PPG Reviewer Q1: Politics and Governance

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Questions and Answers

What is the core principle of liberal ideology?

Collectivism

Feudalism

Socialism

Individualism (correct)

Which element of liberalism emphasizes the importance of personal freedom?

Individualism

Equality

Freedom (correct)

Reason

What does 'foundational equality' refer to in liberalism?

Equal economic status for all.

All individuals possess equal moral worth. (correct)

Everyone has the same abilities.

Identical rights and responsibilities.

In liberal thought, how should social relationships be characterized?

By consent Signup and view all the answers

What does liberalism propose as the best method for resolving human differences?

Debate and argument Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of liberalism highlights the idea that individuals should enjoy maximum liberty?

Freedom under the law Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'consent of the governed' imply in liberalism?

Government should be accountable to the people. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the liberal view on equality of opportunity?

Opportunities should be equally available to all, allowing for unequal potential. Signup and view all the answers

What is the central theme of conservative thought?

Tradition Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements of conservatism emphasizes the belief that abstract principles are often untrustworthy?

Pragmatism Signup and view all the answers

How does conservatism view human nature?

Pessimistically, noting inherent flaws Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of conservatism asserts that social hierarchy is natural and inevitable?

Hierarchy Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the maintenance of order according to conservative thought?

Strong state and strict laws Signup and view all the answers

According to conservatism, what is the role of authority in society?

To provide leadership and guidance Signup and view all the answers

Conservatives believe that the roots of crime and disorder lie within which aspect of society?

Human individuals Signup and view all the answers

How does conservatism perceive the relationship between freedom and responsibility?

They must coexist with accepted obligations Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the core of socialism?

Community Signup and view all the answers

Which value is central to socialism?

Social Equality Signup and view all the answers

What does anarchism challenge in its central theme?

The belief that government is necessary for order Signup and view all the answers

What principle did Karl Marx advocate for in terms of material benefit distribution?

From each according to his ability, to each according to his need Signup and view all the answers

What is the literal meaning of anarchism?

Without rule Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the fascist ideology?

Collectivism and unity of the national community Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the approach to individual identity in fascism?

Absorbed into the community Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes organizational power?

Power derived from a person's position and control over resources Signup and view all the answers

Which type of power involves the ability to administer punishments?

Coercive power Signup and view all the answers

What social approach does socialism prefer over competition?

Fraternity Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of social organization is opposed in socialism regarding private ownership?

Promotion of selfishness and division Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of power is highlighted by Lord Acton's dictum?

Power can corrupt and lead to self-destruction Signup and view all the answers

Which type of power relies on followers accepting a leader's authority based on internalized beliefs?

Legitimate power Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the outcome-oriented view of socialist equality?

An equality of outcome emphasized over equality of opportunity Signup and view all the answers

What does influence involve in the context of power?

Affecting another's behavior and feelings Signup and view all the answers

How do anarchists view power exerted by the state?

As unwanted coercion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of politics as defined as the 'art of government'?

The making and enforcement of collective decisions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best encapsulates the broadest definition of politics?

Politics is the struggle for scarce resources. Signup and view all the answers

According to the definitions presented, which characteristic is essential to politics?

The making of collective decisions for a group Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as a key aspect of politics when considering compromise and consensus?

The importance of widespread power dispersal Signup and view all the answers

What does Harold Lasswell's definition of politics focus on?

The distribution of resources and power dynamics Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes the relationship between politics and power based on the content?

Politics involves acquiring and maintaining power. Signup and view all the answers

What does the idea of 'politics as public affairs' imply?

There is a distinction between political and non-political matters. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'polis' refer to in the context of politics?

A city-state or community Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Politics, Government, and Governance

Politics derived from Greek "politeia," meaning city or citizenship.
Defined as the management of public affairs and the struggle for power.
Politics involves collective decision-making within a community or society.

Major Problems in Defining Politics

Politics is often viewed as a "loaded term" with no standard definition.

Perspectives on Politics

Art of Government: Control through making and enforcing collective decisions; emphasizes government machinery and personnel.
Public Affairs: Distinction between political and non-political matters; involves the public sphere.
Power Dynamics: Politics is seen as the activity of acquiring and maintaining power for self-preservation or gratification, including social conflicts and scarcity.
Compromise and Consensus: Politics serves as a means to resolve conflicts and promote negotiation and shared power.

Characteristics of Politics

Involves collective decision-making affecting a group.
Shaped by postmodernism, suggesting that traditional ideologies may no longer apply.

Political Ideologies

Liberalism: Emerged from the fall of feudalism; principles include:
- Individualism: Importance of the human individual over collective identities.
- Freedom: Core value, promoting individual liberty balanced with others' rights.
- Reason: Faith in human rationality, emphasizing debate over conflict.
- Equality: Foundational belief in equal moral worth and rights.
- Consent: Government legitimacy based on the governed's consent.
Conservatism: Focuses on preserving traditional social orders; elements include:
- Tradition: Emphasizes customs and tested institutions.
- Pragmatism: Distrusts abstract ideas; values practical experience.
- Human Imperfection: Pessimistic view of human nature, advocating for a strong state.
- Hierarchy & Authority: Natural social gradations; leadership aids those lacking wisdom.
Socialism: Centers on community and social interaction; tenets include:
- Community: Humans seen as interlinked social beings.
- Fraternity: Values cooperation over competition.
- Social Equality: Prioritizes egalitarianism and equal outcomes.
- Need: Proposes resource distribution based on individual needs.
Fascism: Rooted in early 20th century ideologies, prominent under Mussolini and Hitler:
- National unity: Merges individual identity with the community’s goals.
- Values leadership, strength, and heroism over rationalism and equality.
Anarchism: Opposes state authority as unnecessary; advocates for self-managed societies through voluntary cooperation.

Power in Politics

Power involves the ability to influence actions and decisions of individuals or groups.
Defined by Shively as the exercise of influence, critical for political engagement.
Lord Acton's observation highlights the corrupting nature of power.

Sources of Power

Organizational Power: Derived from one's position and control over resources within an organization.
- Reward Power: Ability to offer rewards to influence behavior.
- Coercive Power: Capacity to impose penalties or withdraw rewards to enforce compliance.
- Legitimate Power: Authority recognized by subordinates based on internalized values.
- Information Power: Control over critical information affecting decision-making.

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Description

This quiz covers the foundational concepts of politics, government, and governance, emphasizing the complexities and various definitions of politics. Explore the historical roots of the term and its implications in today's society. Test your understanding of major political theories and the nature of political power.