BGS, BSGS Bachelor of General Studies BSGS Political Science 5

Question 1

Which social contract theorist argued that life without government would be 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short,' justifying an all-powerful sovereign?

Accepted Answer

Thomas Hobbes

Answer

Thomas Hobbes in 'Leviathan' (1651) argued that without a strong sovereign authority, the state of nature would be a brutal war of all against all.

Question 2

What distinguishes a parliamentary system of government from a presidential system?

Accepted Answer

In a parliamentary system, the executive (prime minister) is drawn from and accountable to the legislature

Answer

In parliamentary systems, the prime minister and cabinet are members of the legislature and can be removed by a vote of no confidence, fusing executive and legislative power.

Question 3

Which principle holds that government authority derives from the consent of those governed?

Accepted Answer

Popular sovereignty

Answer

Popular sovereignty is the doctrine that legitimate government authority flows from the will of the people, foundational to democratic theory.

Question 4

Which term describes the phenomenon where interest groups provide campaign contributions and other benefits to legislators in exchange for favorable policy outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Lobbying

Answer

Lobbying refers to organized efforts by interest groups to influence legislators, including through campaign contributions, though legal lobbying stops short of explicit quid pro quo agreements.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of the War Powers Resolution of 1973?

Accepted Answer

To limit the President's ability to deploy military forces without congressional approval beyond 60 days

Answer

The War Powers Resolution requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops and limits unauthorized military engagements to 60 days without congressional authorization.

BGS, BSGS Bachelor of General Studies Practice Test

BGS, BSGS Bachelor of General Studies Practice Test

BGS, BSGS Bachelor of General Studies BSGS Political Science 5