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

Liberal democracy combines majority rule with protections for individual rights and minority interests, typically through constitutional limits on government power.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

The economic structure and relations of production

Answer

Marx distinguished the economic 'base' (the means and relations of production) from the ideological 'superstructure' (politics, culture, law), arguing the base shapes the superstructure.

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

Elite theory, associated with thinkers like C. Wright Mills, argues that political power is concentrated in the hands of a small, interconnected group of corporate, military, and government leaders.

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

Social contract theory argues that political authority and obligation are grounded in a (real or hypothetical) agreement among individuals to form a political community.

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

Separation of powers, championed by Montesquieu, divides governmental authority among legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent any single entity from holding unchecked power.

PSC - Political Science Certificate Practice Test

PSC - Political Science Certificate Practice Test

PSC Core Political Theory 2