Question 1

Which of the following accurately describes the politics surrounding today's congressional elections?

Accepted Answer

A) State issues are playing an increasing role. 
B) P olarization between the parties is decreasing. 
C) National issues are playing an increasing role. 
D) The incumbency advantage no longer impacts outcomes. 
E) A campaign's finances have less to do with the electoral outcome.

Question 2

At a minimum, studying politics requires which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A) Knowing how the political system works 
B) Understanding a country's political history 
C) Gathering as much quantitative data as possible 
D) Making assumptions with as little information as possible 
E) Keeping an open mind

Question 3

What example would someone use to support the hypothesis that politics exemplifies bad human nature?

Accepted Answer

A) Decreased gridlock 
B) Increased polarization 
C) Campaign finance limits 
D) Equal representation 
E) Minority rights

Question 4

D escribe one difference between normativism and positivism, the two major methodologies employed by political scientists. In your a nswer, consider the definition of these two methodologies and what they strive to accomplish.

Accepted Answer

The answer of D escribe one difference between normativism and...

Question 5

What type of political scientist would be most interested in the voting phenomenon known as split-ticket voting?

Accepted Answer

A) Realist 
B) Normativist 
C) Behavioralist 
D) Empiricist 
E) Institutionalist

Question 6

Countries that have strong military capabilities possess which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A) Consent of the governed 
B) Hard power 
C) Legitimacy 
D) Soft power 
E) Economic strength

Question 7

Which of the following is a complaint about the positivist methodology in political science?

Accepted Answer

A) It only addresses big, reoccurring questions without consideration of the impact of smaller issues. 
B) It is too accepting of the unknown and offers solutions that are overly optimistic. 
C) It is subjective and therefore does not offer a scientific view of common political issues. 
D) It can only describe observable scientific facts and doesn't offer any solutions to problems. 
E) It is too reliant on morals and values and does not consider them to be in flux over time.

Question 8

Describe three factors needed for a democratic form of government to survive. In your response, detail why they are needed and the outcome(s)should they not be achieved or included.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe three factors needed for a democratic...

Question 9

Someone who believes abortion should be deemed illegal because of their religious beliefs is employing what type of methodology?

Accepted Answer

A) Ideological 
B) Positivism 
C) Behaviorism 
D) Political theory 
E) Normativism

Question 10

If someone possesses the ability to persuade or coerce, what do they have?

Accepted Answer

A) Order 
B) Power 
C) Natural rights 
D) Moral superiority 
E) Justice

Question 11

Which of the following uses a strict process of creating a research design, gathering relevant data, and running statistical analysis to empirically test the hypotheses surrounding a question of interest?

Accepted Answer

A) Normative method 
B) Theory of politics 
C) Scientific method 
D) Qualitative method 
E) Fact-based reasoning

Question 12

The social contract theory maintains that individuals form a society and abide by moral obligations because of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A) Individuals have a need for self-preservation. 
B) Man is a social creature. 
C) A strong leader is convincing. 
D) Individuals value equality. 
E) Religion operates best in the context of a larger society.

Question 13

What describes the moral values, beliefs, and myths people live by and are willing to die for?

Accepted Answer

A) Political culture 
B) Ideology 
C) Political theory 
D) Polarization 
E) Political science

Question 14

Which of the following major subfields of political science deals with the interactions between two countries?

Accepted Answer

A) Political theory 
B) Political economy 
C) Comparative politics 
D) Policy studies 
E) International relations

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of politics impacting an individual person?

Accepted Answer

A) Determining the drinking age 
B) Determining antitrust regulations 
C) Determining tariffs on imports and exports 
D) Determining floor procedures in the House of Representatives 
E) Determining the requirements of college accreditation

Question 16

Which of the following questions is an empirical research question ?

Accepted Answer

A) What is the impact of increased spending on election outcomes? 
B) Should felons be allowed to vote in elections? 
C) When is war justified? 
D) What constitutes the good life? 
E) Which European country is the best?

Exam 1: Introduction: the Study of Politics