Question 1

Which of the following is the textbook's definition of "politics"?

Accepted Answer

Politics is often defined as the study of power and conflict, focusing on how power is distributed and contested in society and between different groups and individuals.

Question 2

Which of the following is not a subfield of political science?

Accepted Answer

International studies is not exclusively a subfield of political science; it is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates aspects of political science but also draws from economics, history, and sociology, among others. International relations, public administration, and political theory are all recognized subfields within political science.

Question 3

What two subfields of political science are most important to interdisciplinary international studies?

Accepted Answer

International relations/politics and comparative politics are crucial for interdisciplinary international studies because they focus on the comparison of different political systems and the study of relationships between countries, respectively, which are essential for understanding global political dynamics.

Question 4

According to comparative political scientists, which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

Fascism is characterized by the dictatorship of one party and often led by a single, charismatic leader, distinguishing it from other forms of government. Holding elections does not necessarily make a state a liberal democracy, and democracy has not been the most common form of government throughout human history.

Question 5

What is the difference between a "state" and a "nation"?

Accepted Answer

A state refers to a political entity that has a defined territory, government, and the ability to enter into relations with other states. A nation, on the other hand, is more about a group of people who share common characteristics such as language, culture, and often a common descent or history, regardless of their political boundaries.

Question 6

What do the following states all have in common: the United States, Japan, Great Britain, and France?

Accepted Answer

All four countries are recognized as democracies, where the government is elected by the people and where there are typically free and fair elections, along with protection of human rights and the rule of law.

Question 7

When measuring their view on the role of government in human activities, people on the right side of the political spectrum believe in ____________, while people on the left believe in ____________.

Accepted Answer

People on the right side of the political spectrum typically advocate for limited government intervention in economic and personal affairs, while those on the left often support expanded government roles in regulating the economy and providing social services.

Question 8

The study of U.S. foreign policy is primarily a subfield of which field of political science?

Accepted Answer

The study of U.S. foreign policy falls under the broader category of international politics, as it involves the interactions between the United States and other countries or international entities.

Question 9

Which of the following is true about theories in international relations, according to nearly all political scientists?

Accepted Answer

Theories in international relations, as in other fields of political science, are fundamentally about providing the concepts and frameworks necessary to understand and explain political phenomena. They aim to offer explanations for why states and other actors behave the way they do in the international system, making choice A correct. Choices B and C misrepresent the purpose and function of theories in the discipline.

Question 10

According to the principle of "complex interdependence," the decision to go to war is made less attractive by which of the following connections?

Accepted Answer

The principle of "complex interdependence" posits that the multitude of connections between states, corporations, and people across borders makes the decision to go to war less attractive due to the intertwined interests and potential for widespread negative consequences.

Question 11

What event is or was a serious challenge to the European Union?

Accepted Answer

The Brexit vote in Great Britain was a serious challenge to the European Union as it led to the UK deciding to leave the EU, marking the first time a member country exited the union.

Question 12

Which of the following is a tenet of classical realism?

Accepted Answer

Classical realism posits that states operate in an anarchic international system where no central authority exists, leading to a self-help system.

Question 13

Why are idealism and realism two of the most prominent theoretical traditions in international politics?

Accepted Answer

Idealism and realism are two of the most prominent theoretical traditions in international politics because they represent fundamentally opposing views on how states should interact in the international system, the nature of international relations, and the key drivers behind state behavior. Idealism emphasizes the role of international law, moral principles, and international organizations in promoting peace and cooperation, while realism focuses on the anarchic nature of the international system and argues that states primarily act out of self-interest and the pursuit of power.

Question 14

Proponents of which theory of international relation is most likely to be concerned about international conflict as a result of China's rise?

Accepted Answer

Realists focus on the power dynamics and competition between states, viewing the rise of a new great power like China as a potential threat to the balance of power and thus a source of international conflict.

Quiz 5: Power, Conflict, and Policy: The Role of Political Science in International Studies