Political Theory Week 4-5
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Questions and Answers

What is a potential negative consequence of electoral democracy?

  • Stability in policy outputs
  • Tyranny of the majority (correct)
  • Decreased influence of wealth in politics
  • Increased representation for all social classes

Communist regimes easily adapt to changes in public demands due to their flexible political systems.

False (B)

Name one factor that has led to dissent in non-democratic regimes.

Better educated and more sophisticated urban populations

Easton's work suggests that the political system seeks to perpetuate its own _____ and balance.

<p>stability</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characteristics with their associated political system:

<p>Liberal democracies = Tyranny of the majority Communist regimes = Lack of party competition Easton’s bias = Favoring stability in politics Political liberty in the West = Source of dissent in non-democratic regimes</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of liberal democracies?

<p>Totalitarian rule (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Liberal democracies prioritize the protection of individual liberties but often limit government power.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one principle that distinguishes liberal democracies from other forms of governance.

<p>Political pluralism</p> Signup and view all the answers

The cornerstone of liberal democracies is __________.

<p>political pluralism</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of liberal democracies to their descriptions:

<p>Republics = Governed by elected representatives, with or without a monarchy Parliamentary = Government where the executive derives its democratic legitimacy from, and is directly accountable to, the legislature Presidential = Government where the president is elected separately from the legislative body Majoritarian = Government where the majority party forms the government without a coalition</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a contemporary alternative to liberal democracies?

<p>Constitutional Monarchy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

New democracies consistently exhibit strong democratic consolidation.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one flaw commonly found in new democracies?

<p>Weak civil culture</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which form of government does Aristotle consider to be the worst?

<p>Tyranny (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Aristotle believes that monarchy and aristocracy are practical forms of government.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Aristotle advocate as the most practicable constitution?

<p>Polity</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of East Asian governments like South Korea and Malaysia?

<p>Boosting growth and prosperity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Islam has no official status in the governments of Malaysia and Indonesia.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, __________ is a perverted form of rule where the masses govern in their own interests.

<p>Democracy</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define a junta in the context of military government.

<p>A junta is a clique of senior officers that seizes power through a revolution or coup d'état.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of government to its characteristic according to Aristotle:

<p>Monarchy = Rule in the interests of all by a single individual Oligarchy = Rule in the interests of a small group Polity = Rule by the many in the interests of all Tyranny = Rule in the interest of a single person</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common approach to resolving disagreements, according to the content?

<p>Rational debate and discussion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Islamic government, political office is closely linked to __________.

<p>religious status</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following modes of governance with their descriptions:

<p>Hierarchies = Establishing clear chains of command Markets = Facilitating supply and demand dynamics Networks = Creating informal relationships to make decisions Multi-level governance = Transferring policy-making responsibilities across different levels of government</p> Signup and view all the answers

Governments are seen as safeguards against disorder according to the content.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who does Aristotle believe should hold the power in a mixed constitution?

<p>The middle classes</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes guided Islamic democracy?

<p>A form of democracy where Islamic principles play a significant role (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The six forms of government identified by Aristotle are tyranny, oligarchy, democracy, __________, aristocracy, and polity.

<p>Monarchy</p> Signup and view all the answers

Military governments are becoming obsolete in regions like Africa and Southeast Asia.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which form of government does Aristotle prefer for the common good?

<p>Polity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one result of the increasing emphasis on governance?

<p>The boundaries between the state and civil society have become increasingly blurred.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The classic form of military government seizing power is referred to as a __________.

<p>coup d'état</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mode of governance emphasizes informal relationships and associations in decision-making?

<p>Networks (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is generally understood by the term 'government'?

<p>A set of established institutions maintaining public order (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Social-contract theory argues that government is unnecessary and evil.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one of the three basic functions of government.

<p>Legislation</p> Signup and view all the answers

In social-contract theory, human nature is viewed as fundamentally ______.

<p>pessimistic</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the political theorists with their views on government:

<p>Thomas Hobbes = Government is a necessary defense against evil J.-J. Rousseau = Government is a social contract John Locke = Government promotes good William Godwin = Government is unnecessary and evil</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Aquinas believe about the state?

