This comprehensive collection of MCQs on Political Science for the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination is designed to equip candidates with a solid understanding of political theories, systems, and processes. Covering a wide array of topics, including political ideologies, governance, public policy, and international relations, these questions aim to enhance candidates’ analytical skills and critical thinking essential for success in the CSS exams.
Who Should Practice Political Science MCQs?
- CSS aspirants: Ideal for candidates preparing for the CSS examination who wish to strengthen their performance in the Political Science section.
- Students of political science and related fields: Beneficial for individuals pursuing academic paths in political science, international relations, and public administration, providing a solid foundation in key concepts.
- Job seekers in public service: Perfect for those aiming for government positions where a comprehensive understanding of political structures and processes is crucial.
- Individuals interested in public affairs: Suitable for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of political dynamics and their implications on society and governance.
1. Who is considered the father of political science?
A) Aristotle
B) Plato
C) Machiavelli
D) Hobbes
View AnswerA
2. Which philosopher is known for his concept of the “social contract”?
A) Locke
B) Rousseau
C) Hobbes
D) Marx
View AnswerB
3. Machiavelli’s most famous work is titled:
A) The Republic
B) The Prince
C) Leviathan
D) The Social Contract
View AnswerB
4. What is the primary focus of Montesquieu’s “The Spirit of the Laws”?
A) Separation of powers
B) Totalitarianism
C) Democracy
D) Human rights
View AnswerA
5. According to Hobbes, the natural state of man is:
A) Peaceful and cooperative
B) A state of war
C) Governed by laws
D) Dependent on religion
View AnswerB
6. Which political thinker argued for the protection of individual rights against government power?
A) Rousseau
B) Locke
C) Hegel
D) Marx
View AnswerB
7. Karl Marx is best known for his critique of:
A) Capitalism
B) Democracy
C) Socialism
D) Feudalism
View AnswerA
8. Which philosopher emphasized the importance of civil society in political development?
A) Hegel
B) Bentham
C) Mill
D) Foucault
View AnswerA
9. Who wrote “The Communist Manifesto”?
A) Lenin
B) Marx and Engels
C) Gramsci
D) Mao
View AnswerB
10. John Rawls is known for his theory of:
A) Justice as fairness
B) Utilitarianism
C) Social contract theory
D) Marxist theory
View AnswerA
11. The concept of “biopolitics” was introduced by which thinker?
A) Foucault
B) Derrida
C) Sartre
D) Bourdieu
View AnswerA
12. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a democracy?
