Political Science 101 > Contemporary Political Issues and Challenges > Flashcards

Contemporary Political Issues and Challenges Flashcards

Examines populism, technology in politics, migration crises, and the future of global political systems. (75 cards)

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1
Q

Define:

Contemporary Political Issues

A

They are the pressing and current concerns affecting politics today. These issues are shaped by global trends, social movements, economic shifts, and technological change.

They often demand urgent policy responses and influence electoral behavior and governance priorities.

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2
Q

True or False:

Political challenges refer only to conflicts between political parties.

A

False

Political challenges include systemic threats to democracy, citizen trust, political participation, and the capacity of institutions to govern effectively.

They can be internal (like corruption or polarization) or external (like cyberattacks or global conflicts).

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3
Q

Fill in the blanks:

Contemporary political challenges such as ______ and ______ ______ highlight the tensions between governance, globalization, and democratic values.

A

populism; technological disruption

This category includes tensions created by rapid social change, economic uncertainty, and the digital age’s impact on public discourse.

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4
Q

Explain the three contemporary social issues concerning labor, gender, race, and poverty.

A
  1. Gap between the earnings of high-income earners and low-income workers continues to widen, contributing to economic inequality.
  2. Women consistently earn less than men for the same work, and this gap persists across industries and occupations.
  3. Racial bias and discrimination continue to exist in various aspects of society, including education, employment, housing, and the criminal justice system.

Addressing these problems requires systemic policy reforms, intersectional analysis, and long-term social change efforts.

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5
Q

What does the term populism generally refer to in politics?

A

A political approach that claims to represent the common people against a corrupt elite.

Populism can emerge from the left or right and often challenges traditional institutions.

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6
Q

Define:

Authoritarianism

A

A form of governance characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms.

Authoritarian leaders often suppress dissent and concentrate power in the executive.

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7
Q

True or False:

Globalization has reduced the impact of national politics.

A

False

While global networks matter, national identity and sovereignty remain central to politics.

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8
Q

What is “digital democracy”?

A

The use of digital technologies to enhance or transform democratic participation.

Examples include online voting, e-petitions, and direct citizen engagement via digital platforms.

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9
Q

Explain why migration is considered a contemporary political challenge.

A

It raises debates over national identity, security, labor markets, and humanitarian obligations.

Migration issues intersect with economics, culture, and international law.

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10
Q

Define:

Political polarization

A

The growing ideological distance and hostility between opposing political groups.

Polarization can weaken democratic norms and make compromise difficult.

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11
Q

Fill in the blank:

The increasing spread of political misinformation online is often referred to as the ______.

A

infodemic

The term gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic to describe harmful information overload.

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12
Q

Which of the following best describes “surveillance capitalism”?

A. National security programs
B. A form of socialism
C. The commodification of personal data
D. Government subsidies for corporations

A

The commodification of personal data

It refers to tech companies monetizing user data for targeted advertising and influence.

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13
Q

Define:

technopopulism

A

A political style combining populist rhetoric with claims of expert-driven, tech-based solutions.

It blends emotional appeal to “the people” with trust in innovation and efficiency.

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14
Q

How do global political systems differ from national political systems?

A

Global systems manage international cooperation, while national systems govern within borders.

Global politics involves actors like the UN, WTO, and international treaties.

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15
Q

True or False:

Climate change is a political issue because it involves international agreements, national policies, and public opinion.

A

True

Climate action requires global coordination, national commitment, and societal buy-in.

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16
Q

What role does technology play in modern political activism?

A

It facilitates mobilization, communication, and global visibility for movements.

From hashtags to live-streams, tech empowers decentralized political action.

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17
Q

Explain the concept of fake news and its political impact.

A

Refers to deliberately false information spread to mislead or manipulate public opinion.

It can distort elections, erode trust, and fuel polarization.

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18
Q

How does cybersecurity relate to politics?

A

It protects political institutions, data, and election infrastructure from digital threats.

Cyberattacks can undermine democratic integrity and national security.

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19
Q

Define:

Disinformation

A

False information spread with the intention to deceive or manipulate.

Unlike misinformation, disinformation is intentional and often politically motivated.

