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.