Political Science

Power, Authority, & Legitimacy MCQs with Answers

What is the definition of power in political theory?
A) The ability to make laws
B) The ability to influence or control the behavior of others
C) The right to govern
D) The right to own property

Answer
B) The ability to influence or control the behavior of others

Which of the following best describes authority in a political context?
A) The right to enforce laws without consent
B) The ability to convince others to follow your rules
C) The legitimate power granted to a person or institution
D) The force used to maintain control

Answer
C) The legitimate power granted to a person or institution

What is political legitimacy?
A) The effectiveness of a government in maintaining order
B) The right of a government to rule, recognized by the people
C) The use of force to achieve political goals
D) The capacity of the state to enforce laws

Answer
B) The right of a government to rule, recognized by the people

Which of the following is an example of coercive power?
A) A president elected by popular vote
B) A police officer enforcing the law using force
C) A monarch ruling by divine right
D) A teacher disciplining students for misbehavior

Answer
B) A police officer enforcing the law using force

How does authority differ from power?
A) Authority is the power to act, while power is the right to act
B) Authority requires legitimacy, while power may not
C) Authority is gained through force, while power is inherited
D) Authority involves brute force, while power involves consent

Answer
B) Authority requires legitimacy, while power may not

What type of power is typically exercised by a dictator?
A) Charismatic authority
B) Legal-rational authority
C) Traditional authority
D) Coercive power

Answer
D) Coercive power

Which of the following describes the concept of “legitimate authority”?
A) Authority that is freely accepted by the governed
B) Authority obtained through force
C) Authority granted only through military conquest
D) Authority based solely on wealth

Answer
A) Authority that is freely accepted by the governed

What is an example of traditional authority?
A) A CEO of a corporation
B) A king ruling based on inherited position
C) A government elected through popular vote
D) A dictator claiming absolute control

Answer
B) A king ruling based on inherited position

Which of the following is a characteristic of legal-rational authority?
A) It is based on custom and tradition
B) It is derived from a leader’s charisma
C) It is based on established laws and rules
D) It is exercised without regard to laws or rules

Answer
C) It is based on established laws and rules

What is one of the main challenges to political legitimacy in authoritarian regimes?
A) The legitimacy of rule is based on consent
B) There is no need for coercive power
C) The legitimacy is often questioned by the public or opposition groups
D) Political participation is always encouraged

Answer
C) The legitimacy is often questioned by the public or opposition groups

What type of power is associated with a leader who is loved and admired by followers?
A) Traditional authority
B) Charismatic authority
C) Legal-rational authority
D) Coercive power

Answer
B) Charismatic authority

Which of the following is an example of legal-rational authority?
A) A monarch who claims to rule by divine right
B) A government official who follows established laws
C) A revolutionary leader using force to seize power
D) A political leader who inherits their position

Answer
B) A government official who follows established laws

What is the relationship between power and legitimacy?
A) Power is always legitimate, but legitimacy does not always equal power
B) Legitimacy can enhance the exercise of power
C) Power and legitimacy are unrelated
D) Legitimacy weakens the power of rulers

Answer
B) Legitimacy can enhance the exercise of power

How is authority typically established in a democracy?
A) Through military force
B) By the consent of the governed, typically through elections
C) Through divine right
D) By inheritance

Answer
B) By the consent of the governed, typically through elections

What does the “authority to rule” mean in political systems?
A) The right to control economic resources
B) The ability to enforce laws without any resistance
C) The accepted right to govern, granted by legal, traditional, or charismatic means
D) The power to make decisions without consulting the people

Answer
C) The accepted right to govern, granted by legal, traditional, or charismatic means

Which type of authority is often associated with elected officials in modern democracies?
A) Legal-rational authority
B) Charismatic authority
C) Traditional authority
D) Coercive power

Answer
A) Legal-rational authority

What does “power over” refer to in political theory?
A) The power to create laws
B) The power to influence or control others
C) The ability to execute military force
D) The ability to receive public support

Answer
B) The power to influence or control others

What is a major difference between coercive power and legitimate authority?
A) Coercive power involves voluntary compliance, while legitimate authority uses force
B) Coercive power is often short-lived, while legitimate authority tends to be more enduring
C) Coercive power is more respected, while legitimate authority is less stable
D) Coercive power is often accepted by the public, while legitimate authority faces opposition

Answer
B) Coercive power is often short-lived, while legitimate authority tends to be more enduring

What role does legitimacy play in sustaining political authority?
A) It guarantees that power will never be challenged
B) It helps to maintain stability and public order
C) It weakens the government’s ability to enforce laws
D) It is irrelevant to the functioning of government

Answer
B) It helps to maintain stability and public order

What type of authority is most commonly associated with modern bureaucratic systems?
A) Charismatic authority
B) Legal-rational authority
C) Traditional authority
D) Divine authority

Answer
B) Legal-rational authority

Which of the following is an example of coercive power being exercised?
A) A government official following legal procedures to pass a law
B) A monarch ruling with popular support
C) A military leader imposing martial law
D) A political leader negotiating with opposition groups

Answer
C) A military leader imposing martial law

How can legitimacy impact the effectiveness of a political system?
A) It can decrease public participation
B) It can lead to widespread dissent
C) It can ensure stability and reduce the need for force
D) It can make political institutions weaker

Answer
C) It can ensure stability and reduce the need for force

Which of the following characteristics is most associated with a dictatorship?
A) Charismatic authority based on popular support
B) Legal-rational authority granted by elections
C) Coercive power without the consent of the governed
D) Traditional authority based on family heritage

Answer
C) Coercive power without the consent of the governed

What is a common way for leaders to establish legitimacy in a new government?
A) By maintaining coercive power
B) Through elections or constitutional frameworks
C) By making forceful speeches
D) By using propaganda to suppress opposition

Answer
B) Through elections or constitutional frameworks

Which of the following best defines the term “legitimate power”?
A) Power obtained through coercion
B) Power that is accepted as rightful by the population
C) Power that is given to a monarch
D) Power exercised without any external challenges

Answer
B) Power that is accepted as rightful by the population

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