Poli sci conservatism,socilaism,political thinkers, parliament systems,ect

What does conservatism emphasize?

Tradition, order, and respect for authority.

What is the conservative view on human nature?

Humans are inherently imperfect and have limited reasoning capacity.

How do conservatives view change?

They are skeptical of rapid or radical change, preferring gradual developments that align with long-standing traditions.

What are core beliefs of conservatism?

Tradition, order and authority, human imperfection, pragmatism, and private property.

What is the New Right?

A perspective that combines free-market capitalism, limited government, and traditional cultural and moral values.

What do economic conservatives prioritize?

Reducing government intervention, promoting market freedom, and protecting property rights.

What do social conservatives advocate for?

Traditional values and morality in public policy, opposing issues like abortion and same-sex marriage.

How does the New Right differ from traditional conservatism?

The New Right embraces free-market economics and minimal government, while traditional conservatism values authority and gradual change.

What is the conservative view on inequality?

Inequality is viewed as natural and sometimes necessary due to differing talents and efforts.

What are criticisms of conservatism?

It may resist needed social reforms, undervalue equality, and can lead to authoritarianism.

What is socialism?

An ideology advocating for social ownership of the means of production and a more equal distribution of wealth.

How does socialism differ from communism?

Socialism allows for personal choice and property, while communism enforces total equality with no personal ownership.

What is Marxism?

A form of socialism that argues history is shaped by class struggle and advocates for a classless, stateless society.

What do socialists believe about capitalism?

They argue that capitalism promotes competition and selfishness, leading to inequality.

What is the conservative view on the role of the state?

The state should maintain law and order, defend the nation, and uphold moral values.

What is the significance of private property in conservatism?

Private property is seen as key to independence, responsibility, and stability.

What historical examples illustrate conservatism in practice?

The Republican Party in the U.S. under Reagan, Bush, and Trump; the Conservative Party in the UK under Thatcher; and the Conservative Party of Canada.

What is the conservative perspective on social reforms?

Conservatives may resist social reforms that they believe disrupt traditional values and social hierarchies.

What is the conservative approach to democracy?

Traditional conservatives tend to support limited democracy and value moderation.

What role does religion play in conservatism?

Religion is seen as a moral foundation and is highly valued in traditional conservative views.

What are the discussion questions related to conservatism?

How does conservatism contribute positively or negatively to political life? Can it adapt to the modern world?

What is the conservative belief regarding authority?

Authority and hierarchy are necessary for social harmony and stability.

What is the conservative view on government redistribution of wealth?

Conservatives are critical of government efforts to redistribute wealth, believing it disrupts natural social hierarchies.

What is the conservative view on tradition?

Traditions that have endured over time hold value and should be preserved.

What are the risks of maintaining old traditions according to conservatives?

While traditions provide stability, they may also resist necessary changes and reforms.

What is the ultimate goal of Marxist thought?

To achieve communism, a classless, stateless society with collective ownership and abundance.

What is the 'dictatorship of the proletariat'?

A transitional state where the working class takes control of the government to overthrow capitalism.

What are the stages in Karl Marx's path to socialism?

1. Capitalism: factories land and businesses are owned by small group of wealthy people

   2. Workers' Awakening: realize injustice of system and unite to demand better pay, conditions, and rights

2. Revolution: overthrow of capitalist owners and overtake of factories, farmers and business.

   4. Socialism: equal ownership of major resources , everyone has access to basic needs.

   5. Communism: state and capitalism wither away leaving true equality

What characterizes the socialism stage in Marxist theory?

Major resources are owned collectively by workers and managed by the state, distributing goods and services more equally.

How does communism differ from socialism?

In communism, all property is collectively owned with no private ownership, while socialism allows for some private property.

What is Thomas Hobbes' view on human/state nature?

He believed it is a condition without government, characterized by fear, violence, and a life that is 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.'

-believed human beings are naturally selfish and violent without rules

favored absolute monarchy

What is Hobbes' solution to the chaos of the state of nature?

People must give up some freedoms to a sovereign with absolute power to maintain peace and prevent chaos.

What are John Locke's beliefs about human nature?

He believed humans are reasonable, capable of self-government, and have natural rights to life, liberty, and property.

• in nature state humans have moral law , free and equal
  -'social contract '

What is the purpose of the social contract according to John Locke?

