PLSC Comp Comp Old Exam Questions

How do institutions affect principal-agent relationships in government?

Answer PLSC COMP 1

Discuss advantage and disadvantages of the EITM approach. Describe a particular theory in CP and discuss how using this approach affects generalization and validation.

Answer PLSC COMP 2

Write an essay that explores the role of repression as a governmental tool. Discuss how this tool will vary with governmental type. Explain the alternative theories regarding this concept. Based on the empirical research, which theory offers the promising explanation of the use of repression?

Answer PLSC COMP 3

Przeworski is quite pessimistic about the chance of success of a country in transition towards democracy. Explain the constraints placed on a country in the transitional process. Argue what elements would be necessary in order for democracy to be consolidated.

Answer PLSC COMP 4

Is research in Poli Sci generalizable? What are the implications and underlying assumptions with regards to generalizability, of different methodological approaches to studying politics? where do you stand - that is a) is generalizability a desired feature if theory and why? b) assess several (more than two) methodological approaches to CP in terms of generalizability; c) what approach do you think is most sensible and why? Provide one example of at least one each of generalizable and one non-generalizable theories in CP and explain their impact and relevance.

Answer PLSC COMP 5

One of the problems of democratic government is to create a government strong enough to do what it needs to do but not so strong that it cannot be controlled. Parliamentary and presidential regimes embody different evaluations of how easily a government should be able to do what it needs to do. How do they differ in this sense? How are governments kept in control? Do the means differ bb/w parliamentary and presidential systems or among different parliamentary systems? Describe ways of keeping governments of both types under control and the logic of how these methods work?

Answer PLSC COMP 6