Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan can be best described as:

An absolute sovereign necessary to prevent chaos in the state of nature

Legitimate power based on the acceptance by the ruled

Critics of Marxism like Isaiah Berlin argue that:

Marxism ignores human natures tendency towards difference and competition, The Marxist vision of a classless society is unrealistic

What does “common good” represent?

What is beneficial for society, even if it requires individual sacrifice

Dichotomous versus continuous view of regime type. What does a dichotomous view assume?

There’s a clear and sharp dividing line between democracies & dictatorships

“Politics is closely tied to the concept of scarcity”, what does this mean in a political context?

Not everyone’s needs and wants can be satisfied due to limited resources

Politics encompasses a wide range of activities and is difficult to define

Which of the following e.g. best illustrates the tension between liberty and security in the 21st C?

Increased surveillance measures implemented in the name of counterterrorism

What is the central argument of the elitist theory of democracy?

Democracy is best understood as competition between elites 4 the ppl’s vote

What does the tension between politics and fate mean?

Human agency EG globalisation and technology both shape political reality

What is the tension in defining politics?

Defining politics narrowly VS defining it broadly & diluting its meaning

What is the most basic definition of democracy?

A system where political power is broadly distributed among the people

Why does the rapid economic growth of some authoritarian regimes such as China challenge the end of history thesis?

Prosperity doesn’t necessarily lead to the adoption of lib dem values/inst

What does the “pluralist” theory argue about the distribution of power in liberal democracies?

Power is dispersed among numerous groups none of which consiently dominates

According to Harold Laswell, politics can be defined as

The process of determining “who gets what, when and how?”

The social contract, according to Thomas hobbes, suggests that:

Individuals agree to surrender some freedoms in exchange 4 security

Which is the most accurate definition of power?

ability to influence/control the behavior of others even against their will

The concept of anti-politics is connected to declining pol particp. What is the relationship between citizens & pol sys?

Cit r feeling + alienated from trad political processes & institutions

While recognising the constraints on human agency, we should:

Acknowledge the tension between P and F and strive to exert our will anyway

How does the concept of scarcity contribute to the necessity of politics

It creates competition for limited resources leading to the need for politc

What does “anti-politics” refer to in the context of Western democracies?

A growing disillusionment with traditional political processes and institut

What is the fundamental principle of a meritocratic theory of justice?

Resources should be distrib based on an indiv contribution to society

How does the concept of channelling “ hatred and animosity towards the common good” relate to power and authority

P should redirect destructive social conflicts toward constructive ends

What was democracy primarily associated with in ancient Greece?

Rule by the common people often seen as potentially chaotic

While P can be exerted through force, the use of F indicates P failed

Which of the following is not a core characteristic of conservatism?

Advocacy for radical social transformation

What is this “central divide” about in political thought?

Prioritising liberty over equality or vice versa

What is the key difference between power and authority?

Power is based on coercion, while authority is based in consent

What is the significance of Aristotle’s six-fold classification of political systems?

It distinguishes between “proper” and “deviant” forms of government

What is the central idea behind John Stewart Mill’s “harm principle”? (Arguments for limiting freedom)

Freedom of action should be limited only when it causes harm to others

Which of the following statements best captures Henry Adams cynical view of politics as “the organisation of hatreds”?

P often exploits existing societal ÷ and animosities to gain/maintain power

What is the primary concern of negative liberty according to Isaiah Berlin?

The area of control or the sphere where individuals R free from interfrenc

Which of the following statements best characterises populism as antipolitical?

Populism often rejects the idea of a common good, Populism frames politics as a struggle btw pure people and a corrupt elite

Power versus authority

Power = capacity to compel action, while authority = right to rule

Which aspect of freedom house makes it a substantive measure?

Inclusion of factors like freedom of expression which go beyond procedures

Why has the tension between liberty and security become more prominent in recent years?

The threat of terror attacks and the events of 9/11

What is the key distinction between a minimalist and the substantive view of democracy?

MV defines demcracy based on instit & proced, SV considers the outcoms prod

What primarily motivates the actions of rulers according to the predatory view of the state?

