Political Culture & Participation

Question 1

What is socialism?

Answer 1

“An ideological perspective based on the view that human beings are basically social in nature and that the capitalist system undermines the co-operative and community-oriented nature of humanity. Socialism advocates the establishment of an egalitarian society.”

Question 2

What causes inequality according to socialism?

Answer 2

Inequality is the result of the power relations in society and the capitalist economic system, not differences in the capabilities of individuals.

Question 3

How can social justice be achieved?

Answer 3

Social justice can be achieved by reducing inequalities.

Question 4

Who is socialism historically tied to?

Answer 4

Tied historically to Karl Marx, Marxism, and Communism.

Question 5

Is all socialism Communism?

Answer 5

Not all socialism is Communism, but Communism is based on socialism.

Question 6

What are some characteristics of an ideal socialist society?

Answer 6

Collective ownership of the ‘means of production’ instead of corporations, state-owned industries, self-sufficient communes, mixed economy, planned economy.

Question 7

What types of public services are included in socialism?

Answer 7

Free or low-cost public services including health-care, education, and child care.

Question 8

What is Social Conservatism?

Answer 8

A political ideology emphasizing Christian values, family, and traditional beliefs.

It often includes views such as anti-abortion, anti-gay marriage, and opposition to premarital sex.

Question 9

What are the key beliefs of the Christian Right/Religious Right?

Answer 9

Beliefs include faith and family, fundamentalist interpretation of the Bible, and values like Creationism and Intelligent Design.

This group often emphasizes family values in political discussions.

Question 10

What do conservatives believe about the past?

Answer 10

They believe that the past offers ways to navigate the present and future.

Conservatives often view radical change as a danger to community ties and historical context.

Question 11

What is the view of economic conservatives regarding regulation?

Answer 11

They believe that economic regulation limits freedom.

Economic conservatives often advocate for minimal government intervention in the market.

Question 12

What do liberals believe about lack of regulation?

Answer 12

They believe that it promotes inequality and exploitation.

Liberals advocate for regulatory measures to ensure fairness and equity in society.

Question 13

How do liberals view the potential for improvement in life?

Answer 13

They think life can be improved by making changes.

This contrasts with conservatives who may prefer to hold onto traditional ideas.

Question 14

What concerns did some 19th century conservatives have?

Answer 14

They worried about the pursuit of pure profit.

This highlights a historical concern about unchecked capitalism.

Question 15

What is the distinction between ‘Interest groups’ and ‘the Silent Majority’?

Answer 15

‘Interest groups’ are organized groups seeking to influence policy, while ‘the Silent Majority’ refers to a large group of people who do not express their opinions publicly.

This distinction illustrates different forms of political engagement and influence.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: Conservatives believe that radical change offers dangers of losing ties to _______.

Answer 16

communities and history

Question 18

What is the conservative view of humanity?

Answer 18

Humans are fundamentally flawed and will not automatically do the right things

This perspective emphasizes the importance of traditional customs and practices.

Question 19

What does Metternich state about man’s nature?

Answer 19

Man’s nature is immutable; the first needs of society are and remain the same

This reflects a conservative belief in the unchanging nature of humanity.

Question 20

What two elements remain strong according to Metternich?

Answer 20

• Precepts of morality (religious and social)
• Necessities created by locality

These elements are seen as fundamental to societal stability.

Question 21

What happens when men try to ‘swerve from these bases’?

Answer 21

Society suffers from a malaise [sickness]

This suggests that deviation from traditional values leads to societal problems.

Question 22

What causes societal malaise according to conservative thought?

Answer 22

• Printing
• Gunpowder

These are viewed as influences that disrupt traditional values.

Question 23

What is the conservative stance on perfection?

Answer 23

Perfection leads people astray

This indicates a belief that striving for perfection can result in negative consequences.

Question 24

What is the conservative view on stability?

Answer 24

Stability is essential for society

This underscores the importance of maintaining traditional structures.

