118 Questions
What is the "second face" of power?
When a dominant elite keeps issues that might threaten its position off the public agenda.
What does the text suggest about the "third face" of power?
It involves powerful groups preventing their potential opponents from understanding where their true interests lie.
How does the concept of "hegemony" relate to power, according to the text?
It suggests that those in power determine what is legal and illegal, as well as what is normal and abnormal.
Powerful groups can prevent their potential opponents from understanding where their true interests lie.
True
The concept of 'hegemony' suggests that those in power only determine what is legal and illegal.
False
Authority is granted solely based on the possession of certain characteristics necessary for a position.
False
The second face of power involves keeping issues that might threaten dominance off the public agenda.
True
The third face of power suggests that there can be no difference between perceived interest and actual interest.
False
What does the third face of power, as explained by Lukes, suggest about powerful groups?
Powerful groups can prevent their potential opponents from understanding where their true interests lie.
How does the concept of 'hegemony' play a role in defining power dynamics according to the text?
Hegemony involves not only determining legal and illegal aspects but also shaping what is considered normal and abnormal.
In what way does the second face of power operate, as described in the text?
The second face of power involves keeping issues that might threaten dominance off the public agenda.
How can we assess the distribution of power?
By examining which individuals or groups are most successful in affecting a variety of decisions.
What is the key factor in authority being granted, based on the text?
Authority is granted voluntarily because individuals are thought to possess certain characteristics considered necessary for the position occupied.
What is a common argument made by critics of the welfare state?
Robust healthcare and education primarily benefit the working class.
How do Gramsci and Marcuse view the role of intellectuals in society?
They underscore the role of intellectuals in challenging ruling class ideologies.
What impact have left-of-center governments had on the distribution of resources in capitalist societies?
They have influenced a more equal distribution of resources.
Why do certain socialists argue that reforms benefiting the working class are implemented?
As concessions to prevent social unrest.
What is one key criticism of right-of-center tax cuts according to the text?
They have widened wealth gaps in society.
What is the potential advantage of power over authority?
Power is based on coercion, which is recognizable and can be resisted.
What principle does the text associate with the concept of 'hegemony'?
All of the above
Which of the following best describes the distinction between authority and power, as presented in the text?
Authority is linked with what should be, while power is linked with what is.
Which of the following best describes the first dimension or 'face' of power as proposed by Lukes?
A has power over B to the extent that A can get B to do something that B would otherwise not do.
According to the pluralist theory of the state, how is power measured?
Power is measured in terms of decision-making, corresponding to Lukes's first dimension of power.
What is the key factor that confirms the validity of the pluralist model of the state?
When no single group consistently achieves its goals in all instances.
What is the relationship between the concept of power and theories of the state?
How power is conceptualized has an important bearing on the validity of theories of the state.
Based on the information in the text, which of the following statements about the second dimension or 'face' of power is correct?
The second face of power involves keeping issues that might threaten dominance off the public agenda.
What is the key factor that determines the legitimacy of authority in a political system?
The ruling class's ability to shape societal norms and values.
Based on the text, what is the significance of the concept of 'false consciousness' in power dynamics?
It describes the working class's lack of awareness of its exploitation.
What is the primary challenge in discerning the true goals and strategies of a group?
The lack of insider knowledge and the complexity of power dynamics.
Based on the text, what is the relationship between authority and legitimacy in political systems?
Legitimacy is established through the dominant class's ability to shape societal norms.
Bertrand Russell defined power as the intentional production of undesired results.
False
Taxi drivers benefiting when it rains but not actively causing the increase in business is an example of demonstrating true power.
False
The quote from sociologist Steven Lukes emphasizes that having the means of power necessarily equates to being powerful.
False
The concept of 'Who benefits?' is interchangeable with 'Who governs?' according to the text.
False
Power being exercised through the threat of force always indicates a failure of power according to the text.
False
The text suggests that power, based on coercion, is always legitimate and just.
False
The text argues that authority, which can be a product of manipulation, is always considered legitimate.
False
In the text, it is suggested that power, based on coercion, can be resisted more easily than authority.
True
The text states that subtle manipulation is a less effective method of control compared to constant surveillance.
False
Critics argue that elites can shape individual preferences to ensure that potentially threatening demands are included in the political agenda.
