Democratization and Authoritarianism: A Comprehensive Guide for Political Science Students

Question 1

Identify a key concept within the field of comparative politics.

Accepted Answer

Each of the above

Answer

Political culture

Answer

Electoral systems

Answer

Forms of government

Question 2

State the primary focus of democratization theory.

Accepted Answer

The processes and factors that lead to the establishment and consolidation of democracies

Answer

The origins of authoritarian regimes

Answer

The impact of economic development on political systems

Answer

The role of international organizations in promoting democracy

Question 3

Provide an example of a semi-authoritarian regime.

Accepted Answer

Singapore

Answer

China

Answer

North Korea

Answer

Saudi Arabia

Question 4

Describe the main characteristic of a totalitarian regime.

Accepted Answer

Extensive control over society and the economy

Answer

Limited political participation

Answer

Free and fair elections

Answer

Protection of individual rights

Question 5

Specify a key challenge facing democratization in developing countries.

Accepted Answer

Each of the above

Answer

Poverty and inequality

Answer

Ethnic and religious conflicts

Answer

Weak institutions

Question 6

Identify a factor that can contribute to the consolidation of democracy.

Accepted Answer

Each of the above

Answer

Economic growth

Answer

Political stability

Answer

A strong civil society

Question 7

Who is considered a prominent example of a populist leader?

Accepted Answer

Donald Trump

Answer

Barack Obama

Answer

Angela Merkel

Answer

Justin Trudeau

Question 8

Which theory of democratization emphasizes the role of economic factors in the transition to democracy?

Accepted Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

Dependency theory

Answer

Transitology

Answer

World-systems theory

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of democratization?

Accepted Answer

Suppression of dissent

Answer

Free and fair elections

Answer

Rule of law

Answer

Limited government

Question 10

What is the primary objective of authoritarian regimes?

Accepted Answer

To maintain control and power

Answer

To guarantee individual rights and freedoms

Answer

To promote social equality

Answer

To foster sustainable economic growth

Question 11

Which of the following factors is most likely to contribute to democratic consolidation?

Accepted Answer

A well-established civil society

Answer

Weak and fragmented political institutions

Answer

High levels of economic inequality

Answer

Persistent ethnic and religious conflicts

Question 12

What is the main difference between a totalitarian and an authoritarian regime?

Accepted Answer

The level of political repression and control exercised by the government

Answer

The presence or absence of opposition parties

Answer

The economic system in place

Answer

The ideological orientation of the regime

Question 13

Which of the following is a key indicator of democratic governance?

Accepted Answer

Accountability and transparency

Answer

Secrecy and lack of oversight

Answer

Use of force and intimidation

Answer

Indifference to public opinion

Question 14

What is the role of civil society in democratization?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring government actions and holding it accountable

Answer

Suppressing political opposition and dissent

Answer

Enforcing laws and maintaining order

Answer

Controlling the media and suppressing freedom of expression

Question 15

Which of the following practices hinders education's ability to promote democratic values among citizens?

Accepted Answer

Imposing a specific or narrow ideology on students

Answer

Encouraging critical thinking and analytical skills

Answer

Fostering respect for diverse perspectives and inclusivity

Answer

Educating citizens about democratic principles, institutions, and processes

Question 16

How does the effectiveness of economic sanctions in promoting democratization vary depending on the specific context?

Accepted Answer

The effectiveness of economic sanctions in promoting democratization varies depending on the specific context.

Answer

Economic sanctions are always effective in establishing democratic regimes.

Answer

Economic sanctions are always ineffective in promoting democratization.

Answer

Economic sanctions should never be used to promote democratization.

Question 17

A distinguishing attribute of authoritarian regimes is:

Accepted Answer

Restricted political participation

Answer

Frequent, competitive elections

Answer

Upholding the rule of law and due process

Answer

Dividing power among different branches of government

Question 18

The term that describes the transition from authoritarianism to democracy is:

Accepted Answer

Democratization

Answer

Authoritarian consolidation

Answer

Political liberalization

Answer

Economic liberalization

Question 19

A common criticism of modernization theory in explaining democratization is that it:

Accepted Answer

Assumes economic progress naturally leads to democracy.

