Political Development & Modernization MCQs with Answers
What is political development primarily concerned with?
a) Economic growth
b) The establishment of democracy and rule of law
c) Cultural preservation
d) Military expansion
Which of the following is a key feature of political modernization?
a) A focus on maintaining traditional political structures
b) The establishment of stable democratic institutions
c) Reliance on authoritarian regimes for stability
d) The absence of civil rights
Which theory emphasizes the role of social and economic changes in political development?
a) Dependency theory
b) Modernization theory
c) World-systems theory
d) Marxist theory
Which of the following is a critical challenge to political development in developing countries?
a) High levels of industrialization
b) Low levels of inequality
c) Weak political institutions and corruption
d) Strong political parties
In modernization theory, which of the following is considered a key aspect of political development?
a) Political centralization
b) The shift from traditional to more complex political systems
c) A reduction in civil liberties
d) The decline of urbanization
Which of the following is a hallmark of political modernization in a society?
a) Centralized power held by one individual
b) Limited public participation in governance
c) The development of democratic institutions
d) The reduction of government accountability
Which country is an example of successful political modernization in the 20th century?
a) North Korea
b) United Kingdom
c) South Korea
d) Cuba
Which of the following is NOT considered a factor contributing to political development?
a) Economic growth
b) Social mobilization
c) Political instability
d) Development of political culture
Which of the following is a feature of a modernizing political system?
a) Highly centralized government control
b) Limited social mobility
c) A system of regular, free elections
d) Political repression of civil society
In the context of political development, what is the term “nation-building” most closely associated with?
a) Establishing an independent military force
b) Creating and maintaining a unified national identity
c) Increasing national debt
d) Limiting access to education
According to modernization theory, which of the following is a crucial step for a country to undergo political development?
a) Limiting foreign investment
b) Reducing urbanization
c) Industrialization and economic development
d) Promoting political instability
Which of the following political systems is typically associated with modernization?
a) Dictatorships
b) Authoritarianism
c) Democracy
d) Monarchies
Which is the most common feature of developing countries in terms of political development?
a) A strong democratic political culture
b) Rapid economic development
c) Political instability and authoritarian regimes
d) A well-established rule of law
What role do social movements play in political development?
a) They disrupt the political system and hinder development
b) They maintain political control and stability
c) They promote reforms and push for political change
d) They focus only on economic development
Which of the following best describes “democratic consolidation”?
a) The process by which a dictatorship becomes more authoritarian
b) The strengthening and entrenchment of democratic institutions and norms
c) The process of economic liberalization
d) The removal of political elites
Which of the following is often seen as a barrier to political modernization?
a) The development of a modern industrial economy
b) A powerful military presence in politics
c) The decentralization of political power
d) The establishment of a free press
According to dependency theory, which of the following is a major obstacle to political development in developing countries?
a) Industrialization
b) Foreign exploitation and dominance
c) A growing middle class
d) Education reform
What is the focus of political modernization in developed countries?
a) The consolidation of military power
b) Establishing economic autarky
c) Improving democratic processes and increasing political stability
d) Promoting one-party rule
Which of the following is a characteristic of political modernization in post-colonial states?
a) A strict reliance on traditional power structures
b) A shift towards multiparty democracy and economic liberalization
c) An absence of international relations
d) A preference for isolationism
Which of the following is a result of political development in a modernizing society?
a) The reduction of social equality
b) A focus on traditionalism and local leadership
c) The expansion of political participation and rights
d) The disempowerment of civil society organizations
What is the relationship between economic development and political development according to modernization theory?
a) Economic development does not affect political development.
b) Economic development leads to political underdevelopment.
c) Economic development is essential for political modernization.
d) Political development leads to economic collapse.
Which of the following is an example of a challenge in the process of political development?
a) The establishment of fair elections
b) The presence of widespread corruption
c) Political party systems that enhance competition
d) The expansion of civil rights
In terms of political modernization, which of the following is often a priority in developed countries?
a) Reducing political participation
b) Strengthening democratic norms and institutions
c) Centralizing political power
d) Limiting free speech
Which of the following factors is most important in achieving political development?
a) Maintaining traditional governance systems
b) Supporting authoritarian rule
c) Promoting inclusive governance and civil participation
d) Restricting access to education
Which of the following is a common feature of political systems that have undergone successful modernization?
a) Lack of political competition
b) High levels of corruption
c) Regular, transparent elections
d) Lack of legal frameworks for human rights
Which political theory argues that political development depends on the diffusion of Western values and institutions?
a) Dependency theory
b) Modernization theory
c) World-systems theory
d) Structuralism
What is the key component of democratic political modernization?
a) Authoritarian leadership
b) Suppression of political parties
c) Expansion of political participation and civil liberties
d) Restricted access to information