Question 1

A: Power is effective only if it is legitimate
B: Power should be based on legitimacy otherwise it could prove ineffective

Accepted Answer

Both statements essentially convey the same idea: for power to be effective, it must be based on legitimacy. This implies that power without legitimacy might not be as effective or sustainable.

Question 2

Which of the following statement is true?

Accepted Answer

All the statements are true. Authority can indeed be based on customs and traditions (traditional authority), on the charisma of the individual (charismatic authority), and on legal-rational grounds, where authority is derived from legal, formal, or written rules.

Question 3

Which of the following is not a source of acquiring legitimacy?

Accepted Answer

Legitimacy in governance is often derived from the ability to effectively manage and govern, the implementation of democratic principles, and strong economic performance. Dictatorship, on the other hand, typically relies on control and coercion rather than acquiring legitimacy through these positive governance measures.

Question 4

Which of the following statement is false?

Accepted Answer

Legitimacy often leads to obedience from the people because it is based on their belief in the rightfulness of a rule or authority. If people believe in the legitimacy of an authority, they are more likely to follow its directives willingly.

Question 5

The Elitist theory holds that power is always concentrated in the hands of

Accepted Answer

The Elitist theory posits that power in societies is concentrated in the hands of a small, distinct group of elites who dominate and influence public policy, regardless of the formal governmental organization.

Question 6

In democracy the final authority rests with

Accepted Answer

In a democracy, the ultimate power and authority rest with the people, who exercise their power through voting and participating in the political process.

Question 7

A: Electoral democracy is an important method of acquiring legitimacy
B: Electoral democracy is not transparent

Accepted Answer

A is true because electoral democracy, through free and fair elections, is widely recognized as a key method for governments to acquire legitimacy. B is false because electoral democracy is generally designed to be transparent to ensure fairness and accountability.

Question 8

Which of the following statement is false?

Accepted Answer

Legitimacy does indeed involve the acceptance of an authority and often grants the right to exercise power, but it does not inherently give someone the right to wield power to any extent. Legitimate power is typically constrained by laws, norms, or other forms of social agreement.

Question 9

A: Power is derived from various sources.
B: The use of force is not an example of power.

Accepted Answer

Power can indeed come from various sources such as authority, knowledge, or the ability to influence others. The use of force is actually an example of power, specifically coercive power, where someone compels another to act in a certain way through threats or force.

Question 10

Which of the following statement is true?

Accepted Answer

Power is indeed shared and bartered by numerous groups throughout society, reflecting a more nuanced understanding of how power dynamics operate across different social, economic, and political contexts.

Question 11

A: Power can be seen as evil or unjust
B: The exercise of power is accepted as endemic to humans as social beings

Accepted Answer

Power can indeed be perceived as evil or unjust, especially when it is abused or used to oppress others. Additionally, the exercise of power is a fundamental aspect of human social interaction, as humans organize themselves into hierarchies and systems of governance, making both statements true.

Question 12

Which sociologist sees Power as, 'the ability to make a difference', to change things from what they would otherwise have been?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which sociologist sees Power as, 'the ability...

Question 13

A: Power is not subject to change and is permanently fixed.
B: Power is not conditional.

Accepted Answer

Power is dynamic and can shift based on various factors such as social, economic, and political changes. It is also often conditional, depending on circumstances, relationships, and contexts.

Question 14

A: Democracy is a rule by the majority but aims at the welfare of all.
B: It provides for a change in government according to constitutional provisions

Accepted Answer

Both statements A and B are true. Democracy indeed is characterized by majority rule but with a focus on ensuring the welfare of all citizens, not just the majority. Additionally, one of the key features of a democratic system is the provision for changing the government through established constitutional processes, ensuring a peaceful transition of power.

Question 15

A: In Representative democracy the people judge the representatives by their deeds.
B: The people have direct control over the representatives even after election.

Accepted Answer

In a representative democracy, the people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, judging them based on their actions and policies. However, after election, direct control over representatives is limited, as the primary mechanism for accountability is through future elections or other institutional checks and balances, rather than direct, ongoing control.

Question 16

A: Totalitarianism aims at welfare of the few in the name of all
B: Totalitarianism believes in self-government at the local level

Accepted Answer

Totalitarianism is characterized by centralized control by an autocratic authority, where the state recognizes no limits to its authority and strives to regulate every aspect of public and private life wherever feasible. It does not aim at the welfare of the few nor does it believe in self-government at the local level.

Question 17

A: In a democratic form of Government elections are held periodically and people can vote to power the party which they support.
B: Government can be changed through constitutional methods peacefully.

Accepted Answer

Both statements A and B are true characteristics of a democratic form of government, where elections allow for the peaceful transition of power through constitutional methods.

Question 18

Which of the following statement is true?

Accepted Answer

Totalitarianism is characterized by centralized control by an autocratic authority, the political concept does not typically allow for peaceful change of government, does not grant freedoms or fundamental rights to the people, and often emphasizes strengthening its military to maintain control and suppress dissent.

Question 19

Which of the following is an agent of influence?

Accepted Answer

Agents of influence can include a wide range of entities such as business groups, associations, and voluntary associations, all of which can exert influence on public opinion, policy decisions, or specific outcomes in various fields.

Question 20

When did India became a sovereign democratic republic?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When did India became a sovereign democratic...

Quiz 4: Power, Legitimacy, and Democracy

A: Power is effective only if it is legitimate B: Power should be based on legitimacy otherwise it could prove ineffective

Which of the following statement is true?

Which of the following is not a source of acquiring legitimacy?

Which of the following statement is false?

The Elitist theory holds that power is always concentrated in the hands of

In democracy the final authority rests with

A: Electoral democracy is an important method of acquiring legitimacy B: Electoral democracy is not transparent

Which of the following statement is false?

A: Power is derived from various sources. B: The use of force is not an example of power.

Which of the following statement is true?

A: Power can be seen as evil or unjust B: The exercise of power is accepted as endemic to humans as social beings

Which sociologist sees Power as, 'the ability to make a difference', to change things from what they would otherwise have been?

A: Power is not subject to change and is permanently fixed. B: Power is not conditional.

A: Democracy is a rule by the majority but aims at the welfare of all. B: It provides for a change in government according to constitutional provisions

A: In Representative democracy the people judge the representatives by their deeds. B: The people have direct control over the representatives even after election.

A: Totalitarianism aims at welfare of the few in the name of all B: Totalitarianism believes in self-government at the local level

A: In a democratic form of Government elections are held periodically and people can vote to power the party which they support. B: Government can be changed through constitutional methods peacefully.

Which of the following statement is true?

Which of the following is an agent of influence?

When did India became a sovereign democratic republic?