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20
Q

How has populism affected European politics in recent years?

A

It has led to the rise of nationalist parties, challenges to EU integration, and anti-immigration rhetoric.

Examples include the rise of leaders like Viktor Orbán (Hungary) and Marine Le Pen (France).

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21
Q

True or False:

Populist leaders often frame politics as a struggle between “the pure people” and “a corrupt elite.”

A

True

This dichotomy is central to populist rhetoric, regardless of political ideology.

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22
Q

Define:

Left-wing populism

A

A populist movement that focuses on economic inequality and redistributive justice.

Examples include leaders like Evo Morales in Bolivia or Andrés Manuel López Obrador in Mexico.

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23
Q

What is a key feature of right-wing populism?

A

Emphasis on nationalism, anti-immigration, and protection of traditional values.

It often uses fear-based narratives and critiques of globalization.

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24
Q

Explain why Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro is considered a populist leader.

A

He used anti-establishment rhetoric, promoted nationalism, and framed himself as a voice of “the people.”

His discourse often challenged traditional media, environmental protections, and political elites.

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25
# Fill in the blanks: **Populism** often **emerges** during periods of \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ and political distrust.
economic uncertainty ## Footnote **Economic crises and corruption scandals** create fertile ground for populist narratives.
26
What similarities exist between **Donald Trump** and **Narendra Modi** in their **populist appeal**?
Both portray themselves as outsiders, appeal to **national pride**, and bypass traditional media via direct messaging. ## Footnote Social media plays a central role in their communication strategies.
27
Choose the best example of a **populist slogan**: A. "Stronger together" B. "Hope and change" C. "Make America great again" D. "Yes we can"
C. "Make America great again" ## Footnote Populist slogans often evoke nostalgia and a return to a perceived better past.
28
How has **social media** helped boost **populist movements**?
It allows leaders to **bypass institutions**, mobilize support quickly, and **spread emotional appeals**. ## Footnote Platforms like Facebook and Twitter amplify direct, unfiltered communication.
29
What is a **risk** of **populist governance**?
It may erode democratic norms by **weakening checks and balances** and demonizing opposition. ## Footnote Populists may centralize power and delegitimize institutions they can’t control.
30
How did **Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign** reflect populist themes?
It used **anti-elite rhetoric**, promised to “drain the swamp,” and appealed to nationalist and anti-immigration sentiments. ## Footnote Trump positioned himself as an outsider fighting for the “forgotten American.”
31
# True or False: The **January 6th Capitol riot** is an example of political polarization turning into direct action.
True ## Footnote The event reflected **deep mistrust in democratic institutions** and was fueled by misinformation.
32
# Define: QAnon
A **conspiracy theory movement** claiming that elites are involved in secret criminal activities, with Trump as a hero figure. ## Footnote QAnon **gained traction online** and influenced real-world political behavior.
33
What role did **social media** play in the spread of **election misinformation** in 2020?
It **amplified false claims about voter fraud** and allowed echo chambers to reinforce narratives of a stolen election. ## Footnote Platforms were criticized for slow responses to harmful content.
34
Which of the following helped fuel **polarization in the U.S.**? A. Partisan media B. Gerrymandering C. Political tribalism D. All of the above
D. All of the above ## Footnote These factors create incentives for **extremism** and reduce bipartisan cooperation.
35
How did the **Tea Party Movement** influence American politics?
It pushed the Republican Party further right, opposing taxes and government expansion, and increasing anti-establishment rhetoric. ## Footnote The movement began in 2009 after the financial crisis and Obama’s presidency.
36
Explain why **voter suppression** is considered a **contemporary political issue** in the U.S.
Because restrictive voting laws disproportionately **impact minorities**, young people, and low-income communities. ## Footnote Examples include ID laws, reduced polling places, and purging voter rolls.
37
# Fill in the blank: The **U.S. Electoral College system** has come under criticism for overrepresenting \_\_\_\_\_\_ states.
smaller | (less populated) ## Footnote It can allow a candidate to win the presidency without the **popular vote.**
38
