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Comparative Politics Practice Exam Q & A 2024, Exams of Comparative Law and Politics

A practice exam with questions and answers related to comparative politics. The questions cover topics such as different types of democratic systems, federalism, electoral systems, democratic consolidation, unitary and federal systems of government, democratic transitions in Eastern Europe, religion and politics in the Middle East, political polarization in the United States, and the impact of globalization on state sovereignty. The answers provide examples from different countries and assess the strengths, weaknesses, and implications of each system or phenomenon. The document aims to test students' knowledge and critical thinking skills in comparative politics.

Typology: Exams

2023/2024

Available from 02/06/2024

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PEARSON EDEXCEL
Comparative Politics
PRACTICE EXAM Q & A
2024
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PEARSON EDEXCEL

Comparative Politics

PRACTICE EXAM Q & A

  1. Compare and contrast the presidential and parliamentary systems of government, using examples from at least two countries for each system. (10 marks) Answer: Presidential systems are characterized by a separation of powers between the executive and the legislative branches, where the president is directly elected by the people and serves as both the head of state and the head of government. Parliamentary systems are characterized by a fusion of powers between the executive and the legislative branches, where the prime minister is indirectly elected by the parliament and serves as the head of government, while the head of state is usually a ceremonial figure. Examples of presidential systems include the United States, Brazil, and Mexico. Examples of parliamentary systems include the United Kingdom, Germany, and India. Rationale: This question assesses the students' ability to identify and explain the main features and differences of two common types of democratic systems, using relevant examples to illustrate their points.
  2. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of federalism as a form of political organization, using examples from at least two countries that have adopted it. (10 marks) Answer: Federalism is a form of political organization where power is divided between a central government and regional or state governments, each with its own

include plurality or majority systems, proportional representation systems, and mixed or hybrid systems. Examples of countries that have different electoral systems include France (majority system for presidential elections, mixed system for legislative elections), Israel (proportional representation system for legislative elections), and Japan (mixed system for both presidential and legislative elections). Rationale: This question assesses the students' ability to explain how electoral rules shape party dynamics and governance outcomes, using relevant examples to demonstrate their effects.

  1. Compare and contrast the concept of power in modern democratic systems and authoritarian regimes. Provide examples to support your answer. Answer: In modern democratic systems, power is typically shared among multiple branches of government and is subject to checks and balances. However, in authoritarian regimes, power is predominantly held by a single ruling entity, such as a dictator or a political party. For example, in the United States, power is divided among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, ensuring a system of checks and balances. In contrast, in North Korea, power is concentrated in the hands of the ruling Kim dynasty,

leading to limited political freedoms and rights. Rationale: This question tests students' understanding of power dynamics in different political systems and their ability to provide relevant examples. By comparing and contrasting democratic and authoritarian regimes, students can showcase their understanding of the complexities involved in power distribution.

  1. Examine the factors contributing to the rise of populist movements in contemporary politics. Assess their impact on democratic governance. Answer: Populist movements are often fueled by socio- economic inequalities, political disillusionment, and a perceived sense of marginalization among certain sections of society. Factors such as globalization, technological advancements, and immigration can contribute to the rise of these movements. Populist leaders often capitalize on grievances and mobilize support based on a promise to restore power to the people. However, their impact on democratic governance can be contentious, as they may undermine established political institutions, weaken checks and balances, and polarize society. Rationale: This question explores students' understanding of the causes and consequences of populist movements, which have gained significant traction in recent years. By analyzing the impact of such movements on democratic governance, students can showcase their ability to critically

which democratic institutions become deeply ingrained within a society, ensuring stable governance. Factors contributing to democratic consolidation include the establishment of the rule of law, respect for human rights, the presence of strong civil society organizations, and peaceful transitions of power. Economic development can also play a significant role, as prosperous economies tend to have a larger and more prosperous middle class, which can support and sustain democratic institutions. Rationale: This question allows students to demonstrate their understanding of democratic consolidation and examine the various factors influencing its success. By analyzing the relationship between economic development and democracy, students showcase their ability to evaluate the broader socio-economic context in political processes.