Answer

Overlooks the significance of political institutions.

Answer

Neglects cultural factors.

Answer

Focuses excessively on external influences.

Question 20

The concept of "illiberal democracy" refers to:

Accepted Answer

Democracies that lack fundamental freedoms and citizen protections.

Answer

Authoritarian regimes that hold elections to legitimize their power.

Answer

Democracies facing economic inequality and social unrest.

Answer

Regimes that combine elements of democracy and authoritarianism.

Question 21

The term that describes the gradual liberalization of authoritarian regimes is:

Accepted Answer

Incremental democratization

Answer

Democratic transition

Answer

Authoritarian liberalization

Answer

Political reform

Question 22

The central argument of dependency theory in explaining democratization is that:

Accepted Answer

Economic reliance on developed nations impedes democratization in developing nations.

Answer

Democratization can only occur after a certain level of economic development.

Answer

Cultural factors are more influential in democratization than economic factors.

Answer

Authoritarian regimes are more common in countries with high levels of inequality.

Question 23

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of authoritarian regimes?

Accepted Answer

Concentration of power in the hands of a single individual or group.

Answer

Free and fair elections

Answer

Protection of civil liberties

Answer

Rule of law under an independent judiciary

Question 24

What is the process by which a country transitions from authoritarianism to a more democratic system called?

Accepted Answer

Democratization

Answer

Decolonization

Answer

Modernization

Answer

Globalization

Question 25

The concept of 'illiberal democracy' refers to:

Accepted Answer

A form of government that combines democratic elements with authoritarian practices

Answer

A democratic system that lacks respect for human rights and individual freedoms

Answer

A type of democracy that emphasizes economic equality over political rights

Answer

A hybrid regime that blends democratic and authoritarian characteristics

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a potential cause of authoritarianism?

Accepted Answer

Natural disasters

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Weak institutions

Answer

Cultural factors

Question 27

The Arab Spring uprisings in the early 2010s are often cited as examples of:

Accepted Answer

Democratization

Answer

Authoritarianism

Answer

Illiberal democracy

Answer

Globalization

Question 28

What is the primary focus of the field of comparative politics?

Accepted Answer

Comparing political systems of different countries

Answer

Analyzing the role of political parties in democratic processes

Answer

Examining the impact of foreign policy on domestic politics

Answer

Studying the history of political thought

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a common characteristic of authoritarian regimes?

Accepted Answer

Free and fair elections

Answer

Suppression of dissent

Answer

Concentration of power in the hands of a few

Answer

Limited political participation

Question 30

What is the primary goal of democratic consolidation?

Accepted Answer

To institutionalize democratic practices and values

Answer

To promote economic growth and development

Answer

To eliminate all forms of inequality

Answer

To ensure the dominance of a single political party

Question 31

What is the key difference between hybrid regimes and democracies?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid regimes have less protection for civil liberties than democracies

Answer

Hybrid regimes have competitive elections, while democracies do not

Answer

Hybrid regimes allow for limited political participation, while democracies do not

Answer

Hybrid regimes have a stronger emphasis on rule of law than democracies

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT a challenge to democratic consolidation?

Accepted Answer

A strong civil society

Answer

Corruption

Answer

Economic instability

Answer

Electoral fraud

Question 33

What is the main objective of democratization?

Accepted Answer

To promote political participation and empower citizens

Answer

To eliminate all forms of inequality

Answer

To ensure economic growth and development

Answer

To establish a single-party state

Question 34

What is the main difference between electoral authoritarianism and single-party authoritarianism?

Accepted Answer

Electoral authoritarianism allows for limited political opposition, while single-party authoritarianism does not

Answer

Electoral authoritarianism has a stronger emphasis on rule of law than single-party authoritarianism

Answer

Single-party authoritarianism allows for more economic freedom than electoral authoritarianism

Answer

There is no difference between electoral authoritarianism and single-party authoritarianism

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT a factor that can contribute to democratic backsliding?

Accepted Answer

A strong civil society

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Political polarization

Answer

Electoral manipulation

Question 36

What is the primary purpose of comparative politics?

