QuestionPOLI330 Political Science

POLI330 Political Science

Week 1 Discussion

DQ1 Politics in Our Daily Lives

As we read and discuss the definition of politics, let’s also consider the consequences of political decisions on our everyday lives. Can you think of examples from your everyday life when you encounter politics? What makes these experiences “political”?

As you discuss this with one another, let’s not forget to comment on other people’s experiences. Have you experienced similar situations? Can you think of creative ways in which politics plays itself out in your daily life?

DQ2 The Study of Political Science

The reading this week discusses the role of political scientists and their attempts to treat the study of politics as a science. In these efforts, they build scholarship based on reason, balance, and supporting evidence, although much of this scholarship is based on theory.

Discuss how political scientists attempt to quantify data, manipulate data statistically, and attempt to validate hypotheses.

 

POLI330 Political Science

Week 2 Discussion

DQ1 Understanding the Theories

As your text explains, Plato is considered the father of political science. Within The Republic, he presents his theories on the foundations of a perfect government. Rather than a theoretical examination of government, The Republic is written in story form, as the main character Socrates explores the ideal way to form a city.

A largely studied portion of The Republic deals with Plato’s cave allegory. The story goes something like this: You, as a person, find yourself within a cave, chained to the ground, facing a stone wall. You cannot stand, and all you know are the images that play out before you, which are the shadows cast by a light source from behind you. You cannot see behind you, but you know that there are others in the cave with you. This is the only state you have ever known. It is your only reality of the world. Plato goes on to explain that then one day, people come and remove your chains, and take you out of the cave. As you can imagine, you are scared and frightful, and thus fight these individuals as they drag you into this new setting. However, over time you learn to accept the larger image of the world around you and come to understand life outside of the cave. You then attempt to go back into the cave to free others.

This story was Plato’s attempt to explain the world around us. Just picture it: You are chained to the ground and all you can see in front of you is a cave wall. There is a light source behind you, which casts reflections on the wall.

What do you think you would think of these reflections? Could they represent family members? Or friends? What about a god?

DQ2 Liberalism versus Socialism

The term liberalism, when applied to governments, is very different from the term liberal in America. Where liberalism implies a limited government, here in the United States a liberal is not usually seen as supporting a smaller government. This can be very confusing. In an effort to better understand these various meanings, we need to explore the variations within liberalism itself.

So who would like to explain how modern liberalism varies from classical liberalism? In addition, in what ways is classical liberalism similar to conservatism today?

 

POLI330 Political Science

Week 3 Discussion

DQ1 Democracies Compared

Over the past few weeks, we have had the opportunity to explore the roots of political philosophy. Let’s take a moment to focus in upon the idea of democracy. What is the true definition of democracy?

DQ2 The Division of Power

As we have seen through our readings, governments differ on where the power of the state should be held.

Unitary systems concentrate the power within the central government and little or no authority is granted to the component areas. In contrast, federal systems allow first-order civil divisions to have some autonomy, while the central government maintains authority over some areas.

Take a moment to compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of each system.

 

POLI330 Political Science

Week 4 Discussion

DQ1 Political Parties and Interest Groups

We continually hear about interest groups in the news. Understanding this, what is the relationship between interest groups and government? How does this apply to government-created interest groups? In addition, what are the effects of bureaucrats as interest groups? Do you believe this crossover between bureaucrats and interest groups to be right? Please be sure to provide specific examples in your response.

DQ2 Elections

Compare and contrast single-member districts and proportional representation (PR). How effective is each electoral system in representing its people’s interests? How do they support the party systems around which they arose?

 

 

 

POLI330 Political Science

Week 5 Discussion

DQ1 Parliamentary and Presidential Systems

As we turn our focus to the international realm, let’s take a moment to compare the governmental systems of the United Kingdom and the United States.

Identify a few key differences between a parliamentary and a presidential system. How is the top leader selected differently? How do you think this difference impacts the kind of people who are chosen?

DQ2 Federal Judicial Branch

The lesson this week suggests that the judicial branch is the least democratic branch of government, due to how federal judges are appointed.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a branch of government where its members are not democratically elected? Would you change the way federal judges are selected?

 

POLI330 Political Science

Week 6 Discussion

DQ1 Welfare Systems

Examine the efficacy of U.S. welfare programs. What do such programs intend to accomplish? What are some criticisms against them? Be sure to cite specific academic examples, not just ones from your opinion.