  1. Investigate the differences between unitary and federal systems of government. Assess their effectiveness in managing diverse populations and promoting stability. Answer: Unitary systems of government concentrate power at the national level, with limited devolution to lower levels of governance, while federal systems distribute power between central and regional governments. Unitary systems can be effective in promoting stability, as they provide a clear chain of command and reduce the likelihood of conflicts arising from overlapping jurisdictions. However, federal systems can promote inclusivity and accommodate diverse populations by granting regions greater autonomy

and representation. Rationale: This question assesses students' understanding of the different types of government structures and their capacity to evaluate their effectiveness in managing diverse populations and promoting stability. By comparing unitary and federal systems, students can showcase their ability to critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each system.

  1. Compare the political ideologies of liberalism and socialism. Assess their impact on economic policies and individual freedoms. Answer: Liberalism and socialism are two distinct political ideologies. Liberalism emphasizes individual rights, limited government intervention in the economy, and the importance of free markets. Socialism, on the other hand, seeks to reduce inequality through state-owned enterprises, wealth redistribution, and centralized economic planning. Liberalism tends to promote economic freedom and entrepreneurship, while socialism aims to reduce disparities and provide greater social welfare. The impact of each ideology on economic policies and individual freedoms varies depending on the extent to which it is implemented in practice. Rationale: This question evaluates students' understanding of different political ideologies and their ability to assess their impact on economic policies and individual freedoms.

outcomes. Answer: Various models of democratic transition emerged in Eastern Europe after the fall of the Soviet Union, including the "top-down" approach in Poland, the "negotiated transition" in Czechoslovakia, and the "charter revolution" in Romania. While these models differed in their processes and outcomes, they shared common features, such as movements towards multi-party systems, economic liberalization, and the adoption of constitutional reforms. However, challenges such as corruption and economic inequalities were also prevalent across these transitions. Rationale: This question assesses students' knowledge of democratic transitions in Eastern Europe and their ability to compare and contrast different models. By analyzing the similarities and differences in outcomes, students demonstrate their understanding of democratic processes in diverse contexts.

  1. Investigate the relationship between religion and politics in the Middle East. Assess the impact of religious fundamentalism on governance and regional stability. Answer: Religion plays a significant role in politics in the Middle East, with varying degrees of influence across different countries. Religious fundamentalism can have a significant impact on governance, as it often seeks to establish a system of government based on strict

interpretations of religious doctrines. This can lead to a lack of pluralism, restrictions on individual freedoms, and challenges to democratic governance. Religious fundamentalism also has implications for regional stability, as it can fuel conflicts and exacerbate sectarian divisions. Rationale: This question allows students to explore the complexities of the relationship between religion and politics in the Middle East. By analyzing the impact of religious fundamentalism on governance and stability, students showcase their ability to critically evaluate the socio-political dynamics of a specific region.

  1. Analyze the causes and consequences of political polarization in the United States. Assess the implications for democratic governance and policy-making. Answer: Political polarization refers to the increasing ideological divergence and hostility between political factions within a country. In the United States, factors such as media fragmentation, gerrymandering, and socio- cultural divisions have contributed to heightened polarization. The consequences of political polarization include heightened gridlock, erosion of trust in political institutions, and challenges in policy-making and governance. Policy debates often become polarized, hindering consensus-building and broader democratic decision-making processes. Rationale: This question evaluates students' understanding
  1. Evaluate the impact of the European Union (EU) on national sovereignty. Analyze the tensions between supranational integration and national autonomy. Answer: The European Union has led to a degree of supranational integration, allowing for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people across member states. This integration has raised concerns about the erosion of national sovereignty, as decision-making processes become increasingly influenced by EU institutions. Tensions can arise between the desire for greater integration and the preservation of national autonomy, particularly in controversial policy areas such as immigration, trade, and monetary policy. Rationale: This question assesses students' understanding of the complex relationship between the European Union and national sovereignty. By analyzing the tensions between supranational integration and national autonomy, students demonstrate their ability to critically evaluate the dynamics of regional integration.
  2. Examine the factors contributing to the persistence of one-party dominant systems in some countries. Assess the implications for democracy and political pluralism. Answer: One-party dominant systems are often sustained by factors such as historical legacies, socio-cultural divisions, limited political competition, and incumbent

advantages. These systems may have implications for democracy and political pluralism, as the dominance of a single party can limit political diversity, stifle dissent, and discourage the development of alternative political platforms. The lack of effective checks and balances in one-party dominant systems can hinder democratic governance and lead to a concentration of power. Rationale: This question tests students' understanding of the factors contributing to one-party dominant systems and evaluates their ability to assess the broader implications for democracy. By analyzing the limitations of political pluralism, students showcase their capacity to critically evaluate political systems.