To protect the natural rights of individuals through the consent of the governed.
if rights are violated by rulers then people have right to overthrow

What does Jean-Jacques Rousseau mean by the 'General Will'?

The collective choice of what is best for everyone, where individuals join together for the common good.
( branch off of social contract )

What is Jean-Jacques Rousseau belief of natural state

• humans naturally good
  -inequality and greed introduced through "private property" being introduced

• gov must represent collective will of people

what is the 'General Will' in regards to the 'Social Contract'

basically working towards the common good; collective choice of what is good for everyone , becomes single community 'body'

• against private interest

What is Niccolò Machiavelli's main principle in 'The Prince'?

Politics should be based on practical reality; a ruler should be feared rather than loved if they cannot be both.

What does Machiavelli mean by 'the ends justify the means'?

Harsh methods are acceptable if they lead to stability and effective governance.

What is the significance of the phrase 'truth is powerful' in Machiavelli's philosophy 'Effectual Truth'?

what people accept as truth depends on who holds power

• power shapes perception and narrative
  -truth is more than a shared idea/ agreement it is what is proves itself through effectiveness

Explain the 'Effectual truth ' by Machiavelli

people are judged by results not intentions( especially leaders)
success justifies action in eyes of most people
power and appearances matter more than morality in politics

What is the main goal of socialism?

To reduce inequality by redistributing wealth and resources more fairly while allowing for some private ownership.

How can socialism exist within a democracy?

People can still vote, have multiple parties, and own personal property while key industries are controlled by the government or community.

What does Marx believe will happen to the state in the final stage of communism?

The state will 'wither away' as true equality is achieved.

What is the role of the government in socialism?

To control key industries and ensure that goods and services are distributed more equally.

What is the relationship between private property and inequality according to Rousseau?

Inequality and greed developed when people introduced private property.

What is the main assertion of Machiavelli regarding rulers?

Rulers should focus on power, strategy, and effectiveness rather than strictly adhering to moral qualities.

What does Hobbes advocate for in government?

A strong, absolute sovereign to prevent chaos.

What is Locke's view on government?

A limited government is necessary to protect individual rights such as life, liberty, and property.

What does Rousseau believe about government?

Government should reflect the General Will of the people.

What is a Presidential System?

A system of government where the president is both head of state and head of government, elected separately from the legislature.

What are the core features of a Presidential System?

Direct election of the president, fixed terms, separation of powers, and the president cannot dissolve the legislature.

What are checks and balances in the U.S. government?

Congress can override vetoes, the president can veto bills, and the Supreme Court can strike down laws or executive actions.

What is one strength of Presidential Systems?

Stability through fixed terms of office.

What is a weakness of Presidential Systems?

Gridlock can occur due to the separation of powers, blocking decisive action.

What characterizes a Parliamentary System?

The executive (prime minister and Cabinet) comes from the legislature and is accountable to it.

What is required for a government to remain in power in a Parliamentary System?

The government must maintain the confidence of Parliament.

What historical documents influenced the development of Parliamentary Systems?

The Magna Carta (1215) and the Bill of Rights (1689).

What is the role of the Prime Minister in a Parliamentary System?

Leads the Cabinet, appoints ministers, and shapes the government agenda.

What is collective responsibility in a Cabinet?

All ministers publicly support Cabinet decisions.

What is the bicameral structure of Canada's Parliament?

It consists of the House of Commons (elected) and the Senate (appointed).

What is a strength of Parliamentary Systems?

Laws can be passed quickly when the ruling party has a majority.

What is a weakness of Parliamentary Systems?

Opposition voices can be ignored in majority governments.

What is the significance of the Prime Minister's power in a Parliamentary System?

The Prime Minister can control decisions and appointments, especially if their party holds a majority.

What is the ceremonial role of the head of state in a Parliamentary System?

The head of state (e.g., monarch or president) has a symbolic role separate from the head of government.

What is the debate surrounding the role of the monarchy in Canada?

Critics view it as a colonial relic, while supporters emphasize tradition and continuity.

What is the Privy Council Office (PCO)?

It provides non-partisan policy and coordination for the Prime Minister.

What is the Prime Minister's Office (PMO)?

It manages political strategy, media, and party relations for the Prime Minister.

What is the role of the Cabinet in a Parliamentary System?

Cabinet proposes legislation, approves budgets, and holds the government accountable.

What is a discussion question regarding the separation of powers?

Is the separation of powers always beneficial?