Question 1

Although Japan's parliament is bicameral, which chamber is considered to be supreme?

Accepted Answer

The Diet is Japan's bicameral legislature, consisting of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. The term "Diet" refers to the entire legislative body, making it the supreme legislative authority in Japan. The other options do not accurately represent the supreme chamber of Japan's parliament.

Question 2

Since 1949, what have been the two main parties in Germany?

Accepted Answer

The two main parties in Germany since 1949 have been the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) along with its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU). These parties have dominated German politics, often leading the government either in coalition or alone.

Question 3

Which political party has largely dominated Japanese politics since 1955?

Accepted Answer

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been the dominant political party in Japan since its foundation in 1955, holding power almost continuously since then.

Question 4

Compare the strength of political parties in the United States and Great Britain. Which country has stronger political parties? Why might differences in institutions lead to stronger or weaker parties?

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

Although the German parliament is bicameral, which branch is considered to be the more powerful?

Accepted Answer

The Bundestag is the more powerful branch in the German bicameral parliament, responsible for federal legislation, electing the Chancellor, and overseeing the government.

Question 6

Why is the political structure of the Knesset problematic?

Accepted Answer

The highly proportional electoral system of the Knesset often results in a fragmented parliament, necessitating the formation of large and sometimes unwieldy coalitions to achieve a governing majority. This can make governance challenging and lead to instability.

Question 7

What was the Meiji Restoration?

Accepted Answer

The Meiji Restoration, which occurred in the late 19th century (1868), marked the end of Japan's feudal era and the establishment of a modern centralized government under Emperor Meiji. This period saw significant political, economic, and social reforms that aimed to modernize Japan and prevent the Western colonization experienced by many Asian countries at the time.

Question 8

What was the significance of the Camp David Accords?

Accepted Answer

The Camp David Accords were significant because they established a framework for peace between Egypt and Israel, marking the first time an Arab country recognized Israel's right to exist. This agreement, signed in 1978, was a milestone in Middle Eastern diplomacy.

Question 9

What is meant by Germany's "constructive vote of no confidence"? How is this different from other no-confidence votes? What is the purpose of this rule?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is meant by Germany's "constructive vote...

Question 10

Describe the dual executive system in Germany. What powers are available to the chancellor? What powers are available to the president? How does this system compare with Great Britain and the United States?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the dual executive system in Germany....

Question 11

Why does the German constitution, the Basic Law, so prominently protect civil liberties?

Accepted Answer

The German Basic Law prominently protects civil liberties largely as a response to the historical experiences of Nazi Germany, aiming to prevent the recurrence of totalitarianism and protect individual freedoms.

Question 12

The chancellor in Germany is most similar to what position in other parliamentary democracies?

Accepted Answer

The chancellor in Germany functions similarly to the prime minister in other parliamentary democracies, serving as the head of government and leading the executive branch.

Question 13

How is the dual executive system in France different from the system in Great Britain? Be specific. What do those differences mean in terms of the relationship between branches of government?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

Describe the main powers of the Bundesrat in Germany. How do the powers of this institution help to maintain the federal system? Compare the powers of this upper chamber with the powers of the House of Lords in Great Britain and the Senate in the United States.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the main powers of the Bundesrat...

Question 15

How did German chancellor Merkel respond to the euro crisis that started in 2007-2008?

Accepted Answer

Merkel advocated for austerity measures, including cuts to government spending and structural reforms within the economies of affected Eurozone countries, to address the crisis and stabilize the euro.

Question 16

How does the German electoral system reduce the likelihood of fringe parties taking power?

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

Although India's parliament is bicameral, which chamber is considered to be supreme?

Accepted Answer

The Lok Sabha, or House of the People, is considered the supreme chamber in India's bicameral parliament because it is directly elected by the people and has significant legislative powers, including on matters of finance and budget.

Question 18

Describe the main problems in the Weimar Republic. Why was Germany's first constitutional government unlikely to succeed from the beginning?

Accepted Answer

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Question 19

What is the primary goal of Zionism?

Accepted Answer

The primary goal of Zionism is to establish and support a Jewish state in the territory defined as the historic Land of Israel (also known as Palestine). This movement emerged in the late 19th century in response to anti-Semitic persecution and the desire for a national homeland for the Jewish people.

Question 20

Describe the failure of the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan. Why was this disaster such a large problem? What does it reflect about modern Japan and modern Japanese politics?

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 7: Parliamentary Democracy: Pros and Cons of Perishable Governments