POLI 330 EXAM PREP VERIFIED Political Science COMPLETED 2026/2027 (18pages)

1. What is the difference between a state and a nation? Give an example of each. A state is a political entity that has a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. A nation is a group of people who share a common identity, culture, history, or language. An example of a state is Kenya, and an example of a nation is the Maasai people. 2. What are the three branches of government in a presidential system? What are their main functions? The three branches of government in a presidential system are the executive, the legislative, and the judicial branch. The executive branch is headed by the president, who is elected by the people and has the power to enforce laws, appoint officials, veto bills, and conduct foreign policy. The legislative branch is composed of two chambers, usually called the Senate and the House of Representatives, which have the power to make laws, declare war, approve treaties, and oversee the executive branch. The judicial branch consists of courts at different levels, which have the power to interpret laws, resolve disputes, and protect the rights and liberties of citizens. 3. What are the main types of electoral systems? How do they affect political representation and accountability? The main types of electoral systems are plurality/majority systems, proportional representation systems, and mixed systems. Plurality/majority systems are based on single-member districts, where the candidate with the most votes wins the seat. Proportional representation systems are based on multi-member districts, where seats are allocated according to the percentage of votes each party or candidate receives. Mixed systems combine elements of both systems, such as having some seats elected by plurality/majority and some by proportional representation. Electoral systems affect political representation and accountability by influencing the number and diversity of parties, the degree of competition and cooperation among them, the responsiveness of politicians to voters’ preferences, and the stability and legitimacy of governments. 4. What are the main features of democracy? What are some of its advantages and disadvantages? Democracy is a form of government where political power is exercised by the people, either directly or through elected representatives. Some of the main features of democracy are free and fair elections, universal suffrage, civil rights and liberties, rule of law, separation of powers, checks and balances, and public participation. Some of the advantages of democracy are that it promotes human dignity and equality, protects minority rights and interests, fosters civic education and engagement, encourages peaceful conflict resolution, and enhances accountability and responsiveness. Some of the disadvantages of democracy are that it can be inefficient and slow in decision-making, susceptible to manipulation and corruption by elites or interest groups, prone to polarization and instability in divided societies, and vulnerable to external interference or influence. One of the recommendations of the Great Compromise was . a bicameral legislature Under the New Deal, more control went to to end the depression. the federal government Which of the following describes the common standard for Supreme Court justices?All have law degrees. The Constitution has much language that is vague and often hard to interpret for exactmeaning. How have the problems created by such language been solved? Through the practice of judicial interpretation in state and federal courts Since 1975, Americans' confidence in the Congress, the presidency, business, andindustry . declined Which department responsible for national security sits closest to the president inthehierarchical bureaucracy? The Department of Defense The function of political ideology that provides standards with which to judge social conditions, political institutions, and events is . evaluation The Pentagon Papers dealt with . a documented history of United States involvement in the Vietnam War that thegovernment wanted kept secret The has direct control over the appointment of thousands of federal jobs. president