Topic 3 - Politics

Question 1

Define “Legitimacy.”

Answer 1

A socially constructed and psychologically accepted right to exercise power.

Question 2

Power plus legitimacy gives someone what?

Answer 2

Authority.

Question 3

Define “Authority.”

Answer 3

The legitimate exercise of power.

Question 4

What are the four political organizations?

Answer 4

Bands, tribes, chiefdoms and states.

Question 5

What is the classification of the Elman Service?

Answer 5

The 4 levels of political organization.

Question 6

What are some characteristics of a “Band”?

Answer 6

Generally foragers, nomadic, composed of few people (30 to 100,) few conflicts between bands (low population,) no permanent leader. No eco-specialization. Status is achieved.

Question 7

What social organization do Bands have?

Answer 7

Equalitarian. Means everyone is born equal.

Question 8

What are some characteristics of a tribe?

Answer 8

Transition from bands, into horticulture and pastoralism. High population, leaders needed (not rich, just skilled,) low/no eco-specialization.

Question 9

What social organization does a tribe have?

Answer 9

Trans-egalitarian. Which means there is an emergence of political power (also known as incipient.)

Question 10

What are some characteristics of a Chiefdom?

Answer 10

Associated with agriculture, permanent settlements of villages, ascribed status (born with status.) Bartered, no currency. Very high eco-specialization.

Question 11

Chiefdoms did not have many conflicts for resources and power. True or false?

Answer 11

False. They fought a lot.

Question 12

Chiefdoms have hereditary and hierarchy social ranks. True of False?

Answer 12

True.

Question 13

Egalitarian societies do not practice reciprocity. True or false?

Answer 13

False. Generosity is very important.

Question 14

When reciprocity is very important what isn’t allowed when it comes to food? Would could happen to people who broke this rule?

Answer 14

Accumulation, storage of surplus. They could be rejected or even expelled from the society.

Question 15

What is the power of the Chief based on?

Answer 15

His ability to properly distribute food and resources.

Question 16

Describe some characteristics of a Chief’s redistribution.

Answer 16

The Chief has control over resource production, he accumulates goods and materials, gives some to his people (equally) and keep a huge chunk for himself.

Question 17

What would happen if a Chief failed to properly distribute his food and resources?

Answer 17

If he distributes unequally and doesn’t keep any of the resources for himself he will become vulnerable and will lose his power. If he doesn’t give out enough, the same will happen. He will be overthrown or possibly killed.

Question 18

What are the three bases of power?

Answer 18

Economic, ideological and coercive.

Question 19

Describe the Economic Base of Power.

Answer 19

Control of resources and the distribution of said resources.

Question 20

Describe the Ideological Base of Power.

Answer 20

The manipulation of ideologies, symbols and beliefs of the people. If they think you are meant to be a leader for whatever reason, they will believe just about whatever you say.

Question 21

Describe the Coercive Base of Power.

Answer 21

The use of force or threat.

Question 22

Is it possible to see more than one Base of Power at work in a society?

Answer 22

Yes, usually you would see at least 2 used and sometimes all.

Question 23

Define the meaning of “State.”

Answer 23

Autonomous political entity including many communities on a vast territory with a centralized government.

Question 24

What are the first 5 components in a definition of a state?

Answer 24

Large territory, urbanism, complex division of labor, taxes and writing and science.

Question 25

What are the last 4 (including that surprise 5th one) that define components in definition of a state?

Answer 25

Monumental architecture, complex social hierarchy, official religion, long distance trade and finally the surprise one that isn’t really needed, War and militarism.

Question 26

Why isn’t War and Militarism a necessary component to make and have a state?

Answer 26

A state does not need to have an army or military as long as they have strong allies that do.

Question 27

Where were some of the first emergences of states?

Answer 27

Mesopotamia (Iraq,) Egypt, Indus, China, Mexico and Peru.

Question 28

What rivers correspond with Mesopotamia (Iraq?)

Answer 28

Tigress and Euphrates.

Question 29

What rivers correspond with Egypt?

Answer 29

The Nile.

Question 30

What rivers correspond with China?

Answer 30

The Yellow River or Huang-Ho.

Question 31

What rivers correspond with Mexico?

Answer 31

Oaxaca (wa-ha-ka) River Valley.

Question 32

What rivers correspond with Peru?

Answer 32

Many rivers.

Question 33

Why were states able to emerge from those first few places?

Answer 33

They were all located near rivers. A very fertile place with a warm climate.

Question 34

What were those first few states surrounded by?

Answer 34

Inhospitable lands like deserts.

Question 35

Describe the War and Circumscribed Zones Theory.

Answer 35

Agriculturalist villages, rise in population, no more land/no possibility to expand, fighting amongst Chiefdoms to get food and land. Whoever wins gets this. Food can run out and people can go hungry but the political complexity increases.

Question 36

Define “modern state.)

Answer 36

Also known as a country, they are composed of many nations. A nation can cross any border (like Roms/Gypsies.)

Question 37

Define “Nation.”

Answer 37

Also known as an ethnic group, a nation is a group of people who share common history, culture, religion, language, etc… The group of people you have a sense of belonging with because of what you share.

Question 38

What are some characteristics of power?

Answer 38

Control and influence over people, ability to maintain social order and the ability to get things done.