Political Theory and Economy Quiz

A system of governance where power is shared between a central government and regional or sub-national governments.

A system of governance where power is devolved from a central government to lower levels of government.

A political science approach that emphasizes the influence of social structures and institutions on individual and collective behavior. It focuses on how power relations, social norms, and economic factors shape political outcomes.

A political science approach that highlights the role of individual actors and their choices in shaping political events. It emphasizes the agency of individuals, groups, and organizations in driving social and political change.

The process of developing clear and precise definitions for concepts used in social science research.

The process of assigning numerical values or categories to concepts to allow for systematic measurement and analysis.

Political regimes characterized by a high degree of state control, limited individual freedoms, and suppression of dissent.

Political regimes that exhibit features of both democratic and authoritarian systems. They may have elections, but they are often flawed or manipulated, and citizens' rights may be limited.

Normative theories of liberal democracy assume mass media plays a crucial role in informing citizens and fostering political participation. However, economic pressures, social inequalities, and political biases can hinder media's ability to fulfill these expectations.

The minimal effects theory argues that media content has limited impact on audience political views, emphasizing individual factors like existing beliefs and social networks. Critics argue that media can still influence attitudes and shape public opinion.

Publicly funded media aims to provide unbiased and diverse coverage, promoting civic engagement. Commercial funding focuses on profitability, potentially leading to sensationalism and catering to specific audiences. Both models have advantages and disadvantages.

Competition in the news media market can lead to both improved and degraded reporting standards. Striving for accuracy and innovation can enhance quality, while sensationalism and clickbait tactics can prioritize profit over truth.

Election campaigns can impact citizens' political information levels and voting behavior. Exposure to campaign messages can raise awareness and influence choices, but misinformation and negative campaigning can also distort perceptions.

The idea that all individuals are equal in moral worth and deserve equal respect and consideration. This provides a basis for advocating for equal rights and opportunities.

The duty or obligation individuals have to obey the laws and rules of the political system they are a part of. Key components include justifying political authority and understanding the nature of citizenship.

The idea that political obligation arises from the consent of the governed. Individuals agree to be bound by laws and rules through explicit or implicit consent. However, it faces problems like the challenge of proving universal consent and dealing with situations where consent might be coerced or withheld.

A theory of justice that focuses on maximizing overall happiness or utility for the greatest number of people. Objections include the potential for sacrificing individual rights to achieve collective happiness, difficulty in measuring happiness, and ignoring individual needs.

A hypothetical situation in Rawls' theory of justice where individuals choose principles of justice from behind a 'veil of ignorance'. They are unaware of their own social position, talents, or beliefs, ensuring a fair and impartial outcome.

One of Rawls' principles of justice that states that social and economic inequalities are acceptable only if they benefit the least advantaged members of society. Criticism includes the potential for limiting individual opportunities and promoting an inefficient allocation of resources.

The set of conditions necessary for a just society to exist. These include factors like scarcity, pluralism, and reasonable disagreement, highlighting the complexity of achieving justice in a diverse and imperfect world.

Nozick's principle that individuals can acquire property rights justly through original acquisition, which involves acquiring unowned resources while respecting the Lockean proviso (not causing harm to others). This principle emphasizes individual rights and minimal government intervention.