Comparative Political Analysis MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Comparative Political Analysis - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is 'Extreme right-wing authoritarian nationalism'

Key Points

• Fascism:
  • Fascism is a political ideology that emphasizes strong, centralized control, often led by a dictatorial leader.
  • It is characterized by extreme right-wing views, including authoritarianism, nationalism, and the suppression of political opposition.
  • Fascist regimes often use propaganda and state control to maintain power and promote their ideology.

Additional Information

• Left-wing liberalism:
  • Left-wing liberalism advocates for social equality, civil rights, and government intervention in the economy to address social inequalities.
  • This ideology is fundamentally different from fascism, which opposes such principles and promotes hierarchical and authoritarian structures.
• Social democracy:
  • Social democracy combines elements of socialism and democracy, advocating for political democracy alongside social ownership and regulation of the economy.
  • Unlike fascism, social democracy supports democratic processes and social justice rather than authoritarian rule and nationalism.
• Communism:
  • Communism is a far-left ideology advocating for a classless, stateless society where property and resources are communally owned.
  • Fascism, on the other hand, supports a hierarchical society, strong state control, and often preserves private property under state oversight.

The correct answer is 'A and B Only'

Key Points

• Input-Output Analysis by David Easton:
  • David Easton was a political scientist known for his systemic approach to studying political systems.
  • His input-output analysis is a framework for understanding how political systems operate by examining the inputs (demands and supports) and outputs (decisions and actions).
  • The inputs include demands and supports from the environment, while the outputs are the decisions and actions taken by the political system.
  • Feedback loops are also crucial in this analysis as they help to understand how the outputs affect future inputs.

Additional Information

• Development and Growth:
  • These are not considered variables in Easton's input-output analysis.
  • Development and Growth are broader concepts that may result from the functioning of political systems but are not part of the input-output framework specifically.

The correct answer is 'D and E Only'

Key Points

• Xenophobia:
  • Xenophobia refers to the fear and hatred of strangers or foreigners, not the demand for self-determination.
  • It involves negative attitudes towards individuals from other countries or cultures.
  • This is often manifested in discriminatory practices and social exclusion.
• Universalism:
  • Universalism is the belief in the universal application of concepts, values, or rights, rather than behavior characterized by insularity and exclusivity.
  • It promotes inclusivity and the idea that all humans are entitled to certain rights and standards.
  • This concept is often linked to human rights, ethics, and global citizenship.

Additional Information

• Economic Nationalism:
  • Economic Nationalism is correctly matched with fostering the domestic economy through protectionism.
  • It involves policies that emphasize domestic control of the economy, labor, and capital formation.
• Nativism:
  • Nativism is correctly matched with voicing the needs of native inhabitants against those of immigrants.
  • It prioritizes the interests of established inhabitants over those of newcomers.
• Colonialism:
  • Colonialism is correctly matched with the practice of establishing control over a foreign territory.
  • It involves the exploitation of the colonized country for the benefit of the colonizing country.

The correct answer is 'Otto Kinchneiur'

Key Points

• Catch-All-Party:
  • The term "catch-all-party" refers to political parties that aim to attract a broad spectrum of voters, rather than focusing on a specific class or interest group.
  • Otto Kinchneiur is credited with coining the term "catch-all-party" in the mid-20th century to describe the shift in strategy of many political parties to appeal to a wider electorate.
  • This concept highlights the adaptation of political parties to changing societal structures and the need to garner widespread support to achieve electoral success.

Additional Information

• C. Wright Mills:
  • C. Wright Mills was an American sociologist known for his works on the structure of power in the U.S., particularly his book "The Power Elite."
  • He did not coin the term "catch-all-party," but his contributions to sociology include the study of social structures and power dynamics.
• William Gladstone:
  • William Gladstone was a British statesman and four-time Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in the 19th century.
  • He is known for his liberal policies and reforms but did not coin the term "catch-all-party."
• Bertrand Russell:
  • Bertrand Russell was a British philosopher, logician, and social critic, renowned for his work in analytical philosophy and logic.
  • He did not coin the term "catch-all-party," but his contributions to philosophy and social theory are significant.

