Exam 1: Introduction

What distinguishes a democratic political system from an authoritarian political system? What makes a country more or less democratic? What kinds of economic and social benefits are associated with democratic governance?

Define the term free riding. Identify a free-rider problem that people might encounter in their everyday lives. Explain what makes the situation a free-rider problem, or how the key elements of the free-rider problem are present in the situation you describe. Discuss how the free-rider problem is relevant for politics and how government may help mitigate the negative effects of free riding in some situations.

When the basic dynamics of the prisoner's dilemma play out among many people rather than a pair of individuals, the behavioral pressures that work against the provision of a public good are called a ________.

Walter offers two dollars to Daisy in exchange for Daisy voting for Walter in the school board election, and Daisy agrees. Daisy is then offered three dollars in exchange for voting for Vernon, and agrees, due to the better offer. Walter then offers four dollars, and Daisy agrees to vote for him again. What is this cycle an example of?

Why is it important to individuals that governments pass regulatory laws?

Mike and Jim are candidates for city council. Each plans his campaign separately and does not coordinate with his opponent. Mike and Jim must make a choice about whether to bribe voters, as bribing voters is potentially illegal but most likely will allow them to win. Assuming that each candidate believes he needs to win, what is the most likely outcome for their tactics?

Executive-branch agencies may not always enforce laws as Congress and the president prefer. This is an example of a ________.

A person who takes advantage of a public good without contributing to it is ________.

Suppose members of the Republican Party prefer that a Republican be elected president in the next election, but they disagree about which particular member of the party would be the best choice. The problem facing members of the Republican Party is best described as a/an ________.

If a chamber of 435 members passes a bill by a vote of 218 to 217, what could it be said the winning side had?

What is the principal-agent problem? Identify a principal-agent relationship in government and discuss how an agent's actions may create difficulties or costs for the principal. Describe at least two ways that institutions can minimize the negative consequences of the principal-agent problem.

Which of the following is an example of a private good?

________ helps explain why the House has 435 members.

Why is government necessary for groups of individuals?

All of the following are examples of informal institutions in American politics EXCEPT:

Which term best describes the United States' political system, which is composed of multiple levels of government with independent yet overlapping authority over many areas of public life?

Kim Jong-Un is officially the "supreme leader" of North Korea, and all constitutional political authority is vested in him as an individual. North Korea's political system may, therefore, be classified as a/an ________.

Which of these is the best example of a principal?

Which of these is the best example of an agent?

Government ________.