BSocSc Bachelor of Social Science Bachelor of Social Science Political Science 5

Question 1

What does the concept of 'civil society' refer to in political science?

Accepted Answer

The realm of voluntary associations, NGOs, and citizen groups operating between state and market

Answer

Civil society refers to the sphere of organized social life—voluntary associations, NGOs, unions, religious groups—distinct from the state and the market, which serves as a check on government power.

Question 2

Which term describes a government controlled by a small group of elites who rule for their own benefit rather than the public good?

Accepted Answer

Oligarchy

Answer

An oligarchy is a form of government where power is concentrated in the hands of a small, privileged group who typically use it to advance their own interests.

Question 3

What is 'agenda-setting' in the context of media and politics?

Accepted Answer

The media's ability to influence what issues the public considers most important

Answer

Agenda-setting theory, developed by McCombs and Shaw, holds that media don't tell people what to think but do influence what issues people think about.

Question 4

Which constitutional mechanism allows the U.S. Congress to remove a president from office?

Accepted Answer

Impeachment and Senate conviction

Answer

Impeachment by the House followed by trial and conviction by two-thirds of the Senate is the constitutional process for removing a U.S. president from office.

Question 5

What distinguishes 'authoritarian' regimes from 'totalitarian' regimes in comparative politics?

Accepted Answer

Totalitarian regimes seek to control all aspects of public and private life; authoritarian regimes primarily suppress political opposition

Answer

Totalitarian regimes, like Nazi Germany or Stalinist USSR, seek total control over society including private life and ideology, while authoritarian regimes mainly suppress political competition but tolerate more private autonomy.

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 5