze the effectiveness of this strategy?
A political campaign uses targeted ads on social media to influence voter behavior. Which field of study is best suited to analyze the effectiveness of this strategy?
A poll reveals that public support for a particular policy has dropped significantly after a series of negative news reports. How might public opinion influence the government's actions?
A poll reveals that public support for a particular policy has dropped significantly after a series of negative news reports. How might public opinion influence the government's actions?
A leader's ability to inspire trust and persuade others is heavily influenced by psychological factors. Which field of study investigates these factors in the political realm?
A leader's ability to inspire trust and persuade others is heavily influenced by psychological factors. Which field of study investigates these factors in the political realm?
Which area of study is likely to compare the U.S. Presidential system with the parliamentary system in the UK?
Which area of study is likely to compare the U.S. Presidential system with the parliamentary system in the UK?
A policy analyst is recommending lawmakers increase funding to a pre-kindergarten program; to make their case they produce data that shows for every dollar spent, $7 is saved in future social costs. What type of analysis is that?
A policy analyst is recommending lawmakers increase funding to a pre-kindergarten program; to make their case they produce data that shows for every dollar spent, $7 is saved in future social costs. What type of analysis is that?
When a society develops stable political institutions, fostering democratization and ensuring political stability, what process is that society undergoing?
When a society develops stable political institutions, fostering democratization and ensuring political stability, what process is that society undergoing?
"Town hall meetings, online surveys, and public forums are organized by municipal governments seeking citizen feedback on proposed zoning changes." This scenario best illustrates which concept?
"Town hall meetings, online surveys, and public forums are organized by municipal governments seeking citizen feedback on proposed zoning changes." This scenario best illustrates which concept?
Flashcards
Liberalism
Liberalism
Emphasizes individual rights, limited government, and free markets.
Conservatism
Conservatism
Emphasizes tradition, social order, and individual responsibility.
Political Parties
Political Parties
Organized groups that seek to win elections and control government
First-Past-The-Post (FPTP)
First-Past-The-Post (FPTP)
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Political participation
Political participation
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Political Science
Political Science
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Political Theory
Political Theory
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Comparative Politics
Comparative Politics
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International Relations
International Relations
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State
State
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Sovereignty
Sovereignty
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Legitimacy
Legitimacy
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Political Culture
Political Culture
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Realism (International Relations)
Realism (International Relations)
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Liberalism (International Relations)
Liberalism (International Relations)
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Constructivism (International Relations)
Constructivism (International Relations)
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Policy-making process
Policy-making process
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Policy analysis
Policy analysis
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Democracy
Democracy
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Authoritarianism
Authoritarianism
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Political Economy
Political Economy
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Geopolitics
Geopolitics
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Political Communication
Political Communication
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Public opinion
Public opinion
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Political Psychology
Political Psychology
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Policy Analysis
Policy Analysis
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Political Development
Political Development
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Global Governance
Global Governance
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Study Notes
- Political science is the systematic study of politics
- It examines the theory and practice of politics and political behavior
- Political science analyzes the structure and processes of government
- It studies political institutions, and political behavior
Core Aspects
- Political theory deals with the history of political thought and normative political philosophy
- It explores concepts like justice, liberty, equality, and democracy
- Comparative politics analyzes different political systems across the world
- It involves studying institutions, political culture, and political behavior in various countries
- International relations focuses on the interactions between states and non-state actors
- It includes topics such as diplomacy, war, international organizations, and international political economy
- Public administration examines the implementation of public policies and the management of government agencies
- It analyzes the role of bureaucracy, public sector management, and policy evaluation
- Public law deals with the interpretation and application of laws, including constitutional law, administrative law, and criminal law
- Political methodology involves the application of scientific methods to study political phenomena
- It includes quantitative and qualitative research methods
Key Concepts
- State: A political entity with a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states
- Sovereignty: The supreme authority within a territory
- Government: The institution or group of people responsible for making and enforcing laws
- Legitimacy: The belief that a government has the right to rule
- Power: The ability to influence the behavior of others
- Authority: Legitimate power
- Democracy: A system of government in which citizens exercise power directly or indirectly through elected representatives
- Political Culture: The set of values, beliefs, and attitudes that a society holds towards politics
- Ideology: A system of ideas and ideals that forms the basis of political theory and policy
