Comparative Politics: An Overview of Global Political Systems

Question 1

In contemporary democracies, political parties play a multifaceted role. Critically analyze their functions, organizational structures, and impact on political processes.

Accepted Answer

Political parties act as intermediaries between citizens and the government, articulating and aggregating diverse interests.

Answer

Political parties serve primarily as electoral machines, mobilizing support for candidates during elections.

Answer

Political parties prioritize ideological purity, often neglecting the interests of their constituents.

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Political parties have limited influence on policymaking and governance, as their power is confined to electoral campaigns.

Question 2

Explore the concept of power and its distribution in different political systems. Discuss the various sources and types of power, and explain how they shape political decision-making and outcomes.

Accepted Answer

Power is a multifaceted concept that can be categorized into different types, such as economic, military, and cultural power.

Answer

Power is solely derived from formal authority and is equally distributed among all citizens in a political system.

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The type of political system has no significant impact on the distribution and use of power.

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Power is always used for the benefit of the entire population in a political system.

Question 3

How does political culture influence the formation of political institutions and ideologies?

Accepted Answer

Political culture can shape how citizens engage in politics and the demands they place on the political system.

Answer

Political culture has no impact on political institutions and ideologies.

Answer

Political culture is entirely determined by a society's political institutions and ideologies.

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Political culture is unchanging and static.

Question 4

In modern democracies, political parties play a pivotal role in shaping public policy. What is their primary function in this process?

Accepted Answer

Political parties bridge the gap between diverse societal groups and the policymaking process, translating their interests into concrete proposals.

Answer

Political parties simply mirror public opinion, having minimal impact on policymaking.

Answer

Political parties primarily serve the self-serving goals of individual politicians.

Question 5

How do political institutions, like legislatures, courts, and bureaucracies, influence political outcomes and the distribution of power in different political systems?

Accepted Answer

Political institutions shape political outcomes and power distribution by providing platforms for political competition, decision-making, and policy implementation.

Answer

Political institutions only serve to make the decisions of the ruling elite seem legitimate.

Answer

Political institutions have little to no impact on political outcomes, which are mainly determined by economic and social forces.

Answer

Political institutions are neutral players that fairly mediate political conflict.

Question 6

What type of political system is characterized by the concentration of power in the hands of a single party or individual, and restricted political participation?

Accepted Answer

Authoritarianism

Answer

Democracy

Answer

Totalitarianism

Answer

Republic

Question 7

Which country is an example of a federal political system?

Accepted Answer

United States

Answer

China

Answer

France

Answer

Saudi Arabia

Question 8

Identify the option that does not represent a defining trait of democratic political systems:

Accepted Answer

Granting absolute authority to a single leader

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Upholding the rule of law

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Conducting free and fair elections

Answer

Safeguarding individual rights and freedoms

Question 9

According to Max Weber's theory of bureaucracy, which principle serves as the foundation for administrative actions?

Accepted Answer

Adherence to rationality

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Reliance on traditional practices

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Influence of personal charisma

Answer

Emphasis on hierarchical structures

Question 10

In parliamentary systems of government, who typically holds the responsibility of forming the government?

Accepted Answer

The leader of the majority party in parliament

Answer

The constitutional head of state

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The military or armed forces

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The judicial branch of government

Question 11

Identify a common criticism directed towards electoral systems that employ proportional representation:

Accepted Answer

Potential for unstable and weak governments

Answer

Encouragement of extremist political views

Answer

Disenfranchisement of minority groups

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Excessive financial burden

Question 12

What term refers to the gradual adaptation of political systems to evolving challenges and demands?

Accepted Answer

Political development

Answer

Political socialization

Answer

Political culture

Answer

Political legitimacy

Question 13

According to rational choice theory, the primary motivation for individuals' political participation is:

Accepted Answer

Maximizing personal benefits and rewards

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Promoting cherished moral values

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Strengthening social connections

Answer

Defending national interests

Question 14

Which fundamental principle is inherent to democratic political systems?

Accepted Answer

(B) Free and fair electoral processes

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(A) Suppression of fundamental rights

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(C) Absolute authority vested in a single leader

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(D) Prohibition of dissent

Question 15

Which factor is most likely to contribute to political instability within a society?

Accepted Answer

(C) Rampant corruption

Answer

(A) Equitable distribution of wealth

Answer

(B) Social harmony

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(D) High literacy rates

Question 16

Which type of political system is characterized by the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual?

Accepted Answer

(A) Autocracy

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(B) Oligarchy

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(C) Democracy

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(D) Anarchy

Question 17

Which key feature distinguishes a unitary political system from a federal one?

Accepted Answer

(A) Distribution of power between central and regional authorities

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(B) Role of the military in political affairs

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(C) Level of economic development

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(D) Presence of a codified constitution

Question 18

Which defining characteristic is inherent to parliamentary political systems?

Accepted Answer

(B) The government is accountable to the legislative body

Answer

(A) The head of government is also the head of state

Answer

(C) The legislature is elected by popular vote

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(D) The judiciary operates independently of other branches

Question 19

What is the main function of political parties in democratic systems?