Question 25

What is economic conservatism?

Answer 25

Government should allow laissez-faire capitalism and leave people alone ## Footnote This reflects a belief in minimal government intervention in the economy.

Question 26

Who is Grover Norquist and what is his stance?

Answer 26

An American who stated, 'Drown government in the bathtub' ## Footnote This phrase encapsulates a radical approach to reducing government size.

Question 27

What is the conservative position on the welfare state?

Answer 27

Opposed to social welfare and the welfare state ## Footnote This reflects a belief that the government should not provide extensive social safety nets.

Question 28

Define a welfare state.

Answer 28

A state in which government ensures that all people have a decent standard of living and are provided protection from hardships ## Footnote This includes circumstances such as unemployment, sickness, disability, and old age.

Question 30

What is a reactionary in the context of conservatism?

Answer 30

A conservative who favours a return to the values and institutions of the past ## Footnote This term implies a desire to revert to earlier societal norms and structures.

Question 31

Who is Klemens von Metternich?

Answer 31

A significant figure in the history of conservatism ## Footnote Metternich was an Austrian diplomat and statesman known for his role in the Congress of Vienna.

Question 32

What do moderates believe regarding change?

Answer 32

Change should be slow and gradual, based on tradition ## Footnote This perspective emphasizes stability and continuity in societal development.

Question 33

Who was Edmund Burke?

Answer 33

A British Member of Parliament during the French Revolution ## Footnote Burke is often regarded as the father of modern conservatism.

Question 34

What is a key principle of Burkean conservatism?

Answer 34

Respect for law and positions of authority ## Footnote This principle highlights the importance of established legal frameworks and governance.

Question 35

What does the phrase 'law and order' signify in conservatism?

Answer 35

Emphasis on maintaining societal order through legal frameworks ## Footnote This concept is often associated with conservative political platforms.

Question 36

What does Burkean conservatism prefer over a priori reasoning and revolution?

Answer 36

Experience and the gradual improvement of tried and tested arrangements ## Footnote This approach values historical context and practical solutions.

Question 37

How does Burke define society?

Answer 37

A permanent partnership between those who are living, those who are dead, and those who are to be born ## Footnote This perspective emphasizes continuity across generations.

Question 38

What is the role of governments according to Burke?

Answer 38

To restrain the passion of individuals ## Footnote This view suggests that governance is necessary to maintain order and civility in society.

Question 40

What do liberals believe about humanity?

Answer 40

Liberals believe that humans can be changed to be better people ## Footnote This belief underpins their support for education, healthcare, and welfare.

Question 41

What areas do liberals support to improve society?

Answer 41

Liberals support: * Education * Healthcare * Welfare * Arts and sciences ## Footnote These areas are seen as essential for human improvement.

Question 42

What is the liberal critique of an unregulated economy?

Answer 42

An unregulated economy does not stop people without money/influence from being able to obtain justice/freedom/welfare ## Footnote This critique highlights the need for systemic support.

Question 43

Define conservatism in political ideology.

Answer 43

Conservatism emphasizes the values of order, stability, respect for authority, and tradition ## Footnote It is based on the view that humans are inherently imperfect with a limited capacity to reason.

Question 44

What is a key characteristic of conservatism regarding societal change?

Answer 44

Conservatism is critical of rapid change ## Footnote This perspective favors gradual evolution over sudden transformations.

Question 45

What vision does conservatism lack according to its critics?

Answer 45

Conservatism lacks a vision of another, different and better world ## Footnote This critique points to a perceived limitation in conservative ideology.

Question 47

What is the mandate of a Classical Liberal government?

Answer 47

Includes considerations for an army, health service, and transportation network ## Footnote Classical Liberalism emphasizes minimal government intervention.

Question 48

What is Reform Liberalism?

Answer 48

A version of liberalism that combines support for individual freedom with a belief that government action may be needed to help remove obstacles to individual development ## Footnote It seeks to balance individual freedom with support for those in need.

