Civics Polity

Political Systems and Government

1,786 Questions

Political systems and government frameworks determine how power is distributed and exercised within a society. This topic covers concepts like democracies, republics, meritocracies, and the separation of powers. It is a vital part of the polity syllabus for various competitive examinations.

Types of governmentSeparation of powersPolitical legitimacyDelegation of authorityDecision making structures

Political Systems and Government Questions

Multiple choice

What is the concept of the separation of powers?

  1. The principle that the three branches of government should be independent and have separate powers.

  2. The principle that the three branches of government should work together and share power.

  3. The principle that the three branches of government should be subordinate to the Supreme Court.

  4. The principle that the three branches of government should be equal in power.
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A Correct answer
Explanation

The separation of powers is the principle that the three branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial) should be independent and have separate powers in order to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a formal meeting between heads of state or government?

  1. Summit

  2. Conference

  3. Assembly

  4. Congress
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A Correct answer
Explanation

A summit is a high-level meeting between heads of state or government, typically involving discussions on major policy issues and international cooperation.

Multiple choice

What is dynastic politics?

  1. A system of government in which power is passed down from one generation to the next within a family.

  2. A system of government in which power is shared among different families.

  3. A system of government in which power is based on merit.

  4. A system of government in which power is based on wealth.
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Dynastic politics is a system of government in which power is passed down from one generation to the next within a family. This can happen through inheritance, marriage, or other forms of succession.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the transfer of power and responsibilities from the central government to state or local governments?

  1. Devolution

  2. Centralization

  3. Federalism

  4. Unitarism
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Devolution is the process of transferring power and responsibilities from the central government to state or local governments.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process of reducing the size and scope of government?

  1. Deregulation

  2. Privatization

  3. Decentralization

  4. Downsizing
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D Correct answer
Explanation

Downsizing refers to the process of reducing the size and scope of government, often through measures such as reducing the number of government employees or privatizing government services.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process of making government more responsive to the needs of businesses?

  1. Business-friendly governance

  2. Economic development

  3. Deregulation

  4. Privatization
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Business-friendly governance refers to the process of making government more responsive to the needs of businesses, often through measures such as reducing regulations and taxes.

Multiple choice

What is the Arthashastra's view on the role of the king?

  1. The king is the supreme ruler and has absolute power.

  2. The king is a servant of the people and must rule according to their wishes.

  3. The king is a divine figure and must be obeyed without question.

  4. None of the above
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A Correct answer
Explanation

The Arthashastra advocates for a strong and centralized monarchy, with the king having absolute power.

Multiple choice

What is a coalition government?

  1. A government formed by two or more parties that have agreed to work together.

  2. A government formed by a single party that has won a majority of seats in parliament.

  3. A government formed by a single party that has won the most seats in parliament.

  4. A government formed by two or more parties that have agreed to share power.
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A Correct answer
Explanation

A coalition government is formed when two or more parties agree to work together to form a government. This can happen when no single party has won a majority of seats in parliament, or when two or more parties believe that they can work together more effectively than they could if they were in opposition to each other.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process of transferring power from one government to another?

  1. Revolution

  2. Coup d'état

  3. Civil War

  4. Regime Change
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D Correct answer
Explanation

Regime change is the process of transferring power from one government to another.

Multiple choice

What was the main system of government of the Kingdom of Kalinga?

  1. Monarchy

  2. Republic

  3. Oligarchy

  4. Democracy
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A Correct answer
Explanation

The Kingdom of Kalinga was a monarchy. The king was the head of state and government.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process by which Native American tribes can manage their own lands and resources?

  1. Tribal Self-Governance

  2. Tribal Sovereignty

  3. Tribal Autonomy

  4. Tribal Independence
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Explanation

Tribal self-governance is the process by which Native American tribes can manage their own lands and resources, including the authority to make laws, collect taxes, and administer justice.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process by which Native American tribes can establish their own governments?

  1. Tribal Self-Governance

  2. Tribal Sovereignty

  3. Tribal Autonomy

  4. Tribal Independence
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Tribal self-governance is the process by which Native American tribes can establish their own governments, including the authority to make laws, collect taxes, and administer justice.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the transfer of power and authority from central governments to regional or local governments?

  1. Decentralization

  2. Devolution

  3. Federalization

  4. Autonomy
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Decentralization refers to the transfer of power and authority from central governments to regional or local governments, often as a way to address the challenges of globalization and promote local autonomy.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual or group?

  1. Oligarchy

  2. Autocracy

  3. Plutocracy

  4. Technocracy
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B Correct answer
Explanation

Autocracy refers to a system of government in which a single individual holds absolute power, often without any constitutional or legal limitations.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe a political system in which the military holds significant power?

  1. Militarism

  2. Junta

  3. Stratocracy

  4. Theocracy
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

A junta is a military government or a group of military officers who seize power and rule a country.