MIDTERM EXAM STUDY GUIDE

The following are offered as suggestions and guidelines for study for the midterm exam. The exam itself will consist of 25-30 short-answer (definition), identification, and multiple-choice questions. Questions will draw both on the readings (the political philosophy readings as well as the readings and exercises from the text) and on the content provided in lecture. The following categories suggest what you should know:

• Normative & Empirical theory
• Four basic divisions / subfields of Political Science
• Three definitions of Power

• Assumptions about Human Nature (3)
• Characterization of the State of Nature
• The origin and nature of power & competition
• The fundamental basis for human equality
• The Sovereign (origin and definition)
• Commonwealth (2 kinds) – origin and definition

• Natural Law
• Tyranny
• The basis of human equality & freedom (Reason)
• The State of Nature
• The Social Contract as a basis for Government

Machiavelli: Basic arguments for how to hold/use power; the nature of power

• Weber’s definition of the State
• Sovereignty
• Territoriality
• The Treaty of Westphalia
• The Nation-State
• Legitimacy
• Basis for 3-Worlds Distinction
• Characteristics of 7-Worlds Distinction
• Modernization/Dependency Theory Fundamentals
• Market based v. State-based economies
• Public/Collective Goods
• Tragedy of the Commons

Be sure to review all the readings through the first six weeks of the course: chapters 1-5 of the Text, the readings of Hobbes & Machiavelli, and the Declaration of Independence. Feel free to contact me with questions! (288-5251 ext. 8324; e-mail)