Sociology Lesson 18: Politics and Government

Questions and Answers

What is authoritarianism?

A political system where people are denied the ability to participate in government (correct)

A system of governance based on democracy

A system where power is distributed among many interest groups

A political system where people participate in government

What is authority?

Power that people perceive as legitimate.

What is charismatic authority?

Power that is legitimated by personal attributes or accomplishments.

What defines a democracy?

A political system where the people exercise power directly or indirectly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the elite model?

A view that power is concentrated in the hands of a small group of elites. Signup and view all the answers

What is a government?

The formal organization with legal and political authority to direct society. Signup and view all the answers

What is a monarchy?

A political system where a single family exercises power over society. Signup and view all the answers

What does the pluralist model suggest?

Power is widely dispersed among many competing special interest groups. Signup and view all the answers

What are political action committees (PAC)?

Organizations of special interest groups that raise money for elections and lobbying. Signup and view all the answers

What are political parties?

Formal organizations seeking to acquire and control government positions. Signup and view all the answers

What is political socialization?

The process through which people learn political values and behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What is politics?

The social institution through which power is organized and exercised. Signup and view all the answers

What is rational-legal authority?

Power legitimized by written laws and regulations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a state?

The political entity that has a legitimate monopoly over the use of force. Signup and view all the answers

What are special interest groups?

Coalitions of people that share interest in specific issues or policies. Signup and view all the answers

What defines totalitarianism?

A political system where the state regulates many aspects of life. Signup and view all the answers

What is traditional authority?

Power legitimated by longstanding customs and habits. Signup and view all the answers

Who is C. Wright Mills?

The developer of the power elite view. Signup and view all the answers

Who is William Domhoff?

A sociologist who believed that the ruling class influences power in three ways. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the relationship between politics, power, and authority.

Politics is how power is organized and exercised; authority is perceived legitimacy. Signup and view all the answers

List the four main forms of political systems.

Monarchy, totalitarianism, authoritarianism, democracy. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the relationship between nation-states and early political organization.

Nation-states are recognized political units with legal rights and boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the relationship between the pluralist model and special interest groups.

The pluralist model sees power dispersed among many special interest groups. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Political Systems and Authority

Authoritarianism disables public participation in government; power is centralized.
Democracy empowers citizens to exercise power directly or through elected representatives.
Monarchy involves a single family maintaining power across generations via inheritance.
Totalitarianism allows the state to control extensive aspects of personal and public life.
Elite Model perceives power as held by a small group, leaving the majority relatively powerless.
Pluralist Model sees power distributed among various competing special interest groups.

Forms of Authority

Charismatic Authority inspires awe and obedience due to extraordinary personal qualities.
Traditional Authority derives legitimacy from longstanding customs and societal norms.
Rational-Legal Authority is based on established laws and regulations linked to recognized positions.

Political Organizations

Government is the legal authority directing political life in a society.
Political Parties seek to acquire and control government positions and influence policies.
Political Action Committees (PACs) help elect and lobby officials through financial support.
Special Interest Groups are coalitions advocating specific issues or policies.

Political Socialization and Institutions

Political Socialization involves learning political values, perspectives, and behaviors through societal influences.
Politics as a social institution organizes, distributes, and exercises power within society, often through coercion but ideally via perceived legitimate authority.

Key Figures

C. Wright Mills introduced the concept of the power elite, emphasizing the intertwining of business, military, and government leadership.
William Domhoff proposed that the ruling class influences power in multiple ways, integrating socioeconomic factors into political dynamics.

Nation-States and Political Evolution

Nation-States are defined political entities with recognized geographic boundaries where citizens enjoy legal rights; roughly 190 exist worldwide.
Political systems developed as human societies transitioned into nation-states, influencing governance structures and citizen rights.

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Description

This quiz covers key terms related to politics and government in sociology. It includes essential concepts like authoritarianism, authority, and charismatic authority. Test your knowledge and understanding of how these terms shape political systems and governance.