Question 1

Discuss the reasons why societal warfare has replaced interstate warfare globally today.

Accepted Answer

There are several reasons why societal warfare has replaced interstate warfare globally today. One reason is the changing nature of conflict, with many modern conflicts being driven by internal divisions within countries rather than traditional conflicts between nation-states. This can be attributed to factors such as ethnic or religious tensions, political instability, and economic disparities within societies.

Additionally, advancements in technology and communication have made it easier for non-state actors, such as rebel groups and terrorist organizations, to mobilize and carry out attacks on a global scale. These groups often operate across borders and are not constrained by traditional rules of warfare, making them a significant threat to global security.

Furthermore, the rise of globalization has interconnected societies and economies in ways that were not possible in the past, leading to increased vulnerability to the spread of conflict and instability. This interconnectedness also means that the consequences of societal warfare can have far-reaching impacts beyond national borders, making it a global concern.

Lastly, the decline of traditional interstate warfare can also be attributed to the efforts of the international community to prevent and resolve conflicts through diplomacy, peacekeeping missions, and humanitarian aid. While these efforts have been successful in some cases, they have also led to a shift in the nature of conflict towards more localized and protracted societal warfare.

Overall, the reasons for the shift from interstate warfare to societal warfare are complex and multifaceted, but they reflect the changing dynamics of global conflict in the 21st century.

Question 2

Gillian's sociology professor tells her class that she had studied under the sociologist who created the theory that suggests the power elite occupy the top of the power pyramid in the United States.Who was Gillian's professor's professor?

Accepted Answer

A)  Talcott Parsons
B)  Robert Merton
C)  Wright Mills
D)  John Porter C

Question 3

Which of the following is a claim that instrumental Marxists make?

Accepted Answer

A)  People in the lower classes are more likely to vote.
B)  Voter turnout is dependent on region.
C)  Big business is dependent on the state.
D)  The state is controlled by the business elite. D

Question 4

What do we call power that is viewed as legitimate and justified, and that is institutionalized in politics, religion, and law?

Accepted Answer

A)  force
B)  control
C)  influence
D)  authority

Question 5

In general, what has the elite theory contributed to sociologists' understandings of political power?

Accepted Answer

A)  that democratic politics is about compromise and the accommodation of group interests
B)  that despite compromise and accommodation, power is concentrated among high status groups in society
C)  that despite the concentration of power in society, shifts in the distribution of power do occur
D)  that despite the influence of the distribution of power on political life, the state exerts a powerful independent influence

Question 6

In 2005, Global Call to Action Against Poverty involved some 38 million people in actions to make world leaders live up to their promises to make a breakthrough on poverty.According to the textbook, what term best identifies this organization?

Accepted Answer

A)  political revolution
B)  justice movement
C)  democratic lobby
D)  social movement

Question 7

The Business Council on National Issues and the Fraser Institute are special interest groups that represent the interests of their constituents by attempting to gain a political profile for their issues.What kind of group are these organizations?

Accepted Answer

A)  social movements
B)  civil societies
C)  politicos
D)  lobbies

Question 8

Compare and contrast the pluralist, elitist, power resource, and state-centred theories of power and political activity on the question of who is powerful in Canadian society and why.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast the pluralist, elitist, power...

Question 9

Compare and contrast the positions of instrumentalist Marxists and structuralist Marxists.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast the positions of instrumentalist...

Question 10

What do we call the institution that specializes in exercising power and authority over the citizenry of a nation?

Accepted Answer

A)  the authoritarian command apparatus
B)  civil society
C)  the coercive socio-political system
D)  the state

Question 11

Compare and contrast pluralist, elite, and power resource theories.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast pluralist, elite, and power...

Question 12

According to the textbook, when or under what circumstances do charismatic leaders often emerge?

Accepted Answer

A)  during elections
B)  in feudal regimes
C)  during revolutions
D)  in postmodernity

Question 13

What problems and challenges is the democratic process in Russia currently facing? Can you offer any solutions?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What problems and challenges is the democratic...

Question 14

Stephen believes that Canada is becoming more equal in terms of the gap between the rich and the poor and that economic issues are becoming less important to voters.Which of the following schools of thought would he likely agree with?

Accepted Answer

A)  postmaterialism
B)  postverticalism
C)  poststratification
D)  post technocratic

Question 15

What evidence do critics of pluralism have to counter the pluralist theory? Which position do you support and why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What evidence do critics of pluralism have...

Question 16

John Porter's classic work The Vertical Mosaic was a critique of elite theory.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 17

How is democracy viewed when a nation's military is also a powerful political force?

Accepted Answer

A)  precarious and merely formal
B)  strong due to military support
C)  well-organized but weak
D)  strongly constitutionally reformed

Question 18

Explain how the institutions of the state and civil society work together to reinforce or undermine democracy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain how the institutions of the state...

Question 19

Traditional authority is found in modern societies where respect for the law is manifest.

Accepted Answer