Political Science MCQs : Political Science MCQs
1. Which of the following political ideologies advocates for the abolition of private property and a classless society?
a) Capitalism
b) Liberalism
c) Socialism
d) Conservatism
Answer: c) Socialism
2. The concept of “separation of powers” in a democratic system refers to the division of power among which three branches of government?
a) Executive, legislative, and judiciary
b) Congress, Senate, and House of Representatives
c) Prime Minister, Cabinet, and Parliament
d) Monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy
Answer: a) Executive, legislative, and judiciary
3. Who is considered the “Father of Modern Political Science” and authored the book “The Prince”?
a) Thomas Hobbes
b) Niccolo Machiavelli
c) John Locke
d) Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Answer: b) Niccolo Machiavelli
4. The idea that nation-states act in their self-interest and prioritize their own security and well-being is known as:
a) Internationalism
b) Isolationism
c) Nationalism
d) Globalism
Answer: c) Nationalism
5. The United Nations was established in which year?
a) 1945
b) 1919
c) 1956
d) 1991
Answer: a) 1945
6. In the United States, which amendment to the Constitution grants the right to freedom of speech?
a) First Amendment
b) Second Amendment
c) Fourth Amendment
d) Fifth Amendment
Answer: a) First Amendment
7. Which type of electoral system is characterized by single-member districts and a “winner-takes-all” approach?
a) Proportional representation
b) First-past-the-post
c) Mixed-member proportional
d) Preferential voting
Answer: b) First-past-the-post
8. Which political philosopher coined the term “social contract” and argued that individuals create governments to secure their natural rights?
a) John Stuart Mill
b) Immanuel Kant
c) Thomas Hobbes
d) Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Answer: d) Jean-Jacques Rousseau
9. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which aimed to eliminate trade barriers between Canada, the United States, and Mexico, was replaced by which trade agreement?
a) Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
b) European Union (EU)
c) United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
d) World Trade Organization (WTO)
Answer: c) United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
10. What is the primary function of the World Bank?
a) Providing military aid to developing countries
b) Promoting economic growth and reducing poverty in developing countries
c) Enforcing international trade agreements
d) Regulating global financial markets
Answer: b) Promoting economic growth and reducing poverty in developing countries
11. The process of drawing electoral district boundaries to favor one political party or group is called:
a) Bipartisanship
b) Gerrymandering
c) Filibustering
d) Cloture
Answer: b) Gerrymandering
12. In the context of international relations, what does “UNESCO” stand for?
a) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
b) United Nations Environmental and Social Cooperation
c) United Nations Emergency Support and Coordination Office
d) United Nations Security and Crisis Organization
Answer: a) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
13. Which political theory suggests that individuals should be free to pursue their self-interest without government interference and that the government’s role should be minimal?
a) Liberalism
b) Marxism
c) Fascism
d) Anarchism
Answer: a) Liberalism
14. The “Brexit” referendum in 2016 resulted in the decision for which country to leave the European Union?
a) Germany
b) United Kingdom
c) France
d) Italy
Answer: b) United Kingdom
15. The political system in which political power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruler is called:
a) Democracy
b) Oligarchy
c) Autocracy
d) Plutocracy
Answer: c) Autocracy
16. The notion that media can influence public opinion by choosing what stories to cover and how to present them is known as:
a) Media manipulation
b) Sensationalism
c) Agenda-setting
d) Yellow journalism
Answer: c) Agenda-setting
17. Who was the first female Prime Minister of India?
a) Golda Meir
b) Margaret Thatcher
c) Benazir Bhutto
d) Indira Gandhi
Answer: d) Indira Gandhi
18. In the United States, the President is limited to serving how many terms in office?
a) One term of four years
b) Two terms of four years each
c) Three terms of four years each
d) There is no term limit
Answer: b) Two terms of four years each
19. Which international organization was established after World War II to promote economic cooperation and prevent future conflicts through diplomacy and dialogue?
a) United Nations
b) North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
c) European Union (EU)
d) World Trade Organization (WTO)
Answer: c) European Union (EU)
20. The idea that wealth and income should be distributed more equitably among members of society is a central principle of which political ideology?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Fascism
d) Conservatism
Answer: b) Socialism
21. Which political philosopher argued that people are born with natural rights, including life, liberty, and property?
a) John Locke
b) Karl Marx
c) Friedrich Hayek
d) Karl Popper
Answer: a) John Locke
22. In the context of the United States, which branch of government has the authority to declare war?
a) Executive branch
b) Legislative branch
c) Judicial branch
d) Military branch
Answer: b) Legislative branch
23. Which political ideology emphasizes preserving traditional institutions and opposes rapid social or political change?
