Political Philosophy Quiz

Multiple Choice

1. What is the branch of philosophy that deals with the study of the state, government, and political power?

A. Political Science
B. Political Philosophy
C. Social Science
D. Social Philosophy

1. What is the term for the idea that the government should be limited in its power and that people should have certain rights that the government cannot take away?

A. Anarchy
B. Socialism
C. Liberalism
D. Conservatism

1. What is the name of the political philosophy that believes in the concept of a social contract, in which citizens agree to give up some of their rights in exchange for protection from the government?

A. Libertarianism
B. Conservatism
C. Socialism
D. Contractualism

1. What is the name of the political philosophy that believes in the concept of a strong government and a powerful central authority?

A. Anarchism
B. Liberalism
C. Socialism
D. Authoritarianism

True/False

1. Political philosophy is the same as political science.

A. True
B. False

1. Liberalism is a political philosophy that advocates for limited government power and the protection of individual rights.

A. True
B. False

1. Socialism is a political philosophy that advocates for strong government power and a powerful central authority.

A. True
B. False

1. Anarchism is a political philosophy that believes in the concept of a social contract.

A. True
B. False

Fill-in-the-Blank

1. __________ is the belief in the concept of a strong government and a powerful central authority.

2. __________ is the belief in the concept of a social contract, in which citizens agree to give up some of their rights in exchange for protection from the government.

3. __________ is the branch of philosophy that deals with the study of the state, government, and political power.

4. __________ is the idea that the government should be limited in its power and that people should have certain rights that the government cannot take away.

Short Answer

1. What is the main difference between political philosophy and political science?

2. Name three political philosophies and briefly explain their main beliefs.

3. What is the concept of a social contract?

Answer Key

Multiple Choice: 1. B. Political Philosophy 2. D. Conservatism 3. D. Contractualism 4. D. Authoritarianism

True/False: 1. False 2. True 3. False 4. False

Fill-in-the-Blank: 1. Authoritarianism 2. Contractualism 3. Political Philosophy 4. Conservatism

Short Answer: 1. The main difference between political philosophy and political science is that political philosophy is concerned with the study of the ideas, values, and beliefs that inform political thought, while political science is focused on the study of the behavior and systems of government.

1. Three political philosophies are liberalism, conservatism, and socialism. Liberalism is a political philosophy that advocates for limited government power and the protection of individual rights. Conservatism is a political philosophy that emphasizes tradition, respect for authority, and gradual change. Socialism is a political philosophy that advocates for strong government control of the economy and the redistribution of wealth.

2. The concept of a social contract is the idea that citizens agree to give up some of their rights in exchange for protection from the government. This is based on the idea that people should be able to live in a safe and secure society and that the government should be responsible for providing that security.

.

Political Philosophy Practice Sheet

Questions

1. What is the definition of political philosophy? A: Political philosophy is the study of the principles and concepts that underlie the organization and functioning of political systems. It examines the nature of justice, power, sovereignty, law, and other related concepts.

2. What is the difference between political philosophy and political science? A: Political philosophy is concerned with the theoretical foundations of politics and government, while political science is focused on the empirical study of political behavior and systems.

3. What is the role of the state in political philosophy? A: The state is seen as a necessary institution to ensure the protection of individual rights and the pursuit of the common good. It is also seen as a means of promoting justice and order in society.

4. What is the concept of justice in political philosophy? A: Justice is seen as the principle of fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and the protection of rights. It is seen as the foundation of a just society.

5. What is the purpose of the rule of law in political philosophy? A: The purpose of the rule of law is to ensure that everyone is treated equally and fairly under the law. It is also seen as a means of providing stability and order in society.

6. What is the concept of sovereignty in political philosophy? A: Sovereignty is seen as the ultimate source of political authority. It is the power to make and enforce laws, and to determine the policies of the state.

7. What is the concept of power in political philosophy? A: Power is seen as the ability of individuals or groups to influence or control the behavior of other individuals or groups. It is seen as the ability to influence or control the outcomes of political decisions.

Answer Key

1. Political philosophy is the study of the principles and concepts that underlie the organization and functioning of political systems.
2. Political philosophy is concerned with the theoretical foundations of politics and government, while political science is focused on the empirical study of political behavior and systems.
3. The state is seen as a necessary institution to ensure the protection of individual rights and the pursuit of the common good. It is also seen as a means of promoting justice and order in society.
4. Justice is seen as the principle of fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and the protection of rights. It is seen as the foundation of a just society.
5. The purpose of the rule of law is to ensure that everyone is treated equally and fairly under the law. It is also seen as a means of providing stability and order in society.
6. Sovereignty is seen as the ultimate source of political authority. It is the power to make and enforce laws, and to determine the policies of the state.
7. Power is seen as the ability of individuals or groups to influence or control the behavior of other individuals or groups. It is seen as the ability to influence or control the outcomes of political decisions.