Economics & Politics in Sociology

Question 1

In this type of government only a small number of people or a powerful group holds the power.

Answer 1

Oligarchy

Question 2

Authoritarian governments do NOT allow their citizens to participate in any way in the government. People are expected to obey their leaders no matter what.

Answer 2

Authoritarianism

Question 3

Serve an important social service
Secure a professional career
Demonstrate loyalty to society
Require special training
Draw members from a specific group

Answer 3

Profession Characteristics

Question 4

The economy is comprised of buyers and sellers.
The goal in the economy is to increase profit.
Limited government oversight is allowed.
Continual production is expected.

Answer 4

Characteristics of Capitalism

Question 5

A theory created by Immanuel Wallerstein that believes the world is divided into three kinds of countries which are not treated equally: core, periphery, and semi-periphery.

Answer 5

World Systems Theory

Question 6

A form of government where leadership and power is inherited which was very common in the past but less so today. The two types are absolute and constitutional.

Answer 6

Monarchy

Question 7

A part of the modern economy that includes high-level decision makers such as media executives, university presidents, and CEOs.

Answer 7

Quinary Sector of the Economy

Question 8

Limited opportunities for individualism
Can lead to a static economy
Consumers have fewer choices from which to choose

Answer 8

Disadvantages of Socialism

Question 9

Political parties in the U.S. include the dominant Republican and Democratic Parties as well as third parties, such as the Libertarian Party, the Constitution Party, and the Green Party.

Answer 9

Major U.S. Political Parties

Question 10

This theory deals with the struggle for economic power and the struggle between social classes. This theory posits that the government controls ideas, education, property, and the state.

Answer 10

Marxist Social Power Theory

Question 11

This sector of the economy deals with buying and selling services. Currently around 80% of the workforce is part of this service industry.

Answer 11

Tertiary Sector of the Economy

Question 12

These committees, known as PACs, try to bring about political change by using money to influence politicians or political parties.

Answer 12

Political Action Committee

Question 13

This economic sector deals with intellectual activities like information technology, research, and education.

Answer 13

Quaternary Sector of the Economy

Question 14

In the world systems theory, they are powerful and capitalist. They are able to exploit peripheral countries and maintain the status quo with their power.

Answer 14

Core Countries

Question 15

The less powerful group in a pluralist social model. These groups can include PACs and activists who lack political power.

Answer 15

Outsider Group

Question 16

involves the extraction of raw materials from the earth.

Answer 16

primary sector

Question 17

involves the transformation of raw materials into goods.

Answer 17

secondary sector

Question 18

is comprised of highly skilled or well-educated members.

Answer 18

primary labor market

Question 19

is mostly women and minorities.

Answer 19

secondary labor market

Question 20

exists when the monarch has no or few legal limitations in political matters.

Answer 20

Absolute monarchy

Question 21

are more common, exist when the monarch retains a distinctive legal and ceremonial role but exercises limited or no political power.

Answer 21

Constitutional monarchies

Question 22

is all about negotiation, and power is distributed among competing interest groups.

Answer 22

pluralist model

Question 23

the majority of the power is held by the wealthy. In this case, the wealthy refers to businesses, government, and the military.

Answer 23

power-elite model

Question 24

are generally characterized as more conservative in their views, and they tend to support policies that reduce federal regulations, strengthen the military, and boost capitalist endeavors.

Answer 24

Republicans

Question 25

are generally characterized as more liberal in their views and support policies to strengthen social services, protect the environment, and make businesses accountable.

Answer 25

Democrats

Question 26

is an individual or a group of individuals that are hired to influence government officials, legislators, and agencies based on the best interests of their clients

Answer 26

lobbyist

Question 27

when a voter feels that his or her vote doesn’t matter, so they lose interest in the political process and stop voting.

Answer 27

Voter apathy

Question 28

dominate and exploit peripheral countries.

Answer 28

Core countries

Question 29

are dependent on the core countries for capital.

Answer 29

Peripheral countries

Question 30

share characteristics of both core and peripheral.

Answer 30

semi-peripheral countries