Comparative Political Systems: A Comprehensive Guide for Master's Students

Question 1

In a proportional representation electoral system, the number of seats a party wins in the legislature is:

Accepted Answer

Directly proportional to the percentage of votes it receives.

Answer

Based on the number of votes it receives in each constituency.

Answer

Determined by the party's overall performance in the election.

Answer

Assigned by the government after the election.

Question 2

Which type of constitutional arrangement is characterized by a written constitution that is superior to all other laws?

Accepted Answer

Rigid constitution

Answer

Unitary constitution

Answer

Federal constitution

Answer

Flexible constitution

Question 3

In a parliamentary system, who is typically the head of government?

Accepted Answer

The leader of the majority party in the legislature

Answer

The monarch

Answer

The person who receives the most votes in a direct election

Answer

The most senior member of the ruling party

Question 4

Which electoral system is most likely to result in a multi-party system, where several parties hold seats in the legislature?

Accepted Answer

Proportional representation

Answer

First-past-the-post

Answer

Single non-transferable vote

Answer

Alternative vote

Question 5

Which country exemplifies a semi-presidential system of government?

Accepted Answer

France

Answer

United Kingdom

Answer

United States

Answer

China

Question 6

The fundamental distinction between unitary and federal states lies in the:

Accepted Answer

Distribution of power between central and regional governments

Answer

Nature of the constitution

Answer

Role of political parties

Answer

Electoral system used

Question 7

Lijphart's concept of 'consensual democracy' primarily aims to:

Accepted Answer

Describe political systems that prioritize consensus building and power-sharing

Answer

Explain the role of political institutions in preventing conflict

Answer

Analyze the relationship between economic development and political stability

Answer

Compare the effectiveness of different electoral systems

Question 8

In a two-party system, which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Strong representation of minor parties in the legislature

Answer

Dominance of two major parties

Answer

Distinct ideological differences between the two major parties

Answer

Alternating periods of dominance between the two major parties

Question 9

In the United Kingdom, which electoral system is predominantly used?

Accepted Answer

First-past-the-post

Answer

Ranked choice voting

Answer

Proportional representation

Answer

Two-round system

Question 10

What is the United Kingdom's constitutional status?

Accepted Answer

Unitary state

Answer

Federal state

Answer

Confederal state

Answer

Direct democracy

Question 11

Which aspect characterizes the Westminster model of parliamentary democracy?

Accepted Answer

Fusion of powers between the executive and legislative branches

Answer

Separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches

Answer

Multi-party system

Answer

Strong presidency

Question 12

Describe the House of Lords' role within the UK political system.

Accepted Answer

An appointed upper house with restricted legislative authority

Answer

An elected upper house with full legislative authority

Answer

A purely advisory body

Answer

A non-existent legislative body

Question 13

Which party system is prevalent in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Two-party system

Answer

Multi-party system

Answer

One-party system

Answer

No party system

Question 14

In the context of political systems, why is sovereignty vital?

Accepted Answer

It identifies the ultimate source of political authority within a state.

Answer

It refers to a state's ability to assert control over its territory.

Answer

It determines power distribution across government levels.

Answer

It justifies the legitimacy of political authority.

Question 15

Identify an example of a direct democracy.

Accepted Answer

Switzerland

Answer

United States

Answer

United Kingdom

Answer

France

Question 16

In comparative politics, which qualitative research method allows researchers to thoroughly examine individual cases while also considering the wider comparative context?

Accepted Answer

Case Study

Answer

Meta-Analysis

Answer

Statistical Analysis

Answer

Historical Comparison

Question 17

In which country is the head of state a constitutional monarch who reigns but does not rule?

Accepted Answer

United Kingdom

Answer

China

Answer

United States

Answer

France

Question 18

Which party system is characterized by the presence of two dominant parties that consistently receive the majority of votes?

Accepted Answer

Two-party system

Answer

No-party system

Answer

Multi-party system

Answer

One-party system

Question 19

Which term refers to a political system where power becomes concentrated in the hands of a small group of individuals?

Accepted Answer

Oligarchy

Answer

Democracy

Answer

Republic

Answer

Autocracy

Question 20

Which country employs a federal system of government, where power is divided between a central authority and regional or state governments?

Accepted Answer

United States

Answer

United Kingdom

Answer

France

Answer

China

Question 21

Which theory of democracy emphasizes the active involvement and participation of citizens in political decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Participatory democracy

Answer

Constitutional democracy

Answer

Liberal democracy

Answer

Procedural democracy

Question 22

Which political ideology advocates for a strong role of the state in managing economic affairs and providing social welfare?

Accepted Answer

Socialism

Answer

Conservatism

Answer

Nationalism

Answer

Liberalism

Question 23

Which form of government is characterized by the concentration of all political authority in the hands of a single person or a small group without any meaningful limits on their power?

Accepted Answer

Autocracy

Answer

Democracy

Answer

Republic

Answer

Oligarchy

Question 24

Which country has a unitary system of government, where power is centralized in a single governing body without autonomous regional or state governments?

Accepted Answer

United Kingdom

Answer

France

Answer

United States

Answer

China

Question 25

Which concept refers to the shared values, beliefs, and norms that influence political behavior and shape the functioning of a political system?

Accepted Answer

Political culture

Answer

Political socialization

Answer

Political participation

Answer

Political ideology