The role of the head of state in a parliamentary system is to hold symbolic power.

Key Points

• Symbolic Power:
  • In a parliamentary system, the head of state typically holds a ceremonial or symbolic role rather than having substantial political power.
  • The head of state may perform various ceremonial duties such as opening parliamentary sessions, representing the country at official events, and endorsing official documents.
  • This role helps maintain national unity and continuity, acting as a symbol of the state and its traditions.

Additional Information

• Control the Legislature:
  • The head of state does not control the legislature in a parliamentary system. This function is typically carried out by elected representatives and legislative bodies.
  • The legislature is responsible for making laws and overseeing the government, and it operates independently of the head of state's ceremonial role.
• Lead the Executive Branch:
  • Leading the executive branch is usually the responsibility of the head of government, such as a Prime Minister, rather than the head of state.
  • The head of government is actively involved in policy-making and administration, while the head of state remains a figurehead.
• Manage the Judiciary:
  • The judiciary is an independent branch of government, and its management is not the responsibility of the head of state.
  • Judges and judicial bodies operate autonomously to uphold the rule of law, free from executive or ceremonial interference.

The correct answer is Herbert Hyman.

Key Points

• Political socialization is the process of inducting an individual in the political culture. 
• The word political socialization was first used by Herbert Hyman in his books.
• Political socialization is conceptualized in terms of three ways:
  • Participation or involvement in politics,
  • Radical or conservative goals,
  • Democratic or authoritarian forms.
• Political socialization play an important role in developing the traits of patriotism and good citizenship.

Additional Information

• Characteristics of Political Socialisation
  • Political socialisation is a process that starts in childhood.
  • People who have received political socialisation are more likely to take an active role in politics.
  • Belief in the benefits of democracy is  typically developed  through political socialisation.
  • Families, schools, peers, and the media are the primary sources or agents of political socialisation in people’s life.

The correct answer is Stress relief.

Explanation: Détente is a term often used in international relations to describe a period of improved relations between countries, especially among countries that were previously antagonistic or in conflict.

 Key Points

• The term is French for "relaxation" or "easing" or stress relief and is used to refer to a thawing or easing of tensions and hostilities. 
• Détente is characterized by diplomatic negotiations, treaties, and agreements that aim to reduce the risk of conflict, promote mutual understanding, and establish more stable and peaceful relations.
• A well-known example of détente was the period of eased relations between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, particularly in the 1970s, which led to several significant agreements on arms control and cooperation in various areas.

The correct answer is Executive branch of government.

Explanation: Delegated legislation, also known as secondary or subordinate legislation, refers to laws or regulations that are not passed directly by a primary legislative body (such as a parliament or congress) but are instead made by an individual or body under powers granted to them by a primary legislation. The executive branch of the government, which includes various ministers, departments, and agencies, is often responsible for creating delegated legislation.

Key Points

The process works as follows:

• Primary Legislation: The primary legislative body enacts a primary piece of legislation (an Act of Parliament or a statute), which sets out the broad framework and principles of the law. This legislation often includes provisions that delegate powers to ministers or government departments to make more detailed rules and regulations within the framework established by the Act.
• Delegation: The primary legislation will specify who has the power to make the delegated legislation, the scope of that power, and any specific procedures that must be followed. This delegation of power is necessary because the primary legislative body cannot foresee all the detailed regulations needed to implement and administer complex laws in various fields, such as taxation, environmental protection, or public health.
• Making of Delegated Legislation: The authorized body or individual then uses these delegated powers to make specific rules, regulations, orders, or by-laws. These are the delegated legislations that provide the details necessary to apply and enforce the primary legislation.
• Advantages: Delegated legislation allows for laws to be made more efficiently and flexibly than would be possible if every detail had to be debated and passed by the primary legislative body. It enables the law to be adapted to changing circumstances and to address complex or technical matters that require specialist knowledge.
• Concerns and Safeguards: Delegated legislation can raise concerns about democratic accountability because it is not made by the elected legislative body. To address these concerns, there are usually safeguards in place, such as requirements for consultation, publication, and the ability for the legislative body to scrutinize and, if necessary, revoke delegated legislation.

