PSC Comparative Politics 1

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

Comparative politics uses systematic comparison across different political systems to identify patterns, similarities, and differences in governance.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Unitary system

Answer

A unitary system concentrates governmental authority in a single central government, unlike federal systems which constitutionally divide power between levels.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Historical choices constrain and shape future political options

Answer

Path dependency holds that early institutional choices create self-reinforcing patterns that significantly constrain future political options and reforms.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Civic culture theory

Answer

Almond and Verba developed the civic culture theory through their comparative study of political attitudes across five democracies, published in 1963.

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

In parliamentary systems, the executive (prime minister and cabinet) is drawn from the legislature and remains accountable to it, unlike presidential systems.

PSC - Political Science Certificate Practice Test

PSC - Political Science Certificate Practice Test

PSC Comparative Politics 1