a) Liberalism
b) Conservatism
c) Socialism
d) Anarchism
Answer: b) Conservatism
24. The “Arab Spring,” a series of pro-democracy protests and uprisings that began in 2010, originated in which country?
a) Egypt
b)Syria
c) Tunisia
d) Libya
Answer: c) Tunisia
25. The “War on Terror” was initiated by the United States in response to which event?
a) The 9/11 terrorist attacks
b) The invasion of Afghanistan
c) The Cold War
d) The Cuban Missile Crisis
Answer: a) The 9/11 terrorist attacks
26. What is the primary purpose of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)?
a) Promoting international trade agreements
b) Providing humanitarian aid to developing countries
c) Stabilizing global financial systems and facilitating international monetary cooperation
d) Addressing climate change issues
Answer: c) Stabilizing global financial systems and facilitating international monetary cooperation
27. Which theory of international relations suggests that countries will cooperate based on mutual self-interest and a common desire for security?
a) Realism
b) Liberalism
c) Constructivism
d) Marxism
Answer: b) Liberalism
28. The “Great Firewall” refers to China’s extensive censorship and control of the internet. Which other country has a similar system in place?
a) Russia
b) India
c) North Korea
d) Iran
Answer: c) North Korea
29. Which political philosopher argued that government authority should be based on the consent of the governed and that revolution might be necessary to protect people’s rights?
a) Thomas Hobbes
b) John Stuart Mill
c) Jean-Jacques Rousseau
d) Karl Marx
Answer: c) Jean-Jacques Rousseau
30. The theory of “Containment” was a strategic response adopted by the United States during the Cold War to counter the influence of which country?
a) China
b) Soviet Union
c) Germany
d) United Kingdom
Answer: b) Soviet Union
31. Who is the current President of the United States? (as of September 2021)
a) Joe Biden
b) Donald Trump
c) Barack Obama
d) George W. Bush
Answer: a) Joe Biden
32. The “European Parliament” is one of the institutions of which political and economic organization?
a) European Union (EU)
b) United Nations (UN)
c) North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
d) World Trade Organization (WTO)
Answer: a) European Union (EU)
33. Which political theory argues that economic production and distribution should be owned and controlled by the workers themselves?
a) Capitalism
b) Socialism
c) Fascism
d) Libertarianism
Answer: b) Socialism
34. The process by which an individual acquires their political beliefs and values, often influenced by family, education, and media, is called:
a) Political socialization
b) Political indoctrination
c) Political affiliation
d) Political mobilization
Answer: a) Political socialization
35. The “Iran Nuclear Deal” is an agreement between Iran and several world powers aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear program. Which year was the deal reached?
a) 2015
b) 2010
c) 2005
d) 2020
Answer: a) 2015
36. The doctrine of “collective security” suggests that nations should work together to prevent aggression and maintain peace. Which organization was established with this principle in mind after World War I?
a) European Union (EU)
b) North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
c) League of Nations
d) United Nations (UN)
Answer: c) League of Nations
37. Which term refers to the practice of granting special favors or privileges in exchange for political support?
a) Lobbying
b) Patronage
c) Gerrymandering
d) Filibustering
Answer: b) Patronage
38. Which political philosopher argued for the concept of the “invisible hand” and the idea that self-interested actions can lead to the public good?
a) John Locke
b) Adam Smith
c) Karl Marx
d) Thomas Hobbes
Answer: b) Adam Smith
39. The Monroe Doctrine, a U.S. foreign policy, warned European nations against further colonization or interference in the affairs of which region?
a) Europe
b) Africa
c) Asia
d) Latin America
Answer: d) Latin America
40. The “United Nations Security Council” has how many permanent member countries?
a) 5
b) 10
c) 15
d) 20
Answer: a) 5
41. The practice of filling government positions with individuals based on political loyalty rather than merit is known as:
a) Patronage
b) Civil service
c) Nepotism
d) Bureaucracy
Answer: a) Patronage
42. Which international organization is responsible for overseeing global monetary and financial stability?
a) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
b) World Health Organization (WHO)
c) World Bank
d) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Answer: a) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
43. The “Three-Fifths Compromise” was a provision in the United States Constitution that dealt with the representation of enslaved individuals. What did it entail?
a) Each enslaved person counted as one full person for representation and taxation purposes.
b) Each enslaved person counted as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes.
c) Enslaved individuals were not counted for representation or taxation purposes.
d) The number of enslaved individuals in each state was capped at three-fifths of the total population.