DQ2 Global Markets

Several countries around the world are transitioning to market economies; the most significant of these are China and Russia. What do you think the impact will be on other countries around the world as these two countries become even more significant in the global economy? What are some examples of this impact?

 

POLI330 Political Science

Week 7 Discussion

DQ1 Ethnic Violence

In discussing the concept of violence this week, let’s take a moment to consider the following situation.

Imagine a country where religious factions inside a nation want to have their own separate homeland. The government refuses, claiming that the territory in question, which commands the nation’s only source of clean water, is vital to security. Is violence inevitable?

DQ2 International Treaties

In considering the international realm, let’s consider the concept of economic treaties. Specifically, let’s think about an organization like the European Union (EU).

Why was it formed? In addition, what are some of the objectives of the nations that are joining the EU?

 

POLI330 Political Science

Week 1 Quiz

Question 1

(TCO 1) Anthropology applies most to political science based on which example?

People are born with predispositions towards conservative or liberal views.

People join groups because they have innate desires to be with others.

Many ruling families maintained power by passing down their authority from one generation to the next.

Power typically ends up with those with the most resources.

 

Question 2

(TCO 1) The statement “Man is by nature a political animal” is attributed to _____.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Seymour Martin Lipset

Mao Zedong

Aristotle

 

Question 3

(TCO 1) Which of the following explanations of power might examine the tolerance of individuals?

Rational

Control

Authority

Culture

 

Question 4

(TCO 1) Which of the following best exemplifies sovereignty?

The United States negotiating a trade agreement with Canada

The people of France acknowledging the authority of their president

Israel asserting jurisdiction over the Gaza Strip

President Obama having the support of the people who elected him

 

Question 5

(TCO 1) Issues related to a border dispute between the United States and Canada would relate to _____.

sovereignty

authority

legitimacy

monarchy

 

Question 6

(TCO 1) A(n) _____ is an initial theory a researcher starts with to be proved with evidence.

quantify

hypothesis

qualify

empirical

 

Question 7

(TCO 1) _____ refers to something based on observable evidence.

Quantify

Hypothesis

Qualify

Empirical

 

Question 8

(TCO 1) Descriptions of political phenomena often lack _____.

rationality

reasoning

theory

balance

 

Question 9

(TCO 1) The subfield of _____ studies major thinkers and attempts to define the good polity.

public administration

comparative politics

public policy

political theory

 

Question 10

(TCO 1) Which are both true for most political scientists?

They think practically and seek accuracy.

They seek popularity and are skeptical of power.

They offer single causes and think abstractly.

They are skeptical of power and offer long-term consequences.

 

 

 

POLI330 Political Science

Week 2 Quiz

Question 1

(TCO 6) Which of the following best characterizes Aristotle?

He only explained what is.

He only explained what ought to be.

He explained both what is and what ought to be.

He neither explained what is nor what ought to be.

 

Question 2

(TCO 6) Which of the following is most consistent with the idea of a social contract?

Government should be limited to ensure individual freedom.

Individuals join and stay in civil society.

Citizens prefer solitary lives to living in groups.

Citizens are more concerned with their own social situations than the community.

 

Question 3

(TCO 6) If _____ were alive, he might suggest that poor academic performance in schools could be attributed to a society that does not promote education and provides few resources devoted to schools.

John Locke

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Thomas Hobbes

Niccolo Machiavelli

 

Question 4

(TCO 6) Which of the following would most likely be supported by the bourgeoisie?

Equality for all

A revolt by the proletariat

Minority rights

Conflict for economic gain

 

Question 5

(TCO 6) Which of the following best undermines the Marxist argument?

Capitalist societies frequently collapse.

Socialism is the natural replacement of capitalism.

Capitalism has survived major stock market crashes.

India has a democratic government.

 

Question 6

(TCO 6) Which statement best applies to Adam Smith?

His views began as conservative, but are now associated with modern liberalism.

His views were once considered liberal, but are now promoted by conservatives.

His views have always been advocated by liberals.

Marxists promoted his views because of concerns of the proletariat.

 

Question 7

(TCO 6) Which of the following propositions would likely be favored by modern liberals?

Tax cuts for top income earners

Regulation of the banking sector

Little government involvement in economic matters

Free markets

 

Question 8

(TCO 6) Modern conservatism adopts elements of which of the following?

