Foundations of Contemporary Political Theory
Course
Rationale
Political Science I To introduce students to the foundations of contemporary political theory and
career opportunities in the United States.
Unit I
Political Theory
Objectives
The student will be able to:
1. Identify the political theories that are important in American society.
Essential
2. Analyze the works of classical political theorists and their effect on
Question
contemporary political theory.
How has
3. Identify the characteristics of contemporary political theories.
contemporary
4. Understand how contemporary political theory affects American
political theory
society.
shaped politics
5. Explore career opportunities available within each of the
in American
contemporary political theory models.
society today?
TEKS
§130.183(c)
(1)(A)(B)(C)
Prior Student
Learning
None
Estimated Time
3 to 5 hours
Engage
Give each student a copy of the Declaration of Independence. Have the
students use two highlighters that are different colors to mark phrases that
depict the rights of the government (color 1) and the rights of the people
(color 2). After the students have finished highlighting, lead the class in a
discussion about their interpretations of the Declaration of Independence.
Use the Discussion Rubric for assessment.
Key Points
I. What are the major political theories in modern American Society?
A. Social Contract Theory
1. Individuals possess free will, and every individual is equally
endowed with the God-given right of self-determination and the
ability to consent to be governed (Harrison & Harris, 2011)
2. Built on the conventional notion about the role of government
and the relationship of the government to the people
3. All individuals are free and equal by natural right, and in turn all
people are required to give their consent to be governed
a) These theories can be seen in the writings of Thomas
Jefferson when he wrote the Declaration of Independence
b) Natural rights of American citizens are also outlined in the
Bill of Rights
(1) Examples include: Unalienable Rights (1st
Amendment), Search & Seizure (4th Amendment),
Protection of Rights (5th Amendment), and No Cruel
& Unusual Punishment (8th Amendment)
4. This theory came out during the early beginnings of the “Age of
Enlightenment,” which was a philosophical movement that
stressed the importance of individuality, reason, and scientific
endeavor
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a) According to Lewis Hackett, the “Age of Enlightenment”
ranges roughly from 1651–1790
5. This drastically changed how people thought about government
and the rights of citizens
6. Although many political theorists were a part of the “Age of
Enlightenment,” three philosophers made a significant impact
on American society
a) Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679)
(1) An English philosopher whose most notable work is
detailed in the book, The Leviathan (1651)
(a) The Leviathan was greatly influenced by the
chaos of the English Civil War
(b) Although the book is best described as a
political book, it also touches on the subjects of
religion and moral philosophy
(2) Theorized that government was a “state of nature”
and without enforceable rules, people would live like
animals
(3) Argued strongly for a single ruler because it would
guarantee the rights for both the weak and the strong
(a) Giving up rights was just a small price to pay for
living in a civilized society
(b) The “weak” naturally relinquish power to the
strong so they can be governed in society
(4) Favored absolute monarchies
b) John Locke (1632–1704)
(1) An English philosopher who expanded on the Social
Contract Theory in the Second Treatise on Civil
Government
(2) Emphatically rejected Hobbes’ notion of the divine
right of Kings
(a) Locke’s notions were more “radical” because
they argued for the rights of the individuals in
government, rather than the monarchies
(3) Believed in unalienable rights
(a) Right to Life
(b) Right to Liberty
(c) Right to Property
(4) These ideals were crucial in shaping Thomas
Jefferson’s articulation of the role government and
the rights of people in the Declaration of
Independence
(a) Government can never take away the rights of
the individual
(5) When citizens enter into the “social contract,” they do
so with an understanding that the government will
protect their natural rights
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(6) Citizens agree to accept the government authority,
but if the government fails to protect the individuals,
the citizens then have the right to rebel
(a) This is the foundation of political theory in
American society today
c) Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778)
(1) A French philosopher who expanded on the Social
Contract Theory by stating that the theory relies on
Popular Sovereignty
(2) Outlined his theory in his book The Social Contract
(3) Argued that feeling, as opposed to reason, draws
people into life in a community
(a) He contended that property rights and freedom
of speech and religion come from society, not a
state of nature
(b) Which is unlike Hobbes and Locke who believe
in a “state of nature”
(4) Believed that society was based on a true social
contract and it would provide absolute equality and
freedom for individuals
(5) Government is the instrument for carrying out the
people’s will
(a) Sovereignty lies with the people and it is
ultimately the people who decide who can
govern them
(b) The power of leaders is limited by a formalized
set of rules; in the United States it is the US
Constitution
(6) To combat the selfish acts of the people, government
should also have proper limits to avoid absolute
power of one individual
B. Capitalism
1. The economic theory of capitalism holds that the government
should interfere with the economy as little as possible
2. Businesses are allowed to operate freely in a marketplace
a) Individuals are expected to rely on initiative
b) Establishes economic security
3. Businesses control the means of production and price
4. Individuals decide what they will buy and at what price
5. The capitalist theory follows the Lockean principle of the “right
to property” and protection from government intervention on the
consumer
II. Who are the classical political theorists who had an effect on
contemporary politics?
A. Plato (427 B.C.E.–347 B.C.E.)
1. In his book on ancient political theory, The Republic, Plato
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explores two central questions
a) What is justice?
b) What is happiness?
