Exam 1: Introduction: The Study of Politics

Politically, America is essentially an optimistic nation.

The scope of international relations goes beyond issues of war and peace between states.

The concepts of political "power" and "authority" are synonymous.

Which theory holds that individuals and states alike act according to the iron logic of self-interest?

Which of the following best describes a people who are scattered over the territory of several states or dispersed widely and who have no autonomous, independent, or sovereign governing body of their own?

Prestige, power, and wealth have political and moral consequences.

The question of whether people can exercise power yet remain true to their principles is referred to as

Only governments that rule by consent of the governed are considered legitimate.

Which of the following best describes the term "sovereign state"?

Basic to the notion of social contract theory is the notion that the right to rule is based on the consent of the governed.

After which of these events did polyglot states emerge in which various ethnic or tribal groups were not assimilated into the new social order?

How do political theorists try to answer questions?

Positivism and normativism are basic distinctions between the approaches political scientists take in their research.

When political scientists studied whether Democrats or Republicans fare best during high voter turn-outs, they discovered that since 1964

Which of the following is essential to maintaining a stable order?

The term nation-state refers to the merging of smaller countries with different cultural values under the rulership of a larger, dominant nation.

A specialist in international relations would likely NOT focus on

In the language of politics, state usually means country.

The term "swing voter" refers to

The decisions and choices of ordinary citizens have no impact on civil society.