Economic views from Edmund Burke and social views from Adam Smith

Economic and social views from Adam Smith

Economic views from Adam Smith and social views from Thomas Hill Green

Economic views from Adam Smith and social views from Edmund Burke

 

 

Question 9

(TCO 6) How do Libertarians differ from liberals and conservatives?

Libertarians are more consistent in their views.

Libertarians are less consistent in their views.

Libertarians prefer intervention in economic matters only.

Libertarians prefer intervention in social matters only.

 

Question 10

(TCO 6) _____ is an extreme form of nationalism.

Liberalism

Conservatism

Socialism

Fascism

 

 

 

POLI330 Political Science

Week 3 Quiz

Question 1

 

(TCO 2) Hereditary rule by one person is known as _____.

a monarchy

a republic

institutionalization

a state

 

Question 2

(TCO 2) According to Aristotle, democracy is the _____ form of government by _____.

corrupt; one

corrupt; a few

corrupt; many

legitimate; many

 

Question 3

(TCO 2) The idea that American states serve as “laboratories of democracy” is an advantage of _____ systems of government.

unitary

confederal

 

federal

proportional

 

Question 4

(TCO 2) Electoral systems that elect one person per district are known as _____.

multimember districts

majoritarian systems

single-member districts

proportional districts

 

Question 5

(TCO 2) If the Green Party receives 15% of the vote in a proportional system, which of the following is likely to happen?

The Green Party would receive no seats.

The Green Party would try to form a coalition with other parties.

The Green Party would attempt to gerrymander districts to its advantage.

The Green Party would demand a recount of the votes.

 

Question 6

(TCO 2) Welfare states tend to have which of the following combinations of state ownership and welfare benefits?

High levels of state ownership and high levels of welfare benefits

High levels of state ownership but low levels of welfare benefits

Low levels of state ownership and high levels of welfare benefits

Low levels of state ownership and low levels of welfare benefits

 

Question 7

(TCO 2) Judicial activism refers to _____.

liberal judges

conservative judges

judicial restraint by judges

willingness to override legislatures

 

Question 8

 

(TCO 2) Though rare, a “true” democracy, is a system in which _____.

all citizens meet periodically to elect officials

all citizens meet periodically to elect officials and personally enact laws

popular accountability is common, but political competition is extremely limited

the wealthy almost always have greater influence than the poor

 

Question 9

(TCO 2) The mass media in totalitarian states _____.

show the system is functioning well under wise leaders, but practice a mildly critical attitude toward the official ideology

question the system, but still push the official ideology

show the system is functioning well under wise leaders, and sell the official ideology

question the system only in times of crisis, otherwise selling the official ideology

 

Question 10

(TCO 2) Describe the purpose of total control as relates to the image of the state.

To reveal the state as a genuine and open entity

To excuse the state’s invasive and/or violent political measures

To convey to the citizens a perception of only everyday order

To convey to visitors a perception of nearly perfect order

 

POLI330 Political Science

Week 4 Quiz

Question 1

(TCO 3) Explain which individuals have the most influence on politics via interest groups.

Women

The elderly

A wide variety of people

Rich individuals

 

Question 2

(TCO 3) What U.S. groups that are underrepresented by interest groups took to the street in inner-city riots in the 1960s, thus demonstrating what a group or groups might do when they cannot express their grievances through legitimate channels?

Poor people and Hispanic people

African American people and women

Poor people and African American people

Hispanic American people and women

 

Question 3

(TCO 3) Bureaucracies have become big and powerful, developing _____ of their own.

candidates

 

interests

political parties

media outlets

 

Question 4

(TCO 3) Some interest groups maintain a low profile by promoting their objectives without _____ them.

lobbying for

fully funding

 

advertising

openly debating

 

Question 5

(TCO 3) Large parties in particular can be analyzed as _____.

generations of like-minded voters

coalitions of interest groups

team-led organizations based around a theme

trustworthy representatives of national interest

 

Question 6

(TCO 3) _____ allow and even encourage parties to split.

Single-member districts

“First past the post” systems

Proportional representation systems

Plurality systems

 

Question 7

(TCO 3) Which of the following has recently done much to encourage state and local party organizations to cooperate with national party platforms?