A need to secure their power and extract resources to outcompete rivals

What is the common argument underlying the “end of politics” theses?

The triumph of liberal dem, will create a consensus that makes pol unecesar

The concept of scarcity in relation to politics refers to:

An insufficient supply of desired goods and resources in society

What is the conundrum regarding illiberal democracies?

They hold elections, but their leaders often disregard individual rights

What is the key difference between nations and states?

Nations are based on shared identity while states are territorial entities

Why is politics an essential feature of complex societies?

Provides a means of reconciling diverse interests & values & allocating SR

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Questions 67

Answers

1
Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan can be best described as:
A utopian vision of a classless and stateless society
A system of limited government designed to protect individual rights
An absolute sovereign necessary to prevent chaos in the state of nature
A decentralised form of political organisation based on cooperation
2
Define authority
Legitimate power based on the acceptance by the ruled
The use of force/intimidation to maintain order
Accumulation of wealth and resources to ensure compliance
Control of information and media channels
3
Critics of Marxism like Isaiah Berlin argue that:
Capitalism is the most efficient and just economic system
Marxism ignores human natures tendency towards difference and competition
The Marxist vision of a classless society is unrealistic
The status is necessary to protect individual rights and freedoms
4
Economic goods include things like
Religious freedom
Money rewards
Social status
Political influence
5
What does “common good” represent?
What is beneficial for society, even if it requires individual sacrifice
The interests of the most powerful groups in society
The elimination of conflict and the achievement of complete social harmony
The accumulation of wealth for the benefit of all citizens
6
Dichotomous versus continuous view of regime type. What does a dichotomous view assume?
Dem & dict our ideal types that don’t exist in the real world
Regime type is a spectrum with numerous intermediate categories between D&D
Resume type = social construction that’s constantly evolving
There’s a clear and sharp dividing line between democracies & dictatorships
7
“Politics is closely tied to the concept of scarcity”, what does this mean in a political context?
Political power is concentrated in the hands of a small elite
Not everyone’s needs and wants can be satisfied due to limited resources
There is a limited number of elected positions available in government.
Citizens are becoming increasingly apathetic about political issues
8
A regime that relies solely on power is likely to be:
Just and equitable
Inefficient and unstable
Efficient and effective
Stable and prosperous
9
What is politics?
Politics is inherently negative and should be avoided by virtuous citizens
Politics can be precisely defined as the pursuit of the common good
Politics is primarily concerned with the acquisition and exercise of power
Politics encompasses a wide range of activities and is difficult to define
10
Which of the following e.g. best illustrates the tension between liberty and security in the 21st C?
The debate over the right to bear arms in the US
The rice of social media and its impact on privacy
Increased surveillance measures implemented in the name of counterterrorism
The struggle for equal pay for women in the workplace
11
What is the central argument of the elitist theory of democracy?
Democracy should prioritise social & economic equality > individual liberty
Democracy is best understood as competition between elites 4 the ppl’s vote
Mass participation in politics is essential for a healthy democracy
Elites are inherently corrupt and pose a threat to democracy
12
What does the tension between politics and fate mean?
Individuals have no control over their political destinies
Human agency EG globalisation and technology both shape political reality
Political action is futile in the face of overwhelming global challenges
Political outcomes are predetermined by historical forces
13
What is the tension in defining politics?
Defining politics narrowly VS defining it broadly & diluting its meaning
The tension between individual rights and collective responsibilities
Pursuit of power versus pursuit of common good
Tension between the theoretical ideals of P & the messy realities of P prac
14
What is the most basic definition of democracy?
A system where political power is broadly distributed among the people
A form of government with regular competitive elections
I regime that’s guarantees individual rights and freedoms
A society characterised by social and economic equality
15
Why does the rapid economic growth of some authoritarian regimes such as China challenge the end of history thesis?
Prosperity doesn’t necessarily lead to the adoption of lib dem values/inst
Limitations of western models of development
Authoritarian regimes can be more efficient at managing economic growth
