Political Science 101 > The State, Nation, and Government > Flashcards

The State, Nation, and Government Flashcards

Examines the origins, characteristics, and differences between states, nations, and governance, and types of governments. (89 cards)

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1
Q

Define:

state

A

A political entity with a defined territory, population, government, sovereignty, and recognition by other states.

A state holds the exclusive right to use force within its territory.

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2
Q

Fill in the blank:

A ______ is a group of people who share common culture, language, or ancestry.

A

nation

Unlike a state, a nation may or may not have its own government or territory.

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3
Q

Explain the difference between a nation and a state.

A

A state is a legal-political entity, while a nation is a cultural-ethnic identity group.

A “nation-state” combines both under one government.

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4
Q

Match the term with the correct definition:

1. Sovereignty
2. Government
3. Nation-state

A. Supreme power within a territory
B. A state largely composed of one nation
C. Institution through which a state exercises authority

A

1-A
2-C
3-B

Sovereignty means no higher authority exists over the state.

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5
Q

True or False:

A state must always include only one nation.

A

False

Many states are multinational, like India or Canada.

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6
Q

Why is sovereignty important for the definition of a state?

A

It grants the state authority to govern itself without external interference.

Sovereignty is essential for legal recognition and independence.

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7
Q

Define:

government

A

The system or organization through which political authority is exercised, including the institutions and processes for making and enforcing laws.

Often refers to the group of people governing a state or community.

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8
Q

Fill in the blank:

The ______ carries out the day-to-day operations of the state.

A

government

It includes institutions like the executive, legislative, and judiciary.

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9
Q

Define:

governance

A

The processes and decisions through which public affairs are managed.

Governance includes both formal institutions and informal practices.

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10
Q

List three characteristics of a nation-state.

A
  • Shared national identity
  • Recognized sovereignty
  • Centralized government

Japan is often cited as a nation-state due to cultural homogeneity.

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11
Q

How does a government differ from the state it represents?

A

The government is temporary and changes; the state is a permanent structure.

Elections change governments, not states.

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12
Q

Fill in the blanks:

______ ______ is the legal recognition of a state’s sovereignty by other states.

A

Diplomatic recognition

It enables states to form treaties and join international bodies.

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13
Q

Explain what a stateless nation is, with an example.

A

A nation without a sovereign state.

e.g., the Kurds

Stateless nations may seek autonomy or independence.

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14
Q

What is a failed state?

A

A state unable to perform basic functions like security and public services.

Somalia is often cited as a failed state due to internal conflict.

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15
Q

True or False:

Governance is limited to formal government institutions.

A

False

Civil society, NGOs, and community leaders also influence governance.

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16
Q

What are the main types of government?

A
  • Democracy
  • Monarchy
  • Authoritarianism
  • Totalitarianism
  • Oligarchy

These categories describe who holds power and how it is exercised—from rule by the people (democracy) to rule by a single person or small group (monarchy, oligarchy, authoritarian regimes).

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17
Q

What is a monarchy?

A

A form of government where power is held by a king or queen, often inherited.

Monarchies can be absolute or constitutional.

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18
Q

True or False:

In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch has unlimited power.

A

False

The monarch’s role is symbolic, with real power in an elected parliament.

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19
Q

Fill in the blank:

An ______ monarchy grants the monarch total control over the government.

A

absolute

Saudi Arabia is an example of an absolute monarchy.

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20
Q

True or False:

Monarchies no longer exist in the modern world.

A

False

Many constitutional monarchies (e.g., Sweden, Japan) coexist with democracy.

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21
Q

Which country is ruled by an absolute monarchy today?

A

United Arab Emirates

Although the UAE is officially a federation, its seven emirates are ruled by hereditary monarchs, and power is highly centralized under the president, who is also the ruler of Abu Dhabi.

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22
Q

Define:

Republic

A

A government where power rests with elected representatives and officials.

The head of state is not a monarch.

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23
Q

How does a republic differ from a monarchy?

A

A republic elects leaders; a monarchy inherits leadership.

Both can be democratic, depending on their institutions.

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24
Q

List three characteristics of a democratic government.

A
  • Free and fair elections
  • Rule of law
  • Protection of civil liberties

Democracy emphasizes majority rule and minority rights.