Answer: b) Each enslaved person counted as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes.
44. The “Green New Deal” is a proposed set of policies aimed at addressing which issue?
a) Climate change and environmental sustainability
b) Economic inequality and wealth distribution
c) Healthcare reform
d) Immigration and border security
Answer: a) Climate change and environmental sustainability
45. Which organization plays a central role in resolving disputes between countries and administering international trade agreements?
a) United Nations (UN)
b) World Trade Organization (WTO)
c) North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
d) World Bank
Answer: b) World Trade Organization (WTO)
46. In the United States, which court has the power of judicial review, allowing it to interpret the Constitution and overturn laws deemed unconstitutional?
a) District Court
b) Supreme Court
c) Circuit Court of Appeals
d) Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
Answer: b) Supreme Court
47. The idea that a country should focus on producing goods and services in which it has a comparative advantage is a key concept in which economic theory?
a) Mercantilism
b) Protectionism
c) Comparative advantage
d) Keynesianism
Answer: c) Comparative advantage
48. The “Great Depression” was a severe worldwide economic downturn that began in which year?
a) 1929
b) 1933
c) 1918
d) 1945
Answer: a) 1929
49. The “Fourth Estate” refers to which social institution’s role in monitoring and influencing the government?
a) Military
b) Religion
c) Media
d) Education
Answer: c) Media
50. The “Hague Tribunal” or the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) was established to address war crimes committed during which conflict?
a) The Gulf War
b) The Rwandan Genocide
c) The Bosnian War
d) The Falklands War
Answer: c) The Bosnian War
51. The “Cultural Revolution” was a sociopolitical movement that took place in which country during the 1960s and 1970s?
a) China
b) India
c) Brazil
d) South Africa
Answer: a) China
52. Which political philosopher introduced the concept of the “Veil of Ignorance” as a thought experiment to ensure fairness in societal decision-making?
a) John Rawls
b) Friedrich Hayek
c) Milton Friedman
d) Ayn Rand
Answer: a) John Rawls
53. The “Emancipation Proclamation,” issued by President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War, primarily aimed to achieve what goal?
a) Abolish slavery in all states
b) Preserve the Union
c) End segregation in schools
d) Grant suffrage to women
Answer: a) Abolish slavery in all states
54. The concept of “checks and balances” refers to the system in which each branch of government has the power to limit the actions of the other branches. Which country’s political system is famous for implementing this idea?
a) United States
b) United Kingdom
c) France
d) Germany
Answer: a) United States
55. The concept of “soft power” refers to a country’s ability to influence others through cultural, educational, and ideological means, rather than military force. Which scholar popularized this term?
a) Samuel P. Huntington
b) Joseph Nye
c) Noam Chomsky
d) Francis Fukuyama
Answer: b) Joseph Nye
56. The “Cold War” was a geopolitical struggle and ideological conflict between which two superpowers?
a) United States and China
b) United States and the Soviet Union
c) China and the Soviet Union
d) United States and the European Union
Answer: b) United States and the Soviet Union
57. The “Supreme Leader” holds the highest political authority in which country’s government?
a) Iran
b) Saudi Arabia
c) North Korea
d) Russia
Answer: a) Iran
58. The “Marshall Plan” was a U.S. initiative that aimed to provide financial aid to which region after World War II?
a) Eastern Europe
b) Latin America
c) Africa
d) Western Europe
Answer: d) Western Europe
59. In the context of international relations, what does “BREXIT” stand for?
a) British Exit
b) European Union Expansion
c) Belgian Republic Exit
d) Bulgaria and Romania Exit Treaty
Answer: a) British Exit
60. The “Two-State Solution” refers to a proposed resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict involving the creation of separate states for which two groups?
a) Jews and Arabs
b) Israelis and Palestinians
c) Israelis and Jordanians
d) Jews and Iranians
Answer: b) Israelis and Palestinians
61. The “European Central Bank” is responsible for managing monetary policy and the euro currency in which political and economic union?
a) European Union (EU)
b) North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
c) Commonwealth of Nations
d) World Trade Organization (WTO)
Answer: a) European Union (EU)
62. The “War Powers Resolution” in the United States requires the President to notify Congress within how many days of committing U.S. armed forces to military action?
a) 30 days
b) 60 days
c) 90 days
d) 120 days
Answer: b) 60 days
63. The concept of “collective identity” refers to a sense of shared belonging and common purpose among members of a particular:
a) Political party
b) Ethnic group
c) Government agency
d) Corporation
Answer: b) Ethnic group
64. The idea that governments should pursue policies that actively promote economic growth and employment is a central tenet of which economic theory?
