Midterm Prep Quiz (Weeks 1-5)

Political scientists refer to the "state-society relationship" as the connection between the state, which is a political organization, and society. This relationship is characterized by the degree of autonomy the state has from various societal groups, which can vary from case to case. In other words, the state's level of independence from different societal actors differs depending on the specific context.

A market transaction refers to a transaction between private actors where they agree upon a price. This means that the transaction takes place in a market where buyers and sellers interact and negotiate the terms of the transaction. In this type of transaction, the price is determined by the forces of supply and demand, and the outcome is based on the voluntary agreement between the parties involved. Therefore, the correct answer is Market Transaction.

not-available-via-ai

Demonstrated economic growth would not necessarily be an indicator of a state having high capacity because economic growth can occur even in states with weak institutions or limited capacity. Other factors such as a properly functioning bureaucracy, maintenance of the rule of law, and an established monopoly on the use of force are more indicative of a state with high capacity as they reflect the state's ability to effectively govern and provide public goods and services to its citizens.

Modern states engage in taxing and spending, which is referred to as fiscal policy. Fiscal policy involves the government's use of taxation and spending to influence the economy. It is used to manage the overall levels of aggregate demand and stabilize the economy. By adjusting tax rates and government spending, the government can influence the economy's overall level of economic activity, employment, and inflation. Fiscal policy is an important tool for governments to achieve their economic goals and address various economic issues.

Correlation is not alone sufficient for explaining a cause-and-effect argument because correlative links do not necessarily imply causation. Just because two variables are correlated does not mean that one variable causes the other. There may be other factors or variables at play that are causing the observed correlation. Therefore, additional evidence and analysis are needed to establish a causal relationship between variables in a cause-and-effect argument.

Proponents of state interventionism believe that markets are unlikely to generate national wealth on their own. They argue that government intervention and regulation are necessary to ensure fair competition, protect consumers, and promote economic growth and development. State interventionists believe that the government should play an active role in managing the economy and addressing market failures. This stands in contrast to neoliberals who advocate for minimal government intervention and believe that free markets are the most efficient way to generate wealth.

Purchasing power parity (PPP) is the correct answer because it refers to the measure of income that takes into account the cost of living in different countries. It is used to compare the economic well-being and standards of living between different nations by adjusting for differences in prices and currencies. PPP allows for a more accurate comparison of income levels and purchasing power across countries, making it a useful tool for international economic analysis and comparisons.

not-available-via-ai

not-available-via-ai

Qualitative evidence refers to evidence that is descriptive in nature and is based on observations, interviews, and narratives. It provides a deeper understanding of the context and subjective experiences of individuals or events. In the given question, the term "narrative accounts" suggests that the evidence being referred to is qualitative in nature, as it is based on narratives of historical or contemporary events. Therefore, the correct answer is qualitative evidence.

Social scientists use the comparative method to discern the causes and effects of political events. This method involves comparing different cases or situations to identify patterns and relationships between variables. By examining similarities and differences between cases, social scientists can make inferences about the causal factors that influence political events. The comparative method allows for a systematic and rigorous analysis of political phenomena, helping to uncover underlying causes and effects.

A good argument requires evidence to support it. Evidence provides factual information and logical reasoning that can convince others of the validity of the argument. Without evidence, an argument lacks credibility and cannot effectively persuade others. Strong belief in the argument, emphatic elocution, and loud voices may help in presenting the argument, but they do not guarantee its strength or effectiveness. Only evidence can provide a solid foundation for a good argument.

Globalization refers to the increasing action, both economic and cultural, between peoples and societies across national borders. It involves the integration of economies, cultures, and societies on a global scale through the exchange of goods, services, information, and ideas. This process is driven by advancements in technology, communication, and transportation, which have made it easier for people and businesses to connect and interact across borders. Globalization has led to increased interconnectedness and interdependence among nations, allowing for the flow of capital, trade, and knowledge across borders.

Karl Polanyi argued that capitalism is inherently disruptive and creates social demands for the establishment of a welfare state in order to make it more "livable." This means that the negative consequences of capitalism, such as inequality and social instability, lead to the emergence of social demands for government intervention and social protections. These demands are driven by the desire to mitigate the negative impacts of capitalism and create a more equitable and stable society.

A concept refers to an abstract idea that we try to define and measure. It is not an individual's opinion or a theory in science that has been tested and vetted. It is also not an indisputable fact. Concepts are subjective and can vary based on individual interpretations and perspectives.

Outsourcing refers to the practice of an economic actor contracting out certain tasks or services to other actors, typically in a different country. This allows the company to focus on its core competencies while leveraging the expertise and cost advantages of external providers. This can include various functions such as customer support, IT services, manufacturing, or back-office operations. By outsourcing, companies can often reduce costs, access specialized skills, increase efficiency, and gain a competitive advantage in the global market.

Gösta Esping-Andersen is a prominent scholar who argued and explained the variations in different forms of welfare states across capitalist countries in terms of class politics. His work focused on the relationship between social policy and the structure of social stratification, highlighting how different welfare states reflect the balance of power between different social classes. He classified welfare states into three types based on the level of decommodification they provide for individuals: liberal, conservative, and social democratic. This classification helped to understand the different approaches to welfare provision and the underlying class dynamics in different countries.

