POL101 Final Study Guide

Question 1

Participation Paradox

Answer 1

The theory that individuals participate in politics despite the seeming irrationality of their actions according to rational choice theory.

Question 2

Rational Choice Theory

Answer 2

A framework suggesting individuals logically assess the costs and benefits before making decisions.

Question 3

Collective Action Problem

Answer 3

A situation where individuals would all benefit from a certain action, but it has an associated cost making it implausible that any individual can or will undertake and solve it alone.

Question 4

Free Riders

Answer 4

Those who benefit from resources, goods, or services without paying for the cost of the benefit.

Question 5

Political/Public Good

Answer 5

Goods or services provided without profit to all members of a society, either by the government or a private individual or organization.

Question 6

Voter Turnout

Answer 6

The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election.

Question 7

Apathy in Politics

Answer 7

Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern in politics and political activities.

Question 8

Institutionalized Political Participation

Answer 8

Engagement in formally established political processes, such as voting or being a member of a political party.

Question 9

Majoritarian System

Answer 9

An electoral system where the majority rules and the winning candidate or party receives more than half of the votes.

Question 10

Plurality System

Answer 10

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they have a majority.

Question 11

Proportional Representation

Answer 11

An electoral system where parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them.

Question 12

Multi-Member Districts

Answer 12

Electoral districts that elect more than one representative to a legislative body.

Question 13

Electoral Districts Drawing

Answer 13

The process of defining geographic boundaries for electoral districts.

Question 14

Social Movements

Answer 14

Organized activities advocating for change in social or political order.

Question 15

Protest and Activism

Answer 15

Actions taken to express opposition to or support for a cause.

Question 16

Relative Deprivation Theory

Answer 16

The idea that people protest and demand change due to a perception of inequality or injustice compared to others.

Question 17

Resource Mobilization Theory

Answer 17

A theory focusing on the resources needed for social movements to successfully mobilize.

Question 18

Political Opportunity Model

Answer 18

A theory suggesting that the political environment influences the emergence and development of social movements.

Question 19

Framing Process in Movements

Answer 19

How social movements shape their narratives and issues to appeal to and mobilize supporters.

Question 20

Liberalism

Answer 20

A political ideology favoring individual freedoms, limited government, and equality under the law.

Question 21

Rule of Law

Answer 21

The principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced.

Question 22

Classical Liberalism

Answer 22

A political ideology advocating for civil liberties under the rule of law with an emphasis on economic freedom.

Question 23

Negative Rights

Answer 23

Rights that require others to abstain from interfering with an individual’s actions.

Question 24

Secularism in Liberal States

Answer 24

The separation of religious institutions from state institutions and a public sphere where religion is not privileged.

Question 25

Equality of Right

Answer 25

The principle that the law is applied equally to all individuals, without discrimination.

Question 26

Consent of the Governed

Answer 26

A condition whereby a government’s legitimacy and moral right to use state power is only justified and legal when derived from the people or society over which that power is exercised.

Question 27

Individual Responsibility in Neoliberalism

Answer 27

The emphasis on individual responsibility for personal and economic well-being in neoliberal ideologies.

Question 28

Meritocracy

Answer 28

A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement.

Question 29

Political Hope

Answer 29

The belief in the potential for positive change through political action and participation.

Question 30

Climate Anxiety

Answer 30

Worry or stress caused by concerns about climate change and its impacts.

Question 31

Ethical Obligation in Politics

Answer 31

The moral responsibility of individuals and governments to act in the best interests of society.

Question 32

Kant’s View on Hope

Answer 32

The philosophy that hope is a necessary precondition for human agency and meaningful action.

Question 33

Environmental Success Stories

Answer 33

Instances where environmental activism or policy has led to positive environmental outcomes.

Question 34

Energy Transition in Europe

Answer 34

The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources in European countries.

Question 35

Renewable Energy Advancements

Answer 35

Developments and improvements in technologies that harness renewable energy sources.

Question 36

Climate Change as a Collective Action Problem

Answer 36

The challenge of coordinating and implementing policies and actions among various stakeholders to effectively address climate change.