a) Keynesianism
b) Monetarism
c) Mercantilism
d) Supply-side economics
Answer: a) Keynesianism
65. Which political philosopher is known for his book “The Leviathan,” in which he discusses the necessity of a strong central authority to maintain order in society?
a) John Locke
b) Thomas Hobbes
c) Montesquieu
d) Immanuel Kant
Answer: b) Thomas Hobbes
66. The “Palestinian Liberation Organization” (PLO) was founded in 1964 to represent the interests of Palestinians and achieve which goal?
a) Establish a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital
b) Advocate for the rights of Palestinian refugees
c) Unify all Arab countries in the region
d) Promote democratic governance in the Middle East
Answer: a) Establish a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital
67. Which branch of the United States government has the power to ratify treaties negotiated by the President?
a) Executive branch
b) Legislative branch
c) Judicial branch
d) Military branch
Answer: b) Legislative branch
68. The “Eisenhower Doctrine” was a foreign policy initiative that pledged U.S. military and economic assistance to countries in which region to counter the spread of communism?
a) Latin America
b) Southeast Asia
c) Middle East
d) Eastern Europe
Answer: c) Middle East
69. The “Citizens United” Supreme Court case in the United States ruled that corporations and unions have the right to make independent political expenditures, equating money with:
a) Power
b) Influence
c) Speech
d) Equality
Answer: c) Speech
70. The “Voting Rights Act” of 1965 in the United States aimed to overcome legal barriers that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to:
a) Bear arms
b) Assemble peacefully
c) Freedom of speech
d) Vote
Answer: d) Vote
71. Which of the following is an example of a direct democracy?
a) United States
b) United Kingdom
c) Switzerland
d) Canada
Answer: c) Switzerland
72. The “Washington Consensus” refers to a set of economic policies advocated by international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Which region was the primary focus of these policies?
a) Africa
b) Europe
c) Latin America
d) Asia
Answer: c) Latin America
73. The “European Court of Justice” is the highest court in which political and economic union?
a) European Union (EU)
b) North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
c) Commonwealth of Nations
d) World Trade Organization (WTO)
Answer: a) European Union (EU)
74. The concept of “Manifest Destiny” in the United States was used to justify which policy or idea?
a) The right of states to secede from the Union
b) The westward expansion and territorial acquisition
c) The abolition of slavery
d) The implementation of the Monroe Doctrine
Answer: b) The westward expansion and territorial acquisition
75. The “Roe v. Wade” Supreme Court decision in 1973 established the constitutional right to:
a) Freedom of speech
b) Same-sex marriage
c) Privacy and access to abortion
d) Bear arms
Answer: c) Privacy and access to abortion
76. Which political philosopher is known for his work “The Social Contract,” in which he argued that legitimate political authority stems from an implicit agreement among individuals?
a) John Locke
b) Thomas Hobbes
c) Jean-Jacques Rousseau
d) Montesquieu
Answer: c) Jean-Jacques Rousseau
77. The term “Jihad” is often associated with Islamic extremism, but it has a broader meaning, primarily signifying:
a) Holy war against non-believers
b) Striving or struggle for a moral or spiritual goal
c) A form of religious taxation
d) Theocratic governance
Answer: b) Striving or struggle for a moral or spiritual goal
78. The “Good Friday Agreement” signed in 1998 aimed to bring peace to which region by ending decades of conflict between Protestants and Catholics?
a) Northern Ireland
b) Scotland
c) Wales
d) England
Answer: a) Northern Ireland
79. The concept of “asymmetrical federalism” refers to a system in which different regions or states within a country have varying degrees of:
a) Economic development
b) Political representation
c) Ethnic diversity
d) Autonomy or power
Answer: d) Autonomy or power
80. The “Helsinki Accords” signed in 1975 aimed to improve relations between the East and West during the Cold War and recognized the post-World War II borders of which countries?
a) Germany, Austria, and Czechoslovakia
b) Soviet Union, United States, and China
c) France, United Kingdom, and Italy
d) Finland, Poland, and Hungary
Answer: a) Germany, Austria, and Czechoslovakia
81. The “International Atomic Energy Agency” (IAEA) is an international organization responsible for monitoring and regulating the peaceful use of nuclear technology. Which body of the United Nations is it affiliated with?
