2.1: Political Systems Flashcards
What are the two dimensions used to assess political systems?
The two dimensions used to assess political systems are the degree of collectivism vs. individualism and the degree of democracy vs. totalitarianism.
How are the dimensions of collectivism/individualism and democracy/totalitarianism related?
These dimensions are interrelated; systems that emphasize collectivism tend to be more totalitarian, while systems that emphasize individualism tend to be more democratic. However, there is a middle ground where combinations exist.
Why is it important to understand different political systems when discussing economic and legal systems?
Understanding political systems is crucial because they shape a country’s economic and legal systems, influencing how businesses operate and how laws are enforced.
Who is often regarded as the intellectual forefather of modern socialism, and what were some of his key beliefs?
Karl Marx is often regarded as the intellectual forefather of modern socialism.
He believed that in a capitalist society where individual freedoms were not restricted, the few benefited at the expense of the many.
Marx advocated state ownership of the basic means of production, distribution, and exchange (businesses) to ensure that workers were fully compensated for their labor, managing state-owned enterprises for the benefit of society as a whole.
How did socialist ideology split into two broad camps in the early twentieth century, and what were their respective approaches?
In the early twentieth century, socialist ideology split into two camps.
Communists believed in achieving socialism through violent revolution and totalitarian dictatorship.
Social democrats, on the other hand, committed to achieving socialism through democratic means and rejected violent revolution and dictatorship.
According to Karl Marx, what is the primary issue with capitalism?
Marx argued that in capitalism, the few benefit at the expense of the many, and workers are not fully compensated for their labor.
What happened to communism by the mid-1990s?
Communism declined worldwide, with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the transformation of former communist states into democracies.
Where does communism still exist today, and what happened to social democracy?
Communism remains in some small states like North Korea and Cuba, while social democracy has evolved in some countries to embrace elements of free markets and capitalism.
What is individualism, and how does it relate to collectivism?
Individualism is the belief that individuals should have freedom in their economic and political pursuits, prioritizing individual interests over those of the state. It is the opposite of collectivism.
Who is the ancient Greek philosopher associated with the concept of individualism, and what were his views?
Aristotle (384-322 BC) is associated with individualism. Unlike Plato, Aristotle argued that individual diversity and private ownership are desirable.
He believed that private property is more productive than communal property.
When did individualism reemerge as a significant political philosophy, and in which countries did it develop during this time?
Individualism regained prominence as a political philosophy in the Protestant trading nations of England and the Netherlands during the sixteenth century.
Who are some notable British philosophers associated with the philosophy of individualism?
Notable British philosophers linked to individualism include David Hume (1711-76), Adam Smith (1723-90), and John Stuart Mill (1806-73).
In what historical context did individualism have a profound influence, and where are its ideas reflected?
Individualism profoundly influenced those in the American colonies seeking independence from Great Britain. Its ideas are reflected in the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
What are the two central tenets of individualism?
The first central tenet of individualism emphasizes the importance of guaranteeing individual freedom and self-expression.
The second tenet is that society’s welfare is best served by letting people pursue their own economic self-interest.
How did John Stuart Mill describe the concept of individualism with regard to personal liberty?
John Stuart Mill stated that individuals are sovereign over themselves, their bodies, and minds. Interference with an individual’s liberty is only justified for self-protection or to prevent harm to others.