A study of comparative politics typically focuses on comparing different political systems, institutions, and processes across different countries or regions. Political parties and social movements are common subjects of study in comparative politics because they play important roles in the political dynamics of different countries. However, freedom is a broad concept that is not specific to politics and can be studied in various disciplines such as philosophy or sociology. Therefore, it would be unlikely to be a case in a study of comparative politics.

A modern state is typically characterized by a judiciary that is independent and impartial, ensuring the rule of law and justice. A dependent judiciary, on the other hand, would imply that the judiciary is under the control or influence of another branch of government, such as the executive. This would undermine the separation of powers and compromise the fairness and integrity of the judicial system. Therefore, a dependent judiciary would not be a tendency of a modern state.

The logic behind comparative advantage is that through specialization and trade, two or more countries are made better off. This means that each country focuses on producing the goods and services that they have a comparative advantage in, and then trades with other countries to obtain the goods and services that they do not produce as efficiently. This allows countries to maximize their production and consumption possibilities, leading to overall economic growth and welfare improvements for all participating countries.

An empirical critique serves to point out evidence that does not support a conventional version of a given theory.

Protectionism refers to the practice of a country giving favor to its own domestic producers. It involves the implementation of various trade barriers such as tariffs, quotas, and subsidies to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. This approach aims to promote the growth and development of domestic industries by limiting imports and encouraging domestic production. Protectionism is often used to shield domestic producers from international competition and safeguard national economic interests.

The Washington Consensus was a set of economic policy recommendations for developing countries in the 1980s. It emphasized free markets, low state intervention, and privately owned enterprise as key factors for economic growth and development. However, protectionist policies, which involve imposing barriers to trade and limiting imports, were not a part of the Washington Consensus. This is because protectionist policies are believed to hinder economic growth by restricting competition and limiting access to international markets. Therefore, the correct answer is protectionist policies.

Nativism is a political attitude that seeks to protect established groups of residents in a given country against the interest of more recent immigrants. It is characterized by a belief in the superiority of native-born citizens and a desire to limit the rights and opportunities of immigrants. Nativist policies often include stricter immigration laws, restrictions on social services for immigrants, and efforts to promote the cultural assimilation of immigrants into the dominant culture. This attitude is rooted in a fear of change and a desire to preserve the status quo for the benefit of the native population.

The concept of a "paradigm shift" in the late 20th century is associated with neoliberalism and globalization. Neoliberalism refers to a political and economic ideology that emphasizes free markets, deregulation, and limited government intervention. Globalization, on the other hand, refers to the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of countries through the exchange of goods, services, and ideas. These two concepts were prominent during the late 20th century and represented a significant shift in the way economies and societies were organized and understood.

The "bellicist theory of the state" suggests that states are formed as a result of war. This theory argues that conflict and warfare are essential for the creation and development of states. It posits that through war, states emerge as a means to protect and assert control over a particular territory or population. War is seen as a catalyst for the formation of political entities and the establishment of power structures within societies.

Modern states keep the powers of executive, legislative, and judicial separate to a greater or lesser degree. The executive branch is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, the legislative branch is responsible for creating and passing laws, and the judicial branch is responsible for interpreting and applying laws. This separation of powers helps to ensure a system of checks and balances and prevent the concentration of power in one branch of government.

The text suggests that drug dealers would likely be classified as informally employed. This means that they are not officially employed by any organization or company, but rather engage in illegal activities to earn money.

High levels of globalization have historically resulted in an anti-globalism backlash. As globalization increases interconnectedness and economic integration between countries, it can lead to concerns about job losses, cultural homogenization, and the erosion of national sovereignty. These concerns can fuel a backlash against globalization, with individuals and groups advocating for protectionist policies, nationalism, and a rejection of global institutions and agreements. This backlash can manifest in various forms, such as the rise of populist movements and the rejection of free trade agreements.

Under globalization, the aspect of contemporary states that is most called into question is their state capacity. Globalization has led to increased interconnectedness and interdependence among nations, making it necessary for states to have the capacity to effectively govern and manage their internal affairs while also engaging in international relations. State capacity refers to a state's ability to effectively deliver public goods and services, maintain law and order, and enforce its authority within its territory. With globalization, states face new challenges and pressures that require them to have the capacity to adapt and respond effectively.

Thomas Hobbes is best known for the theory that a strong sovereign state is needed to keep internal conflict at bay. Hobbes believed that without a strong central authority, society would descend into a state of nature where life would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." He argued that a strong sovereign state is necessary to maintain order and prevent individuals from harming each other.

Japan is the correct answer because after World War II, Japan experienced rapid economic growth and became a leading example of state-led development. The government implemented policies that focused on industrialization, export-oriented growth, and investments in infrastructure and education. These strategies helped Japan rebuild its economy and become one of the world's largest economies. Japan's success in state-led development served as a model for other countries, demonstrating the potential for government intervention and planning to drive economic growth.

