Bachelor of Social Science Political Science Flashcards

The reward that banks provide in exchange for using a depositor's money is known as .

Answer: the interest rate

An interest rate is the amount charged by a lender to a borrower for the use of assets, typically expressed as a percentage of the principal. In the context of a bank and a depositor, the interest rate is the reward or payment the bank provides to the depositor for allowing the bank to use their money. This compensation encourages saving and allows banks to generate revenue through lending.

During the 2008 Global Economic Crisis, Jane served as a presidential advisor. The president is requesting her opinion on whether he should try to mitigate the crisis' effects through fiscal policy. Why is it likely that she will say yes?

Answer: Because using fiscal policy can be effective during a time of heavy recession.

Fiscal policy, which involves government spending and taxation, is a powerful tool often employed during economic recessions to stimulate demand and boost economic activity. By increasing government spending (e.g., on infrastructure projects) or cutting taxes, the government can inject money into the economy, encouraging consumption and investment. This counter-cyclical approach aims to shorten the duration and severity of a recession, making it a recommended strategy in such times.

Which of the following terms is frequently used to describe the settlement of a foreign territory?

Answer: Colonialism

Colonialism is the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically. It specifically refers to the establishment of colonies in one territory by people from another territory, often involving the imposition of the colonizer's political, economic, and cultural systems. This term accurately describes the settlement and control of foreign territories.

A corrupt government can harm a nation in the ways listed below, EXCEPT which?

Answer: All of these are problems with corruption

Corruption in government severely undermines a nation's stability and development. It leads to unstable political environments by eroding public trust and legitimacy, and it creates unstable economic systems by diverting resources, discouraging investment, and fostering inefficiency. Furthermore, corruption demonstrates a profound lack of respect for the rule of law, as officials prioritize personal gain over legal and ethical governance, making all listed options valid consequences.

Which of the following notions does realism primarily use to describe international relations?

Answer: Power

Realism is a dominant theory in international relations that views the international system as anarchic, meaning there is no overarching authority above sovereign states. According to realism, states are the primary actors, and their main goal is to maximize their own power and security in a competitive environment. Therefore, power, whether military, economic, or political, is the central concept realists use to explain state behavior and international interactions.

Thucydides lived in what year and place?

Answer: Athens in the 5th century BCE

Thucydides was an Athenian historian and general who lived in the 5th century BCE (c. 460 – c. 400 BCE). He is widely regarded as the father of 'scientific history' due to his rigorous standards of evidence-gathering and analysis in his work, 'History of the Peloponnesian War.' His detailed account of the conflict between Athens and Sparta is a foundational text in the study of international relations and political theory.

A teacher's union is collaborating with Congress and the American Association for Higher Education and Accreditation to develop college admissions requirements. After deciding, they will agree on a bill and try to pass it through Congress. Which best represents this cooperation?

Answer: The Iron Triangle

The Iron Triangle is a concept in American politics that describes the strong, mutually beneficial relationship between an interest group, a congressional committee (or subcommittee), and a bureaucratic agency. In this scenario, the teacher's union (interest group), Congress (legislative body), and the American Association for Higher Education and Accreditation (bureaucratic agency) are collaborating to shape policy, perfectly illustrating the dynamics of an Iron Triangle. This alliance allows them to exert significant influence over specific policy areas.

The American bureaucracy puts elected leaders' decisions into ____ and .

Answer: laws, policies

The American bureaucracy plays a crucial role in implementing the decisions made by elected leaders. It translates the broad mandates of laws passed by Congress and the executive branch into specific rules, regulations, and programs that constitute public policy. Bureaucrats are responsible for the day-to-day administration and enforcement of these laws and policies, effectively putting them into action across various sectors.

Which of the following feminisms is typically regarded as falling into "the mainstream"?

Answer: Liberal feminism

Liberal feminism is often considered 'mainstream' because it focuses on achieving gender equality through legal and political reforms within the existing societal structure. It advocates for equal opportunities, voting rights, and non-discrimination, aiming to integrate women fully into public life without fundamentally challenging the capitalist or patriarchal system itself. Its emphasis on individual rights and gradual change makes it widely accepted compared to more radical feminist theories.

Which of the following behaviors was NOT morally right in the eyes of St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas?

Answer: Letting violence occur by refusing to act violently

St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, key figures in developing the Just War Theory, believed that under certain conditions, violence could be morally permissible, particularly in self-defense or to prevent greater harm. They would argue that refusing to act violently when necessary to protect innocent lives or uphold justice could be seen as a moral failing. Their framework allowed for authorized warfare and defensive actions, making inaction in the face of violence potentially problematic.

Which of the aforementioned BEST exemplifies individualism?

Answer: Valuing individual rights above those of the government

Individualism emphasizes the moral worth of the individual, prioritizing personal autonomy and rights over collective or governmental authority. Therefore, valuing individual rights above those of the government is the most direct and comprehensive example of this philosophy. It underscores the belief that individuals should have freedom from excessive state interference.

The idea that is MOST connected with patriotism is which of the following?

Answer: nationalism

Patriotism is a feeling of love, devotion, and sense of attachment to one's country. Nationalism is a broader ideology that often includes patriotism, emphasizing the interests of a particular nation as a whole, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations. While patriotism is an emotion, nationalism is a political ideology that often leverages patriotic feelings to promote national unity and self-determination, making it the most connected idea.

Which kind of political system has legislative congestion, wherein a lack of coordination and cooperation between parties impedes governmental progress?

Answer: Both two-party and multi-party political systems.

Legislative congestion, or gridlock, can occur in both two-party and multi-party political systems. In two-party systems, it often arises from intense partisan polarization where neither party can secure enough support to pass legislation. In multi-party systems, it can result from the difficulty of forming stable coalition governments or achieving consensus among numerous parties with diverse agendas, leading to stalled governmental progress.

What one of the following statements DOES NOT apply to a political party?

Answer: Only has an opinion on one central issue

A political party is a formally organized group that seeks to control the government by putting forth candidates for election. Crucially, political parties typically have broad platforms that address a wide range of issues, rather than focusing on just one central issue. This comprehensive approach allows them to appeal to a diverse electorate and form governing majorities.

Which of the following influences what the public thinks?

Answer: All of these answer choices are correct.

Public opinion is shaped by a multitude of factors, including an individual's background and identity. Religion, gender, and race are significant demographic and social categories that often influence personal values, experiences, and perspectives on political and social issues. These factors contribute to the formation of diverse viewpoints within the public.

What exactly is power?

Answer: A government’s ability to exercise power without resorting to force.

In political science, power refers to the ability to influence or control the behavior of others, often without needing to resort to physical force. A government's power is ideally exercised through legitimate authority, laws, and institutions, which allows it to govern effectively and maintain order without constant coercion. This distinguishes power from mere brute force.