BSocSc Bachelor of Social Science Bachelor of Social Science Political Science 3

Question 1

Which branch of political philosophy is primarily concerned with questions about what makes a government legitimate?

Accepted Answer

Normative political theory

Answer

Normative political theory addresses evaluative questions about political authority, justice, rights, and the moral basis of governmental legitimacy.

Question 2

What does the 'median voter theorem' predict about political competition in a two-party system?

Accepted Answer

Parties will converge toward the policy preferences of the ideological center

Answer

The median voter theorem, developed by Duncan Black and Anthony Downs, predicts that in a two-candidate race, both candidates will adopt positions near the median voter's preference.

Question 3

Which concept refers to the overrepresentation of organized, narrow interest groups in policy-making at the expense of broader public interests?

Accepted Answer

Capture theory

Answer

Capture theory describes how regulatory agencies can come to be dominated by the industries they are supposed to regulate, favoring narrow private interests over the public good.

Question 4

What distinguishes a 'failed state' from other types of political instability?

Accepted Answer

The loss of monopoly on the legitimate use of force and inability to provide basic public goods

Answer

A failed state is characterized by the collapse of central governmental authority, including the inability to maintain a monopoly on violence or deliver basic services.

Question 5

In the U.S. Congress, what is the purpose of a 'filibuster'?

Accepted Answer

To delay or block a Senate vote by extended debate

Answer

A filibuster is a procedural tactic in the U.S. Senate where a senator or group of senators extend debate to prevent or delay a vote on legislation.

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 3