Political Science Exam Study Notes PDF

Exam study notes 28 November 2024 21:47 Political Science Exam Study Notes Definitions 1. Interdisciplinary: Combines multiple disciplines (e.g., sociology, history, economics) to study political systems and behaviors. 2. Political Science: The study of governance systems, political acti...

Exam study notes 28 November 2024 21:47 Political Science Exam Study Notes Definitions 1. Interdisciplinary: Combines multiple disciplines (e.g., sociology, history, economics) to study political systems and behaviors. 2. Political Science: The study of governance systems, political actions, structures, and institutions. 1. Basic Political Concepts: Power: Ability to influence decisions. Authority: Legitimate use of power. ○ Sovereignty: Supreme authority within a territory. Legitimacy: Accepted right to govern. Justice: Fair treatment under laws. 2. Concept of State: Sovereign entity with a population, government, defined borders, and international recognition. 3. Political Party: Groups organized to contest elections, influence policies, and gain political power. 4. Majority/Minority Parties: Majority parties form the government; minority parties serve as opposition or alternative voices. 5. Party Systems: One-party: Only one legal political party. ○ Two-party: Power alternates between two dominant parties. Multi-party: Many parties compete, often requiring coalitions to govern. 6. Political Culture: The collective beliefs, values, and norms regarding politics in a society (e.g., democratic vs authoritarian cultures). 7. Political Communication: Tools and methods (media, speeches, debates) used to convey political ideas and mobilize support. 8. Impact of Media on Politics: Media shapes voter opinions, frames issues, and can amplify or distort political messages. 9. What is a State?: An organized political entity with sovereignty, territory, population, and governing institutions. 10. Public/Private Sphere: ○ Public Sphere: Open to societal participation (e.g., government, public debate). ○ Private Sphere: Personal, non-governmental domains (e.g., family, businesses). 11. Westphalia (1648): ○ A series of treaties ending the Thirty Years' War in Europe. ○ Key principles: ▪ State Sovereignty: Each state governs its territory without external interference. ▪ Non-Intervention: Respect for other states' domestic matters. ▪ Recognized modern state system, laying the foundation for international law. 12. Fragile State Index: Measures a state’s vulnerability to collapse based on indicators like security, public services, and political stability. 13. Order of State Fragility: ○ Weak: Limited government control or service provision. ○ Fragile: High risk of internal collapse (e.g., civil unrest). ○ Failed: Loss of government control and legitimacy. 14. Terrorism Orientations (3): Political: Attaining political goals (e.g., separatism). ○ Religious: Motivated by spiritual beliefs (e.g., jihadist groups). Ideological: Driven by specific ideologies like communism or fascism. Multiple Choice Topics 1. Subfields of Political Science: Comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public administration, public policy. 2. Political Science as a Discipline: Established in the 19th century with the institutional study of governance. 3. Historical Periods of Universal Political Thinking (7): 1. Ancient: ~3000 BCE – 476 CE (End of the Roman Empire). Political Science Page 1  2. Classical: ~5th Century BCE – 5th Century CE (Golden Age of Greece, Roman Empire). 3. Medieval: ~5th Century CE – 15th Century CE (Fall of Rome to the Renaissance). 4. Renaissance: ~14th Century CE – 17th Century CE (Cultural rebirth, early modernity). 5. Enlightenment: ~17th Century CE – 18th Century CE (Age of Reason, philosophical growth). 6. Modern: ~18th Century CE – 20th Century CE (Industrial Revolution to World Wars). 7. Contemporary: ~20th Century CE – Present (Post-WWII to today). ○ Key Thinkers: ▪ Medieval: Aquinas, Augustine. ▪ Enlightenment: Locke, Rousseau, Montesquieu, Voltaire. 4. Political Ideologies: Conservatism, liberalism, socialism, nationalism, fascism, anarchism. 5. UN Establishment: Founded in 1945 to promote international peace and cooperation. 6. Hierarchical Parts of State Power: Legislative: Creates laws. ○ Executive: Implements and enforces laws. Judiciary: Interprets laws and ensures justice. 7. Forms of Government: ○ Monarchy: Power held by a hereditary ruler (e.g., king or queen). ○ Republic: Government led by elected representatives (e.g., U.S.). ○ Autocracy: Absolute power concentrated in one individual (e.g., dictatorship). 8. State or Nation: ○ State: Political and legal entity with defined borders and sovereignty. ○ Nation: Cultural and social identity shared by a group of people. 9. Top 4 Regions for Terrorist Attacks: Middle East, South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Western Europe. Long Answer Topics 1. Difference Between Right-Wing and Left-Wing Parties: ○ Right-Wing: Emphasis on tradition, free markets, limited government intervention, national security (e.g., conservatives). ○ Left-Wing: Focus on equality, redistribution of wealth, government intervention in the economy, social justice (e.g., socialists). 2. Types of Environment Influencing Political Socialization: 1. Family: First source of political values. 2. Education: Exposure to civic values and political history. 3. Peers: Reinforcement or challenges to existing views. 4. Media: Frames political discourse. ○ 5. Religion: Shapes moral and political attitudes. 6. Culture: Impacts national identity and political expectations. 7. Workplace: Influences political awareness. 8. Political Events: Significant occurrences (e.g., revolutions, elections). 3. Political Marketing Subfields: ○ Campaign management, voter analysis, communication strategy, media relations, branding, issue framing, and message targeting. 1. Migrant vs. Refugee Migrant: Moves voluntarily for economic, educational, or personal reasons (e.g., work, family reunification). Refugee: Forced to flee due to conflict, persecution, or disasters (e.g., war, political or religious persecution). 2. Pros and Cons of Migration Political Science Page 2 2. Pros and Cons of Migration Sending Countries Pros: Economic boost from remittances. Alleviates unemployment and overpopulation. Exposure to global skills and ideas. Cons: Brain drain: loss of skilled workers. Dependency on remittances. Disruption of families and communities. Host Countries Pros: Addresses labor shortages in critical sectors. Stimulates economic growth through workforce and consumer demand. Enhances cultural diversity and innovation. Cons: Pressure on public services (e.g., healthcare, housing). Integration and social cohesion challenges. Potential for economic competition and security concerns. Political Science Page 3