Question 1

Which of the following BEST characterizes the role of women in the Japanese economy?

Accepted Answer

A)  They comprise about 50 percent of the country's labor force. 
B)  On average, they earn less than their male counterparts. 
C)  There are significantly less women in managerial roles in Japan in comparison to other industrialized countries. 
D)  Most women are employed in part-time or temporary jobs with few benefits. 
E)  All of the above. 
A)  They comprise about 50 percent of the country's labor force. 
B)  On average, they earn less than their male counterparts. 
C)  There are significantly less women in managerial roles in Japan in comparison to other industrialized countries. 
D)  Most women are employed in part-time or temporary jobs with few benefits. 
E)  All of the above.

Question 2

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is

Accepted Answer

A)  an organization that promotes regional economic and political cooperation. 
B)  an organization seeking to form a politically and economically integrated regional powerhouse akin to the European Union. 
C)  a defense pact between Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines aimed chiefly against China. 
D)  a now-defunct defense pact between Japan, Taiwan, Australia, and other American allies in the region that was meant to contain the Soviet Union. 
E)  is comprised of 27 countries both inside and outside of the region. 
A)  an organization that promotes regional economic and political cooperation. 
B)  an organization seeking to form a politically and economically integrated regional powerhouse akin to the European Union. 
C)  a defense pact between Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines aimed chiefly against China. 
D)  a now-defunct defense pact between Japan, Taiwan, Australia, and other American allies in the region that was meant to contain the Soviet Union. 
E)  is comprised of 27 countries both inside and outside of the region.

Question 3

Koenkai are

Accepted Answer

A)  firms and industries that are publicly or semipublicly owned. 
B)  private contractors who are increasingly responsible for conducting administrative affairs for the central government. 
C)  highly personalized campaign organizations that carry out constituency services. 
D)  neighborhood associations that manage the polling places during elections. 
E)  officials employed by the government's central election board. 
A)  firms and industries that are publicly or semipublicly owned. 
B)  private contractors who are increasingly responsible for conducting administrative affairs for the central government. 
C)  highly personalized campaign organizations that carry out constituency services. 
D)  neighborhood associations that manage the polling places during elections. 
E)  officials employed by the government's central election board.

Question 4

Japan can be described as

Accepted Answer

A)  a constitutional monarchy in which the monarch exercises only a symbolic role. 
B)  a unitary state in which provinces and municipalities are subordinate to the national government. 
C)  a parliamentary democracy in which the people exercise their sovereignty through elected officials in the national legislature. 
D)  a parliamentary democracy in which the prime minister and cabinet initiates most of the legislation. 
E)  all of the above. 
A)  a constitutional monarchy in which the monarch exercises only a symbolic role. 
B)  a unitary state in which provinces and municipalities are subordinate to the national government. 
C)  a parliamentary democracy in which the people exercise their sovereignty through elected officials in the national legislature. 
D)  a parliamentary democracy in which the prime minister and cabinet initiates most of the legislation. 
E)  all of the above.

Question 5

Administrative guidance refers to

Accepted Answer

A)  the practice of the Japanese government to set long-term goals with regard to technological innovation. 
B)  the practice of the Japanese government to regularly issue contradictory regulations leaving private firms unsure of how to react. 
C)  the command economy structures of the Japanese government. 
D)  informal guidance given to a private firm by a government agency that raises issues of transparency and collusion. 
E)  the practice of the Japanese government of issuing flexible "administrative rules" rather than strict formal regulations, thus effectively giving private firms a free hand to do as they wish. 
A)  the practice of the Japanese government to set long-term goals with regard to technological innovation. 
B)  the practice of the Japanese government to regularly issue contradictory regulations leaving private firms unsure of how to react. 
C)  the command economy structures of the Japanese government. 
D)  informal guidance given to a private firm by a government agency that raises issues of transparency and collusion. 
E)  the practice of the Japanese government of issuing flexible "administrative rules" rather than strict formal regulations, thus effectively giving private firms a free hand to do as they wish.