Philip Gorski argues that cultural factors like religion played a key role in the rise of the earliest modern states.

not-available-via-ai

Both A and C. The question asks for the basic differences between a liberal and statist approach to the state-market relationship. The correct answer, "Both A and C," implies that both the degree of state intervention in the economy and the use of fiscal versus monetary policy are basic differences between these two approaches. This suggests that liberals generally advocate for less state intervention in the economy and a focus on monetary policy, while statists advocate for more state intervention in the economy and a focus on fiscal policy.

The question "Which societies are the most democratic?" is the most empirical because it can be answered through empirical research and data analysis. It involves gathering information about different societies and evaluating their level of democracy based on specific criteria. The other options involve subjective opinions or assumptions about the quality of American or French democracy, which cannot be objectively measured. The last option is a normative question about what should be, rather than what is.

The Gini coefficient is a statistical measure that represents the level of income inequality in a given population. It ranges from 0 to 1, where 0 represents perfect equality and 1 represents maximum inequality. It measures the dispersion of income or wealth among the members of a population, indicating how much the distribution deviates from a perfectly equal distribution. Therefore, it is an effective tool for analyzing and comparing income inequality between different countries or regions.

The profits of a French firm operating in Senegal add to the GDP of Senegal because the firm is operating within Senegal's borders and contributing to the country's economic activity. However, the profits also contribute to the GNI of France because the firm is owned by a French company and the profits are repatriated back to France, increasing the income of the country.

The characteristic that distinguishes the postwar political-economic order from those in the late 19th and late 20th centuries is embedded liberalism. Embedded liberalism refers to a system where liberal economic policies are combined with social welfare measures and government intervention in order to promote economic growth and social stability. This approach was adopted after World War II as a response to the failures of laissez-faire capitalism in the late 19th century and the challenges posed by globalization in the late 20th century. It represents a compromise between free markets and government intervention, aiming to strike a balance between economic efficiency and social equity.

John Meyer and his collaborators argue that modern states appear all over the world because the "nation-state" is a cultural model that everyone imitates.

Hyperinflation would constitute a very worrying economic problem when prices are rising rapidly and people expect them to continue doing so in the future. This is because hyperinflation is characterized by extremely high and typically accelerating inflation, leading to a sharp decrease in the purchasing power of money. It can result in a loss of confidence in the currency, economic instability, and a decline in living standards. Therefore, hyperinflation is a concerning situation that can have severe consequences for an economy.

Milton Friedman, a twentieth-century academic, argued that government intervention generally had negative consequences for economic growth. Friedman was a prominent economist known for his advocacy of free-market capitalism and his belief in limited government intervention in the economy. He believed that allowing the market to operate freely, without excessive government regulation, would lead to greater economic prosperity and growth. Friedman's ideas were influential in shaping economic policies around the world, particularly during the late twentieth century.

Adam Smith was among the first economists responsible for the theory that underpins the market-led development approach. Smith's book "The Wealth of Nations" is considered one of the foundational texts in economics and promotes the idea of free markets and the invisible hand guiding economic activity. Smith argued that individuals pursuing their own self-interest in a competitive market would lead to overall economic prosperity and growth. This theory has been influential in shaping the market-led development approach, which emphasizes the importance of free markets and private sector-led growth in promoting economic development.

The question "When did the Iranian Revolution happen?" is not a good comparative politics question because it simply asks for a factual piece of information without analyzing or comparing any political aspects. Comparative politics questions typically examine the causes, effects, or differences between political phenomena in different countries or regions.

In many free market economies, the state often has a role in guaranteeing contracts. This means that the government ensures that contracts between buyers and sellers are legally binding and enforceable. This helps to provide stability and security in the marketplace, as individuals and businesses can trust that their contractual agreements will be honored. By guaranteeing contracts, the state promotes confidence and trust in the economy, which is essential for the smooth functioning of free markets.

The statement "Revolutions are more likely to happen when there are opportunities to organize and express dissent" can be considered a theory because it presents a causal relationship between two variables - the likelihood of revolutions and the presence of opportunities for organizing and expressing dissent. This statement suggests that when people have the ability to voice their grievances and mobilize, it increases the chances of revolutionary movements emerging. It offers an explanation for the conditions under which revolutions are more likely to occur.

Theories are usually inductive because they are based on specific observations or evidence and then generalized to explain broader phenomena. Inductive reasoning involves drawing conclusions from specific instances to form a general principle. However, it is important to note that not all theories are inductive, as some may be deductive or a combination of both. Deductive reasoning starts with general principles and applies them to specific cases.

Environmental sustainability is not generally considered a key definitive feature or function of modern states. While modern states may prioritize environmental sustainability, it is not universally considered a key function. Key definitive features or functions of modern states typically include administering information about the populace, domestic policing, and international security.

Rationalization refers to the idea that states should be organized based on a clear and explicit set of rules or ideas. This means that decisions and actions taken by the state are guided by rational thinking and logical reasoning, rather than being based on personal preferences or arbitrary choices. This approach aims to create a system that is fair, efficient, and transparent, where decisions are made based on objective criteria and principles. Rationalization helps to ensure consistency and accountability in the functioning of the modern state.