What does the term **“deep state”** imply in U.S. political discourse?
It suggests that unelected bureaucrats **secretly control policy**, undermining elected officials. ## Footnote This idea is often used in populist and conspiracy-driven rhetoric.
39
# Define: digital authoritarianism
The **use of technology by governments** to surveil, **repress**, and control citizens, especially dissenting voices. ## Footnote Often includes internet censorship, facial recognition, and mass data collection.
40
How has **digital authoritarianism** challenged **global democracy**?
Regimes use technology for **surveillance, censorship, and repression**, limiting dissent and freedom. ## Footnote Examples include China's social credit system and internet shutdowns in autocracies.
41
# True or False: **Facial recognition technology** has been banned in several U.S. cities due to **civil liberties concerns.**
True ## Footnote Cities like San Francisco have restricted its use over **privacy and racial bias issues.**
42
Explain why **misinformation spreads faster on social media** than accurate news.
Because sensational or **emotionally charged content captures more attention** and is more likely to be shared. ## Footnote A 2018 MIT study found that falsehoods spread faster and farther than truths on Twitter.
43
How was **Cambridge Analytica** involved in **political controversy**?
It harvested **Facebook user data without consent** to create psychographic profiles for targeted political ads. ## Footnote This raised ethical concerns about privacy, manipulation, and consent in digital campaigning.
44
# Fill in the blanks: Political campaigns increasingly rely on \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ to analyze voter behavior and personalize messaging.
big data ## Footnote Data-driven strategies help micro-target ads and **predict voter preferences.**
45
Which of the following is **not a risk** of AI in politics? A. Voter mobilization B. Deepfake videos C. Automated surveillance D. Algorithmic bias
A. Voter mobilization ## Footnote The others pose serious **threats to trust** and fairness in political systems.
46
What are **deepfakes**, and why are they a political threat?
They are **AI-generated fake videos or audio** that can falsely depict people saying or doing things. ## Footnote Deepfakes undermine trust in media and can be **weaponized for disinformation.**
47
How have **bots and trolls** influenced political conversations online?
By amplifying divisive content, spreading misinformation, and manipulating trending topics. ## Footnote Foreign and domestic actors have used them to sow discord and influence elections.
48
# Define: Cyberwarfare
The use of **digital attacks by states or organizations** to disrupt, damage, or spy on another nation's systems. ## Footnote Examples include election interference and attacks on critical infrastructure.
49
How did the **SolarWinds** hack highlight vulnerabilities in **U.S. cybersecurity**?
It revealed that **foreign actors** had long-term access to multiple U.S. government and corporate networks. ## Footnote Attributed to Russian state hackers, it was one of the largest known cyber-espionage events.
50
# Define: Climate migration
The movement of people caused by **environmental changes** such as rising sea levels, droughts, or extreme weather. ## Footnote Climate migrants are often not recognized as refugees under international law.
51
Explain why the **Syrian civil war** contributed to a **global migration crisis.**
It displaced millions of people who sought **asylum** in neighboring countries and Europe, straining political systems. ## Footnote By 2023, over 6.8 million Syrians had fled the country, according to UNHCR.
52
# True or False: The U.S. has never used immigration as a **political wedge issue**.
False ## Footnote **Debates over border security**, DACA, and asylum policies often polarize public opinion.
53
Which of the following is a **push factor in migration**? A. Job opportunities B. Family reunification C. Armed conflict D. Cultural exchange
C. Armed conflict ## Footnote Push factors are conditions that **force people to leave their home country.**
54
What are the political implications of **climate refugees** for **global governance**?
They challenge current **refugee frameworks** and create pressure on border policies and international cooperation. ## Footnote There’s growing demand to update the 1951 Refugee Convention.
55
# Fill in the blank: The European Union's response to the **2015 refugee crisis** revealed deep \_\_\_\_\_\_ among member states.
divisions ## Footnote **Disagreements emerged** over quotas, border security, and humanitarian obligations.
56
What is a **sanctuary city**, and what role has it played in **U.S. immigration politics**?
A city that limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to **protect undocumented immigrants.** ## Footnote Critics claim they undermine law enforcement; supporters view them as protecting human rights.
57
How does **climate change** exacerbate **political instability**?
