Answer

1. D
2. TRUE

In a study of charisma and religion, Riesebrodt (1999) argues that Weber also thought charisma played a strong – if not integral – role in traditional authority systems. Thus, Weber’s favor for charismatic authority was particularly strong, especially in focusing on what happened to it with the death or decline of a charismatic leader.

3. TRUE

Laswell (1936) postulated that plutocracy consisted of the upper class of trusts and corporations, who solely rely on their monopolistic position within the economy.  He argues that in globalization, the middle class would rise above the plutocrats to create a government that advocates for job security and moderation of income.

4. SHORT ESSAY #1: Discuss the difference between sovereignty and government as outlined by Waluchow (2001). Be sure to include in your discussion whether you agree with Waluchow’s assessment and why or why not.

Walchow (2001) acknowledges the difference that exists between the notions of sovereignty and government, noting that the two can hardly be intertwined together. To better understand the exposition of Walchow regarding this difference, it is imperative that we understand what the two concepts mean. Sovereignty can be defined as the possession of unlimited/supreme power and authority over a particular domain. On the other hand, government is seen as the institutions/persons through who them sovereignty is practiced. From the above definition, it is clear that sovereignty may not necessarily have to be intertwined with government, but may be found in any stance where power can be exercised.

 It is therefore, explicit that sovereignty is unlimited, while government is limited in its application. However, the author further reiterates that the two are better placed side by side, as government provides the necessary tools to fully exercise ultimate, unlimited sovereignty.

5. B
6. B
7. TRUE

When President Bush signed into law the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, popularly known as “McCain-Feingold”, it was thought that it would solve the issue of “soft money”, which refers to an unlimited contribution to national political parties and candidates from individuals, corporations and committees. However, it is clear that the reform failed to enact a judicious enforcement system, which in turn has resulted in little or no regulation to the “soft money” contributions, as Nalder (2010) postulates.

8. FALSE

Opinion polls are referred to by most political scientists as the “currency of politics”. They are used by the media and analysts to gauge the assumed support, popularity, or influence a political party or personality has on the public. They are also a key determinant of the performance of a political figure/party. Since time immemorial, they have been a key faction of political processes, gaining increasing importance as technology continues to advance. Indeed, in most elections, undistorted political polls are almost exact predictors of poll outcomes. 

9. SHORT ESSAY #2: Outline and discuss the advantages of proportional representation as it relates to election districting issues as well as advantages for politician specifically according to Lijphart (1995).

Lijphart (1995) argues that proportional representation not only enhances proportionality and minority representation, but also treats all groups with different ethnic, religious, racial, and noncommunal entities with complete equality and evenhandedness. The author further gives the specific advantages of PR in relation to election distrusting.

First, PR is lauded for strengthening descriptive representation. Apart from securing better representation for minority groups, PR, as opposed to most majoritarian electoral systems, enhance better female representation in parliament. With a larger electoral district magnitude, there are likely to be more candidates vying for the same seat, and parties are likely to expand their list of candidates more robustly to include women and other minority groups.

Lijphrat (1995) also argues that in a PR system, even the voters are fully aware and motivated that each of their votes will never be wasted. With this notion in mind, there is likely to be a greater voter turnout, which in effect strengthens a country’s democracy, since uneven turnout translates to uneven representation.

Third, PR reduces the representation of particularistic interests. It is increasingly becoming a prominent notion that politicians and political parties, especially those furthered by the majoritarian   systems, have their “personal lists” of agenda to be achieved once an election is won. However, PR enhances representation of a society-wide interests.