Question 49

What does Classical Liberalism lack in its support?

Answer 49

Does not offer supports for the disadvantaged ## Footnote Focuses on individual liberties without addressing inequalities.

Question 50

How does Reform Liberalism differ from Classical Liberalism?

Answer 50

Balances protections for individual freedom with assistance to individual development ## Footnote It recognizes the role of government in addressing social inequalities.

Question 51

What are some key components of government action in Reform Liberalism?

Answer 51

* Government regulation of business * Government subsidies of industries * Support for unions/workers * Basic standard of living * Affirmative action ## Footnote These components aim to facilitate individual development and social justice.

Question 52

Fill in the blank: Reform Liberalism supports a basic _______.

Answer 52

standard of living ## Footnote This is part of the efforts to ensure individual development.

Question 53

True or False: Classical Liberalism supports government subsidies for industries.

Answer 53

False ## Footnote Classical Liberalism generally advocates for minimal government intervention in the economy.

Question 55

What is a key principle of Liberalism?

Answer 55

Individual freedom ## Footnote Liberalism emphasizes the importance of personal liberty as a fundamental right.

Question 56

What does Liberalism value concerning the individual?

Answer 56

Dignity of the individual ## Footnote This principle highlights the inherent worth and respect due to each person.

Question 57

What ability do individuals possess according to Liberalism?

Answer 57

Use rational thought to make their decisions and act on them ## Footnote This reflects the belief in human reason and autonomy.

Question 58

What does the rule of law signify in Liberalism?

Answer 58

Government should act in accordance with established laws rather than in an arbitrary fashion, equality under the law ## Footnote This ensures fair treatment and accountability of the government.

Question 59

What is the general stance of Liberalism on government interference?

Answer 59

Little interference from government ## Footnote There is a fear that government may pursue its own interests at the expense of individual freedoms.

Question 60

Who stated, 'The state has no place in the nation's bedrooms'?

Answer 60

Pierre Elliott Trudeau ## Footnote This quote encapsulates the belief that personal relationships are private matters.

Question 61

What is considered not to be government business in Liberalism?

Answer 61

What goes on between consenting adults ## Footnote This emphasizes the idea of personal autonomy in private matters.

Question 62

What does Liberalism say about religion?

Answer 62

Religion is a private matter, tolerance for different beliefs ## Footnote This principle promotes freedom of belief and practice.

Question 63

Define liberal democracy.

Answer 63

Limited government, individual rights and freedoms, rule of law combined with a democratic system based on election of representatives ## Footnote This system integrates democratic governance with liberal principles.

Question 64

What characterizes Classical Liberalism?

Answer 64

Government is only limited to protecting life, liberty, and property ## Footnote Classical Liberalism focuses on minimal governmental intervention.

Question 65

Who introduced the concept of the 'social contract'?

Answer 65

John Locke ## Footnote Locke believed that people were free and equal in a state of nature.

Question 66

What is the belief of John Stuart Mill regarding individual freedom?

Answer 66

Individuals should be free to pursue their own good in their own way ## Footnote Mill emphasized personal autonomy and self-determination.

Question 67

What is the concern regarding behavior in Liberalism?

Answer 67

What about behaviour that harms other people? ## Footnote This raises questions about the limits of individual freedom.

Question 68

What economic system is associated with Liberalism?

Answer 68

'Laissez-faire' economic system ## Footnote This system advocates for minimal government intervention in the economy.

Question 69

Who is known for the concept of the 'invisible hand'?

Answer 69

Adam Smith ## Footnote The 'invisible hand' describes the self-regulating nature of the marketplace.

Question 70

What does Liberalism advocate regarding economic freedom?

Answer 70

Economic freedom to manufacture, trade, give labour, and enjoy property without interference ## Footnote This principle promotes free market operations and individual entrepreneurial rights.