The importance of cultural factors in shaping political systems
16
Somalia is used as an example to illustrate which political concept?
A totalitarian state
Democracy
A failed state
Theocracy
17
What does the “pluralist” theory argue about the distribution of power in liberal democracies?
Power is held by a small elite who manipulate instit. for their own benefit
Power is concentrated in a ruling class determined by economic relations
Power is dispersed among numerous groups none of which consiently dominates
Power resides in the hands of the people through their voting power
18
According to Harold Laswell, politics can be defined as
The pursuit of the common good and societal justice
The art of governing and making laws
The struggle for power and control
The process of determining “who gets what, when and how?”
19
The social contract, according to Thomas hobbes, suggests that:
The pursuit of individual self interest leads to social harmony
Political power is derived from divine authority
Society is naturally hierarchical with some individuals born rule
Individuals agree to surrender some freedoms in exchange 4 security
20
Which is the most accurate definition of power?
The adherence to a set of shared values and beliefs
Possession of wealth, social status or political office
The right rule based on legitimacy and consent
ability to influence/control the behavior of others even against their will
21
The concept of anti-politics is connected to declining pol particp. What is the relationship between citizens & pol sys?
Cit r feeling + alienated from trad political processes & institutions
Citizens are becoming more apathetic and indifferent to political issues
Cit are becoming + politically sophisticated & demanding + acountib from L
Cit r + turning into alternative forms of P engag, e.g. movements/ online
22
While recognising the constraints on human agency, we should:
Resign ourselves to the inevitability of political decline
Acknowledge the tension between P and F and strive to exert our will anyway
Embrace technological solutions to political problems
Focus on local & regional politics rather than engaging in nat/glob affairs
23
How does the concept of scarcity contribute to the necessity of politics
It creates competition for limited resources leading to the need for politc
It necessitates strong leadership to ensure the survival of the community
By hilighting import of economic equality as a means of (-) social conflict
By encouraging ppl to act in self-interest —> need 4 regulations
24
What does “anti-politics” refer to in the context of Western democracies?
The rise of extremist political parties on both the left and the right
A growing disillusionment with traditional political processes and institut
The increasing influence of special interest groups in policy-making
A decline in voter turnout among young people
25
What is the fundamental principle of a meritocratic theory of justice?
Resources should be distributed based on need
Resources should be distributed equally to ensure fairness & social harmony
Resources should be distrib based on an indiv contribution to society
Resources should be distributed according to a predetermined hierarchy
26
Which of the following is not considered a constraint on freedom?
Lack of access to information
Economic impediment
Physical coercion
Lack of rationality
27
How does the concept of channelling “ hatred and animosity towards the common good” relate to power and authority
Authority is inherently + effective than power in achieving political goals
Effective rulers must solely rely on coercion and force
P should redirect destructive social conflicts toward constructive ends
It dismisses common good as a naive and unrealistic aspiration
28
Which form of government did Aristotle consider the most desirable?
Oligarchy
Tyranny
Monarchy
Democracy
29
What was democracy primarily associated with in ancient Greece?
Rule by the common people often seen as potentially chaotic
A form of governance based on expertise and philosopher-kings
A system of representative government with elected officials
Utopian ideal of perfect equality and social harmony
30
Which of the following is not a typical criterion used to evaluate distributive justice?
Equality
Need
Tradition
Merit
31
Force VS power
F is always physical while P can be exerted through various means (persuas)
F is a legitimate exercise of authority while P is often illegitimate
While P can be exerted through force, the use of F indicates P failed
F is a tool used by individuals, while P is typically exercised by institut
32
Which of the following is not a core characteristic of conservatism?
Advocacy for radical social transformation
Belief in human imperfection
Sceptic ism about human rationality
Preference for tradition and gradual change
33
What is this “central divide” about in political thought?
The role of religion in government
The best way to distribute economic goods
Whether or not politics is an inevitable feature of society
Prioritising liberty over equality or vice versa
34
What is the key difference between power and authority?
Power is always illegitimate, while authority is always legitimate
Power is a modern concept, while authority is a traditional concept
