BSocSc Bachelor of Social Science Bachelor of Social Science Political Science 2

Question 1

Which concept describes the phenomenon where elected officials act in their own interest rather than the interests of their constituents?

Accepted Answer

Principal-agent problem

Answer

The principal-agent problem occurs when an agent (elected official) has incentives that diverge from those of the principal (voters) who delegated authority to them.

Question 2

What term describes a system where power is distributed between a central government and regional governments, each sovereign in their own sphere?

Accepted Answer

Federalism

Answer

Federalism divides governmental authority between national and subnational units, each constitutionally sovereign within their designated domains.

Question 3

Which electoral system is most likely to produce a two-party system, according to Duverger's Law?

Accepted Answer

Single-member plurality

Answer

Duverger's Law posits that single-member plurality (first-past-the-post) systems tend to produce two dominant parties due to strategic voting and wasted votes.

Question 4

What is the primary function of judicial review in the American political system?

Accepted Answer

To determine the constitutionality of legislation and executive action

Answer

Judicial review, established by Marbury v. Madison (1803), empowers courts to strike down laws or government actions that violate the Constitution.

Question 5

Which theory of international relations emphasizes that states are rational actors pursuing national interest defined in terms of power?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Realism holds that states are the primary actors in an anarchic international system and that national interest and power are the chief drivers of state behavior.

BSocSc Bachelor of Social Science Practice Test

BSocSc Bachelor of Social Science Practice Test

BSocSc Bachelor of Social Science Bachelor of Social Science Political Science 2