Exam 7: Pluralism, Parties, Interest Groups, and Social Movements

"Rational choice theory" has been seized upon by many to explain individual political behavior in the political system. What are the strengths of this theory? What are its greatest vulnerabilities?

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Question 1

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Rational choice theory has several strengths that make it a popular framework for explaining individual political behavior in the political system.

One strength of rational choice theory is its emphasis on individual decision-making and the rational pursuit of self-interest. This allows for a focus on the motivations and incentives that drive political behavior, providing a clear and logical framework for understanding why individuals make certain political choices.

Additionally, rational choice theory provides a useful tool for analyzing and predicting political behavior. By assuming that individuals act in their own best interest and weigh the costs and benefits of their actions, this theory offers a systematic approach to understanding and predicting political outcomes.

However, rational choice theory also has some vulnerabilities. One of the main criticisms is that it oversimplifies human behavior by assuming that individuals are always rational and self-interested. In reality, individuals may be influenced by emotions, social norms, and other factors that are not accounted for in this theory.

Another vulnerability of rational choice theory is its limited ability to explain collective action and social movements. By focusing solely on individual decision-making, this theory may overlook the role of group dynamics and collective motivations in shaping political behavior.

Overall, while rational choice theory offers a valuable framework for understanding individual political behavior, it is important to consider its limitations and the need for a more comprehensive approach that incorporates a broader range of factors influencing political action.

Pluralist theory suggests that individuals join groups because they see an advantage to doing so.

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Question 2

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The function of political linkage mechanisms is to connect the voice of the people to the political leaders of the regime.

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Question 3

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When comparing political parties and interest groups we might generally observe that parties

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Question 4

What is a subcategory of interest groups that is explicitly focused on lobbying for political issues?

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Question 5

Interest groups are collections of individuals who share common beliefs, attitudes, values, or concerns.

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Question 6

According to pluralist theory, interest groups could be called:

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Question 7

Single-party systems are most often associated with:

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Question 8

What is the relationship between the idea of a civil society and the idea of a civic culture? How compelling do you find the arguments that they suggest as an understanding of political behavior?

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Question 9

In recent months the idea of social movements has become very visible with significant political instability in the Middle East. How can social movements be seen as extensions of interest groups? In what ways are they different?

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Question 10

Rational choice theory suggests that individuals will participate in politics when they believe the cause is just.

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Question 11

The theory that personal inaction often makes more sense than participation in group action is referred to as a theory of

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Question 12

Two general categories of political parties are the mass party and the ____________.

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Question 13

Group theory suggests that all public opinion can be described in group terms, and that individual opinion is essentially unimportant, except for

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Question 14

The idea of a "civic culture" includes the principle that

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Question 15

The term that describes broad groups of individuals who share an interest in a given social issue is a/an:

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Question 16

The terms "interest group" and "pressure group" can be used interchangeably.

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Question 17

Interest groups, political parties, social movements, and nongovernmental organizations are all examples of:

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Question 18

A key difference between interest groups and social movements is that

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Question 19

An example of a collective good, as the term is used in chapter 7, is winning a lottery.

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Question 20

Showing 1 - 20 of 45

"Rational choice theory" has been seized upon by many to explain individual political behavior in the political system. What are the strengths of this theory? What are its greatest vulnerabilities?

Pluralist theory suggests that individuals join groups because they see an advantage to doing so.

The function of political linkage mechanisms is to connect the voice of the people to the political leaders of the regime.

When comparing political parties and interest groups we might generally observe that parties

What is a subcategory of interest groups that is explicitly focused on lobbying for political issues?

Interest groups are collections of individuals who share common beliefs, attitudes, values, or concerns.

According to pluralist theory, interest groups could be called:

Single-party systems are most often associated with:

What is the relationship between the idea of a civil society and the idea of a civic culture? How compelling do you find the arguments that they suggest as an understanding of political behavior?

In recent months the idea of social movements has become very visible with significant political instability in the Middle East. How can social movements be seen as extensions of interest groups? In what ways are they different?

Rational choice theory suggests that individuals will participate in politics when they believe the cause is just.

The theory that personal inaction often makes more sense than participation in group action is referred to as a theory of

Two general categories of political parties are the mass party and the ____________.

Group theory suggests that all public opinion can be described in group terms, and that individual opinion is essentially unimportant, except for

The idea of a "civic culture" includes the principle that

The term that describes broad groups of individuals who share an interest in a given social issue is a/an:

The terms "interest group" and "pressure group" can be used interchangeably.

Interest groups, political parties, social movements, and nongovernmental organizations are all examples of:

A key difference between interest groups and social movements is that

An example of a collective good, as the term is used in chapter 7, is winning a lottery.

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