Politics, State, and Power: Key Concepts in Political Science

What is the origin of the word 'politics'?

Politics is rooted in ancient Greece.

What is the definition of politics?

The allocation of resources and the invocation of power to distribute public goods.

What is coercion in the context of power?

The threat of violence to compel a group to act.

What are inducements in political terms?

Bargains made to persuade someone to agree.

Define persuasion in politics.

The ability to change someone's thoughts or beliefs to align with one's interests.

What is a public good?

A good that, if supplied to one person, is available to all; benefits cannot be easily excluded.

Give examples of public goods.

National defense, roads, police, fire services, and education.

How does politics relate to the state?

Politics involves conflict, cooperation, and resolution regarding the allocation of public goods, which is intertwined with the authority of the state.

What is the definition of a state?

An independent and self-governing political community with the authority to make binding rules over a territory and population.

What does it mean for a state to be sovereign?

It possesses absolute political authority recognized as legitimate by others and is not subject to external authority.

What is traditional authority?

The right to exercise power based on customs and traditions.

What is rational-legal authority?

The right to exercise power based on established legal rules and procedures.

What factors influence the capacity of a state?

Territorial integrity, population size, taxation, and technology.

What distinguishes a nation from a state?

A nation is a shared identity among people, while a state is an organized system of power.

What is conservatism in government?

A political ideology advocating for limited government and the prevention of radical change.

Who is Edmond Burke?

A conservative thinker critical of the French Revolution, viewing the American Revolution as a reasonable response to tyranny.

What is feminism?

A perspective seeking full independence and equality for women in a patriarchal society.

What is the goal of liberal feminists?

To achieve equality for women in political and economic spheres.

What do socialist feminists advocate for?

Addressing economic problems and advocating for women's rights in the workforce.

What do radical feminists believe?

That fundamental change is needed to address male supremacy and oppression, beyond just replacing men in power.

What is environmentalism?

A movement recognizing humanity's role in ecological change and advocating for sustainable practices.

What is the anthropogenic geologic period?

A period defined by human impact on the planet's geography and climate.

What is the principal goal of environmentalism?

To limit growth and shift towards a sustainable society.

What are the three waves of feminism?

1st wave: 1840s-1920s, 2nd wave: 1960s-1980s, 3rd wave: 1990s to present.

What is the role of bureaucracy in the state?

To provide security and services within the governing framework.

What does the Peace of Westphalia signify?

The beginning of the modern state system and the concept of sovereignty.

What is the significance of public regulation?

It ensures the collective management of resources and public goods.