False
The media plays a minor role in influencing perceptions and creating false consciousness among people.
False
Lukes' third face of power involves individuals or groups being fully aware of their perceived interests and actual interests.
False
The concept of false consciousness suggests that individuals may be unaware of how dominant forces shape their preferences and beliefs.
True
Identifying non-decision-making processes is considered difficult when trying to measure the subtle ways in which power is exercised.
True
Business interests need to actively lobby decision-makers in order to be heard, according to the text.
False
Non-decision-making can occur when a group anticipates success and actively participates in the decision-making process.
False
Multinational companies are not mentioned as a factor that can heighten the power of business interests in decision-making.
False
Decision-makers may choose to oppose powerful interests even if they expect high costs as a result.
False
Covert grievances are openly discussed and addressed in decision-making processes by default.
False
What is the main difference between authority and power, as discussed in the text?
Authority is linked with right and legitimacy, while power is associated with coercion and manipulation.
How does the concept of 'false consciousness' contribute to the exercise of power?
False consciousness suggests that individuals may be unaware of how dominant forces shape their preferences and beliefs, allowing for subtle manipulation of their choices.
Why does the text suggest that power, based on coercion, can be resisted more easily than authority?
Power, being based on coercion, is recognizable and can be resisted, unlike authority which relies on potentially imperceptible manipulation of individual preferences.
How do dominant groups use ideological control to maintain power?
Dominant groups influence the preferences of the ruled to align with their own interests, eliminating the need for constant coercion or surveillance.
What is a key characteristic of majority rule in a democracy?
Majority rule can take different forms depending on the electoral system used.
What does the text suggest is necessary for political participation and representation to be considered legitimate?
Individuals must be encouraged to share in the political process in a free environment.
What is a key argument about the relationship between voting and political obligation?
By voting in a democratic election, individuals agree to abide by the results, whatever they turn out to be.
What does the text suggest about the concept of 'political freedom' in a democracy?
Political freedom is the right of citizens to participate freely in the political process, limited only by the laws of the community.
Political participation can either involve direct or indirect participation of individuals in decision-making processes.
True
In a democratic system, all votes are held equally and the majority should govern.
True
Political freedom in a democracy is restricted by the laws of the community.
False
Legitimate participation and representation in politics require individuals to engage in a controlled environment.
False
Voting in a democratic election implies agreement to abide by the election results.
True
What is the key characteristic of majority rule in a democracy?
All votes are held equally, so that most votes should govern.
What is necessary for political participation and representation to be considered legitimate?
Individuals are encouraged to share in the political process in a free environment.
What criticism does Lively have regarding the inclusion of communist regimes under democracy in interpretation #7?
Rulers promote social and economic equality in communist regimes.
According to Lively, what is the core argument against considering a political system democratic solely based on attaining desirable outcomes?
Positive outcomes don't guarantee democratic nature of rulers' selection.
In the realm of democratic critique, what complexity do liberal democracies face according to Lively?
Conflict between majoritarian decision-making and protecting individual rights.
What distinguishes the first two types of democracy according to Lively, from the latter two types?
Direct vs. representative democracy forms.
According to the utilitarian theory of democracy, why did Bentham and Mill advocate for democracy?
To ensure decision-makers consider the preferences of the populace.
What was Bentham's initial perspective on democracy before his views changed?
Enlightened despotism was preferable.
How did C.B. Macpherson connect the utilitarian theory of democracy with the industrial middle class?
By highlighting that utilitarian theory laid the foundation for liberal democracy.
How did Bentham and Mill view individuals in government if left unrestrained?
They would prioritize personal pleasure over the greatest happiness.
What did Bentham's change in perspective about democracy stem from?
The government's non-implementation of his reform schemes.
According to the passage, what was the approach of liberal thinkers like John Locke regarding the common good?
Achieving the common good through improved political conditions that allow individuals to pursue personal goals, including property ownership.
What was the collectivist approach, as mentioned in the passage, regarding the common good?
Emphasizing individual sacrifice for the greater benefit of the population, reflecting utilitarianism.
Which philosopher is mentioned in the passage as being associated with utilitarianism?
Jeremy Bentham
According to the passage, how did totalitarian systems like Stalin's Soviet Union and Hitler's Germany define the common good?
Defining the common good according to the state's interests, subordinating individual and group rights.
