Comparative Politics Quizzes: Test Your Knowledge of Global Political Systems

Question 1

In the British parliamentary system, what is the primary function of the House of Lords?

Accepted Answer

Reviewing and revising legislation

Answer

Initiating and passing laws

Answer

Selecting the Prime Minister and Cabinet

Answer

Resolving legal disputes and interpreting laws

Question 2

In a political system, 'checks and balances' primarily refers to:

Accepted Answer

Dividing government power among branches with different responsibilities

Accepted Answer

Preventing any one branch from gaining too much power

Answer

Political parties representing diverse societal interests

Answer

Citizens participating in decision-making through elections

Question 3

Which feature is not typically found in multi-party systems?

Accepted Answer

One party dominates the political scene.

Answer

Multiple parties compete for power.

Answer

Elections are held regularly.

Answer

Interest groups influence policymaking.

Question 4

Which characteristic is unique to parliamentary systems of government?

Accepted Answer

Fusion of powers between the executive and legislative branches

Answer

Direct election of the head of government

Answer

Fixed term limits for the head of government

Answer

Strong and independent judiciary

Question 5

Which characteristic is commonly found in political systems of developing countries?

Accepted Answer

Weak political institutions

Answer

Strong political parties

Answer

Independent judiciaries

Answer

Electoral systems based on proportional representation

Question 6

In the Westminster model of government, unlike the presidential model, who is the head of government?

Accepted Answer

Leader of the party with the most legislative seats

Answer

Elected directly by the public

Answer

Serves a predetermined term length

Answer

Subject to limited legislative scrutiny

Question 7

In a presidential system, unlike a parliamentary system, the head of government is:

Accepted Answer

Directly elected by the people

Answer

Chosen by the legislature

Answer

Appointed by the judiciary

Answer

Selected by a council of elders

Question 8

In a parliamentary system, how does the relationship between the executive and legislative branches typically function?

Accepted Answer

The executive is accountable to the legislature and can be removed through a no-confidence vote.

Answer

The executive operates independently of the legislature.

Answer

The executive and legislature share equal authority.

Answer

The legislature appoints the executive but has no oversight over its actions.

Question 9

In a democratic political system, which of the following is NOT a core institution?

Accepted Answer

Monetary Authority

Answer

Legislature

Answer

Executive

Answer

Judiciary

Question 10

In a Westminster parliamentary system, which of the following forms the executive branch?

Accepted Answer

Prime Minister and Cabinet

Answer

Monarch and Prime Minister

Answer

House of Lords and House of Commons

Answer

Judiciary and Civil Service

Question 11

In Westminster-style parliamentary systems, the relationship between the executive and legislative branches is marked by:

Accepted Answer

Interdependence between the executive and legislative branches

Answer

Executive independence from the legislature

Answer

Legislative subordination to the executive

Answer

Strict separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches

Question 12

What is the central objective of comparative politics?

Accepted Answer

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the diversity and dynamics of political systems across different societies.

Answer

To identify the single best political system for all societies.

Answer

To classify political systems exclusively by their cultural characteristics.

Answer

To accurately forecast political outcomes using mathematical models.

Question 13

In a parliamentary system, unlike a presidential system, which political entity is responsible for both creating and enforcing laws?

Accepted Answer

Prime minister and cabinet

Answer

Head of state

Answer

Legislative assembly

Answer

Judicial branch

Question 14

Which aspect of political systems is NOT typically examined in comparative politics?

Accepted Answer

Geographical location

Answer

Political ideology

Answer

Electoral systems

Answer

Development level

Question 15

Which of the following factors play a significant role in shaping the development and evolution of political culture?

Accepted Answer

Historical events and experiences

Accepted Answer

Religious beliefs and teachings

Accepted Answer

Economic structures and conditions

Answer

Individual personalities and preferences

Question 16

Which party system is most likely to arise from an electoral system using proportional representation, as proposed by Duverger's Law?

Accepted Answer

Multi-party system

Answer

Two-party system

Answer

Single-party system

Answer

No-party system

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a core institution of the state, according to Max Weber's definition?

Accepted Answer

Religious Organization

Answer

Government

Answer

Military

Answer

Bureaucracy

Question 18

Which aspect is NOT considered a key element in comparative public policy design?

Accepted Answer

Implementing the chosen policy

Answer

Analyzing the problem and defining policy objectives

Answer

Developing and evaluating policy alternatives

Question 19

In a pluralistic political system, interest groups typically:

Accepted Answer

Compete actively for influence and resources.

Answer

Are tightly controlled by the government.

Answer

Are few in number and dominated by powerful actors.

Answer

Have little impact on policymaking due to the dominance of political parties.

Question 20

In comparative politics, which characteristic is associated with insider interest groups?

Accepted Answer

Professional staff and policy engagement

Answer

Large membership base

Answer

Advocacy for specific issues

Answer

Representation of public interests

Question 21

In cartel party systems, which of the following is a key characteristic that shapes electoral dynamics?