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25
What is a **representative democracy**?
A system where **citizens** elect officials to make decisions on their behalf. ## Footnote Most modern democracies are representative.
26
# Fill in the blank: In a \_\_\_\_\_\_ democracy, **citizens** vote directly on laws and policies.
direct ## Footnote **Switzerland** uses direct democracy in some local decisions.
27
# Define: Deliberative democracy
A model that emphasizes reasoned debate and **consensus-building** among citizens. ## Footnote Inspired by ancient Greek practices.
28
# Define: Participatory democracy
A model where **citizens** are directly involved in **policy decisions**. ## Footnote It aims to deepen democratic involvement.
29
Compare **participatory** and **representative** democracy.
Participatory involves **direct input**; representative delegates decisions to **elected officials**. ## Footnote Many systems blend both forms.
30
Why is **deliberation** important in democracy?
It promotes informed **decision-making** and social cohesion. ## Footnote Deliberation can prevent polarization.
31
Which **country** is the best-known example of a **presidential democracy**?
The United States of America ## Footnote The president is both head of state and government.
32
Which **country** exemplifies a **stable parliamentary democracy**?
The United Kingdom ## Footnote Power is concentrated in the **Parliament**, and the Prime Minister is chosen from it.
33
Compare the role of the **president** in the U.S. and the **prime minister** in the U.K.
The **U.S. president** is **directly elected** and heads the executive; the U.K. **prime minister** is selected by **Parliament**. ## Footnote This reflects different democratic traditions.
34
Compare Swiss **direct democracy** with U.S. **representative democracy**.
Swiss citizens **vote directly** on laws; U.S. citizens elect **representatives** to do so. ## Footnote Each balances participation and efficiency differently.
35
# Fill in the blank: **Deliberative democracy** was inspired by \_\_\_\_\_\_ models of governance.
Greek ## Footnote Particularly Athenian democracy.
36
How has **indigenous governance** influenced **participatory democracy**?
It emphasizes consensus, communal responsibility, and **collective voice**. ## Footnote Seen in Andean and First Nations models.
37
Where has **participatory budgeting** been used successfully?
Porto Alegre, Brazil. ## Footnote Citizens decide how to allocate parts of the public budget.
38
What is a **dictatorship**?
A government where one person or a small group holds **absolute power**. ## Footnote Dictatorships often suppress opposition and civil liberties.
39
# Fill in the blanks: A government controlled by a **single party and leader**, often using fear, is a \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_.
totalitarian regime ## Footnote Totalitarian states regulate nearly **every aspect of life**.
40
# Define: authoritarian regime
Government characterized by **strong central power** and **limited political freedoms**. ## Footnote Political opposition is often suppressed.
41
# True or False: All **authoritarian** regimes are also **totalitarian**.
False ## Footnote Some authoritarian regimes allow limited freedoms or opposition.
42
Compare **authoritarianism** and **totalitarianism**.
Authoritarianism **limits** political freedoms; totalitarianism **controls** all aspects of life. ## Footnote Both reject democratic principles.
43
# Define: technocracy
A system where **experts or specialists govern** based on technical knowledge. ## Footnote Often proposed in crises requiring expert solutions.
44
# True or False: Technocrats are elected in a democracy.
False ## Footnote They are usually appointed based on **expertise**.
45
# True or False: Technocrats always **replace** elected officials.
False ## Footnote Often they are appointed during crisis or as advisers.
46
How has **Singapore** been described in terms of **governance style**?
As a **meritocratic technocracy** with elements of authoritarianism. ## Footnote Leadership is based on performance and elite education.
47
# Fill in the blank: In a \_\_\_\_\_\_ state, **religious law** is the highest authority.
Theocracy ## Footnote Clerics or religious texts guide political decisions.
48
# Fill in the blank: In a \_\_\_\_\_\_ state, the **central government** holds most of the power.
Unitary ## Footnote **France and Japan** are unitary states.
49
# Define: federal government
A system that **divides power** between a central national government and regional governments. ## Footnote Examples include the United States and Germany.
50
# Fill in the blank: India is a \_\_\_\_\_\_ democracy with a parliamentary system.
Federal ## Footnote India blends **federalism** with strong central authority.
51
# Define: parliamentary system
A system where the **executive** emerges from the **legislative branch** and is dependent on its support. ## Footnote The U.K. is a leading example.
52
# Fill in the blank: In a **parliamentary system**, the \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ is chosen by the legislature.
prime minister ## Footnote Voters elect the **parliament**, not the executive directly.
53
# True or False: In a presidential system, the **executive and legislative branches are fused**.
False ## Footnote They are separate and **often act as checks on each other**.
54
Name one **advantage and disadvantage** of a parliamentary system.
* Advantage: greater efficiency in passing laws. * Disadvantage: less separation of powers. ## Footnote Parliamentary systems often have fewer veto points.
55
What is a **confederation**?
A loose alliance of sovereign states that delegate limited powers to a **central authority**. ## Footnote Historical example: the Articles of Confederation in the U.S.
56
How does a confederation **differ** from federalism?
