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Questions and Answers
What best defines the concept of authority in a state?
Which of the following is NOT a drawback of using force to maintain sovereignty?
How do authoritarian regimes primarily maintain their authority?
What aspect of sovereignty does NOT imply a state's absolute power?
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What is a primary source of legitimacy for democratic governments?
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What may contribute to a state's erosion of legitimacy over time?
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Which of the following best describes coercion in the context of state power?
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What factor distinguishes how states claim sovereignty?
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Which of the following is a common characteristic of both authoritarian and democratic governments?
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What might a state experience as a consequence of using excessive force against its citizens?
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Study Notes
Sources of State Power
- Power is defined as the ability to compel action by influencing others' behavior.
- Key sources of state power include military strength, economic resources, political institutions, and social contracts.
- China derives its power from rapid economic growth and strict control over society and information.
- Iran's power is bolstered by its oil resources, revolutionary ideology, and regional influence.
- Russia maintains power through its energy resources, military capabilities, and centralized control over political structures.
Role of Authority in Sovereignty
- Authority represents the legitimate power that states exercise over their citizens within their borders.
- Eternal sovereignty refers to a state's unchanging right to govern itself without external interference.
- Internal sovereignty encompasses the recognition of authority over citizens, maintaining order, and responding to internal disputes.
- Both authoritarian and democratic governments maintain internal and external sovereignty through claimed rights to use force.
Coercion and Sovereignty
- Coercion involves the use or threat of force to compel compliance, which does not equate to absolute power.
- Sovereignty exists on a spectrum, indicating varying degrees of state power and action.
Drawbacks of Using Force to Maintain Sovereignty
- Employing force can erode popular support, diminishing a state's power base and legitimacy.
- Internal backlash may arise, leading to civil unrest and societal instability.
- Externally, excessive use of force can damage a nation's reputation, deterring foreign investment and alliances.
Differences in Authority: Democratic vs. Authoritarian Regimes
- Democratic states rely significantly on popular support, electoral processes, and civil participation to establish authority.
- Authoritarian regimes often dismiss civil participation, relying on military power, control of institutions, and propaganda, including cults of personality, to maintain sovereignty.
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Description
This quiz explores the sources of state power, focusing on sovereignty, authority, and the power dynamics in countries such as China, Iran, and Russia. Understand how states utilize their power and authority to maintain legitimacy over their territories.
