POWER
According to the sociologist Max Weber, what is the fundamental definition of power?
The possibility of imposing one's will upon the behavior of other persons.
A ruler’s legitimacy depends mainly on which of these factors?
people's acceptance of the ruler's authority
Which strategy involves increasing pressure by refusing to continue participation until demands are met.
"Walkout" (Boycott)
Which Roman innovation aimed to solve the problem of legal privilege by making laws public and applicable to all (Rule of Law)?
The Law of the Twelve Tables.
William Blackstone’s 'Commentaries on the Laws of England' was uniquely significant because it:
Made complex legal systems understandable to ordinary people.
How does the 'Mandate of Heaven' differ from the 'Divine Right of Kings' regarding a ruler's accountability?
The Mandate of Heaven required a ruler to act morally to keep power, while the Divine Right of Kings granted absolute power without accountability to the people.
Which theory about the origins of the nation-state involved family leaders and tribes merging together to form nations-states?
Evolution
What is the primary objective of the 'Demolition Derby' game in politics?
The complete destruction or elimination of one's political opponents.
Why did Greece find it necessary to develop local “city” governments somewhat like the ones we have today?
Mountainous terrain
In the context of the 'social contract' as described by John Locke, what is the primary reason individuals agree to leave the 'State of Nature'?
To protect their property and ensure an impartial judge for disputes.
What did Aristotle believe was the primary danger of a government ruled by a single person?
It could easily lead to the abuse of power and become a tyranny.
In the study of modern nation-states, which characteristic refers to the state's independence and its right to exercise self-government?
National sovereignty
Which political game is characterized by a 'win-win' strategy where players give up something they value to get something else of equal or greater value.
Horse Trading
Give an example of constitutional law (written law) in our lives at LHS?
Student Handbook
What is the primary reason Baron de Montesquieu advocated for the separation of government powers?
To prevent any single entity from abusing its power.
What are the two 'building blocks' that all governments require to provide protection and public goods?
A means of coercion and a means of collecting revenue.
When people call someone Machiavellian, they usually mean that person is …
Popular and famous
Quiet and thoughtful
Wealthy and powerful
Cunning and amoral
Cunning and amoral
Which 'Political Game would Machiavelli promote as the best strategy for political manipulation?
Power Struggle - a leader using cunning and strength to outfox opponents.
Describe civic participation in California compared to the exclusionary standards in Greece.
You can vote in California if you are 18 yrs., not in prison, mentally incompetent
Which Enlightenment concept involved an exchange where citizens give up some freedoms and power in exchange for protection, order, and rights?
Social Contract
What four things are needed to make a nation-state?
Territory
Population
Code of laws
sovereignty
Describe one pros/con to force theory nation building and an example.
Rome/Carthage
Pros
Rapid expansion
Order and stability
Clear leadership
Cons:
Moral and human cost:
Fragile legitimacy:
Short-term focus:
Cultural erasure:
What distinguishes 'Referent Power' from 'Expert Power'?
Referent power relies on charisma and persuasion, while expert power relies on specialized skills.
How was civic participation in the Athenian assembly structured, and what was a primary weakness of this system?
Citizens were required to attend assemblies to vote, elect officials, and serve on juries, but women, slaves, foreigners, and men without military training were not included.
In Jean-Jacques Rousseau's 'Social Contract,' what is the 'General Will'?
The community acting as a single body for the common good.