Comparative Political Economy: Explore the Interplay of Politics and Economics

Question 1

According to the World Bank's current definition, which of the following income thresholds classifies a country as low-income?

Accepted Answer

Below $1,046

Answer

Between $1,046 and $4,255

Answer

Between $4,256 and $13,205

Answer

Above $13,205

Question 2

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a neoliberal economic policy?

Accepted Answer

Free trade and deregulation

Answer

Extensive government intervention in the market

Answer

Progressive taxation

Answer

Comprehensive social welfare programmes

Question 3

In comparative political economy, the concept of 'path dependency' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The lasting influence of historical decisions on future economic development

Answer

The inevitable convergence of economic policies across different countries

Answer

The role of cultural values in shaping economic systems

Answer

The impact of globalization on domestic politics

Question 4

The term 'East Asian Miracle' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The rapid economic growth experienced by several East Asian countries from the 1960s to the 1990s

Answer

The economic stagnation experienced by several East Asian countries since the early 2000s

Answer

The political instability that characterized several East Asian countries in the 1970s

Answer

The adoption of Western-style democracy in several East Asian countries in the 1980s

Question 5

In economic sociology, the concept of 'embeddedness' emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

The mutual dependence of economic actors and institutions within social networks

Answer

The dominant role of the government in guiding the economy

Answer

The impact of cultural values and beliefs on economic action

Answer

The transformative effect of technological advancements on economic systems

Question 6

The basic assumption of 'rational choice theory' in political economy is that:

Accepted Answer

Individuals make decisions based on a rational assessment of costs and benefits

Answer

Political institutions are designed to maximize the happiness of all citizens

Answer

Economic development is primarily driven by cultural factors

Answer

Government intervention in the economy is always beneficial for long-term growth

Question 7

Within the scope of comparative political economy, which of the following is NOT a key area of focus?

Accepted Answer

Technological advancements

Answer

Economic development

Answer

Inequality

Answer

Globalization

Question 8

According to dependency theory, the primary cause of underdevelopment in developing nations is:

Accepted Answer

Globalization and integration into the global market

Answer

Internal political instability

Answer

Lack of access to advanced technology

Answer

Cultural and social factors

Question 9

Which of the following is a defining feature of a welfare state?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive social safety net

Answer

High levels of economic inequality

Answer

Limited government involvement in the economy

Answer

Free market capitalism

Question 10

Globalization's impact on economic inequality has been characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Increased inequality within countries

Answer

Decreased inequality between countries

Answer

Reduced overall global inequality

Answer

No significant impact on inequality

Question 11

A limitation of the Human Development Index (HDI) as a measure of economic development is that it:

Accepted Answer

Does not account for income inequality

Answer

Relies on subjective data

Answer

Is not comparable across countries

Answer

Is excessively focused on economic factors

Question 12

According to rational choice theory, individuals within political systems:

Accepted Answer

Act in ways that maximize their personal benefit or self-interest

Answer

Are motivated by ideological considerations

Answer

Are primarily influenced by social norms

Answer

Are irrational and unpredictable

Question 13

Which theoretical perspective emphasizes the significance of institutions in shaping economic outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Institutionalism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Keynesianism

Question 14

What is the primary objective of industrial policy?

Accepted Answer

To stimulate economic growth

Answer

To shield domestic industries from competition

Answer

To reduce unemployment

Answer

To promote social equity

Question 15

Globalization is often associated with:

Accepted Answer

Enhanced economic integration

Answer

Reduced economic inequality

Answer

Improved political stability

Answer

Preservation of cultural diversity

Question 16

A distinctive characteristic of a corporatist political system is:

Accepted Answer

Collaboration between government and businesses

Answer

Weak labor unions

Answer

Minimal government intervention in the economy

Answer

High levels of political participation

Question 17

Which theory emphasizes class struggle as a determinant of political outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Marxism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Pluralism

Answer

Institutionalism

Question 18

A key feature of the Nordic model of political economy is:

Accepted Answer

Universal welfare provision

Answer

Unrestricted free market capitalism

Answer

Weak labor unions

Answer

Limited government regulations

Question 19

The Gini coefficient is primarily used to measure:

Accepted Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Human development

Answer

Economic growth

Answer

Unemployment rates

Question 20

Which of the following is a central concept in comparative political economy?

Accepted Answer

The intricate relationship between economic development and political systems and outcomes.

Answer

The role of government in regulating the economy

Answer

The impact of globalization on political outcomes

Question 21

In a political economy marked by high levels of economic inequality, a common likely outcome is:

Accepted Answer

Heightened political instability

Answer

Environmental sustainability

Answer

Social harmony

Answer

Economic growth

Question 22

A prevalent criticism of neoliberal economic policies is that they:

Accepted Answer

Tend to exacerbate economic inequality

Answer

Increase social welfare

Answer

Reduce government spending

Answer

Promote overall economic growth

Question 23

A key challenge in comparing political economies across different countries is:

Accepted Answer

Variations in measurement techniques and availability of reliable data

Answer

Political sensitivity of the topic

Answer

Bias in research design

Answer

Lack of well-developed theoretical frameworks

Question 24

The Nordic model of political economy is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

An extensive system of social welfare programs

Answer

High levels of economic inequality

Answer

Authoritarian government

Answer

Free market capitalism

Question 25

One potential benefit of globalization for a developing country can be:

Accepted Answer

Increased access to international markets

Answer

Diminished government control of the economy

Answer

Increased environmental degradation

Answer

Weakening of labor unions

Question 26

A criticism of the World Bank's approach to development is that it:

Accepted Answer

Favors neoliberal economic principles

Answer

Prioritizes human rights

Answer

Emphasizes environmental sustainability

Answer

Provides insufficient funding assistance