A) Free and fair elections
B) Rule of law
C) Absolute power of the leader
D) Protection of civil liberties
View AnswerC
13. The term “Ummah” in Islamic political thought refers to:
A) The state
B) The global community of Muslims
C) A political party
D) A religious sect
View AnswerB
14. Al-Farabi is known for his contributions to:
A) Islamic economics
B) Political philosophy
C) Military strategy
D) Environmental ethics
View AnswerB
15. Ibn Khaldun’s work primarily focuses on:
A) The nature of state power
B) The philosophy of history
C) Economic theory
D) The role of religion in politics
View AnswerB
16. The Islamic concept of sovereignty is primarily based on:
A) Divine authority
B) Popular will
C) Monarchical rule
D) Economic power
View AnswerA
17. Who among the following is known for his critique of traditional Islamic governance?
A) Al-Mawardi
B) Imam Ghazali
C) Shah Waliullah
D) Ibn Rushd
View AnswerC
18. The nature of the modern nation-state system emerged primarily from:
A) Colonialism
B) Industrialization
C) Religious wars
D) Economic globalization
View AnswerB
19. Which of the following concepts emphasizes equality before the law?
A) Justice
B) Liberty
C) Sovereignty
D) Freedom
View AnswerA
20. Political socialization refers to:
A) The process of learning political beliefs and values
B) The organization of political parties
C) The structure of government
D) The formation of interest groups
View AnswerA
21. The term “political culture” describes:
A) The behaviors and attitudes toward politics in a society
B) The legal framework of a state
C) The economic systems in place
D) The history of political movements
View AnswerA
22. Political recruitment involves:
A) The process of selecting leaders and representatives
B) The establishment of political parties
C) The organization of public protests
D) The analysis of political systems
View AnswerA
23. Which of the following is NOT considered a form of political participation?
A) Voting
B) Protesting
C) Political apathy
D) Campaigning
View AnswerC
24. A totalitarian government is characterized by:
A) Limited government control
B) Centralized control over all aspects of life
C) Democratic elections
D) Free press
View AnswerB
25. The concept of “civil society” refers to:
A) The government institutions
B) Non-governmental organizations and groups that contribute to social life
C) The economic framework of a nation
D) The military organizations
View AnswerB
26. Which of the following forms of government combines elements of both presidential and parliamentary systems?
A) Unitary
B) Federal
C) Hybrid
D) Dictatorial
View AnswerC
27. Which political ideology advocates for the abolition of private property?
A) Liberalism
B) Conservatism
C) Communism
D) Socialism
View AnswerC
28. The principle of “popular sovereignty” asserts that:
A) Power belongs to the monarchy
B) The people are the ultimate source of authority
C) Military leaders hold power
D) Political power is inherited
View AnswerB
29. The political theory that emphasizes the greatest happiness for the greatest number is known as:
A) Deontology
B) Utilitarianism
C) Rationalism
D) Libertarianism
View AnswerB
30. The term “anarchism” refers to:
A) A form of government
B) A belief in the absence of government
C) A political party
D) A type of democracy
View AnswerB
31. The key feature of federalism is:
A) Centralized power
B) Division of powers between national and regional governments
C) Total government control
D) Monarchical rule
View AnswerB
32. Who among the following is known for the concept of “the state of nature”?
A) Mill
B) Locke
C) Rousseau
D) Hobbes
View AnswerD
33. The phrase “the end of history” is associated with which political philosopher?
A) Karl Popper
B) Francis Fukuyama
C) John Rawls
D) Michel Foucault
View AnswerB
34. Political ideologies such as socialism and communism primarily critique:
A) Capitalism
B) Feudalism
C) Liberalism
D) Monarchy
View AnswerA
35. The concept of “justice” in political thought typically includes:
A) Fairness and equality
B) Economic growth
C) Military strength
D) Religious adherence
View AnswerA
36. Which of the following best describes the role of political elites?
A) They have no influence in politics
B) They are influential decision-makers and leaders
C) They are always opposed to the government
D) They represent the general public
View AnswerB
37. The study of “political violence” primarily examines:
A) Legal frameworks
B) The role of government
C) Acts of violence for political purposes
D) Economic factors
View AnswerC
38. Which of the following political systems is characterized by the absence of political pluralism?
A) Democracy
B) Totalitarianism
C) Federalism
D) Parliamentary
View AnswerB
39. Local self-government refers to:
A) Centralized control by the national government
B) Local authorities governing themselves
C) Complete anarchy
D) Political power held by external organizations
View AnswerB
40. Which of the following is an example of a pressure group?
A) A political party
B) A labor union
C) The judiciary
D) The executive branch
View AnswerB
41. The concept of “checks and balances” is primarily associated with:
A) Totalitarian regimes
B) Federal systems of governance
C) The separation of powers
D) Monarchical rule
View AnswerC
42. Which philosopher is known for advocating the idea of “the greatest happiness principle”?
A) Immanuel Kant
B) John Stuart Mill
C) Jeremy Bentham
D) Friedrich Nietzsche
View AnswerC
43. Which political ideology seeks to maintain traditional institutions and practices?
A) Liberalism
B) Conservatism
C) Socialism
D) Anarchism
View AnswerB
