study guide google questions week 1

1. According to Shively, what are the two key aspects of politics?

Shively defines politics as both (1) the process of making collective decisions for a group and (2) the use of power to influence the behavior of others.

1. Provide an example of an "externality" and explain why it necessitates collective action.

1. Air pollution from factories is an externality. A factory benefits from polluting the air rather than paying for expensive scrubbers, but the pollution negatively impacts everyone. Collective action, through regulations, is needed to address this.

1. Differentiate between where politics takes place versus who practices politics, providing examples for each.

1. Politics takes place within institutions (Congress, courts) and outside (media, protests). Politicians, voters, activists, and even everyday citizens practice politics.

1. How does the concept of "agenda setting" illustrate the exercise of power?

1. Those with the power to decide which issues are discussed control the agenda and thus significantly influence political outcomes, even if they don't dictate specific solutions.

1. Explain the historical context that led to the emergence of formal "nation-states."

1. The Treaty of Westphalia (1648) marked a turning point. It established the recognition of secular, sovereign states with defined borders and non-interference in each other's affairs.

1. What is the significance of the Napoleonic Wars in the context of nation-state formation?

1. Napoleon's conquests spurred the rise of nationalism and prompted other European states to centralize power, implement conscription, and adopt similar nation-building strategies to counter him.

1. What does it mean for a nation-state to possess "legitimacy"?

1. A nation-state possesses legitimacy when its citizens view its authority as rightful and are generally willing to comply with its rules and laws. This often stems from representing the will of the people.

1. Differentiate between the terms "government" and "state" in the context of political science.

1. "Government" refers to the specific institutions and officials holding power at a given time (e.g., the Biden Administration). "State" encompasses all actors wielding power within a territory, including government, interest groups, and even influential individuals.

1. Explain the difference between a "change of government" and a "regime change" using examples.

1. A change of government is a routine transfer of power within an existing regime (e.g., a new US president elected). Regime change is a fundamental transformation of the political system (e.g., the fall of the Soviet Union).

1. How does the concept of citizenship differ in a nation-state compared to earlier forms of political organization?

1. In earlier forms of organization, identity was often tied to local communities, religion, or ethnicity. Citizenship in a nation-state implies a more formal, legal membership independent of these factors, although it can overlap.

1. What is the central issue for any form of government, and how does it relate to different regime types?

1. Legitimation, the recognized right to rule, is central. Each regime type derives legitimacy differently – some from tradition, others from a leader's charisma, and others from legal processes.

1. According to Max Weber, what are the three sources of legitimacy?

1. Weber identifies three sources: traditional authority (based on customs and history), charismatic authority (based on a leader's personal appeal), and rational-legal authority (based on established laws and procedures).

1. What distinguishes "absolute monarchy" from "constitutional monarchy"?

1. Absolute monarchy grants the monarch unrestricted power, often justified by divine right, while constitutional monarchy limits the monarch's role, often to ceremonial duties, with power residing in an elected government.

1. Explain the concept of "charismatic authority" and provide an example of a regime type based on it.

1. Charismatic authority stems from a leader's exceptional qualities, inspiring devotion and obedience. A personal dictatorship, where a single individual holds absolute power often due to military strength or familial ties, exemplifies this.

1. What is a "cult of personality" and how does it relate to charismatic authority?

1. A cult of personality is a system of propaganda and control that constructs an idealized, heroic image of the leader to maintain their charismatic authority and public support.

1. How does rational-legal authority differ from traditional or charismatic authority?

Rational-legal authority derives from a system of laws and procedures perceived as fair and impartial, contrasting with the more personalized or tradition-bound nature of traditional or charismatic authority.

1. What are the key characteristics of a "bureaucratic authoritarian (BA) regime"?

1. Bureaucratic authoritarian regimes are characterized by military rule (often a junta), suppression of civil society, and a focus on technocratic governance, aiming for stability and order by depoliticizing decision-making.

1. What is an "illiberal democracy" and how does it differ from a full democracy?

1. An illiberal democracy holds elections but restricts political competition and civil liberties, undermining the principles of free and fair elections and checks and balances found in full democracies.

1. What is meant by the term "technocratic rule"?

1. Technocratic rule emphasizes governance by technical experts, prioritizing efficiency and expertise over political ideology or popular opinion.

1. What is a "totalitarian regime," and what are its defining features?

1. Totalitarian regimes are highly ideological and seek total control over all aspects of society—political, economic, and social. They suppress dissent, enforce conformity, and often use terror and propaganda to maintain power.