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Unit 5: Political Science

Study guide for CLEP CLEP Social Sciences & History — Unit 5: Political Science. Practice questions, key concepts, and exam tips.

60

Practice Questions

13

Flashcards

4

Key Topics

Key Concepts to Study

Democratic theory and political ideologies
US government structure and Constitution
Comparative political systems
International relations and organizations

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 5 questions from this unit. Sign up for full access to all 60.

Q1MEDIUM

Who is associated with the concept of the 'general will'?

A.

John Locke

B.

Thomas Hobbes

C.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

D.

John Stuart Mill

E.

Karl Marx

Show Answer

Answer: C — Jean-Jacques Rousseau is correct because Rousseau developed the concept of the general will..

Q2EASY

What is the primary purpose of a system of checks and balances?

A.

To ensure that one branch of government has absolute power

B.

To provide for the common defense

C.

To protect individual rights

D.

To prevent any one branch of government from abusing its power

E.

To promote international trade

Show Answer

Answer: D — To prevent any one branch of government from abusing its power is correct because it prevents abuse of power..

Q3EASY

Who is known as father of Constitution?

A.

George Washington

B.

Thomas Jefferson

C.

James Madison

D.

Benjamin Franklin

E.

Alexander Hamilton

Show Answer

Answer: C — James Madison is correct because James Madison played key role in drafting US Constitution.

Q4EASY

Which of the following best describes a federal system?

A.

A system where power is held by a single entity

B.

A system where power is divided between a central government and smaller regional governments

C.

A system where power is held by the people

D.

A system where power is divided among branches of government

E.

A system where power is held by a monarch

Show Answer

Answer: B — A system where power is divided between a central government and smaller regional governments is correct because it describes power division between central and regional governments..

Q5EASY

The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is based on which idea?

A.

Divine right of kings

B.

Social contract theory

C.

Laissez-faire economics

D.

Utilitarianism

E.

Nationalism

Show Answer

Answer: B — Social contract theory is correct because Rousseau's work is based on social contract theory, not option "Divine right of kings" which supports monarchies.

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Study Tips for Unit 5: Political Science

  • Focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing facts — CLEP tests application
  • Practice with timed questions to build exam-day speed
  • Review explanations for wrong answers — they reveal common misconceptions
  • Use flashcards for key terms, practice questions for deeper understanding

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