Political Systems: Autocracy and Oligarchy Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes an autocracy in a political system?

Power is held solely by one individual. (correct)

Power is distributed among several leaders.

Power is randomly assigned to different groups.

Power is held collectively by the citizens.

Which of the following best describes an oligarchy?

A government controlled by a few influential members. (correct)

A system where citizens vote on all matters.

A political system with no organized leadership.

A government run by the military.

In the 'tyranny of the majority', what does the majority fail to do?

Consider the rights of non-majority groups. (correct)

Support the government's vision for the future.

Allocate power fairly among all groups.

Exercise their political rights.

What is a characteristic of a military dictatorship?

Complete power held by military leaders. Signup and view all the answers

Which technique involves convincing citizens of a leader's vision for the future?

Vision of the future Signup and view all the answers

What purpose does propaganda primarily serve in dictatorial regimes?

To influence opinions and behaviors of the populace. Signup and view all the answers

Scapegoating in a dictatorship typically involves:

Blaming a specific group for societal problems. Signup and view all the answers

What is pageantry often used for in dictatorships?

To display the strength and unity of the ruling government. Signup and view all the answers

What legislation allows the Canadian government to suspend civil liberties during periods of crisis?

The War Measures Act Signup and view all the answers

Which group used violence to promote the independence of Quebec during the October Crisis?

The Front de Liberation du Quebec (FLQ) Signup and view all the answers

What major event caused the implementation of the War Measures Act in 1970?

The October Crisis Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the Emergencies Act compared to the War Measures Act?

It ensures respect for the Charter of Rights and Freedoms Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the criticisms related to the USA PATRIOT Act?

It broadens executive branch powers Signup and view all the answers

What does the no-fly list in Canada aim to identify?

Individuals deemed a security threat Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of martial law?

Military control during civil unrest Signup and view all the answers

What major global concern has resulted from the push for economic and political freedoms by liberal democracies?

Environmental degradation Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the outcomes for individuals interned under the War Measures Act during the World Wars?

Legal justification for internment Signup and view all the answers

Which group is not mentioned as a result of resistance to global liberalism through terrorism?

The Taliban Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of using terror by dictators like Pol Pot?

To deter dissent and criticism Signup and view all the answers

Which economic system is characterized by the government controlling the economy?

Command Economy Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of a mixed economy?

A blend of public and private ownership Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main criticisms of command economies?

Lack of incentives and inefficiency Signup and view all the answers

Which country is highlighted as an example of democratic socialism?

Sweden Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of supply and demand affect prices in a market economy?

Prices increase when demand outstrips supply Signup and view all the answers

What major factor contributed to the high unemployment seen in traditional economies?

Limited economic practices with little change Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment protects civil liberties in the United States?

First Amendment Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of traditional economies?

Dependence on cultural or religious practices Signup and view all the answers

What result did the economic policies of Perestroika and Glasnost aim to achieve?

Successful market reforms in the USSR Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Killing Fields' refer to in the context of Pol Pot’s regime?

A series of executed dissidents and terror Signup and view all the answers

Why did the classical liberal ideal of the free market decline?

Emergence of mixed economic practices Signup and view all the answers

What rights are protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in Canada?

Fundamental rights and freedoms Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the United Nations resolution in 2006 regarding Indigenous rights?

It recognized and protected the rights of Aboriginal peoples Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Political Systems

Autocracy: A political system where all power is held by one person or autocrat.
Oligarchy: A dictatorial government controlled by a small group of influential members. Often described as a dictatorship.
Tyranny of the Majority: The majority holds political power, neglecting the rights of the minority.
Tyranny of the Minority: A small group holds political control over the majority. Examples include apartheid in South Africa.
Military Dictatorship: A country ruled by military leaders, often gained through a coup d'état. Military juntas are a common form.

Techniques of One-Party Governments

Vision of the Future: Dictatorships present a vision of the nation's future to gain support. (Examples include Hitler and Stalin)
Propaganda: Used to influence public opinion through indoctrination.
Controlled Participation: Citizens feel involved through rallies, secret police or similar methods. (Examples include Nuremberg rallies and Mao's Cultural Revolution)
Direction of Popular Discontent/Scapegoating: Blaming specific groups for societal problems to distract from government flaws.
Pageantry: Impressive displays like military parades and rallies to showcase the government's power. (e.g., Hitler's military parades).
Fear and Terror: Using fear to prevent dissent and criticism. (Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge as an example).

Economic Systems

Free Market Economies: Economies directed by consumers and private businesses. (No country truly operates as a completely free market)
Mixed Economies: A blend of public and private ownership - often called democratic socialism.
Command Economies: Governments control the economy; often fail due to lack of incentive. (Former USSR and China have moved away from command economies)
Traditional Economies: Economic practices unchanged over time, often linked to culture or religion. (Examples are the Amish and Kibbutzim)

Liberal Democracies and Issues

Constitutional Rights: Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms, U.S. Bill of Rights, and the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms protect citizens' rights.
Emergencies and Security Legislation: Laws allowing governments to limit liberties during crises such as the War Measures Act in Canada. (Replaced by the Emergencies Act)
October Crisis (1970): FLQ violence led to Trudeau invoking the War Measures Act, which sparked controversy over civil liberties.
USA Patriot Act (2001): Increased US government powers to fight terrorism, raising concerns about personal liberties.
No-Fly List: Lists of individuals deemed security threats, controversial for arbitrary inclusion and potential misuse.
Terrorism: Some argue that economic and political freedom has contributed to the rise of terrorist groups resisting liberal ideals.
Pandemics & Global Liberalism: Pandemics can challenge liberal democracies' ideals through restrictions on movement and trade.
Environmental Concerns: The influence of free trade has led to challenges for less developed nations dealing with debt and poverty.

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Description

This quiz explores the characteristics of autocracy and oligarchy within political systems. It addresses the concepts of majority tyranny, military dictatorship, propaganda, and the role of pageantry. Test your understanding of these political structures and their implications for governance.