Chapter 1

Question 1

Define Polotics (book definition)

Answer 1

an activity related to influencing, making, or implementing collective decisions for a political community.

Question 2

What are 3 examples of environments that politics take place

Answer 2

Government, Social circles and everywhere!

Question 3

Why is politics important?

Answer 3

The laws and policies of government can affect all aspects of our lives and our society

Question 4

Define Power

Answer 4

the ability to achieve an objective by influencing the behaviour of others, particularly to get them to do what they would not have otherwise done.

Question 5

Define: Political Agenda

Answer 5

The issues that are considered important and given priority in political deliberations

Question 6

How is power distributed?

Answer 6

Weath, control of important aspects of the economy, social status and prestige, official position, control of information and expertise…..

Question 7

Free Rider Problem

Answer 7

A Problem with voluntary collective action that results because an individual can enjoy the benefits of group action without contributing

Question 8

What is an example of the free rider problem

Answer 8

People collectively want a road build although, individuals may not put the work in because they know the rest of the community will assist with the road.

Question 9

Define: Authority

Answer 9

The right to exercise power that is accepted by those being governed as ligitimate

Question 10

Those with political authority clam that they have been_______(weather by god, tradition legal rules, election or some other source) to govern.

Answer 10

Authorized

Question 11

Define: Legitimacy

Answer 11

Acceptance by the members of a political community that those in positions of authority have the right to govern.

Question 12

Max Weber described three basic types of authority, what are the the three types?

Answer 12

Charismatic authority
Traditional Authority
Legal- rational authority

Question 13

Define: Charismatic Authority

Answer 13

Authority based on the perception that a leader has extraordinary or supernatural qualities

Question 14

What are some examples of qualities Charismatic Authority people have or are believe to have?
What are some examples or leaders?

Answer 14

Performing miricals, issuing prophecies, or leading a military victory. These people also inspire intense devotion in their followers
Obama, Kennedy, Trdeau, Mao Zedong

Question 15

Define: traditional authority

Answer 15

Authority based on customs that establish the right of certain persons to rule Ex. Queen Elizabeth II or Japanese emperors claimed to be descended from the Sun Gods

Question 16

Define: Legal Rational Authority

Answer 16

The right to rule based on legal rules and procedures rather than on the personal qualities or characteristics of the ruler

Question 17

Define: Common Good

Answer 17

What is good for the entire political community

Question 18

Define: Individualist Perspective

Answer 18

A perspective that views human beings as acting primarily in accordance with their own interests

Question 19

What does individualists perspectives assumes?

Answer 19

That human beings act primarily in accordance with their own interests- in other words, selfishly

Question 20

What is the pluralist system `

Answer 20

A political system in which a large number of groups representing a wide variety of interests are able to influence the decisions of government. Government tries to satisfy as many groups as possible and no group has a dominant influence on the government

Question 21

What is a potential problem with the pluralist system?

Answer 21

Even if government is responsive to groups representing a wide variety of interests this does not necessarily result in the common good

Question 22

Political Science

Answer 22

The systematic study of politics

Question 23

Define Empirical Analysis and give an example

Answer 23

Analysis that involves explaining various aspects of politics, particularly by using careful observation and comparison to develop generalizations and testable theories
Ex. Why are women less likely than men to run for Parliament

Question 24

Define Normative Analysis and give an example

Answer 24

Analysis that includes examining ideas about how the community should be governed and what values should be pursued through politics
Ex. Should legislatures be a microcosm of society?

Question 25

Define Policy Analysis and give an example

Answer 25

Analysis that involves evaluating existing policies and assessing possible alternatives to deal with particular problems
Ex. What is the best way of increasing the proportion of women in parliament