Approaches to the study of politics - institutional, behavioural, systems approach, functional approach, Decision making - factors influencing decision making, Elite theory - One Line Questions
1.
The Behavioral Approach seeks to understand politics through: —
Observable and measurable human behavior.
2.
According to Elite Theory, the masses are generally: —
Passive and easily manipulated.
3.
Which approach to the study of politics focuses on the formal structures and organizations of government, such as legislatures, executives, and judiciaries? —
Institutional Approach
4.
According to Elite Theory, who are the primary actors in political decision-making? —
A small ruling class
5.
The idea that political systems tend towards equilibrium or stability is a concept found in: —
Systems Approach
6.
The Institutional Approach is often criticized for being too: —
Static
7.
Which of the following is a key characteristic of the Behavioral Approach? —
Emphasis on quantifiable data and scientific methods.
8.
Which approach views politics as a system that receives 'inputs' (demands and support) and produces 'outputs' (policies and decisions)? —
Systems Approach
9.
Which factor is considered an 'environmental' influence in the Systems Approach? —
Social and economic conditions
10.
The 'inputs' in David Easton's Systems Approach typically include: —
Political demands and support
11.
The Behavioral Approach heavily relies on: —
Empirical data and statistical analysis
12.
Which factor is emphasized by the Institutional Approach when analyzing political systems? —
The formal rules, structures, and organizations of government
13.
David Easton is most closely associated with which approach to the study of politics? —
Systems Approach
14.
The 'black box' analogy is often used in discussions of which political science approach? —
Systems Approach
15.
The concept of 'political socialization' is most relevant to which approach? —
Behavioral Approach
16.
Which approach is often associated with the study of 'political culture'? —
Behavioral Approach
17.
The study of 'political participation' is a core concern for which approach? —
Behavioral Approach
18.
The concept of 'political efficacy' is most relevant to which approach? —
Behavioral Approach
19.
Which approach might study the impact of media coverage on a president's policy choices? —
Decision-making Approach
20.
Which approach views politics as a process of conflict and negotiation among various groups with competing interests? —
Pluralist approach (often contrasted with elite theory, but relevant to understanding power dynamics)
21.
The concept of 'political legitimacy' is most likely to be analyzed within which approach? —
All approaches can touch upon it, but Behavioral and Systems often focus on its sources and maintenance.
22.
The study of 'political elites' and their background characteristics is central to: —
Elite Theory
23.
Which approach focuses on the 'who gets what, when, and how' of politics? —
Harold Lasswell's definition, often associated with Decision-making and Behavioral approaches.
24.
The 'paradox of voting' is a concept often explored within which approach? —
Behavioral Approach
25.
Which approach emphasizes the study of power and its distribution within society? —
All of the above can study power, but Elite Theory specifically focuses on its concentration.
26.
Which of the following is NOT typically considered a 'function' in the Functional Approach? —
Individual ambition
27.
A major limitation of the Functional Approach is: —
It can lead to circular reasoning (e.g., an institution exists because it performs a function, and the function is defined by the institution).
28.
Which of the following is a critique often leveled against the Behavioral Approach? —
It neglects the study of values and norms.
29.
The Systems Approach faces criticism for: —
Its tendency to be overly static and neglect conflict.
30.
Which of the following is a key 'input' in Easton's Systems Model? —
Demands from citizens or groups
31.
The Functional Approach can be used to analyze: —
The roles and contributions of various political institutions (e.g., political parties, interest groups) to the political system.
32.
The 'factors influencing decision making' broadly encompass: —
Psychological, social, economic, and political elements affecting choices.
33.
A major criticism of Elite Theory is that it can: —
Underestimate the influence of ordinary citizens and collective action.
34.
The Institutional Approach tends to be criticized for: —
Being too descriptive and lacking analytical depth.
35.
Which theory suggests that political power is concentrated in the hands of a few who are not necessarily elected officials? —
Elite Theory
36.
The Institutional Approach is most concerned with the study of: —
Political structures and organizations
37.
Elite Theory posits that: —
A small, privileged group holds significant political power.
38.
Robert Dahl's critique of Elite Theory, particularly in his work 'Who Governs?', supported which alternative view of power distribution? —
Power is dispersed among various competing groups (pluralism).
39.
Which factor is LEAST likely to be considered an influence on political decision-making? —
Geological formations
40.
The 'outputs' in David Easton's Systems Approach typically include: —
Authoritative allocation of values (policies, laws)
41.
The Behavioral Revolution in political science aimed to: —
Make political science more scientific through empirical observation and quantitative methods.
42.
Vilfredo Pareto and Gaetano Mosca are considered early proponents of which theory? —
Elite Theory
43.
C. Wright Mills' concept of 'The Power Elite' primarily described: —
A triumvirate of military, industrial, and political leaders.
44.
What does the 'Decision-making Approach' to studying politics focus on? —
The process by which choices are made within the political arena.
45.
The core idea of the Decision-making Approach is to analyze: —
The process by which political actors make choices and commitments.
46.
The Decision-making Approach is particularly useful for understanding: —
The process of policy formulation and implementation.
47.
The 'feedback mechanism' in the Systems Approach refers to: —
The influence of outputs on subsequent inputs.
48.
The 'conversion process' in the Systems Approach refers to: —
The transformation of inputs into outputs by the political system.
49.
The Functional Approach, as applied to political science, seeks to understand: —
The specific tasks or functions performed by political institutions and structures.
50.
The Behavioral Approach in political science primarily emphasizes: —
The analysis of individual political behavior and its underlying psychological factors.