PSC Core Political Theory 2

Question 1

What distinguishes a 'liberal' democracy from other forms of democracy?

Accepted Answer

It protects individual rights and limits government power through constitutional constraints

Answer

It is led by left-wing political parties

Answer

It requires proportional representation in elections

Answer

It mandates free-market economic policies

Question 2

In Marxist political theory, the 'base' of society refers to:

Accepted Answer

The economic structure and relations of production

Answer

The military and police forces

Answer

The cultural values and norms of a society

Answer

The elected government and legislature

Question 3

Which theory holds that a small, cohesive elite effectively controls political decision-making regardless of formal democratic processes?

Accepted Answer

Elite theory

Answer

Pluralism

Answer

Institutionalism

Answer

Rational choice theory

Question 4

What is the core claim of 'social contract' theory?

Accepted Answer

Political authority arises from an agreement (real or hypothetical) among individuals

Answer

Citizens must always obey the state in exchange for protection

Answer

Governments earn legitimacy solely through military conquest

Answer

The natural state of humanity is political order

Question 5

Which concept describes the idea that a government's power should be divided among separate institutions to prevent tyranny?

Accepted Answer

Separation of powers

Answer

Federalism

Answer

Judicial review

Answer

Proportional representation

Question 6

Communitarianism, as a political philosophy, emphasizes which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The importance of community, shared values, and social obligations in political life

Answer

The absolute priority of individual rights over community interests

Answer

The elimination of private property to achieve equality

Answer

Direct citizen participation in all government decisions