Accepted Answer

To represent diverse political views and interests

Answer

To form and implement government policies

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To regulate the economy

Answer

To provide social welfare services

Question 20

Which electoral system is predominantly used in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

First-past-the-post

Answer

Proportional representation

Answer

Ranked-choice voting

Answer

Single transferable vote

Question 21

Which characteristic is unique to a presidential system of government?

Accepted Answer

The head of state is also the head of government.

Answer

The legislature is directly elected by the people.

Answer

The judiciary is independent of the other branches of government.

Answer

The military has a significant influence in politics.

Question 22

Which factor is a significant contributor to political instability?

Accepted Answer

Socioeconomic inequality

Answer

Ethnic diversity

Answer

Strong political institutions

Answer

High levels of education

Question 23

Identify an example of a non-state actor.

Accepted Answer

A multinational corporation

Answer

The United Nations

Answer

A local government

Answer

A political party

Question 24

Which of the following is not a primary function of political institutions?

Accepted Answer

Promoting economic growth

Answer

Making and enforcing laws

Answer

Resolving conflicts

Answer

Providing public goods and services

Question 25

According to modernization theory, which of the following is a key factor driving political development?

Accepted Answer

Economic growth

Answer

Political stability

Answer

Cultural homogeneity

Answer

Geographical isolation

Question 26

Which electoral system is characterized by the candidate with the most votes winning, regardless of the percentage of votes received?

Accepted Answer

First-past-the-post

Answer

Proportional representation

Answer

Single transferable vote

Answer

Alternative vote

Question 27

In a presidential system of government, who is both the head of state and head of government?

Accepted Answer

The president

Answer

The prime minister

Answer

The legislature

Answer

The judiciary

Question 28

How has globalization affected the relationship between citizens and the state? Consider the influence of transnational actors, increased mobility, and the changing nature of borders.

Accepted Answer

Increased mobility has allowed citizens to participate in political processes beyond their home countries.

Accepted Answer

The blurring of borders has promoted global citizenship and weakened national identities.

Answer

Globalization has strengthened state control over transnational actors.

Answer

Globalization has had no significant impact on the citizen-state relationship.

Question 29

How does a participatory political culture impact citizen involvement and political decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Increased citizen engagement and influence on policy outcomes

Answer

Decisions made exclusively by political leaders without citizen input

Answer

Minimal citizen participation and limited political knowledge

Question 30

Which type of political system is characterized by centralized power and restricted individual freedoms?

Accepted Answer

Autocracy

Answer

Democracy

Answer

Oligarchy

Answer

Constitutional monarchy

Question 31

Which of the following is a characteristic of direct democracy?

Accepted Answer

Referendums

Answer

Representative assemblies

Answer

Constitutional courts

Answer

Bureaucratic agencies

Question 32

Which concept refers to the responsibility of government to be held accountable by its citizens?

Accepted Answer

Political accountability

Answer

Rule of law

Answer

Civil rights

Answer

Political legitimacy

Question 33

Which theory of political development emphasizes the gradual transition from traditional to modern societies?

Accepted Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

Dependency theory

Answer

World-systems theory

Answer

Historical materialism

Question 34

Which concept describes the gradual transformation of political institutions and values over time?

Accepted Answer

Political evolution

Answer

Political revolution

Answer

Political stagnation

Answer

Political transition

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT a key factor in the process of democratization?

Accepted Answer

Government repression

Answer

Economic development

Answer

Cultural values

Answer

International pressure

Question 36

The United Kingdom operates under which type of political system?

Accepted Answer

Parliamentary system

Answer

Presidential system

Answer

Monarchy

Answer

Confederation

Question 37

What is the primary distinction between a unitary and a federal system of government?

Accepted Answer

Power is centralized vs. power is shared between central and regional governments

Answer

Power is divided between the executive and legislative branches vs. power is concentrated in the executive branch

Answer

The head of government is elected by the people vs. the head of government is appointed by the monarch

Answer

The legislature is unicameral vs. the legislature is bicameral

Question 38

What is the concept of 'soft power' in international relations?

Accepted Answer

The ability to influence others through persuasion and attraction

Answer

The use of military force to achieve political goals

Answer

The ability to control economic resources to gain political leverage

Answer

The ability to form alliances with other countries

Question 39

Identify the option that does NOT accurately describe a key feature of a federal system of government?

Accepted Answer

Concentration of power in a single central authority (Unitary power structure)

Answer

明確な権限の分割 (Division of powers between levels of government)

Answer

Dispersion of power across multiple levels of government (Decentralized government)

Answer

Sovereignty shared between the central and regional governments (Shared sovereignty)

Question 40

Which of the following is an essential feature that characterizes a presidential system of government?

