November 25, Slides 3-5 Flashcards
Why is political action considered collective action?
Political action is collective because it involves people coming together to address shared concerns and make decisions about how to live together. This requires cooperation and a sense of shared identity to achieve common goals.
Why are political problems also problems of organizing?
Political problems often involve the challenge of organizing people and resources to address issues, distribute power, and create effective governance structures. Organizing is essential to transform individual actions into collective outcomes.
Why does political action require group identity?
Political action requires group identity to foster unity and a sense of purpose. Shared identity helps individuals see themselves as part of a larger collective working toward common political objectives.
What does it mean that representation is the “currency” of political power?
Representation is the medium through which political power is expressed, negotiated, and legitimized. Leaders or institutions gain authority by claiming to speak for or represent the interests of a group.
How are nations and states related in modern politics?
Nations and states are often connected but not identical. A nation refers to a shared identity based on culture or history, while a state is a political institution with sovereignty over a territory.
What processes contribute to the formation of nations and states?
Nations and states are formed through historical, social, and political processes, including wars, treaties, migration, and cultural development. These processes create shared identities and political institutions.
Why are states considered relatively new inventions?
States, defined as institutions with a monopoly on legitimate violence, emerged around 5,000–6,000 years ago and became universalized only in the 17th century with the Treaty of Westphalia.
Why are nations considered newer than states?
Nations, defined by shared culture, history, or language, are a more modern concept that emerged alongside the rise of nationalism. They are often tied to state formation but developed later as collective identities.
What is the relationship between nations and states?
A nation-state exists when the boundaries of a nation and a state overlap, but this is not always the case. Many states govern multiple nations, and some nations span multiple states.
How does the Oxford English Dictionary define a nation?
The Oxford English Dictionary defines a nation as “a large aggregate of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular country or territory.”
How does Tossutti define a nation?
Tossutti defines a nation as “a historical community with its own institutions, occupying a given territory or homeland, and sharing a distinct language and culture.”
Why is group identity important in modern politics?
Group identity is central to modern politics because it shapes collective action, creates political communities, and helps individuals align with political causes and institutions.
How does representation facilitate collective political action?
Representation allows individuals to participate in politics indirectly through elected officials or leaders who act on their behalf, enabling large-scale group coordination.
What are some challenges in forming nations and states?
Challenges include reconciling diverse identities, addressing historical conflicts, and balancing sovereignty with cultural autonomy. These processes are often contested and complex.
Why is shared identity crucial for nations?
Shared identity fosters unity and a sense of belonging among members of a nation. It helps sustain cultural traditions, political cohesion, and the legitimacy of institutions.
