PLsc3 chapter 5
Multiple Choice
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96 Terms
What is a state?
A: An organization that maintains a monopoly on the legitimate use of force within a territory.
Q: What does “monopoly on violence” mean?
A: Only the state has the legal right to use or authorize physical force.
Q: What are the three key elements of a state?
A: Coercion, capital, and legitimacy.
2️⃣ State Capacity
Q: What is state capacity?
A: The ability of a state to carry out basic functions such as enforcing laws, collecting taxes, and maintaining order.
Q: Why is state capacity important for democracy?
A: Strong states can uphold laws and protect rights — essential for democratic stability.
Q: Give an example of a high-capacity state.
A: China — efficient bureaucracy, strong control.
Q: Give an example of a low-capacity or failed state.
A: Somalia — weak institutions, no control over territory.
3️⃣ Legitimacy
Q: What is legitimacy?
A: Citizens’ belief that the government has the right to rule.
Q: Name the three types of legitimacy (Max Weber).
A: Traditional, Charismatic, and Legal-Rational legitimacy.
Q: What is traditional legitimacy?
A: Based on long-standing customs and traditions (e.g., monarchy).
Q: What is charismatic legitimacy?
A: Based on the personal appeal or heroism of a leader (e.g., Nelson Mandela).
Q: What is legal-rational legitimacy?
A: Based on a system of laws and institutions (e.g., modern democracies).
4️⃣ Autonomy & Bureaucracy
Q: What is state autonomy?
A: The ability of the state to act independently from social groups or external pressures.
Q: What is a bureaucracy?
A: The administrative system that carries out government policies and decisions.
Q: Why is bureaucracy important?
A: It ensures efficiency, consistency, and rule-based governance.
5️⃣ Types of States
Q: What is a strong state?
A: One that can enforce laws, protect citizens, and provide public services effectively.
Q: What is a weak state?
A: One that struggles to implement decisions and often faces corruption or conflict.
Q: What is a failed state?
A: A state that loses control over territory and cannot perform basic functions.
6️⃣ Power, Coercion, and Legitimacy
Q: What are the two main tools states use to maintain control?
A: Coercion (force) and Legitimacy (consent).
Q: What happens when a state relies only on coercion?
A: It can maintain order short-term but loses legitimacy and stability long-term.
7️⃣ State and Society Relationship
Q: Why does taxation increase democratization?
A: When citizens pay taxes, they demand representation and accountability — “No taxation without representation.”
Q: What is the rentier state problem?
A: States that rely on resource revenues (like oil) don’t need taxes → citizens have less influence → weaker democracy.
8️⃣ Real-World Examples
Q: Why does China have high state capacity but limited democracy?
A: The state is efficient and autonomous but restricts political participation.
Q: Why do oil-rich states often remain authoritarian?
A: Oil revenue replaces taxes → rulers don’t rely on citizens → less pressure for democracy.
9️⃣ Key Takeaways
Q: What are the three key ingredients for a strong state?
A: Capacity, autonomy, and legitimacy.
Q: How does state weakness lead to instability?
A: It creates corruption, lawlessness, and opens space for violence and warlords.
Q: Why are strong states necessary for democracy?
A: They provide security, enforce laws, and ensure institutions function effectively.