Question 6

A predominant party regime is

Accepted Answer

A)  a multiparty democracy in which one party dominates the parliament and executive for a long period of time. 
B)  the same as a single party regime. 
C)  one in which a single party dominates the parliament but not the executive. 
D)  one in which a single party dominates the executive but not the parliament. 
E)  an authoritarian regime is dominated by a single party even though other parties do exist. 
A)  a multiparty democracy in which one party dominates the parliament and executive for a long period of time. 
B)  the same as a single party regime. 
C)  one in which a single party dominates the parliament but not the executive. 
D)  one in which a single party dominates the executive but not the parliament. 
E)  an authoritarian regime is dominated by a single party even though other parties do exist.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

A)  There is a network of farmers, politicians, and bureaucrats that has effectively blocked efforts to reform Japan's food supply system. 
B)  Until the early 1990s, Japan maintained a nearly total ban on foreign rice. 
C)  Japan is self-sufficient in food production even though its supply system is generally outdated and top heavy. 
D)  Japanese agricultural policies have not focused on crop diversification. 
E)  Japan's self-sufficiency in food supply plummeted to about 40% in 2007. 
A)  There is a network of farmers, politicians, and bureaucrats that has effectively blocked efforts to reform Japan's food supply system. 
B)  Until the early 1990s, Japan maintained a nearly total ban on foreign rice. 
C)  Japan is self-sufficient in food production even though its supply system is generally outdated and top heavy. 
D)  Japanese agricultural policies have not focused on crop diversification. 
E)  Japan's self-sufficiency in food supply plummeted to about 40% in 2007.

Question 8

How is the prime minister elected?

Accepted Answer

A)  By popular vote of the Japanese electorate 
B)  By a vote in both chambers of parliament, although the lower chamber's selection prevails if the two votes produce different candidates 
C)  Through "back room deals" among the various parties in the parliament producing the candidate that is essentially every party's second choice 
D)  By a vote in the lower house of the parliament 
E)  By a vote in the lower house of parliament that must be subsequently approved by the upper house 
A)  By popular vote of the Japanese electorate 
B)  By a vote in both chambers of parliament, although the lower chamber's selection prevails if the two votes produce different candidates 
C)  Through "back room deals" among the various parties in the parliament producing the candidate that is essentially every party's second choice 
D)  By a vote in the lower house of the parliament 
E)  By a vote in the lower house of parliament that must be subsequently approved by the upper house

Question 9

Japan has been characterized, particularly over the last two decades, as having frequent government turnovers and weak executive leadership. Given the nature of the state's organization, what impact have these had upon the country?

Accepted Answer

The frequent government turnovers and we

Question 10

The Allied occupation brought about a number of reforms to democratize and demilitarize Japan. What were the most important of these? How successful were they and in what sense?

Accepted Answer

The most important reforms brought about

Question 11

A factor that led to the Meiji Restoration was

Accepted Answer

A)  the widespread acceptance of democratic ideas. 
B)  a nearly successful invasion of the country by Korea. 
C)  the forced opening of the country by an American fleet. 
D)  the spread of industrialization. 
E)  the rise of the Shogun class. 
A)  the widespread acceptance of democratic ideas. 
B)  a nearly successful invasion of the country by Korea. 
C)  the forced opening of the country by an American fleet. 
D)  the spread of industrialization. 
E)  the rise of the Shogun class.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT true of minority ethnic groups in Japan?

Accepted Answer

A)  Resident foreigners in Japan lack voting rights. 
B)  There has been no organized violence against foreign workers. 
C)  In general, ethnic minority identities have diminished over the years. 
D)  All ethnic minority groups are concentrated in the poorest prefectures of the country. 
E)  The core issue facing ethnic minorities is the discrimination they experience in employment and marriage. 
A)  Resident foreigners in Japan lack voting rights. 
B)  There has been no organized violence against foreign workers. 
C)  In general, ethnic minority identities have diminished over the years. 
D)  All ethnic minority groups are concentrated in the poorest prefectures of the country. 
E)  The core issue facing ethnic minorities is the discrimination they experience in employment and marriage.