44. The “political spectrum” is commonly used to categorize:
A) Different forms of government
B) Voter preferences
C) Ideological positions
D) International relations
View AnswerC
45. Which of the following is a fundamental feature of a parliamentary system?
A) Direct election of the head of state
B) Fusion of executive and legislative branches
C) Separation of powers
D) Fixed terms for government
View AnswerB
46. The principle of “limited government” is most closely associated with:
A) Absolutism
B) Liberalism
C) Totalitarianism
D) Socialism
View AnswerB
47. Which of the following political movements focused on the rights of women?
A) Labor movement
B) Civil rights movement
C) Feminist movement
D) Environmental movement
View AnswerC
48. The “New Deal” was a series of programs implemented in which country?
A) United Kingdom
B) Canada
C) United States
D) Germany
View AnswerC
49. Which of the following is a key characteristic of authoritarian regimes?
A) Political pluralism
B) Civil liberties
C) Concentration of power
D) Free press
View AnswerC
50. The concept of “gerrymandering” refers to:
A) The drawing of electoral district boundaries to favor one party
B) The process of political socialization
C) The establishment of a multi-party system
D) The separation of church and state
View AnswerA
51. The term “globalization” primarily refers to:
A) The isolation of nation-states
B) The increasing interconnectedness of countries
C) The dominance of local cultures
D) The strengthening of authoritarian regimes
View AnswerB
52. Political theory that emphasizes the importance of individual rights is known as:
A) Collectivism
B) Liberalism
C) Totalitarianism
D) Conservatism
View AnswerB
53. Which of the following describes the role of civil society?
A) To provide military support
B) To promote social and political engagement outside of government
C) To enforce laws
D) To represent only business interests
View AnswerB
54. The role of the judiciary in a democracy includes:
A) Creating laws
B) Interpreting laws and ensuring justice
C) Enforcing laws
D) Electing representatives
View AnswerB
55. The term “political ideology” refers to:
A) A set of beliefs about politics and government
B) A historical analysis of political systems
C) The process of policy-making
D) A statistical analysis of voter behavior
View AnswerA
56. The concept of “human rights” is primarily concerned with:
A) Economic policies
B) Social justice
C) The inherent dignity of individuals
D) National security
View AnswerC
57. The term “realpolitik” refers to:
A) Ideological politics
B) Politics based on practical and pragmatic considerations
C) Moral principles in politics
D) Theoretical political frameworks
View AnswerB
58. Which of the following is NOT a function of political parties?
A) Candidate recruitment
B) Policy formulation
C) Judicial oversight
D) Voter mobilization
View AnswerC
59. The “Arab Spring” was characterized by:
A) Economic stability
B) Widespread protests against authoritarian regimes
C) The establishment of monarchies
D) Increased military cooperation
View AnswerB
60. The term “collective security” refers to:
A) National defense
B) An agreement among nations to ensure mutual security
C) Economic cooperation
D) The establishment of alliances
View AnswerB
61. Which of the following is a characteristic of a unitary government?
A) Power is concentrated in a central government
B) Regional governments have significant autonomy
C) It consists of multiple levels of government
D) It is always a democracy
View AnswerA
62. The “social contract” theory is most associated with which philosophers?
A) Kant and Hegel
B) Rousseau and Hobbes
C) Marx and Engels
D) Mill and Bentham
View AnswerB
63. Which political ideology seeks to achieve economic equality?
A) Liberalism
B) Conservatism
C) Socialism
D) Nationalism
View AnswerC
64. The term “political legitimacy” refers to:
A) The legality of laws
B) The acceptance of authority by the governed
C) The enforcement of laws
D) The election process
View AnswerB
65. Which of the following is a feature of a direct democracy?
A) Representatives make decisions on behalf of the people
B) Citizens directly participate in decision-making
C) Political power is held by an elite
D) Elections are held infrequently
View AnswerB
66. The “separation of powers” is designed to:
A) Concentrate power in one branch
B) Ensure checks and balances among branches of government
C) Eliminate political parties
D) Strengthen executive power
View AnswerB
67. Who is known for the theory of “historical materialism”?
A) Lenin
B) Marx
C) Gramsci
D) Engels
View AnswerB
68. The “rights of the accused” typically include:
A) The right to bear arms
B) The right to a fair trial
C) The right to vote
D) The right to assemble
View AnswerB
69. Political revolutions are often sparked by:
A) Stability in governance
B) Economic hardships and social inequalities
C) A strong military
D) Lack of popular support
View AnswerB
70. The term “post-colonialism” refers to:
A) A political theory that critiques colonialism
B) The period after colonial rule ends
C) The continuation of colonial practices
D) A focus on economic growth
View AnswerB
71. The primary focus of public administration is:
A) Military strategy
B) The implementation of government policies
C) Political theory
D) International relations
View AnswerB
72. The term “civil disobedience” refers to:
A) Violent protests
B) Nonviolent resistance to unjust laws
C) Political corruption
D) Electoral fraud
View AnswerB
73. Which of the following best describes “political ideology”?
A) A neutral analysis of political systems
