Midterm

Question 1

What is the focus of politics?

Answer 1

Politics depends on context and is about power—who is in control and makes decisions.

Question 2

What is a Democracy?

Answer 2

A system where people vote for leaders and laws.

Question 3

What is a Republic?

Answer 3

A form of democracy where people elect leaders who must follow a constitution that limits their power.

Question 4

What is a Monarchy?

Answer 4

A government where one person, usually a king or queen, has power, which can be total or limited.

Question 5

What is a Theocracy?

Answer 5

A government where religious leaders or laws based on religion control the country.

Question 6

What is Socialism?

Answer 6

A system where the government controls major services to ensure wealth and resources are shared more equally.

Question 7

What is Communism?

Answer 7

A system where the government owns everything, and people work for the benefit of society, aiming for equality.

Question 8

What is Libertarianism?

Answer 8

Government in its most minimal form.

Question 9

What does Philosophy mean?

Answer 9

The art of questioning everything in the search for truth, purpose, and understanding.

Question 10

What is Christian philosophy?

Answer 10

It starts with God, seeking answers in God’s Word and recognizing human limitations.

Question 11

What does the Left/Right Spectrum represent?

Answer 11

Left focuses on equality and social justice; Right focuses on equity and tradition.

Question 12

What are the Two Great Questions in politics?

Answer 12

Who governs? To what ends?

Question 13

What is Legitimacy?

Answer 13

The acceptance or recognition of authority as valid and just.

Question 14

What is Authority?

Answer 14

The right to establish law, order, and make final decisions.

Question 15

What is Citizenship?

Answer 15

A legal status granting rights and responsibilities within a state.

Question 16

What is a Subject?

Answer 16

A person under rule, typically under a monarch or sovereign.

Question 17

What is Eudaimonia?

Answer 17

True human flourishing—living a life of purpose, virtue, and fulfillment.

Question 18

What is Holistic Christianity?

Answer 18

Christianity affects all areas of life, including politics and values.

Question 19

What is Compartmented Christianity?

Answer 19

Christianity can be separated from certain areas of life, including politics.

Question 20

What are Locke’s Natural Rights?

Answer 20

God-given rights: life, liberty, and property.

Question 21

What is the Social Contract?

Answer 21

The consent of the governed to give up some freedoms for protection and organized society.

Question 22

What is Humanism?

Answer 22

The belief that human reason, morality, and individual freedom are important for a good society.

Question 23

What is the Enlightenment?

Answer 23

A period that defied traditional authority, promoting political and scientific progress through reason.

Question 24

What is Empiricism?

Answer 24

Knowledge is a blank slate filled through our senses and experiences.

Question 25

What is Natural Law?

Answer 25

The idea that some things are naturally right or wrong, understood through reason.

Question 26

What is the Divine Right?

Answer 26

The belief that a ruler’s authority comes directly from God.

Question 27

What is the State of Nature?

Answer 27

A hypothetical world without rules or governments, where people live freely.

Question 28

What is Legitimate Use of Power?

Answer 28

The rightful exercise of authority considered morally acceptable and lawful.

Question 29

What is Illegitimate Power?

Answer 29

The use of authority that is not legally or morally justified.

Question 30

What is Liberty under Law?

Answer 30

Freedom preserved when balanced with laws ensuring fairness and order.

Question 31

What is the Social Contract Theory?

Answer 31

Explains the relationship between individuals and the government regarding freedoms and rules.

Question 32

What is the Theory of Property?

Answer 32

Explores ownership rights and the ethical principles behind them.

Question 33

What is the Right to Rebellion?

Answer 33

The idea that people can resist or overthrow an oppressive government.

Question 34

What is Federalism?

Answer 34

A system where power is shared between national and regional governments.

Question 35

What are Positive Rights?

Answer 35

Rights that require others to provide something for you.

Question 36

What are Negative Rights?

Answer 36

Rights that protect you from interference by others.

Question 37

What is the Separation of Powers?

Answer 37

Checks and balances among judicial, executive, and legislative branches.

Question 38

Who was Alexis De Tocqueville?

Answer 38

A French political thinker who analyzed democracy in America and warned of excessive individualism.

Question 39

What is Liberty?

Answer 39

The freedom to make choices without unnecessary control or interference.

Question 40

What is Civic Duty?

Answer 40

Responsibilities citizens have to help their country and community function properly.

Question 41

What is Participation in Civic Organizations?

Answer 41

Getting involved in groups that work to improve the community and promote the common good.

Question 42

What is Civic Religion?

Answer 42

Shared beliefs and values that tie a nation together, resembling religious traditions.

Question 43

What is Work Ethic?

Answer 43

A set of values guiding a person's approach to work, emphasizing dedication and responsibility.