PSC Comparative Politics

Question 1

What is the primary method used in comparative politics to study political systems?

Accepted Answer

Systematic comparison of political systems across countries

Answer

Biographical study of political leaders

Answer

Analysis of economic indicators only

Answer

Historical narrative of single nations

Question 2

Which type of political system concentrates governmental authority in a single central government?

Accepted Answer

Unitary system

Answer

Federal system

Answer

Confederal system

Answer

Pluralist system

Question 3

The concept of 'path dependency' in comparative politics suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Historical choices constrain and shape future political options

Answer

All countries will eventually adopt liberal democracy

Answer

Political development follows a universal predetermined path

Answer

Economic development alone determines political outcomes

Question 4

Gabriel Almond and Sidney Verba's comparative research developed which influential concept?

Accepted Answer

Civic culture theory

Answer

Social capital theory

Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

Democratic peace theory

Question 5

What is the key distinguishing feature of a parliamentary system compared to a presidential system?

Accepted Answer

The executive is drawn from and accountable to the legislature

Answer

Parliamentary systems have no head of state

Answer

Presidential systems have stronger legislative bodies

Answer

Parliamentary systems always use proportional representation

Question 6

In comparative politics, 'corporatism' refers to a system where:

Accepted Answer

Organized interest groups are formally incorporated into policy-making

Answer

Corporations dominate political decision-making

Answer

The government owns major industries

Answer

Political parties merge into a single entity

Question 7

Which principle holds that peoples have the right to determine their own political status and governance?

Accepted Answer

Self-determination

Answer

Popular sovereignty

Answer

Political legitimacy

Answer

Democratic autonomy