It intensifies **resource conflicts**, food insecurity, and forced migration, increasing state fragility. ## Footnote The Pentagon has called climate change a 'threat multiplier.'
58
How did **Hurricane Maria** influence **political debates in the U.S.**?
The disaster **exposed racial and colonial inequalities** in federal response to Puerto Rico, sparking political mobilization. ## Footnote It led to debates on statehood, climate justice, and disaster preparedness.
59
# True or False: The **Paris Agreement** legally binds countries to **reduce emissions** by specific percentages.
False ## Footnote It sets **voluntary national goals (NDCs)** but lacks enforcement mechanisms.
60
Explain why **climate policy** is a contentious issue in U.S. politics.
Partisan divides affect support for **environmental regulation**, fossil fuels, and investment in renewables. ## Footnote States often pursue their own climate goals independently of federal action.
61
What are climate action cities, and how are they reshaping governance?
Cities that independently adopt ambitious climate policies, often bypassing national governments. ## Footnote Examples: New York City, Los Angeles, Copenhagen.
62
How did the **Fridays for Future movement** influence youth political engagement?
It mobilized millions globally to **demand climate action**, pressuring governments and shifting public discourse. ## Footnote Started by Greta Thunberg in 2018.
63
# Fill in the blanks: The political concept that views **Earth’s resources** as shared global responsibilities is called \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ .
planetary stewardship ## Footnote Emphasizes **cooperation over competition** in addressing **environmental crises.**
64
# Define: Democratic backsliding
The **gradual decline in the quality of democracy**, often through weakening of institutions, civil liberties, or rule of law. ## Footnote It can occur even in formally democratic regimes through legal and electoral means.
65
What is the role of **judicial independence** in **preserving democratic systems**?
It acts as a **check on executive and legislative powers**, ensuring rule of law and protection of rights. ## Footnote Attacks on courts are often early signs of democratic erosion.
66
# Fill in the blanks: **Voter suppression, gerrymandering, and disinformation campaigns** are examples of threats to \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ .
electoral integrity ## Footnote These tactics can **undermine public trust** and fair representation.
67
Explain why **democratic participation has declined** in some countries despite access to elections.
**Citizens may feel disillusioned** due to corruption, inequality, or lack of meaningful choices. ## Footnote Low trust in institutions often leads to voter apathy or protest voting.
68
How did the 2020 U.S. presidential election test **democratic resilience**?
It faced **widespread misinformation** and post-election challenges, but institutions upheld the results. ## Footnote Over 60 court cases confirmed the election outcome, affirming rule of law.
69
Which of the following is **NOT typically** considered a pillar of **liberal democracy**? A. Free and fair elections B. Separation of powers C. Military rule D. Civil liberties
C. Military rule ## Footnote Democracies require **civilian control** over the military.
70
What is **democratic fatigue**, and what are its symptoms?
A state where citizens become **apathetic or cynical toward democratic processes**, often due to perceived ineffectiveness. ## Footnote It can manifest as low voter turnout or support for authoritarian alternatives.
71
# Fill in the blank: The idea that **democracy must evolve** to address global problems like climate change and inequality is called \_\_\_\_\_\_ democracy.
deliberative | (or participatory, depending on interpretation) ## Footnote These models emphasize deeper **citizen engagement** and public reasoning.
72
What **democratic innovations** aim to **revitalize political participation**?
Examples include participatory budgeting, citizens’ assemblies, and online deliberation platforms. ## Footnote They seek to **make politics more inclusive and responsive.**
73
How did **Brexit** reflect tensions in democratic systems?
It revealed divides between **representative and direct democracy**, and between urban and rural voters. ## Footnote The referendum outcome led to years of institutional and political upheaval.
74
What are **transnational threats** to democracy in the 21st century?
Cyberattacks, foreign interference in elections, disinformation campaigns, and global inequality. ## Footnote These challenges often require **international coordination.**
75
What is the **future of democracy** in a globalized and digital world?
It depends on **adapting institutions**, enhancing civic education, and defending civil liberties in the face of rapid change. ## Footnote Scholars debate between **techno-authoritarian and democratic renewal scenarios.**
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