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Fundamentals of Political Organization Quiz

#1

What is the basic unit of political organization?

State
Explanation

The fundamental entity in political organization representing a sovereign territory and its governing institutions.

#2

What is the term for a system of government where power is vested in a single individual?

Autocracy
Explanation

A form of government where a single person holds unlimited power and authority.

#3

What is the term for the process by which citizens grant authority to their government?

Consent
Explanation

The act of giving approval or permission, in the context of governance, acknowledging the legitimacy of the government.

#4

Which political philosopher is known for his theory of the social contract?

Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Explanation

A key figure in political philosophy, Rousseau proposed the idea of a social contract as the basis for legitimate government.

#5

What is the term for a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units?

Federal system
Explanation

A political structure where both a central government and regional entities have significant powers, often outlined in a constitution.

#6

Which of the following is an example of a unitary system of government?

United Kingdom
Explanation

A system where political power is concentrated at the national level with little or no autonomy for subnational entities.

#7

What is a confederation in terms of political organization?

A system where regional governments have more power than the national government
Explanation

A political structure where regional entities retain significant authority, and the central government's powers are limited.

#8

What is the principle of subsidiarity in political organization?

The principle that power should be decentralized to the lowest level of authority
Explanation

Advocates for delegating authority to the most local level capable of addressing a particular issue.

#9

Which type of electoral system does the United States use for presidential elections?

First-past-the-post
Explanation

A voting system where the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they don't receive a majority.

#10

What is the term for the process of redistributing electoral boundaries to maintain equal representation?

Redistricting
Explanation

The practice of adjusting electoral district boundaries to ensure fair representation based on population changes.

#11

Who coined the term 'political socialization'?

Harold Lasswell
Explanation

The scholar credited with introducing the concept of how individuals acquire political beliefs, values, and behaviors.

#12

Which political theorist is known for his work on 'The Leviathan'?

Thomas Hobbes
Explanation

Renowned for his philosophical work that argues for a powerful central authority to maintain social order and prevent chaos.

#13

Who wrote the book 'The Republic,' which discusses the concept of an ideal state?

Plato
Explanation

An ancient Greek philosopher known for his influential work on political philosophy, including 'The Republic.'

#14

Who is considered the father of modern political science?

Aristotle
Explanation

An ancient Greek philosopher and scholar whose works laid the foundation for the study of politics and governance.

#15

Who introduced the concept of 'checks and balances' in political theory?

Montesquieu
Explanation

An Enlightenment thinker credited with advocating for the separation of powers and checks and balances to prevent the concentration of power in one branch of government.

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