According to the passage, how did Karl Marx view representations of the common good?
Linking them to political power, with the ruling class shaping them to maintain their privilege.
Which of the following best describes the Marxist perspective on power and authority in political systems?
Power stems from control over the means of production, leading to a dictatorship of the proletariat.
According to the collectivist approach, what is the primary basis for granting authority in a political system?
The collective goals and interests of the community or nation as a whole.
Which of the following best represents the liberal thinkers' approach to political authority and power?
Authority is granted through free and fair elections, with power limited by constitutional protections.
According to the utilitarian perspective, what should be the primary consideration in granting political authority?
The maximization of overall societal well-being and happiness.
Which of the following best describes the totalitarian systems' view of political authority and power?
Authority is concentrated in the hands of a single party or leader representing the collective will.
Indigenous leadership roles were permanent and held for life.
False
According to Neta Crawford, Haudenosaunee chiefs had both great prestige and significant power.
False
Decisions within Indigenous governance were made through individual decision-making rather than collective decision-making and consensus.
False
Western perspectives found the decision-making process in Indigenous governance frustrating due to its speed and lack of consultation.
True
In Indigenous governance, decisions were expected to be based on majority rule rather than unanimous approval.
False
According to Lively, all seven interpretations of democracy include provisions for rulers to be removed by the people.
False
Lively suggests that the direct popular vote alone is sufficient to ensure accountability in a democratic system.
False
All individuals should be personally involved in crucial decision-making, according to the interpretations outlined by Lively.
True
Rulers being chosen directly by representatives elected by the people is considered an undemocratic interpretation by Lively.
True
According to Lively, rulers acting in the best interests of the people is a characteristic of democratic governance.
False
In Aboriginal societies, the truth is determined through consensus after lengthy consultation and reflection.
True
According to James Miller, the adversarial political process among non-Natives is based on reaching a consensus through consultation.
False
Democratic decision-making in Western societies always aligns with achieving a consensus beneficial for the entire group.
False
The elite theory aligns with the essence of democracy if democracy is defined as political equality.
False
Proponents of the participatory model need to demonstrate the desirability and feasibility of their version of democracy according to James Miller.
True
Schumpeter believed that mass participation in democracy could lead to authoritarian values prevailing in society.
True
According to Schumpeter, in his proposed modification to the classical theory of democracy, decision-making authority should be primarily in the hands of the political elite.
True
Schumpeter argued that in a democratic system, competition between elites is what ensures the maintenance of democratic elements.
True
The text implies that in democratic systems like those in Canada, the United States, and Great Britain, voters directly select between different policy sets.
False
Recent research by Alex Marland, Thierry Giasson, and Andrea Lawlor suggests that a new class of 'digital elites' is emerging in Canada, alongside traditional business and political elites.
True
According to Lively's interpretations, which numbers can be considered democratic?
1 to 4
What aspect of accountability do interpretations 5 to 7 lack?
Provisions for rulers to be removed by the ruled
In Schumpeter's view, what ensures the maintenance of democratic elements in a democratic system?
Competition between elites
According to Lively, what is the key factor in authority being granted?
Legitimacy
What did Bentham and Mill advocate for based on the utilitarian theory of democracy?
They advocated for democracy to maximize happiness
What do communitarians argue for in contrast to liberalism?
Judging the value of preferences
How do communitarians differ from liberals in terms of societal values?
Communitarians promote objective values
What is the main reason for communitarians to criticize philosophical liberalism?
Liberalism ignores the common good
According to the passage, why do some individuals find issue with the dominance of philosophical liberalism?
It biases consideration of important matters
What do communitarians believe is crucial for a society's survival?
Objective values recognized by everyone
Communitarians believe that a society can only survive if it promotes values recognized as subjective by each individual.
False
Liberalism's 'common good' is defined as an optimal combination of preferences that judges the value of each preference.
False
Philosophical liberalism is credited with reviving political philosophy and enabling discussions on social and political issues in the present.
True
Communitarians argue for a politics of neutrality with respect to any conceptions of the good.
False
The dominance of philosophical liberalism is well-received by all individuals mentioned in the text.
False
Learn about the key concepts in political analysis related to relationships of control and power distribution among individuals, groups, and states. Understand the active nature of power and its pursuit and maintenance in political life.
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