Political Systems and Government Types
What is the primary function of a constitution in a nation-state?
Setting the market prices for essential goods
Regulating international trade agreements
Establishing the fundamental rules and principles of government
Determining the national language and religion
In societies with low levels of democracy, how does control of media outlets typically affect a regime's ability to maintain its grip on power?
Free and independent press environments foster critical debate, encouraging democratic transitions.
Diversity of opinions showcased through various channels results in pluralistic discourse, contributing to gradual liberalization.
Increased censorship and manipulation of information consolidates authority and suppresses dissent.
Media freedom promotes transparency and accountability mechanisms, strengthening institutional checks and balances.
Electoral systems can impact political stability; what potential effect could proportional representation have compared to majoritarian systems?
Ensuring that one party always gains an absolute majority to pass legislation easily.
Decreasing voter turnout due to perceived complexity of the electoral system.
Encouraging multi-party coalitions that may dilute clear mandates for governance.
Eliminating minor parties from parliament thus streamlining decision-making processes.
In terms of promoting political stability, which policy would authoritarian regimes be most likely to implement?
Strict regulations on public protests and gatherings.
Decreasing state control over the media to allow for free press reporting.
Introduction of competitive multi-party electoral systems.
Expansion of civil liberties such as freedom of speech and assembly.
In a country with deep-seated ethnic divisions, which form of governance is most likely to promote political stability by allowing for greater regional autonomy and representation?
Unitary system
Federal system
Confederal system
Supranational union
In what way can civil society organizations impact political stability in an authoritarian regime?
They often replace governmental institutions altogether, assuming responsibilities such as welfare provision or education.
They may act as watchdogs and hold the government accountable, potentially leading to reforms or increased transparency.
They frequently become extensions of the state apparatus and help enforce government policies more efficiently.
They tend to focus exclusively on cultural programs that have little influence on politics or governance structures.
In which form of government does power get divided between national and sub-national governments?
Autocracy
Unitary system
Oligarchy
Federal system

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Which countries are mentioned as areas that struggle with violence and internal threats?
Iran and Mexico
China and Russia
Nigeria and Iran
Nigeria and Mexico
What term refers to the absence of violence or fear of violence in society?
Civil peace
Guerrilla warfare
Patron-clientelism
Coup d'état
How might a strong culture of nationalism within a country contribute to its political stability?
It fosters unity and loyalty among citizens, which can support a shared sense of purpose and reduce internal conflict.
It intensifies class struggles by emphasizing disparities between different social groups.
It leads to the decentralization of government powers, promoting regional autonomy.
It encourages multiculturalism, leading to diverse perspectives in policymaking.