  1. Analyze the impact of globalization on state sovereignty. Assess the challenges and opportunities presented by increased global interconnectedness. Answer: Globalization has significantly impacted state sovereignty, as it has led to the transfer of authority and power to supranational organizations, such as the World Trade Organization or multinational corporations. Challenges to state sovereignty arise from increased interdependence and the need for cooperative approaches to transnational issues. Opportunities emerge through enhanced access to global markets, technology transfer, and cooperation in addressing global challenges such as climate change or pandemics. States must navigate these challenges and opportunities to maintain their sovereignty.

demonstrate their understanding of the broader impact of economic policies. Question 1: Explain the concept of electoral systems and analyze the impact of proportional representation versus majoritarian systems on political representation and party dynamics in at least two different countries. Answer 1: Electoral systems refer to the method used to translate votes into seats in a representative assembly. In a proportional representation system, seats are allocated in proportion to the votes received by each party, leading to a multi-party system and increased representation of diverse political views. This system is exemplified by countries like Germany and the Netherlands. On the other hand, majoritarian systems, such as the first-past-the-post system in the United Kingdom and the United States, tend to produce a two-party system and can lead to disproportionate representation, particularly for smaller parties. Rationale: This question assesses students' understanding of electoral systems and their ability to compare the impact of different systems on political representation and party dynamics. It requires them to analyze real-world examples,

demonstrating their knowledge of specific countries and their electoral processes. Question 2: Evaluate the role of federalism in managing ethnic, linguistic, or regional diversity in a specific country, and compare it to the approach taken by another country facing similar challenges. Answer 2: Federalism, as a system of government, seeks to balance power between a central authority and constituent political units such as states or provinces. This allows for the accommodation of diverse ethnic, linguistic, or regional identities within a country. For instance, India and Canada both adopt federal systems to address diversity, with India managing linguistic diversity through the establishment of states based on language, while Canada addresses regional diversity by granting significant autonomy to provinces like Quebec. Rationale: This question requires students to critically analyze the role of federalism in addressing diversity and to compare the approaches of different countries. By examining specific case studies, students can demonstrate their understanding of federal systems and their application in diverse contexts. Question 3: Discuss the impact of political culture on the

Globalization has significantly influenced countries like China, where economic liberalization and integration into global markets have led to rapid economic growth. However, this process has also raised concerns about income inequality, environmental degradation, and challenges to cultural identity. The Chinese government has grappled with balancing the benefits of globalization with the preservation of cultural heritage and social stability. Rationale: This question prompts students to examine the multifaceted impact of globalization on a specific country, encompassing economic, political, and cultural dimensions. By evaluating both positive and negative aspects, students can demonstrate their ability to critically assess the complexities of globalization and its implications for individual countries. Question 5: Examine the role of supranational organizations, such as the European Union, in shaping the sovereignty and policymaking of member states, providing examples of areas where supranational authority has expanded or been contested. Answer 5: The European Union has exerted supranational influence over member states in areas such as trade policy, environmental regulations, and competition law. For

instance, the EU's single market framework has harmonized trade rules and standards across member states, limiting the autonomy of individual countries in certain economic matters. However, the sovereignty of member states has been contested in areas like immigration policy and national security, where some member states have sought to assert their own authority. Rationale: This question requires students to evaluate the impact of supranational organizations on member states, illustrating their understanding of the dynamics of sovereignty and policymaking within a regional framework. By providing specific examples, students can demonstrate their grasp of the complexities of supranational authority and its interaction with national sovereignty. Question 6: Compare the political systems of a parliamentary democracy and a presidential democracy, highlighting the key differences in executive-legislative relations, cabinet formation, and political accountability. Answer 6: In a parliamentary democracy like the United Kingdom, the executive branch is drawn from the legislature, with the Prime Minister and the cabinet being accountable to the parliament. Conversely, in a presidential democracy like the United States, the executive branch is separate from the legislature, and the President is directly elected and not