 Additional Information

• Delegated legislation is a practical tool that allows the executive branch of the government to make detailed legal rules within a framework established by primary legislation.
• It is essential for the effective and efficient administration of complex modern states but requires appropriate safeguards to maintain democratic accountability.

The correct answer is Good Advice.

Key Points

• Gabriel Almond's conceptual framework evolved through three phases.
•  Almond did not recognize "Good Advice"  as a stage in the process of change in a political system.
• Almond outlined his own functional categories and classify them into inputs and outputs-
• Input functions:
  • Political recruitment.
  • Interest aggregation.
  • Political communication  
• Output Functions:
  • Rule making
  • Rule application
  • Rule adjudication

Additional Information

• According to Almond, all political systems have four characteristics:
  • All political systems have structures.
  • The same political functions are performed in all political systems.
  • All political structures are multifunctional.
  • AlI political systems are mixed in the cultural sense.

The correct answer is A. V. Dicey.

Key Points

• The idea of the rule of law was conceptualised by Professor Albert Venn Dicey.
• It was first originated in England, later India embraced it.
• Aristotle and Plato, two prominent Greek philosophers, tackled the idea of the rule of law in 350 BC
• Rule of law is where, no one is subjected to cruel or arbitrary treatment.
• It means that no one is above the law.
• Everyone, including lawmakers, leaders, law enforcement officials, and judges, must abide by the law. 

Additional Information

• Rule of Law in Indian Constitution-
  • The Preamble of the Indian Constitution mentions Justice, Liberty, and Equality.
  • The constitution is the ultimate law of the nation, according to Article 13 (1) of the Indian Constitution.
  • The Doctrine of Eclipse under Article 13 states that any law which is inconsistent with fundamental rights is not invalid.
  • The idea of equality before the law and equal protection under the law is enshrined in Article 14 of the Indian constitution.
  • Article 21 of the constitution guarantees the fundamental right to life and personal liberty.

The correct answer is Talcott Parson.

Key Points

• Functionalism, or more specifically structural functionalism, is a framework for building theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.
• Using a macro-level orientation, this method examines society by concentrating on the social structures that influence it overall.
• Social structure and functions are examined in this method. 
• One of the greatest man Talcott Parson is related to structural functional approach.

Additional Information

• Talcott Parson was a renowned sociologist and he made significant contributions to the study of social systems.
• According to Parsons, a social system can be understood through the structural-functional approach.
• He proposed that a social system consists of four key functional imperatives:
  • Adaptation
  • Goal attainment
  • Integration
  • Latency

The correct answer is Britain.

Key Points

• Britain has the world's oldest and unwritten constitution.
• The Magna Carta, which King John of England issued in 1215, serves as the fundamental charter or constitution for the modern-day United Kingdom. 
• Since then, in reaction to social, political, and economic developments, the constitution of the United Kingdom has naturally changed throughout time.
• The current constitution includes numerous customs or unwritten norms of constitutional practice in addition to historic laws like the 1689 Bill of Rights. 
• These unwritten but yet binding customs continue to dominate the relationship between the monarch and Parliament as well as the residual (prerogative) rights of the king.
• The constitution of Britain is a evolving constitution which is ever evolving and always changing hence it is based on customs and value and not on written principles.

