Comparative Political Systems: Master the World's Political Landscapes

Question 1

Which type of political system is defined by a single, dominant political party that exercises extensive control over society and minimizes political opposition?

Accepted Answer

Totalitarianism

Answer

Authoritarianism

Answer

Constitutional democracy

Answer

Hybrid regime

Question 2

What is the primary objective of comparative political systems studies?

Accepted Answer

To analyze and compare similarities and differences between political systems.

Answer

To identify and rank the 'best' political system.

Answer

To develop and test theories about political behavior.

Answer

To predict future political outcomes.

Question 3

What is the term used to describe a political system that combines elements of both democratic and authoritarian rule?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid

Answer

Mixed

Answer

Ambiguous

Answer

Unitary

Question 4

Which of the following is a key characteristic of authoritarian political systems?

Accepted Answer

Restricted political participation and limited opposition

Answer

Regularly held, multi-party elections

Answer

An independent judiciary that upholds the rule of law

Answer

Strong protection of individual freedoms and human rights

Question 5

Which of these is NOT a defining characteristic of a democratic political system?

Accepted Answer

Concentration of power in one leader or party

Answer

Protection of individual rights

Answer

Rule of law

Answer

Free and fair elections

Question 6

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a democratic political system?

Accepted Answer

Free and fair elections

Answer

Rule by a single party

Answer

Limited popular participation

Answer

Suppression of political dissent

Question 7

Which type of political system is characterized by a concentration of power in the hands of a single ruler or a small group?

Accepted Answer

Authoritarian regime

Answer

Hybrid regime

Answer

Constitutional monarchy

Answer

Federal republic

Question 8

What is a key challenge faced by hybrid political systems?

Accepted Answer

Balancing democratic and authoritarian elements

Answer

Maintaining economic stability

Answer

Preventing ethnic conflict

Answer

Ensuring environmental sustainability

Question 9

According to which political theorist, the state is a tool used by the ruling class to maintain its dominance?

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

John Locke

Answer

Niccolò Machiavelli

Question 10

Which of the following is a key element of the concept of 'soft power'?

Accepted Answer

Cultural influence

Answer

Economic incentives

Answer

Military force

Answer

Technological superiority

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of a democratic political system?

Accepted Answer

Dictatorship

Answer

Free and fair elections

Answer

Rule of law

Answer

Limited government power

Question 12

In an authoritarian regime, power is typically concentrated in the hands of:

Accepted Answer

A single individual or group

Answer

The people

Answer

A representative body

Answer

The military

Question 13

Hybrid regimes are political systems that combine elements of which two main types?

Accepted Answer

Democratic and authoritarian

Answer

Presidential and parliamentary

Answer

Federal and unitary

Answer

Socialist and capitalist

Question 14

In a presidential system, the head of government is also the:

Accepted Answer

Head of state

Answer

Leader of the opposition

Answer

Chief justice

Answer

Speaker of the legislature

Question 15

Which electoral system is designed to produce proportional representation?

Accepted Answer

Single transferable vote

Answer

First-past-the-post

Answer

Plurality vote

Answer

Gerrymandering

Question 16

The concept of 'legitimacy' in political systems refers to:

Accepted Answer

The perceived right to rule

Answer

The actual exercise of power

Answer

The level of popular support

Answer

The presence of a constitution

Question 17

The process of comparing different political systems is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Comparative politics

Answer

Political theory

Answer

International relations

Answer

Public administration

Question 18

Identify the characteristic that is NOT typically associated with democratic political systems:

Accepted Answer

Absolute power vested in a single individual

Answer

Regularly held, competitive elections

Answer

Safeguards for individual rights and liberties

Question 19

Which type of regime is characterized by the military holding significant political influence?

Accepted Answer

Authoritarian regime

Answer

Totalitarian regime

Answer

Parliamentary democracy

Answer

Constitutional monarchy

Question 20

In a system of proportional representation, which principle guides the allocation of seats in the legislature?

Accepted Answer

The number of seats each party secures is proportionate to the percentage of votes it receives.

Answer

Every voter has an equal voice in electing representatives.

Question 21

In a parliamentary democracy, who typically holds the position of head of government?

Accepted Answer

Prime Minister

Answer

President

Answer

Monarch

Answer

Speaker of the House

Question 22

A social division based on economic differences is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Class cleavage

Answer

Religious cleavage

Answer

Ideological cleavage

Answer

Ethnic cleavage

Question 23

Which country is an example of a totalitarian regime?

Accepted Answer

North Korea

Answer

Iran

Answer

Russia

Answer

China

Question 24

A political system that combines a strong central government with a high level of regional autonomy is known as a:

Accepted Answer

Federal system

Answer

Confederal system

Answer

Unitary system

Answer

Parliamentary system

Question 25

What is a key difference between a unitary and a federal system of government?

Accepted Answer

In a unitary system, power is concentrated at the center, while in a federal system, power is divided between the central and regional governments.

Answer

In a unitary system, the government is directly elected by the people, whereas in a federal system, it is appointed by the central government.