Exam Preparation Answers PDF

Exam Preparation Answers Question 1: Politics is often defined as the process through which individuals or groups make decisions that affect society. It involves power, authority, governance, laws and policies, decision-making, public and private interests, and conflict and cooperation. Question 2...

Exam Preparation Answers Question 1: Politics is often defined as the process through which individuals or groups make decisions that affect society. It involves power, authority, governance, laws and policies, decision-making, public and private interests, and conflict and cooperation. Question 2: Option 4: 'Why do some cantonal governments subsidize daycare fees more than others?' Question 3: Democracy is a form of government where power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives. It emphasizes individual rights, equality, and the rule of law. Question 4: Voter turnout can be an important indicator, but it doesn't fully capture the health of a democracy. High turnout doesn’t always reflect the quality of participation or representation, and it may be influenced by factors like compulsory voting or election frequency. Question 5: Democracy performance can be measured through factors like voter turnout, political participation, accountability, rule of law, protection of rights, and the ability to peacefully resolve conflicts. Question 6: A 'question of confidence' is typically asked when a government wants to affirm its legitimacy. A 'vote of no confidence' occurs when a legislative body votes to express disapproval of the government, which can lead to the government's resignation. Question 7: Advantages: Clear separation of powers, direct election of the president, stability in leadership. Disadvantages: Risk of authoritarianism, difficulty in removing the president, potential for political gridlock. Question 8: Option 2: 'In presidential systems, fewer state resources are spent on public goods issued.' Question 9: Advantages: Promotes local autonomy, accommodates diversity, and allows for tailored policies. Disadvantages: Can lead to inequality between regions, complicates governance, and increases the potential for conflict between federal and state governments. Question 10: Joe Biden (USA), Council of States (Switzerland), Federal President of Germany. Question 11: Majority voting: First (top left). Proportional voting: Second (top right) and Third (bottom middle). Question 12: 1. Proportional; 2. Majority; 3. Proportional. Question 13: Mandatory referendums generally have higher success rates because they are legally required, whereas optional referendums depend on the mobilization of voters, often leading to lower participation and success. Question 14: Direct democracy can lead to voter fatigue, oversimplification of complex issues, and may be vulnerable to manipulation by special interest groups. It also assumes voters have sufficient knowledge to make informed decisions. Question 15: Preferences: 'I’d rather have Habeck than LDP, GLP Barbock'; Attitudes: 'Fairness'; Beliefs: 'Left parties make good social policy'; Values: 'Only the representation of women in parliaments leads to better and fairer policies towards women'. Question 16: Personal reasons for voting can include political party loyalty, issues that personally resonate, candidate trust, or ideological alignment. Question 17: Political parties organize elections, represent public interests, formulate policies, recruit candidates, and ensure democratic accountability. Question 18: Option 3: 'Link function between sovereign states for a comprehensive network.' Question 19: Lobbying can be a problem when it gives disproportionate influence to powerful interest groups, leading to policies that favor the few over the many, potentially undermining democratic fairness. Question 20: MPs can act as trustees, using their own judgment to make decisions, or as delegates, following the will of their constituents. They may vote with their party due to party discipline, political strategy, or the need for unity. Question 21: In parliamentarism, laws are introduced by the government, which is usually formed by the majority party. In presidentialism, the president has more direct control over the legislative process, and there is a clearer separation of powers. Question 22: Option 2: 'The descriptive representation describes the composition of political institutions.' Question 23: Formal representation refers to the legal or institutional representation by elected officials. Symbolic representation focuses on how represented groups feel about the representation, even if it doesn't translate into actual policy outcomes. Question 24: Unequal descriptive representation can lead to feelings of disenfranchisement and inequality. Greater representation of marginalized groups can improve policy outcomes and promote social justice, ensuring diverse perspectives are included.