Accepted Answer

To compare political systems and institutions across different countries

Answer

To develop theories about political behavior and institutions

Answer

To promote democracy and human rights around the world

Answer

To train students to become political scientists

Question 37

The process of transitioning from an authoritarian regime to a democracy is known as:

Accepted Answer

Democratization

Answer

De-authoritarianization

Answer

Liberalization

Answer

Consolidation

Question 38

Which historical event is credited with serving as a catalyst for the global wave of democratization?

Accepted Answer

Fall of the Berlin Wall

Answer

American Revolution

Answer

Velvet Revolution

Answer

Tiananmen Square Massacre

Question 39

Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of an authoritarian regime?

Accepted Answer

Free and fair elections

Answer

Extensive propaganda and censorship

Answer

Limited political pluralism

Answer

Strong centralized control

Question 40

What is the primary objective of democratic consolidation?

Accepted Answer

To establish and sustain democratic institutions and norms

Answer

To eradicate all forms of social inequality

Answer

To guarantee rapid economic development

Question 41

Which factor is commonly associated with the breakdown of democratic systems?

Accepted Answer

Political corruption

Answer

A strong civil society

Answer

Economic prosperity

Answer

A free and independent media

Question 42

What is the main distinction between a hybrid regime and a fully authoritarian regime?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid regimes combine some elements of democracy with features of authoritarianism.

Answer

Hybrid regimes are commonly found only in developed nations.

Answer

Hybrid regimes tend to be more stable than fully authoritarian regimes.

Question 43

Which of the following is a recognized indicator of democratic progress?

Accepted Answer

Freedom House's Freedom in the World Index

Answer

Population growth rate

Answer

Military expenditure

Answer

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Question 44

Which factor is considered a potential threat to the stability of democratic systems?

Accepted Answer

Lack of economic development

Answer

Strong military establishments

Answer

High levels of economic prosperity

Answer

High levels of social trust

Question 45

Which organization publishes the World Press Freedom Index?

Accepted Answer

Reporters Without Borders

Answer

Freedom House

Answer

Committee to Protect Journalists

Question 46

Which of the following is a crucial factor in the process of democratic consolidation?

Accepted Answer

The establishment of strong democratic institutions and norms.

Answer

A strong military presence

Answer

Charismatic leadership

Answer

Economic prosperity

Question 47

Which type of authoritarian regime is characterized by a single-party system and complete control over all aspects of society?

Accepted Answer

Totalitarian

Answer

Autocratic

Answer

Theocratic

Answer

Oligarchic

Question 48

What is a common challenge faced by emerging democracies?

Accepted Answer

Weak or underdeveloped civil society and political institutions

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Foreign intervention

Answer

Environmental degradation

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT a typical consequence of authoritarian rule?

Accepted Answer

Political participation and freedom of expression

Answer

Economic stagnation

Answer

Erosion of civil liberties

Answer

Human rights violations

Question 50

What is a significant factor that has contributed to the rise of authoritarianism in some countries?

Accepted Answer

Economic inequality and social unrest

Answer

Technological advancements

Answer

Cultural factors

Answer

Geopolitical tensions

Question 51

Which of the following characteristics is common to a hybrid regime?

Accepted Answer

A combination of democratic and authoritarian features

Answer

Strong civil society

Answer

Limited political participation

Answer

Totalitarian control

Question 52

What is a potential advantage of authoritarianism over democracy?

Accepted Answer

Faster and more efficient decision-making

Answer

Improved economic outcomes

Answer

Greater political freedom

Answer

Stronger civil rights protections

Question 53

Which of the following is a key indicator of democratic backsliding?

Accepted Answer

The weakening of independent media and the judiciary

Answer

High levels of economic growth

Answer

Increased political participation

Question 54

What is the main difference between a democracy and an oligarchy?

Accepted Answer

In a democracy, power is shared among a larger population, while in an oligarchy, it is held by a small, elite group.

Answer

Democracies have regular elections, while oligarchies do not.

Question 55

Which of the following is a factor that has been linked to the success of democratic transitions?

Accepted Answer

Strong civil society and grassroots movements

Answer

Economic dependence on foreign powers

Answer

A rapid process of economic liberalization

Answer

A heavy-handed approach by the military