Accepted Answer

Head of state is elected directly by the people (Direct election of the head of state)

Answer

Multiple political parties compete for power (Multi-party system)

Answer

Parliament holds the supreme authority in governance (Parliamentary supremacy)

Answer

Powers of different branches of government are fused (Fusion of powers)

Question 41

Identify the key difference that distinguishes authoritarian regimes from democratic ones:

Accepted Answer

Authoritarian regimes restrict political participation for citizens (Limited political participation in authoritarian regimes)

Answer

Democratic regimes consistently achieve stronger economic growth (Stronger economic growth in democratic regimes)

Answer

Democratic regimes exhibit greater social inequality (Higher levels of social inequality in democratic regimes)

Question 42

Identify the key factor that significantly impacts the effectiveness of political institutions:

Accepted Answer

The level of public trust in those institutions (Level of public trust)

Answer

Geographic location of the country (Geographic location)

Answer

Natural resources available to the country (Natural resource endowment)

Answer

Size of the government (Size of the government)

Question 43

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

Accepted Answer

Suppression of political dissent

Answer

Free and fair elections

Answer

Majority rule

Answer

Protection of individual rights and freedoms

Question 44

Which of the following factors is most strongly associated with political instability in developing countries?

Accepted Answer

Economic inequality and disparities

Answer

High levels of literacy and educational attainment

Answer

Long-established democratic institutions and norms

Answer

A robust and well-equipped military

Question 45

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

Accepted Answer

United Kingdom

Answer

Swiss Confederation

Answer

Canada

Answer

United States of America

Question 46

Which of the following theories of political development emphasizes the role of economic development and industrialization?

Accepted Answer

Modernization Theory

Answer

Cultural Theory

Answer

World-Systems Theory

Answer

Dependency Theory

Question 47

Which of the following is a key challenge commonly faced by developing countries?

Accepted Answer

Widespread corruption and abuse of power

Answer

Well-established democratic institutions and practices

Answer

Sustained high rates of economic growth and development

Answer

A highly educated and skilled workforce

Question 48

Which of the following is a type of electoral system used in democracies?

Accepted Answer

First-past-the-post

Answer

Constitutional monarchy

Answer

Parliamentary system

Answer

Federalism

Question 49

Which of the following is a prominent political ideology that emphasizes individual liberty, limited government intervention, and free markets?

Accepted Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Democracy

Answer

Federalism

Answer

Constitutionalism

Question 50

In a parliamentary system, which of the following is a key characteristic?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

The president is directly elected by the people.

Answer

The legislature has only one chamber.

Question 51

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a democratic regime?

Accepted Answer

Citizens have the freedom to express their political views.

Answer

A single party controls the government.

Answer

The military plays a dominant role in politics.

Answer

Political opposition is suppressed.

Question 52

Which factor is most likely to contribute to political instability within a country?

Accepted Answer

High levels of poverty and inequality.

Answer

A democratic system of government.

Answer

A well-developed civil society.

Answer

A strong military presence.

Question 53

What is a key difference between authoritarian and totalitarian regimes?

Accepted Answer

Authoritarian regimes tolerate limited dissent, whereas totalitarian regimes suppress all forms of dissent.

Answer

Totalitarian regimes are inherently right-wing, while authoritarian regimes can be either left or right-wing.

Question 54

Corporatist political systems are characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Interest groups are organized into peak associations recognized and consulted by the government.

Answer

Political power is concentrated in a single party.

Question 55

Which of the following is considered a core element of political culture?

Accepted Answer

The beliefs, values, and norms that shape political attitudes and behavior.

Answer

The formal institutions and structures of government.

Answer

The economic system of the country.

Question 56

Which factor can contribute to political polarization?

Accepted Answer

The rise of social media and the spread of misinformation.

Answer

The presence of a strong and cohesive opposition party.

Answer

A culture of consensus and compromise.

Question 57

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of presidential systems?

Accepted Answer

Parliamentary approval is required for the president to take office.

Answer

The president is both head of state and head of government.

Answer

The president is directly elected by the people.

Question 58

Which of the following is a majoritarian electoral system used to elect a single representative in a single-member constituency?

Accepted Answer

First-past-the-post

Answer

Proportional representation

Answer

Single transferable vote

Answer

Mixed-member proportional

Question 59

Which of the following is a key factor shaping political development in developing countries?

Accepted Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Strong political institutions

Answer

Low levels of corruption

Answer

Cultural homogeneity

Question 60

Which of the following is a characteristic of a federal system?

Accepted Answer

Power is divided between a central government and regional governments.

Answer

The central government has all the power.

Answer

The regional governments have all the power.

Question 61

Which of the following is a key characteristic of a totalitarian regime?

Accepted Answer

Suppression of political opposition

Answer

Individual liberty

Answer

Rule of law

Answer

Free and fair elections

Question 62

Which of the following is a key feature of democratic political systems?

Accepted Answer

Protection of individual rights

Answer

Suppression of dissent

Answer

Absolute power of the government

Answer

Limited role for civil society

Question 63

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

Accepted Answer

Free and fair elections

Answer

Absolute monarchy

Answer

Suppression of dissent

Answer

Rule by a military junta

Question 64

What is the primary purpose of a political party?

Accepted Answer

To aggregate and articulate political interests

Answer

To enforce laws

Answer

To regulate economic activity

Answer

To administer government programs