B) A framework for understanding political beliefs and values
C) A method for conducting elections
D) A historical record of political events
View AnswerB
74. The “political economy” examines the relationship between:
A) Economics and political systems
B) Government and military
C) Law and society
D) Culture and politics
View AnswerA
75. Which political thinker is associated with the idea of “the veil of ignorance”?
A) John Rawls
B) John Stuart Mill
C) Karl Marx
D) Immanuel Kant
View AnswerA
76. The term “authoritarianism” refers to:
A) A government with high levels of political pluralism
B) A system where power is concentrated in a single authority
C) A form of direct democracy
D) A system with a strong civil society
View AnswerB
77. The term “nationalism” primarily emphasizes:
A) The importance of global citizenship
B) Loyalty and devotion to one’s nation
C) The abolition of nation-states
D) International cooperation
View AnswerB
78. Which of the following is NOT typically a characteristic of a dictatorship?
A) Limited political freedom
B) Regular free elections
C) Concentration of power
D) Lack of political pluralism
View AnswerB
79. The primary purpose of the United Nations is to:
A) Maintain global peace and security
B) Promote trade agreements
C) Establish military alliances
D) Regulate international markets
View AnswerA
80. The term “political parties” refers to:
A) Groups that aim to control government and influence policy
B) Social gatherings for political discussion
C) International diplomatic events
D) Electoral commissions
View AnswerA
81. The term “bureaucracy” refers to:
A) The political elite
B) A system of government characterized by hierarchical organization
C) A form of grassroots democracy
D) A political party
View AnswerB
82. The “legitimacy crisis” in a political system occurs when:
A) The government has popular support
B) Citizens no longer believe in the authority of the government
C) Elections are held regularly
D) Political parties are well established
View AnswerB
83. The concept of “national interest” typically includes:
A) Only economic factors
B) Military and security concerns, as well as economic well-being
C) Cultural aspects exclusively
D) Environmental issues only
View AnswerB
84. Which of the following is a feature of a constitutional monarchy?
A) Absolute power of the monarch
B) A constitution that limits the powers of the monarchy
C) Complete lack of political structure
D) No separation of powers
View AnswerB
85. Which theory focuses on the role of institutions in shaping political behavior?
A) Realism
B) Institutionalism
C) Liberalism
D) Constructivism
View AnswerB
86. The term “military-industrial complex” refers to:
A) The relationship between military and civilian governance
B) The collaboration between the military and defense contractors
C) A form of political lobbying
D) The economic impact of military spending
View AnswerB
87. The concept of “freedom of speech” is most closely associated with:
A) Authoritarian regimes
B) Democratic societies
C) Totalitarian states
D) Monarchical rule
View AnswerB
88. Which political ideology seeks to integrate religion and governance?
A) Liberalism
B) Secularism
C) Islamic political ideology
D) Socialism
View AnswerC
89. Political “realism” emphasizes:
A) The moral aspects of political decisions
B) The importance of ethical considerations
C) The role of power and national interest in international relations
D) Global cooperation and peace
View AnswerC
90. The process of changing a constitution is known as:
A) Ratification
B) Amendment
C) Legislation
D) Nullification
View AnswerB
91. The term “political dissent” refers to:
A) Agreement with government policies
B) Opposition to established authority or policies
C) Political apathy
D) The establishment of new political parties
View AnswerB
92. The primary role of the executive branch in government is to:
A) Create laws
B) Enforce laws
C) Interpret laws
D) Oversee elections
View AnswerB
93. “Civic engagement” involves:
A) Participation in government through voting and community service
B) Apathy towards political issues
C) Exclusively online activism
D) Only professional political activity
View AnswerA
94. The principle of “rule of law” means:
A) Law applies to everyone equally
B) Only the government can change laws
C) Law is based on tradition
D) Laws are made by popular vote
View AnswerA
95. The “Great Society” programs were initiated by which U.S. president?
A) Franklin D. Roosevelt
B) Lyndon B. Johnson
C) Richard Nixon
D) John F. Kennedy
View AnswerB
96. The term “sovereignty” refers to:
A) The ability of a state to govern itself without external interference
B) The division of powers within a state
C) Economic independence
D) The establishment of diplomatic relations
View AnswerA
97. “Social movements” typically seek to:
A) Maintain the status quo
B) Promote change in societal norms and policies
C) Establish military rule
D) Create new political parties
View AnswerB
98. Which of the following is an example of a non-governmental organization (NGO)?
A) The United Nations
B) Amnesty International
C) The World Bank
D) A political party
View AnswerB
99. The term “ethnic nationalism” refers to:
A) National identity based on shared ethnicity
B) Political loyalty to a leader
C) A universal human rights perspective
D) A globalist approach to citizenship
View AnswerA
100. The concept of “welfare state” emphasizes:
A) Minimal government intervention in the economy
B) The government’s responsibility to ensure the well-being of its citizens
C) Strong military expenditure
D) Isolationist policies
View AnswerB