Power is based on coercion, while authority is based in consent
Power is held by individuals, while authority is held by institutions
35
What is the significance of Aristotle’s six-fold classification of political systems?
It highlights the importa of econ equality in achieving political stability
It ranks different political systems according to their level of democracy
It distinguishes between “proper” and “deviant” forms of government
It provides a comprehensive typology of all possible form of government
36
What is the central idea behind John Stewart Mill’s “harm principle”? (Arguments for limiting freedom)
Freedom should be balanced against the need for social & economic equality
Freedom of action should be limited only when it causes harm to others
Freedom should be restricted only when it threatens national security
Freedom of speech should be absolute even if it offends others
37
Which of the following statements best captures Henry Adams cynical view of politics as “the organisation of hatreds”?
P often exploits existing societal ÷ and animosities to gain/maintain power
Politics is a noble pursuit aimed at achieving the common good
Politics is inherently about compromise and cooperation
Politics is a necessary evil for maintaining social order
38
What is the primary concern of negative liberty according to Isaiah Berlin?
Role of the state in promoting positive freedom & indiv self development
Moral justification for limiting freedom in certain circumstances
The source of control or who or what has the power to impose limits
The area of control or the sphere where individuals R free from interfrenc
39
Which of the following statements best characterises populism as antipolitical?
Populism seeks to strengthen existing political institutions and norms
Populism often rejects the idea of a common good
Populism promotes dialogue and compromise between opposing groups
Populism frames politics as a struggle btw pure people and a corrupt elite
40
Power versus authority
Power is always good while authority can be misused
Power belongs to individuals while authority rests with institutions
Power = capacity to compel action, while authority = right to rule
Power is modern and authority is traditional
41
Which aspect of freedom house makes it a substantive measure?
Exclusive focus on formal political institutions, e.g. electoral systems
Inclusion of factors like freedom of expression which go beyond procedures
Use of expert assessments rather than objective data to evaluate polit sys
Reliance on quantitive indicators of econ development & social well-being
42
Why has the tension between liberty and security become more prominent in recent years?
The rise of authoritarian regimes around the world
The increasing gap between the rich and the poor
The erosion of trust in democratic institutions
The threat of terror attacks and the events of 9/11
43
What is the key distinction between a minimalist and the substantive view of democracy?
MV focuses on economic outcomes while SV emphasises political processes
MV assumes democracy as recent, SV traces its roots to ancient societies
MV stresses individual rights while SV prioritises collective well-being
MV defines demcracy based on instit & proced, SV considers the outcoms prod
44
What primarily motivates the actions of rulers according to the predatory view of the state?
A need to secure their power and extract resources to outcompete rivals
An ambition to spread their ideology and values to other societies
A desire to promote the common good of their citizens
Commitment to upholding the social contract & protecting individual rights
45
What is the common argument underlying the “end of politics” theses?
The triumph of liberal dem, will create a consensus that makes pol unecesar
The achievement of econ prosperity will eliminate the need for pol conflict
The spread of globalisation will lead to the decline of the nation-state
Tech advancements will eventually render traditional politics obsolete
46
The concept of scarcity in relation to politics refers to:
A lack of qualified and ethical political leaders
The restriction of civil liberties under authoritarian regimes
An insufficient supply of desired goods and resources in society
The limited influence of individual citizens in political decision-making
47
Which of the following is not a potential source of political conflict?
Political values
Environmental degradation
Territory
Economic inequality
48
What is the conundrum regarding illiberal democracies?
Have strong democratic institutions but are vulnerable to authoritarianism
They claim to represent peoples interests but they lack economic equality
They hold elections, but their leaders often disregard individual rights
Promote citizen participation but struggle to achieve consensus
49
What is the key difference between nations and states?
Nations are cultural and states are political
Nations are inclusive and states are exclusive
Nations are based on shared identity while states are territorial entities
Nations are modern and states are ancient
50
Why is politics an essential feature of complex societies?
It provides a mechanism for resolving disputes through the legal system
Provides a means of reconciling diverse interests & values & allocating SR
