POL 100 Study Guide - Spring 2018, Comprehensive Midterm Notes - Canada, Liberalism, Liberal Democracy
12 Oct 2018
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POL 100
MIDTERM EXAM
STUDY GUIDE
Fall 2018
Pol — Studying Politics
- Progressive discipline
- power most important concept (comes in various forms)
o leadership, influence, economic, military, protest
- part of the social sciences, scientific study of human society and social relationships
o shows why events take place, how situations can be improved, and how it is we come
to know what we know
- Socialization: process whereby individuals act in a social manner; creation of social and
political authority and rules to regulate behavior so as to permit operation of social units
- Politics allows for distribution of benefits and wealth, and public goods
o Public goods: resources that are present in a political system where use by one
individual should not be affect use by others
Conflict and Resolution
- Can occur at many levels, when they are differences in preferred outcomes among social
groups
o Conflict Resolution: process in domestic or international affairs where antagonism
(existing or potential) is sought to be reconciled through the use of mediation and
negotiation
- Decision-making: mechanism/pattern of relations involving different levels of gov’t where
determinations and judgments regarding the governance of political system are made
Decisions and Government Type
1) Liberal democracy: political system based on freedom, individual liberty, and the principle
that governance requires the assent of all citizens through participation in the electoral process,
articulation of views, and direct/indirect representation in governing institutions
2) Authoritarianism: political system requiring absolute obedience to a constituted authority
Approaches to Politics
- Aristotle: humans possess “logos” which means we reason and we communicate
- Justice in society is our goal
- Analytical Approach: (traditional approach) perspective that views politics as an empirical
discipline, rather than a science; argues that politics cannot be broken down into parts but
must be seen comprehensively; based on empiricism
o Impossible to separate values from facts; what is seen is affected by what you think
o Bias unavoidable
- Empiricism: based not on concepts or theory but on what can be observed or experimented
upon
- Behavioralism: concentrates on “tangible” aspects of political life, rather than values;
universities pressured to spend more on sciences; politics urged to be more rigorous and use
the “scientific method”
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o Scientific method: variables, theories, axioms, and hypotheses in research
- Post-behavioralism: values cannot be ignored; approach attempted to reconcile the problems
encountered by behavioralism by allowing for values and ideology in its analysis
o Human is focus so sentiment and views cannot be removed
- Structural-Functionalism: approach that focuses on role of political structures and their
functions in society
o Government structures bind with individual action
- Systems Theory: approach that views politics as a system of interactions, binding political
structures such as government to individual action; argues that politics is a dynamic process of
information flows and responses that encompasses political institutions, groups, and
individuals
- Political Economy: POWER; approach that views political and economic spheres as
harmonious and mutually dependent perceptions of the world; relationship between people,
government, and the economy
- Levels of Analysis: approach that suggests accurate analysis must be inclusive of
international, domestic, and individual arenas of interaction
Citizens and Canada
Citizenship: status granted to people that comes with responsibilities and duties as well as rights
Multiculturalism: peaceful coexistence of several racial, cultural, or ethnic identities in one nation
Canada is an immigrant nation (growth in numbers as always been a fact)
Key Concepts
- Politics, power, influence, coercion, authority, legitimacy, acquiescence
Sources of Authority
1. Traditional deference to leader’s position. Eg. President, tribal chief, clan elder
2. Powers of Office: officials are able to make certain binding decisions flowing from constitutional
powers of the office they hold.
3. Personal Charisma. Strong personal magnetism sometimes exploited by leaders who
deliberately cultivate a personality cult aimed at personal adoration to the extent that “the
leader cannot be wrong and must be obeyed”. Eg. Hitler, Stalin
4. Fear of force. Compliance is ensured through use of force, violently punishing or killing those
who disobey
5. Personal agreement with decision or command
6. Strategic compliance to achieve broader political goals
7. Acquiescence. Path of least resistance taken; not consent.
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