In a **confederation**, the central government is **weak**, and member states hold most of the power. In contrast, **federalism** features a **strong** central government that shares power with states or provinces. ## Footnote Examples: The Articles of Confederation (U.S.) exemplify a confederation, while the U.S. Constitution establishes a federal system.
57
Which modern organization is closest to a **confederation**?
The European Union ## Footnote **Sovereign nations** share powers through treaties.
58
Why did the U.S. shift from a **confederation** to a **federal system**?
To **strengthen** the central government and **resolve** coordination issues. ## Footnote The Articles of Confederation were too weak.
59
# True or False: In a **federal system**, regions have the same power as the central government.
False ## Footnote Power is divided, but the **federal government** usually has **supremacy**.
60
# Define: oligarchy
A form of government where **power** rests with a **small, privileged group**. ## Footnote The ruling class may be economic, military, or hereditary.
61
Give a historical example of **oligarchic rule**.
Ancient Sparta or post-Soviet Russia under the oligarchs. ## Footnote Small groups held significant control.
62
# Fill in the blank: Rule by a **wealthy elite** is called \_\_\_\_\_\_.
Plutocracy ## Footnote "Pluto" is Greek for wealth.
63
Explain how meritocracy **differs** from aristocracy.
Meritocracy rewards **ability and talent**; aristocracy is based on **birth or social class**. ## Footnote Meritocracies seek fairness through achievement.
64
# Define: military junta
A government led by **military officers**, usually after a coup. ## Footnote Common in 20th-century Latin America.
65
# Fill in the blank: A government that appears democratic but **suppresses dissent** is a \_\_\_\_\_\_ regime.
hybrid ## Footnote Examples include **Turkey and Hungary**.
66
Explain why some countries adopt **hybrid models** instead of **full democracy**.
To **maintain control** while appearing legitimate to citizens and the international community. ## Footnote This duality can be strategic.
67
# True or False: **Hybrid regimes** always guarantee civil liberties.
False ## Footnote Many use repression despite democratic features.
68
How do **hybrid regimes** affect international relations?
They complicate alliances and credibility due to **democratic backsliding**. ## Footnote Partners may question legitimacy.
69
# Define: Decentralization
The process of **distributing political power** to local or regional governments. ## Footnote It increases efficiency and accountability.
70
# Fill in the blank: A \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ delegates significant powers to local authorities.
decentralized government ## Footnote Seen in federal or devolved systems.
71
What is a **supranational** government?
An entity formed by **multiple countries** with authority above individual states. ## Footnote The EU is a prime example.
72
# True or False: In **supranational systems**, member states retain full **sovereignty**.
False ## Footnote Some decision-making is shared or transferred.
73
How do **supranational** and **federal** systems differ?
**Federal** systems are within one country; **supranational** systems unite multiple nations. ## Footnote The latter often involves treaties and shared institutions.
74
Why do some countries resist joining **supranational unions**?
Fear of losing **sovereignty and control** over national laws. ## Footnote Brexit is a major example.
75
What is the role of the **European Parliament** in the EU?
It **represents EU citizens** and helps make laws alongside the council. ## Footnote A supranational legislative body.
76
What **challenges** has Brazil faced under its **presidential system**?
* Political polarization * Corruption * Executive-legislative conflict ## Footnote Presidentialism may cause deadlock in fragmented systems.
77
Name two **federal** countries in Latin America.
Argentina and Mexico ## Footnote Both have **state-level governments** with autonomy.
78
# True or False: France is a federal country.
False ## Footnote France has a unitary system with strong central control.
79
Compare **federalism** in the U.S. and Germany.
Both share power between **national and regional governments**, but Germany emphasizes **fiscal equalization** more. ## Footnote German Länder have guaranteed roles in federal institutions.
80
What type of **government** does **North Korea** have?
An **authoritarian regime** with dynastic leadership. ## Footnote Power is concentrated in a single-party system.
81
Which type of **government** is most likely to emerge during **economic crisis**?
Technocracy ## Footnote Experts are brought in for **stability and reform**.
82
What dangers can arise in a **meritocratic system**?
* elitism * exclusion * disconnection from popular will ## Footnote It may neglect structural inequalities.
83
Which **country** uses frequent **referenda** as part of its direct democracy?
Switzerland ## Footnote Citizens can trigger national votes on laws.
84
What is **devolution**, and where has it occurred?
The transfer of powers to regional governments, e.g., Scotland, Wales. ## Footnote Common in the U.K. since the 1990s.
85
# Fill in the blank: The **African Union** is an example of a \_\_\_\_\_\_ body.
supranational ## Footnote It seeks **regional cooperation** and integration.
86
# True or False: Local governments can have real power in **centralized states**.
True ## Footnote Depends on laws and political will.
87
What kind of **government** does **China** have?
**Single-party** authoritarian rule with **technocratic** features. ## Footnote The Communist Party holds centralized power.
88
What **government** model does the **Vatican** follow?
**Elective monarchy** led by the Pope. ## Footnote One of the few modern examples of this type.
89
Why is **Bolivia** considered a **plurinational state**?
It recognizes **multiple indigenous nations** within its legal-political framework. ## Footnote It redefines traditional state models to reflect diversity.
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