Accepted Answer

Dominance of a few large parties cooperating to minimize electoral uncertainty

Answer

High ideological polarization among competing parties

Answer

Emphasis on grassroots mobilization and mass party participation

Answer

Frequent government changes due to no party securing a stable majority

Question 22

Which characteristic is **not** essential to modern political institutions?

Accepted Answer

Independence from external influences

Answer

Clearly defined authority structures and roles

Answer

Legitimacy based on the consent of the governed

Answer

Ability to make and enforce decisions

Question 23

Which factor is considered highly influential in shaping political outcomes in comparative politics?

Accepted Answer

Economic development

Answer

Geographic location

Answer

Cultural homogeneity

Question 24

What is a distinctive feature of the single-member district plurality (SMDP) electoral system?

Accepted Answer

It elects representatives from designated geographical areas known as constituencies.

Answer

It uses proportional representation to assign seats.

Answer

It encourages the formation of multi-party alliances.

Answer

It guarantees equal representation for all political parties in the legislature.

Question 25

Which approach in Comparative Politics highlights the influence of historical and cultural factors on political systems?

Accepted Answer

Historical-institutionalist approach

Answer

Functionalist approach

Answer

Marxist approach

Question 26

How does the military's role in politics vary across different political systems?

Accepted Answer

In authoritarian systems, the military often has significant political influence or even holds power.

Accepted Answer

In democratic systems, the military is typically subordinate to civilian authority.

Answer

The military's role remains consistent across all political systems.

Answer

Economic development is the main factor determining the military's political involvement.

Question 27

How are political culture and economic development related?

Accepted Answer

Political culture and economic development influence each other.

Answer

Political culture has no impact on economic development.

Answer

Economic development always changes political culture.

Answer

There is no connection between political culture and economic development.

Question 28

Which of the following countries is an example of a non-democratic political system?

Accepted Answer

China

Answer

United Kingdom

Answer

United States

Answer

Germany

Question 29

Identify the characteristic NOT associated with a liberal democracy:

Accepted Answer

One-party dominance

Answer

Free and fair elections

Answer

Protection of civil liberties

Answer

Rule of law

Question 30

Which political institution is primarily responsible for making laws?

Accepted Answer

Legislature

Answer

Executive

Answer

Judiciary

Answer

Bureaucracy

Question 31

Which of the following is an example of a non-democratic political system?

Accepted Answer

Authoritarianism

Answer

Constitutional monarchy

Answer

Liberal democracy

Answer

Social democracy

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT a key factor influencing political system design?

Accepted Answer

Geography

Answer

Culture

Answer

Economic development

Answer

Religious beliefs

Question 33

What is a crucial distinction between proportional representation and first-past-the-post electoral systems?

Accepted Answer

The number of seats a party wins is proportional to the percentage of votes it receives.

Answer

District boundaries are designed to favour certain parties.

Answer

Voters cast multiple votes for different candidates.

Answer

The party with the most votes wins all the seats in a constituency.

Question 34

Which of the following is an example of a unitary state?

Accepted Answer

France

Answer

Federal Republic of Germany

Answer

United States of America

Answer

Canada

Question 35

What is a key argument in favour of globalisation?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to increased economic growth and prosperity.

Answer

It promotes cultural diversity and understanding.

Answer

It reduces inequality between countries.

Answer

It strengthens national sovereignty.

Question 36

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a 'strong' state?

Accepted Answer

Limited public provision of welfare services

Answer

High levels of tax revenue

Answer

A large military

Answer

Effective bureaucracy

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT a key factor shaping political systems?

Accepted Answer

Ideology

Answer

Culture

Answer

History

Answer

Economic development

Question 38

The primary aim of comparative politics is to:

Accepted Answer

Identify similarities and differences between political systems

Answer

Predict the demise of political systems

Answer

Promote a specific political ideology

Answer

Judge the superiority of political systems

Question 39

The concept of 'political legitimacy' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The widespread acceptance and recognition of a government's authority

Answer

The use of force or coercion to maintain power

Answer

The existence of a strong military

Answer

A high level of economic development

Question 40

In a proportional representation electoral system, the number of seats allocated to a party is determined by:

Accepted Answer

The percentage of votes the party receives

Answer

The geographical distribution of its supporters

Answer

The number of candidates it fields

Answer

The amount of money it spends on campaigning

Question 41

The principle of 'social justice' in politics aims to:

Accepted Answer

Promote equal opportunities and reduce inequalities

Answer

Protect the interests of the most vulnerable

Answer

Maintain the status quo and preserve existing social hierarchies

Answer

Maximize individual liberty and autonomy

Question 42

How has globalization affected the authority of nation-states?

Accepted Answer

Weakened their authority by increasing connections and reliance

Answer

Strengthened their authority by boosting their economic power

Answer

Had no significant impact on their authority

Question 43

Which of the following is a key characteristic of a presidential system of government?

