Exam 1: Politics: Setting the Stage

Politics always involves power.

The review of "subfields" in political science suggests that the political scientist has a very narrow range of subject matter for his/her analytic work.

"State" in political science means sovereign state, and not, for example, North Dakota.

Political scientists use "qualitative" and "quantitative" labels for different kinds of analysis. Qualitative analysis parallels interpretative study while quantitative parallels __________________ studies.

Chapter 1 takes up the issue of how we determine WHO has political power. It cites studies that look at: reputation, those actively engaged in policy-making, and a third notion that focuses on those who ______________________________.

Theory is an analytic "beginning point" where the analyst makes an initial guess at what he/she may find when they investigate.

Pure tyranny is rare and is difficult to maintain. At the same time, the making of common policy generally means that one part of a group will be dominating another part to at least some extent.

Power that is exercised through making the alternative so unattractive that only one reasonable option remains is called __________________.

Theory or analysis that specifies what OUGHT to happen or be created is labeled _______________.

Politics always involves making decisions binding on a group.

Critical Thinking The textbook author offers a paradox: given that people vary little in physical and mental attributes, why is it that political power is so universal and often concentrated in small numbers of people? Why are so many people organized into large political units run by small numbers of political leaders with a great deal of control over individual lives?

If a theory sets out to specify what IS in the most precise, neutral, and observational way, it is called empirical theory.

Power is defined as the ability of one person or group to get another to do what the first wishes by use of coercive means.

The public's sense that those with state power achieved power by proper means and warrant respect in the exercise of that power is called _____________________.

"By results", "by habit", "by identity", and "by procedures" are all _______________ of legitimacy.

Politics does not spill over beyond what we typically call government.

A government that is seen as legitimate because it was democratically elected has this source of legitimacy:

Implicit power is evident when someone does something that has not been clearly signaled or directed by the person or group with power, but which is presumed to be desired by that person in power.

The Polish-American candidate who appeals for support based on her family name is seeking legitimacy based on _______________.

Power can be exercised directly by taking action to make something happen, or it can be the result of others anticipating such action and acting without a direct order. The second type of power is called ____________________.