Additional Information

• The constitution of USA
  • The United States of America adopted a democratic constitution in 1787.
  • Constitution of America came into force in 1789.
  • 'We the People' are the first three words of the American constitution.
  • American constitution has been amended 27 times.
  • The first ten amendments are collectively known as the Bill of Rights.
• The constitution of France
  • French constitution created by the National Assembly during the French Revolution in 1791.
  • The French Constitution is the only democratic Constitution based on the principle of the Supremacy of the Executive.
  • The Parliament of France does not have the supreme power about formulating laws.
  • The legislature can only make laws based on a list, while the President takes care of every other matter.

The correct answer is Elitist democracy.

Key Points

• Elitist democracy is a system of government where the majority power is enjoyed by only a small group of persons who possess high prestige and have great influence.
• The elites hold all the power, leaving the rest of the populace helpless and subject to government.
• Features of Elite democracy-
  • Elite groups naturally arise in societies due to differences in skills, knowledge, and resources.
  • The elites govern on behalf of the population, making decisions that they deem best for society.
  • Democracy is seen as a competitive arena where different elite groups vie for power.

Additional Information

• Direct Democracy-
  • It is a political system where citizens participate directly in decision-making and policy formulation, without intermediaries such as representatives.
  • People have a direct vote on laws, policies, and major issues.
  • The main four tools of  of direct democracy is Referendum, Initiative, Recall and Plebiscite.
• Liberal democracy-
  • In a liberal democracy, the government is chosen (elected) as per the rules and law of the land.
  • Individual rights are given prior importance.
  • It can be either monarchy (like England) or Republic (like India).

The correct answer is All of the above

Explanation:

The origin of the state is a complex subject that engages political theorists across centuries. Rooted in the transition from pre-political societies to organized governance, theories on state origins explore how political authority emerges. Thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau envision a social contract, where individuals sacrifice certain liberties for collective security. Ancient philosophers like Plato and Aristotle pondered the state's natural evolution. The state's emergence is often linked to the need for order, protection, and coordination, reflecting humanity's perpetual quest for organized structures to navigate societal complexities and ensure communal well-being.

Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau:

• Hobbes: Thomas Hobbes, in "Leviathan," argued for a social contract where individuals, in a hypothetical state of nature, surrender some freedoms to a central authority to ensure order and security.
• Locke: John Locke, in "Two Treatises of Government," proposed a social contract based on the protection of natural rights, advocating for a government that upholds life, liberty, and property.
• Rousseau: Jean-Jacques Rousseau, in "The Social Contract," envisioned a society where individuals collectively participate in creating laws and institutions, emphasizing the importance of the general will.

Johannes Althusius:

• Johannes Althusius, in his work "Politics," contributed to the idea of federalism and decentralized governance. He emphasized social contracts as agreements among individuals forming political associations, emphasizing mutual consent and reciprocal relationships.

Kautilya (Chanakya):

• Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, authored the "Arthashastra," an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft and politics. While not explicitly addressing the origin of the state, his work discusses principles of governance, diplomacy, and strategies for maintaining political order.

In the context of the question, "All of the Above" suggests a convergence of ideas among these thinkers, despite their diverse cultural and historical backgrounds. Each contributes to the broader discourse on the origin of the state, social contracts, and governance, providing unique insights into the theoretical foundations of political authority and societal organization.

The correct answer is W W Rostow.

Key Points

• According to Walt Whitman Rostow industrial development is the pre-condition for political development.
• He developed the stages of the economic growth model.
• This model is also known as Rostovian take-off model.
• This model was published in 1960 and postulates that there are 5 basic stages in economic growth. The Stages are-
  • The traditional society
  • The preconditions for take-off
  • The take-off
  • The drive to maturity
  • The age of high mass-consumption.

Additional Information

• Lucian Pie
  • He was an American Political Scientist.
  • He wrote the book "The concept of Political Development".
  • In his book, Lucian Pie carefully explains the numerous definitions of political development that have been offered by different political scientists.
  • He identified three aspects of political development which are as follows-
    • Equality
    • Capacity
    • Differentiation
• Pal Baran
  • Paul Baran was a Polish-American engineer.
  • He was a pioneer in the development of computer networks.