Accepted Answer

The head of government is elected directly by the people.

Answer

The head of government is appointed by the legislature.

Answer

The head of government is a figurehead with limited political power.

Answer

The head of government is appointed by the head of state.

Question 44

In a Westminster parliamentary system, the executive is typically drawn from:

Accepted Answer

The legislature

Answer

The judiciary

Answer

The civil service

Answer

The military

Question 45

The concept of 'political legitimacy' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The widespread belief that a political system is just and right

Answer

The amount of power held by a government

Answer

The level of support for a particular political leader

Answer

The efficiency of a government's policies

Question 46

Which of the following is a characteristic of a consociational democracy?

Accepted Answer

Power-sharing among different ethnic or religious groups

Answer

A strong central government

Answer

A unitary state structure

Answer

A two-party system

Question 47

In a first-past-the-post electoral system, the candidate who receives:

Accepted Answer

The most votes overall

Answer

The most votes in a majority of districts

Answer

The highest percentage of votes

Answer

The support of the largest political party

Question 48

The concept of 'social capital' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The trust and reciprocity within a society

Answer

The government's ability to raise taxes

Answer

The level of education in a society

Answer

The availability of natural resources

Question 49

Which concept holds particular significance in the study of comparative politics?

Accepted Answer

Political culture.

Answer

Military power.

Answer

Population statistics.

Answer

Economic growth.

Question 50

What is a potential limitation of comparative politics as a field of study?

Accepted Answer

Challenges in establishing causal relationships.

Answer

Fosters critical thinking skills.

Answer

Provides explanations for diverse political phenomena.

Answer

Offers valuable insights into various political systems.

Question 51

Which of the following is **not** a characteristic of the Westminster system of government?

Accepted Answer

The head of government is elected by the legislature.

Answer

The head of government has a fixed term of office.

Answer

The head of government is the leader of the majority party in the legislature.

Answer

The head of government is formally appointed by the monarch.

Question 52

Which of the following is **not** a feature of a pluralist political system?

Accepted Answer

Power is concentrated in the hands of a single elite.

Answer

Multiple interest groups compete for influence.

Answer

Political participation is open to all citizens.

Answer

Decisions are made through negotiation and compromise.

Question 53

Which of the following is an example of a country with a neocorporatist political system?

Accepted Answer

Austria

Answer

United Kingdom

Answer

United States

Answer

France

Question 54

Which of the following is an **advantage** of using qualitative research methods in comparative politics?

Accepted Answer

Can provide in-depth understanding of complex phenomena.

Answer

Can be conducted more quickly and easily than quantitative methods.

Answer

Can be used to test hypotheses more effectively than quantitative methods.

Answer

Can be used to generalize findings to a wider population.

Question 55

Which of the following is a potential **consequence** of populism?

Accepted Answer

Erosion of democratic institutions

Answer

Enhanced international cooperation

Answer

Increased economic growth

Answer

Improved social cohesion

Question 56

Which of the following is a key characteristic of a totalitarian political system?

Accepted Answer

Concentration of power in the hands of a single leader or party.

Answer

Rule of law

Answer

Free and fair elections

Answer

Multiple political parties

Question 57

Which of the following is an example of a communist political system?

Accepted Answer

China

Answer

France

Answer

United Kingdom

Answer

United States

Question 58

Which electoral system is utilized in the United Kingdom's general elections?

Accepted Answer

First-past-the-post

Answer

Single transferable vote

Answer

Proportional representation

Answer

Mixed-member proportional representation

Question 59

What is the monarch's role within the British political system?

Accepted Answer

Constitutional head of state

Answer

Commander-in-chief of the armed forces

Answer

Head of government

Answer

Leader of the opposition

Question 60

What is the primary objective of comparative politics?

Accepted Answer

To identify similarities and differences between political systems

Answer

To predict future political events

Answer

To develop normative theories of politics

Question 61

Which of the following is **not** a characteristic of a democratic political system?

Accepted Answer

Authoritarian rule

Answer

Rule of law

Answer

Free and fair elections

Answer

Protection of civil liberties

Question 62

What is the fundamental distinction between a parliamentary and a presidential system of government?

Accepted Answer

In a presidential system, the head of government is elected independently of the legislature.

Answer

In a parliamentary system, the judiciary is appointed by the head of government.

Answer

In a parliamentary system, the legislature holds greater power than the executive.

Question 63

What is the concept of 'path dependence' in comparative politics?

Accepted Answer

The idea that prior political decisions and institutions shape subsequent political outcomes

Answer

The belief that all political systems are inherently similar

Answer

The tendency for political systems to converge over time

Question 64

According to the modernization theory, which factor is most likely to lead to political democracy?

Accepted Answer

Economic growth

Answer

Geographic factors

Answer

Historical legacies

Answer

Cultural diversity