- Political Socialization: The process by which individuals acquire their political beliefs and values
Branches of Government
- Legislative branch: Responsible for making laws e.g. Congress
- Executive branch: Responsible for enforcing laws e.g. office of President
- Judicial branch: Responsible for interpreting laws e.g. Supreme court
Political Ideologies
- Liberalism: Emphasizes individual rights, limited government, and free markets
- Conservatism: Emphasizes tradition, social order, and individual responsibility
- Socialism: Emphasizes social equality, economic redistribution, and government intervention
- Communism: Advocates for a classless society and collective ownership of the means of production
- Fascism: Emphasizes nationalism, authoritarianism, and the suppression of opposition
Political Actors
- Political parties: Organized groups that seek to win elections and control government
- Interest groups: Organizations that advocate for specific policies
- Social movements: Collective efforts to promote or resist social change
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Non-profit organizations that operate independently of governments
- Media: Plays a critical role in shaping public opinion and holding government accountable
Electoral Systems
- First-past-the-post (FPTP): The candidate with the most votes wins
- Proportional representation (PR): Seats are allocated based on the proportion of votes received
- Mixed-member proportional (MMP): A combination of FPTP and PR
Political Behavior
- Voting behavior: Factors influencing how people vote
- Public opinion: The attitudes and beliefs of the public on political issues
- Political participation: Activities that citizens engage in to influence government e.g. voting, protesting, campaigning
International Relations Theories
- Realism: States act in their self-interest and seek to maximize power
- Liberalism: Emphasizes cooperation, international institutions, and the spread of democracy
- Constructivism: Focuses on the role of ideas, norms, and identities in shaping international relations
Public Policy
- Policy-making process: The steps involved in creating and implementing public policies
- Policy analysis: The evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of public policies
Political Thinkers
- Plato: Advocated for a philosopher-king and a just society
- Aristotle: Emphasized the importance of empirical observation and constitutional government
- Niccolò Machiavelli: Argued that rulers should be pragmatic and willing to use any means necessary to maintain power
- John Locke: Advocated for natural rights, limited government, and the social contract
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Emphasized the social contract and the general will
- Karl Marx: Analyzed capitalism and advocated for a communist revolution
- Max Weber: Studied bureaucracy, power, and the rationalization of society
Research Methods
- Surveys: Used to gather data from a sample of individuals
- Experiments: Used to test causal relationships
- Case studies: In-depth analysis of a single case or event
- Statistical analysis: Used to analyze quantitative data
- Qualitative analysis: Used to analyze qualitative data, such as interviews and documents
- Comparative analysis: Used to compare political systems or phenomena across different countries
Types of Regimes
- Democracy: Rule by the people, characterized by free and fair elections, protection of civil liberties, and the rule of law
- Authoritarianism: Rule by a single person or a small group, characterized by limited political freedom and suppression of opposition
- Totalitarianism: An extreme form of authoritarianism that seeks to control all aspects of public and private life
- Monarchy: Rule by a hereditary monarch
- Oligarchy: Rule by a small group of elites
- Theocracy: Rule by religious leaders
Political Economy
- The study of the interaction between politics and economics
- Focuses on how political factors influence economic outcomes and vice versa
- Examines topics such as trade, finance, development, and inequality
- Includes different perspectives, such as liberalism, Marxism, and mercantilism
Geopolitics
- The study of the influence of geography on politics and international relations
- Focuses on how geographical factors, such as location, resources, and climate, shape the behavior of states
- Examines topics such as territorial disputes, strategic alliances, and the balance of power
Security Studies
- The study of the threats to national and international security
- Focuses on issues such as war, terrorism, cybersecurity, and environmental security
- Examines different approaches to security, such as realism, liberalism, and constructivism
Political Communication
- The study of how political actors use communication to influence public opinion and behavior
- Focuses on topics such as media coverage of politics, political advertising, and public relations
- Examines the role of new technologies, such as social media, in political communication
Public Opinion and Polling
- Public opinion is the aggregation of individual attitudes or beliefs about a topic
- Polling helps measure public opinion by surveying a sample
- Issues in polling include sample bias and question wording
- Public policy is often influenced by swings in public opnion
Political Psychology
- Applies psychological principles to the study of political behavior
- Focuses on understanding the psychological factors that influence attitudes, beliefs, and decision-making
- Examines topics such as political attitudes, identity, leadership, and conflict resolution
Comparative Constitutionalism
- Studies and compares different constitutional systems around the world
- Examines the structure and functions of government, the protection of rights, and the rule of law
- Analyzes the impact of constitutional design on political outcomes
Policy Analysis
- Systematic method for evaluating potential policies
- Considers factors like cost, benefit and impacts on different populations
- Helps lawmakers make good decisions
Political Development
- It concerns the processes through which societies develop political institutions and practices
- Examines factors that contribute to or hinder democratization, state-building, and political stability
- Explores the relationship between economic development and political change
Citizen Engagement
- Includes activities like voting, volunteering, campaigning
- Key for governments to understand needs of the population
Global Governance
- Structures and processes by which humanity solves its problems
- Involves states, international organizations and NGOs
- Important as countries are more connected than ever
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Description
Political science is the systematic study of politics, examining both its theory and practice. It analyzes government structures, political institutions, and political behavior. Core aspects include political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and public administration.