<p>It is the 'perfect community'. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Anarchists view government as a positive force in society.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What view does social-democratic tradition hold about government?

<p>An instrument for mutual benefit</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to social-contract theorists, government is necessary for maintaining public ______.

<p>order</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the alternative tradition towards government?

<p>It sees government as an instrument for promoting good. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Liberal Democracy

A form of government where individual rights and liberties are protected from government overreach. This type of government emphasizes limited government through a constitution, checks and balances, and a strong civil society.

Democratic Feature of Liberal Democracies

A key element of liberal democracies, where regular and competitive elections are held to allow citizens to choose their representatives.

Checks and Balances

A system of government where power is divided among different branches, such as the legislative, executive, and judicial, to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Constitutionalism

A system of governing where a constitution outlines the fundamental principles and laws of the land, limiting government power and protecting individual rights.

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Constitutional Monarchy

A system of government where the head of state is a monarch (king or queen) but their power is limited by a constitution, often with a prime minister as the head of government.

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New Democracies

Governments that operate in a post-communist context, often adopting elements of liberal democracy, including multi-party elections and market-based economics, but may lack democratic consolidation due to factors like weak civil society, inadequate checks on power, and fragmented party systems.

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Parliamentary System

A system of government where the head of state is elected by the people through elections, and the government is responsible to the parliament.

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East Asian Governments

These governments prioritize economic growth and prosperity over individual freedoms. They tend to have strong leaders and ruling parties, valuing loyalty, discipline, and duty over individual rights.

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Theocracy

A form of government where religious principles guide political and social affairs.

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East Asian Government Model

East Asian governments prioritize economic growth and prosperity over individual freedoms, often with strong leaders or dominant political parties.

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Junta

A group of military officers who take control of a government through a coup or revolution.

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Guided Islamic Democracy

A system where political and social decisions are made through a combination of religious and democratic principles.

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Governance

The processes and structures used to manage and coordinate social life.

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Multi-level Governance

Power distribution across multiple levels of government, with national, regional, and local authorities interacting.

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Military Government

Military governments in Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.

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Blurred Boundaries of Governance

In modern governance, there is a blurring of lines between the government and civil society, with a broader understanding of how social life is managed.

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Fundamentalist Islamic Government

In some societies, Islamic principles have a strong influence on government, sometimes leading to stricter interpretations of religious laws.

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Eastern Values in Governance

In East Asian government models, there is a strong emphasis on values like loyalty, discipline, and duty.

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Tyranny

A form of government where a single individual rules, but their power is not limited by any checks or balances.

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Oligarchy

A form of government where a small group of people rules, often based on wealth or social status, and power is not shared with the masses.

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Democracy

A form of government where the people hold power, often through direct participation or representative elections.

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Monarchy

A form of government where a single ruler, often a king or queen, holds power, but their authority is usually limited by a constitution or other laws.

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Aristocracy

A form of government where a small group of individuals rules, often based on their nobility or wisdom, and their power is used to benefit the entire community.

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Polity

A form of government where the people hold power, but their rule is guided by principles of justice and fairness, ensuring that decisions benefit the entire community.

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What does 'govern' mean?

The act of ruling or exercising control over others. In a narrower sense, it refers to established institutions that maintain public order and engage in collective action.

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What are the functions of government?

The three basic functions of any government system are: (1) Lawmaking (legislation), (2) Executing laws, and (3) Adjudicating disputes.

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What is social contract theory?

The argument that government is necessary to protect individuals from harm and prevent chaos. It views human nature as inherently flawed.

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What is the benign view of government?

A philosophical perspective that sees government as a means to promote good and ensure cooperation for mutual benefit. It maintains a more optimistic view of human nature.

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What is anarchism?

A political ideology that rejects all forms of government and political authority, advocating for a society without a state.

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What is William Godwin's view of human nature?

The idea that humans are capable of continuous improvement and can live harmoniously without the need for government.

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What is the difference between 'government' and 'governance'?

The concept that 'government' and 'governance' are interconnected but distinct. 'Government' refers to institutions, while 'governance' encompasses broader processes of decision-making.

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What is a political system?

