Civics Polity
Political Systems and Governance
1,972 Questions
This section provides practice questions on various political systems including democracies, authoritarian regimes, and oligarchies. Understanding political governance and theories is crucial for cracking civil services and state PSC examinations. Regular practice ensures a solid grasp of political concepts and frameworks.
Authoritarian regimesLiberal democracyPolitical legitimacyOligarchy and plutocracyTransitional democracies
Political Systems and Governance Questions
B
Correct answer
Explanation
China is not a democracy. It is a one-party state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The country has an authoritarian political system where citizens cannot vote for their leaders in open, competitive elections. Democracies require free and fair elections with multiple parties.
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Centre's despotism
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Terrorism
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Federalism
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Economic neglect
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Economic neglect is a key driver of regional politics because regions that perceive themselves as economically disadvantaged often demand greater autonomy or resources. When central governments fail to address economic disparities, regional identities strengthen and political movements emerge. Federalism is actually a constitutional framework that accommodates regional diversity rather than a cause of regional politics.
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The Governor
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The Prime Minister
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The Chairman
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The President
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Minister of State
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President
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Prime Minister
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Chief Minister
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Brazil is a presidential republic where the President serves as both head of state and head of government, directly elected by the people. Brazil has never had a Prime Minister or Chief Minister system - these positions exist in parliamentary systems like India or the UK.
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Tshogdu
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Hal-o-Aqad
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Staten General
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Cortes
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Bhutan's unicameral national legislature is called the Tshogdu (National Assembly). Staten General is the Dutch parliament, Cortes is the Spanish parliament, and Hal-o-Aqad appears to be a fictional or incorrect option. The Tshogdu was established in 1953 and has 47 members.
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the end of the Monarchy in Britain
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the separation of church from state
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the liberals in Britain coming to power
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establishment of educational institutions on the principle of secularism
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Antidisestablishmentarianism opposes removing the Church of England from its position as the state church. The 'anti' prefix means against, 'disestablishment' refers to separating church from state, and the '-arianism' suffix denotes a political philosophy. Option A is incorrect because it's not about ending the monarchy, and option D refers to educational policy rather than church-state separation.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Switzerland is recognized as the pioneer and classic example of direct democracy. Swiss citizens regularly participate in direct decision-making through referendums, popular initiatives, and cantonal votes, giving them direct control over legislation and constitutional changes.
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where political parties are banned
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where there are two large parties
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where there are many small parties
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where only one party is recognised
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Parliamentary Government is more stable and successful in a country where there are two large parties.
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Only I is strong.
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Only II is strong.
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Both I and II are strong.
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Neither I nor II is strong.
C
Correct answer
Explanation
This is the correct choice as both arguments are strong.
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a only
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b only
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c only
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a and b
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a, b and c
D
Correct answer
Explanation
This is the correct answer as both statements a and b are correct.
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social equality
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political equality
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economic equality
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equality of work
D
Correct answer
Explanation
A democratic government does not try to secure equality of work. Democracy is a form of government in which all eligible citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Democracy allows people to participate equally either directly or through elected representatives in the proposal, development and creation of laws.
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it facilitates a non-partisan approach
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it makes for better administration
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it reduces corruption
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it is a training ground for democracy
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The case for local self-government rests on the premise that it is a training ground for democracy. In 1935 Phoebe Cusden wrote “ The greatest contribution of the nursery school is that it is a training ground for democratic citizens - citizens who will have learned not what to think - but how to think . . . (The) exercise in self-reliance, unselfishness and willing co-operation, which are also features of the nursery school, will go far towards producing the kind of citizen so vitally necessary if democracy is to be capable of the tasks that devolve upon it - or even to survive.
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Democracy
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Socialism
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Nationalism
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Sovereignty
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Sovereignty is the essential attribute of a state - the supreme authority to govern within its territory without external interference. Democracy, socialism, and nationalism are ideologies or attributes that specific states may adopt, but a state can exist without them. The state requires a defined territory, population, government, and sovereignty.
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It does not adjust easily according to the changed circumstances.
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Ministers get more opportunities to show their abilities under this system of government.
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The President gives impartial advice.
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There is close co-operation between the executive and the legislature.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Parliamentary democracy is criticized for being rigid - it cannot easily adapt to new circumstances because constitutional amendments require special majorities. The other options describe ADVANTAGES: ministers get experience, the head of state is impartial (President), and executive-legislature cooperation enables efficient governance. Option A is the correct demerit.
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but this will happen only when we indulge in politics of division
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social and cultural divisions get sharpened under tutelage of the political masters
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that is perhaps an inadvertent price we have to pay for democracy
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properly directed they could be used to reduce it
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that is perhaps why autocracies have better conflict management
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Note that the given part of the sentence ends with a semicolon. This means that the missing part should restate or illustrate the argument or present an opposite view. (3) and (5) need to begin as new sentences. (1) needs only a comma. (2) is irrelevant.