Question 13

The state has always played a major role in managing the Japanese economy as both a patron and a protector of domestic industry. First, citing specific examples, explain the kinds of policies the state has taken in this regard. Next, explain how this traditional role of the state is being challenged by globalization as well as the current on-going economic recession.

Accepted Answer

The state has historically implemented v

Question 14

Japan's postwar constitution was

Accepted Answer

A)  drafted by a group of Japanese lawyers. 
B)  based on a draft prepared by American lawyers. 
C)  drafted by a group of lawyers from all of the Allied occupying powers. 
D)  based on a draft prepared by British lawyers. 
E)  accepted only after a country-wide referendum. 
A)  drafted by a group of Japanese lawyers. 
B)  based on a draft prepared by American lawyers. 
C)  drafted by a group of lawyers from all of the Allied occupying powers. 
D)  based on a draft prepared by British lawyers. 
E)  accepted only after a country-wide referendum.

Question 15

Which of the following statements BEST describes the relationship between the government and the financial sector?

Accepted Answer

A)  Banks and securities firms make huge donations to politicians who pass laws favorable to financial institutions. 
B)  The government has allowed weak institutions to fail but has worked to preserve the stronger ones. 
C)  There is no relationship between the government and the financial sector due to the laissez-faire nature of the Japanese economy. 
D)  The government has served as the lender of last resort allowing weak financial institutions to survive. 
E)  The government owns most of the major financial institutions. 
A)  Banks and securities firms make huge donations to politicians who pass laws favorable to financial institutions. 
B)  The government has allowed weak institutions to fail but has worked to preserve the stronger ones. 
C)  There is no relationship between the government and the financial sector due to the laissez-faire nature of the Japanese economy. 
D)  The government has served as the lender of last resort allowing weak financial institutions to survive. 
E)  The government owns most of the major financial institutions.

Question 16

Which of the following is TRUE of the labor movement in Japan?

Accepted Answer

A)  The Allied occupation encouraged unions as a form of democratizing Japanese politics. 
B)  Unions were instrumental in winning concessions over wages and working conditions. 
C)  The rate of unionization has fallen steadily since the 1970s. 
D)  The number of labor disputes, like strikes and walkouts, has fallen dramatically since the 1970s to the point that they are almost nonexistent today. 
E)  All of the above statements are true. 
A)  The Allied occupation encouraged unions as a form of democratizing Japanese politics. 
B)  Unions were instrumental in winning concessions over wages and working conditions. 
C)  The rate of unionization has fallen steadily since the 1970s. 
D)  The number of labor disputes, like strikes and walkouts, has fallen dramatically since the 1970s to the point that they are almost nonexistent today. 
E)  All of the above statements are true.

Question 17

The major goals pursued by the Allied occupiers of Japan following World War II were

Accepted Answer

A)  the economic recovery of the country and the restructuring of the military as a buffer against the threat posed by the Soviet Union. 
B)  the economic recovery of the country and the restoration of the sovereignty of the emperor. 
C)  democratization and the economic recovery of the country. 
D)  demilitarization and democratization. 
E)  the economic recovery of the country and the persecution of war criminals. 
A)  the economic recovery of the country and the restructuring of the military as a buffer against the threat posed by the Soviet Union. 
B)  the economic recovery of the country and the restoration of the sovereignty of the emperor. 
C)  democratization and the economic recovery of the country. 
D)  demilitarization and democratization. 
E)  the economic recovery of the country and the persecution of war criminals.