Establishes a social hierarchy & maintains order through threat of punish
It allows for the concentration of power in the hands of capable leaders
51
Non-economic goods can include
Social status
Access to healthcare
Property ownership
Income and wealth
52
How does Max Weber characterise legal-rational authority which he considered dominant in the modern world?
Authority stemming from economic dominance and control of resources
Authority based on long-standing customs and values
Authority rooted in the established rules and procedures of an institution
Authority derived from the personality of a leader
53
Which of the following is a common, but negative, perception of politics?
Politics is essential for achieving the collective good
Politics is about reconciling different interests and values into society
Politics is a noble activity that should be encouraged
Politics is associated with corruption and the pursuit of self-interest
54
What factor was particularly importance in the rise of the European state?
Spread of enlightemnt ideas that emphasised individual rights & limited gov
+ effective systems of taxation due to the necessity to raise funds 4 war
Emergence of a strong merchant class that challenged the power of monarchs
The influence of religious institutions in shaping political authority
55
What characterises life in Hobbes’ concept of the state of nature?
A war of “all against all” driven by self interest and fear
A primitive communism where resources are shared equally
A social hierarchy based on natural inequalities
Peaceful coexistence and cooperation guided by reason
56
What does “good life” refer to?
The pursuit of individual happiness above all else
Avoiding conflict and maintaining social harmony
Achieving financial prosperity and material wealth
The best way for humans to live and organise society
57
What is a key characteristic of direct democracy?
Power is concentrated in the hands of small group of elites
Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf
Citizens participate directly in decision-making processes
Decisions are made based on the principle of major majority rule
58
Using Max Weber’s definition of power, which of the following is not an example of power? (Exercise will over others)
Apparent grounding their child for breaking a rule
A company CEO firing an employee for poor performance
Celebrity influencing the fashion choices of their fans
A dictator using the military to suppress dissent
59
Why did Jeremy Bentham, a utilitarian thinker, initially believe that democracy might not be necessary?
Individual rights should take precedence over the will of the majority
enlightened despot could effectively promote the > happiness 4 the > num
Democracy as a threat to economic efficiency and stability
People were inherently irrational and incapable of self government
60
How does status differ from economic goods in a political context?
S is primarily symbolic and does not have material values
S is earned through merit while economic goods are often inherited
S is associated with power & influence while E goods r associated w wealth
S is granted by the state/institutions while E goods r aqu through market
61
What does the “end of history” thesis claim?
The forces of globalisation have rendered national governments powerless
That the spread of democracy will bring an end to all political conflicts
lib. dem. has achieved global dominance = end of ideological struggle
That tech advancements will eventually lead to the obsolence of trad P. Sys
62
Marxists argue that the creation of a classless society would:
Lead to in increased competition and conflict
Strengthen the power of the ruling elite
Preserve the existing economic inequalities
Eliminate the need for the state
63
Which of the following is a central tenant of Marxism?
Individual liberty is the highest political value
Differences of interests in society are primarily rooted in class conflict
Traditional values and institutions should be preserved
The state is a neutral arbiter of competing interests
64
Which term best encapsulates Michel Foucault’s view of power?
Ubiquitous
Transformative
Concentrated
Legitimate
65
What are some of the factors contributing to the rise of anti-politics?
The perception that politicans are self-serving
A belief that globalisation has reduced power of nat gov to effect change
All of the above
A sense of frustration with a slow pace of political progress
66
What political problem does the prisoners dilemma illustrate?
The difficulty of achieving cooperation even when it is mutually beneficial
The tendency for power to corrupt even those with good intentions
The challenge of balancing individual rights with the common good
Inevitability of conflict between individual freedom & collective security
67
Which of the following is a key argument made by proponents of “ luck egalitarianism”?
Inequalities from factors beyond an indiv’s control should be compensated 4
All inequalities R unjust & should be eliminated through state intervention
Individuals should be rewarded based on their effort and hard work
Freedom and equality are fundamentally incompatible values

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