a) United Nations Security Council
b) United Nations General Assembly
c) United Nations Economic and Social Council
d) United Nations Secretariat
Answer: b) United Nations General Assembly
82. The “Tiananmen Square protests” in 1989, which sought political reform and democracy, occurred in which country?
a) Japan
b) South Korea
c) China
d) India
Answer: c) China
83. The “Stalinist” political system was associated with which country during the mid-20th century?
a) Germany
b) Japan
c) Soviet Union
d) Italy
Answer: c) Soviet Union
84. The concept of “ethnic cleansing” refers to the deliberate removal or extermination of which group from a specific territory?
a) Indigenous populations
b) Religious minorities
c) Immigrants
d) Ethnic or cultural groups
Answer: d) Ethnic or cultural groups
85. The “Iran-Contra Affair” in the 1980s involved the covert sale of arms to Iran and the diversion of proceeds to support which group in Nicaragua?
a) The Sandinistas
b) The Contras
c) Al-Qaeda
d) The Taliban
Answer: b) The Contras
86. The term “neocolonialism” refers to a policy or practice where powerful countries exert control over less-developed countries through:
a) Direct military occupation
b) Cultural assimilation
c) Economic and political influence
d) Religious conversion
Answer: c) Economic and political influence
87. Which organization is responsible for coordinating the response to global health issues and pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic?
a) World Health Organization (WHO)
b) United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
c) Red Cross
d) Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières)
Answer: a) World Health Organization (WHO)
88. The “Doha Development Round” is a set of trade negotiations organized by which international organization?
a) World Trade Organization (WTO)
b) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
c) World Bank
d) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Answer: a) World Trade Organization (WTO)
89. The “Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty” aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology. Which countries are recognized as nuclear-armed states under the treaty?
a) United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom, France
b) North Korea, Pakistan, India, Israel
c) All of the above
d) None of the above
Answer: a) United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom, France
90. Which political philosopher is known for his work “The Communist Manifesto,” co-authored with Friedrich Engels, which laid the foundation for modern communism?
a) Karl Marx
b) Vladimir Lenin
c) Mao Zedong
d) Leon Trotsky
Answer: a) Karl Marx
91. The “Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change” (IPCC) is an international body that assesses scientific research related to climate change. It was established by which two United Nations organizations?
a) World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
b) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
c) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
d) World Food Programme (WFP) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Answer: c) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
92. The “Plaza Accord” of 1985 was an agreement among major economies to manage exchange rates and address global economic imbalances. Which countries were the main participants in this accord?
a) United States, Japan, West Germany, United Kingdom, France
b) China, Russia, India, Brazil, South Africa
c) European Union (EU) member countries
d) Canada, Australia, New Zealand
Answer: a) United States, Japan, West Germany, United Kingdom, France
93. The term “Brexit” is an abbreviation for “British Exit” from the European Union. In which year did the United Kingdom officially leave the EU?
a) 2016
b) 2017
c) 2018
d) 2019
Answer: d) 2019
94. The “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. Who was the driving force behind its development?
a) Franklin D. Roosevelt
b) Winston Churchill
c) Eleanor Roosevelt
d) Harry S. Truman
Answer: c) Eleanor Roosevelt
95. The concept of “social contract” is associated with the idea that individuals voluntarily give up certain rights to a central authority in exchange for:
a) A strong military
b) Protection of natural rights
c) Economic prosperity
d) Absolute power of the ruler
Answer: b) Protection of natural rights
96. The “Apartheid” was a policy of racial segregation and discrimination enforced by the government of which country for several decades?
a) South Africa
b) United States
c) Brazil
d) India
Answer: a) South Africa
97. The “Olympic Games” were revived in 1896 in which city, marking the beginning of the modern Olympics?
a) Athens, Greece
b) Rome, Italy
c) Paris, France
d) Berlin, Germany
Answer: a) Athens, Greece
98. The “Trans-Pacific Partnership” (TPP) was a trade agreement that aimed to foster economic integration among countries bordering which ocean?
a) Atlantic Ocean
b) Pacific Ocean
c) Indian Ocean
d) Arctic Ocean
Answer: b) Pacific Ocean
99. The “European Stability Mechanism” (ESM) is an intergovernmental organization established to provide financial assistance to member countries facing economic crises. Which currency zone is it associated with?
a) Eurozone
b) Dollar zone
c) Yen zone
d) Pound zone
Answer: a) Eurozone
100. The “Glasnost” and “Perestroika” policies were introduced in the Soviet Union under the leadership of which Soviet leader?
a) Joseph Stalin
b) Nikita Khrushchev
c) Mikhail Gorbachev
d) Vladimir Lenin
Answer: c) Mikhail Gorbachev