Door-to-door canvassing

Cohesive national platforms

Computerized mailing lists

Local political pandering

 

Question 8

(TCO 3) What do you think might be a side effect of or a cause of nations with very high voter turnout having that level of turnout?

They may have a kind of political fever in which partisan politics has become too intense.

They likely play host to elections in which indistinct personalities and a relatively unified electorate bring out more voters.

They probably don’t offer automatic voter registration.

They usually have mandatory voting.

 

Question 9

(TCO 3) Describe the impact of education on those who vote.

Education drops the sense of participation and makes people feel more cynical, which makes people more likely to take action but not to actually follow political news.

Education lifts the sense of participation and abstract intellectual curiosity, which makes people more likely to follow individual politicians.

Education lifts the sense of political knowledge, which makes people more likely to follow political news and feel involved.

Education lifts the sense of participation and abstract intellectual curiosity, which makes people more likely to follow political news and feel involved.

 

Question 10

(TCO 3) Why might factory workers in small towns feel a different sense of the stakes elections hold than executives and professionals?

Factory workers in small towns may perceive a great deal of difference between candidates, noticing considerable change from one administration to another, and executives and professionals feel generally less involved but still perceive a direct correlation between who wins and their personal fortunes.

Factory workers in small towns may perceive little difference between candidates, noticing little change from one administration to another, and although executives and professionals share this sense of noticing little change from one administration to another, they still perceive a direct correlation between who wins and their personal fortunes.

 

Factory workers in small towns may perceive little difference between candidates, noticing little change from one administration to another, and executives and professionals feel involved and perceive a direct correlation between who wins and their personal fortunes.

Executives and professionals may perceive little difference between candidates, noticing little change from one administration to another, and factory workers in small towns feel involved and perceive a direct correlation between who wins and their personal incomes.

 

POLI330 Political Science

Week 5 Quiz

Question 1

(TCO 5) Because they were often at war, ambitious European monarchs desperately needed revenues. Some of them started calling assemblies of notables to levy taxes. In return for their “power of the purse,” these assemblies received a modest input into royal policies. Such were the beginnings of the _____.

American Congress

French Estates General

British Parliament

Swedish Riksdag

Chapter 13, page 207

 

Question 2

(TCO 5) Which systems demonstrate the clearest separation of power between the executive and legislative branches?

Parliamentary

Presidential

Monarchies

Ministerial

 

Question 3

(TCO 5) How often does the cabinet change in a parliamentary system?

Every 4 years

Every 6 years

Every 8 years

When the cabinet is voted out or resigns

 

Question 4

(TCO 5) What is the effect of divided government, such as that used in the United States, on spending and policy formation?

It encourages unhealthy spending and foolish policies.

It holds down spending and foolish policies.

It encourages irresponsible spending because representatives are held accountable for only a short amount of time.

It encourages responsible spending, but is slow to implement policy.

 

Question 5

(TCO 5) Who directly calls forth the leader of the largest party to take office with a cabinet and become the prime minister?

The voters

Parliament

The monarch

The House of Commons

 

Question 6

(TCO 5) When it comes to electing officials, which factor matters the most to voters in both presidential and parliamentary elections?

Party affiliation

Political ideologies

Money invested in campaign

Personality

 

 

Question 7

(TCO 4) Which of the following issues is a civil concern?

Extortion

Theft

Divorce

Trafficking

 

Question 8

(TCO 4) International law consists of _____ and established customs recognized by most nations.

treaties

ratification

amendments

cease-fires

 

Question 9

(TCO 4) What legal agency in the United States generates reputation-based ratings of prospective federal judges?

Judicial Ratings Bureau

Federal Bureau of Judicial Review

American Bar Association

Office of Legal Assessment

 

Question 10

(TCO 4) Describe the significance of Marbury v. Madison.

The ruling laid precedent for judicial review.

The ruling stated that the president is subject to the court’s decisions.

The ruling decreed that current administrations must honor the appointments of previous administrations.

The ruling claimed that federal taxes could not be levied on the states.

 

Our website has a team of professional writers who can help you write any of your homework. They will write your papers from scratch. We also have a team of editors just to make sure all papers are of HIGH QUALITY & PLAGIARISM FREE. To make an Order you only need to click Ask A Question and we will direct you to our Order Page at WriteDemy. Then fill Our Order Form with all your assignment instructions. Select your deadline and pay for your paper. You will get it few hours before your set deadline.