Question 18

The Plaza Accord was an agreement that

Accepted Answer

A)  renegotiated the terms of the treaty under which Japan allows U.S. troops to be stationed in the country. 
B)  devalued the American dollar against the Japanese yen thus making Japanese exports more expensive and less competitive. 
C)  would have established a joint currency between Japan and several Asian countries. 
D)  increased the value of the American dollar respective to the Japanese yen thus making American exports more expensive and less competitive. 
E)  established the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. 
A)  renegotiated the terms of the treaty under which Japan allows U.S. troops to be stationed in the country. 
B)  devalued the American dollar against the Japanese yen thus making Japanese exports more expensive and less competitive. 
C)  would have established a joint currency between Japan and several Asian countries. 
D)  increased the value of the American dollar respective to the Japanese yen thus making American exports more expensive and less competitive. 
E)  established the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

Question 19

The average tenure in office of prime ministers in postwar Japan has been

Accepted Answer

A)  less than one year. 
B)  just over two years. 
C)  just over four years. 
D)  about six years. 
E)  about eight years. 
A)  less than one year. 
B)  just over two years. 
C)  just over four years. 
D)  about six years. 
E)  about eight years.

Question 20

The mainstream Japanese mass media tends to be

Accepted Answer

A)  extremely independent minded in reporting and commenting on sensitive political and social issues. 
B)  characterized by rampant yellow journalism and muckraking proclivities. 
C)  fairly passive and noncommittal. 
D)  associated with particular parties and thus biased in its reporting. 
E)  severely restricted by the central government. 
A)  extremely independent minded in reporting and commenting on sensitive political and social issues. 
B)  characterized by rampant yellow journalism and muckraking proclivities. 
C)  fairly passive and noncommittal. 
D)  associated with particular parties and thus biased in its reporting. 
E)  severely restricted by the central government.

Which of the following BEST characterizes the role of women in the Japanese economy?

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is

Koenkai are

Japan can be described as

Administrative guidance refers to

A predominant party regime is

Which of the following is NOT true?

How is the prime minister elected?

Japan has been characterized, particularly over the last two decades, as having frequent government turnovers and weak executive leadership. Given the nature of the state's organization, what impact have these had upon the country?

The Allied occupation brought about a number of reforms to democratize and demilitarize Japan. What were the most important of these? How successful were they and in what sense?

A factor that led to the Meiji Restoration was

Which of the following is NOT true of minority ethnic groups in Japan?

Japan's postwar constitution was

Which of the following statements BEST describes the relationship between the government and the financial sector?

Which of the following is TRUE of the labor movement in Japan?

The major goals pursued by the Allied occupiers of Japan following World War II were

The Plaza Accord was an agreement that

The average tenure in office of prime ministers in postwar Japan has been

The mainstream Japanese mass media tends to be

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Exam 5: Japan

Which of the following BEST characterizes the role of women in the Japanese economy?

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is

Koenkai are

Japan can be described as

Administrative guidance refers to

A predominant party regime is

Which of the following is NOT true?

How is the prime minister elected?

Japan has been characterized, particularly over the last two decades, as having frequent government turnovers and weak executive leadership. Given the nature of the state's organization, what impact have these had upon the country?

The Allied occupation brought about a number of reforms to democratize and demilitarize Japan. What were the most important of these? How successful were they and in what sense?

A factor that led to the Meiji Restoration was

Which of the following is NOT true of minority ethnic groups in Japan?

Japan's postwar constitution was

Which of the following statements BEST describes the relationship between the government and the financial sector?

Which of the following is TRUE of the labor movement in Japan?

The major goals pursued by the Allied occupiers of Japan following World War II were

The Plaza Accord was an agreement that

The average tenure in office of prime ministers in postwar Japan has been

The mainstream Japanese mass media tends to be

Introducing Comparative Politics

Britain

France

Germany

India

The United States

Russia

Brazil

Mexico

South Africa

Nigeria

Iran

China

Filters