A system of organizing political power, such as democracy, monarchy, or dictatorship.

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What is a liberal democracy?

A system of government where individuals have significant political rights and freedoms. It emphasizes limited government and protection of individual rights.

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What is a constitutional monarchy?

A political system where the head of state is a monarch (king or queen) but their power is limited by a constitution.

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Study Notes

Political Theory (Week 4-5)

  • Government is defined as the ruling or control over others. A narrower view defines it as established institutions maintaining order and collective action.
  • Key functions of government include lawmaking, law implementation (execution), and administration.
  • Government, in any form, is often seen as both oppressive and unnecessary.
  • It's difficult to categorize governments due to diverse types and varieties.
  • Government cannot be understood in isolation; it interacts with the society it rules.
  • Social contract theory posits that governments are needed to protect people from evil and barbarity. Philosophers like Hobbes, Rousseau, and Locke developed this concept.
  • An alternative viewpoint suggests government is fundamentally beneficial, promoting the common good beyond simply avoiding harm.
  • Aquinas viewed the state as a "perfect community" where law promotes goodness in subjects, even without original sin.
  • Anarchists believe government is both unnecessary and harmful. They argue for human rationality, compassion, and self-regulating social harmony. Leaders like William Godwin advocated this belief.
  • Governments, despite their variety, aim for orderly governance.
  • Classifications of governments have evolved through centuries of political philosophy. A key figure in this development is Aristotle.
  • Aristotle's analysis categorizes governments based on who rules (one, few, or many) and whose interests are served.
  • Aristotle identified six forms of government: monarchy, aristocracy, polity, tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy. Of these, the last three are deviant or corrupt forms.
  • Types of liberal democracies include republics and constitutional monarchies (parliamentary or presidential).
  • Majoritarian and coalition governments are additional contemporary forms of government.
  • New democracies, East Asian governments, Islamic governments, and military governments stand as varied forms of contemporary governance.
  • New democracies often face challenges in consolidating democratic principles.
  • East Asian governments prioritize economic growth over individual freedoms.
  • Islamic governments often base governance on religious principles, with political office linked to religious status in fundamentalist versions.
  • Military governments arise from coups or revolutions, characterized by a clique of senior officers taking control.
  • Governance encompasses the different ways social life is coordinated. Government is just one institution among many.
  • Governance includes hierarchies, markets, and networks (informal connections).
  • Modern governance is influenced by blurred boundaries between state and civil society.
  • Multi-level governance demonstrates a move away from solely national government toward other levels, like international bodies and subnational entities.
  • Political systems, a newer concept, emphasizes the interaction between government and the entire society.
  • Key figures like Talcott Parsons defined the concept of a political system.
  • Easton's political systems approach highlights the feedback loop between the environment, inputs (demands and support), the political system, and outputs (decisions and policies).
  • The analysis of government within a political system helps clarify how society and government interact.
  • Liberal democracies have systems to address popular demands. Mechanisms include competing party systems and interest groups.
  • Despite mechanisms for stability, stressors can lead to the downfall of governments, including the tyranny of the majority.
  • Communist and non-democratic regimes have less predictable stability, often due to limited avenues for expression or interaction between government and citizens.

Governance

  • Governance refers to the diverse ways societies organize and coordinate actions.
  • It encompasses many institutions (beyond only the government) that help shape social order.
  • Different methods include hierarchical systems, markets, and networks.

Political Systems

  • The study of political systems examines the interactions between the government and larger (and smaller) societies.
  • Political systems are dynamic processes where stability rests on how inputs affect outputs.
  • Systems that fail to respond to societal needs can experience breakdowns.
  • The role of 'gatekeepers' and how they regulate inputs (like political parties and interest groups) is important for stability.
  • Different systems have varying effectiveness in maintaining stability.
  • A crucial consideration is how a political system incorporates input into outputs.

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Political Theory (1) Week 4-5 PDF

Description

Explore the complexities of government in this quiz covering political theory from weeks 4 and 5. Delve into key concepts such as the functions of government, social contract theory, and contrasting views on the role of government in society. Understand the contributions of philosophers like Hobbes, Rousseau, Locke, and Aquinas in shaping political thought.

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