2. Although Plato’s dialogue is mainly political, he approaches a
wide range of subjects in The Republic, including art, women,
the afterlife, and ethics
3. Humans live in the specific political communities which make
them the happy
4. Plato’s political philosophy in ancient Greek democracy has
influenced several political philosophers including Aristotle and
Cicero
a) Many of Plato’s philosophies are apparent in today’s
contemporary society (people live in political communities
which make them happy; for example, modern day
Republicans and Democrats)
5. Justice must be a part of the political society and each group
must perform its appropriate function
a) Rulers must rule (i.e. the government must provide us
with order to prevent chaos, but without interfering with
individual rights)
b) Warriors must protect (i.e. force should be used to protect
the people from threats, which is a part of the
contemporary conservative theory)
c) Producers must produce (i.e. businesses need to produce
goods and services for the people of the community to
consume, which is capitalism)
B. Aristotle (384 B.C.E.–322 B.C.E.)
1. A student of Plato
2. His most famous political work is entitled Politics
a) He described politics as a practical science because it
seeks to create, preserve, and reform
b) He addresses the idea of a “politician”
(1) The politician is the “lawgiver,” or the person that
provides the framework for the city-state
(2) The word “politician” is still used today to identify
government officials who work to preserve and
protect the framework of our U.S Constitution
3. Classifies government into 5 different forms which have since
transformed to become modern day governments and the
model of contemporary political thought
a) Democracy = rule by the many (i.e. modern day America)
b) Oligarchy = rule by the few (i.e. 20th century South Africa)
c) Aristocracy = rule by the few (i.e. modern day Saudi
Arabia)
d) Kingship = absolute rule (i.e. modern day Great Britain)
e) Tyranny = overthrowing rule (seen in many Middle
Eastern countries that are experiencing the “Arab
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Uprising,” including Tunisia, Bahrain, and Egypt)
4. His classical theories continue to have a deep impact today
and have transformed to influence contemporary political
thought because of his statements about the relationship
between the people and the government
a) His Politics discusses some of the following issues which
are still apparent in contemporary society:
(1) The role of human nature in politics
(2) The rule of law
(3) The analysis and evaluation of a constitution
(4) The causes and cures for political change and
political revolutions
C. Cicero (106 B.C.E.–43 B.C.E.)
1. Heavily influenced by Plato’s Republic
2. His three famous texts include
a) De Republica (On the Republic)
b) De Legibus (On Laws)
c) De Officiis (On Duties)
3. A member of the Senate in the Roman Empire
4. He, like Plato, comments on the concepts of justice in society
a) Politics cannot exist without ethics
b) Corruption of political power is self-advantageous
c) The people have a right to expose unethical behavior
d) The rule of law (i.e. one of the principles in the US
Constitution)
5. His theory of exposing corruption has evolved into a
contemporary political theory not only in the US but also
countries like Egypt and Libya (i.e. tyranny of the majority)
III. What are the contemporary political theories?
A. The characteristics of contemporary political theory have evolved
over time dating back to the foundations of the ancient political
philosophers
B. Contemporary political theory began shortly after World War II,
which began a new era of social and political change
C. Contemporary political theory aims to solve political problems that
are being faced by modern nations; these theories explain the roles
of government and the people, religion, economy, welfare, and the
importance of democracy
D. Over the years, political scientists have created eight contemporary
theories which explain the development of countries in both modern
and developing worlds:
1. Rational Choice Theory is a popular theory in political science
to explain the actions of voters as well as politicians; it
assumes that individuals act in their own best interest carefully
weighing the costs and benefits of possible alternatives
a) Created by Anthony Downs
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b) Aggregate distribution of political opinion forms a bellshaped curve
c) Causes politicians to form a centrist position in order for
them to be successful
d) Creates a working model of the relationship between
citizens, parties, and policy
e) Includes the following ideas
(1) Voters want to maximize the chance that the policies
they favor will be adopted by the government
(2) Parties want to win office
(3) In order to win office, they must do what it takes to
win the votes
2. Modernization Theory is the connection of economic
development in a country to the creation of a democratic
government
a) The three factors that involve Modernization Theory
include
(1) Identifying the difference between a modern and a
non-modern society
(2) Identifying how a society becomes modern
(3) Identifying how some parts of a modern society will
fit together
b) The economic growth in a developing society also creates
social and culture changes in which these developed
countries typically take on the characteristics of the
advanced Western societies
3. Developmentalism Theory is an economic theory which
identifies how countries develop their economy by creating a
strong internal market
a) There are four basic principles of the Developmentalism
Theory
(1) Citizens support a government or regime when their
economic welfare is developing
(2) The role of the government is to combine their
interests with the interests of the entrepreneurs so
that they can advance their national interests
(3) Bureaucrats separate themselves from politicians in
order to maintain a leadership structure
(4) A capitalist economic system is only necessary when
the country is ready to engage in the international
economic market for its own national gain
b) Developmentalism Theory can be found as the economic
model for several countries in Latin America and Asia
(1) However, Developmentalism Theory has not been
used since the late 1970s (Smith, 1985)
4. Behavioralism Theory examines the behaviors and actions of
individuals rather than government institutions
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a) Attempts to explain the behavior of the people and how it
relates to the political system
(1) Assumes that political institutions largely reflect
underlying social forces
(2) The study of politics should begin with society,
culture, and public opinion
b) Behavioralism studies how individuals behave in a group
setting, rather than what the expected norms of behavior
are in the society
(1) For example, a political scientist studying
Behavioralism Theory could examine politicians in
the US and how their political behavior changes once
they are in a position of power and influence
5. Post-Behavioralism Theory argues that Behavioralism was
biased towards the status quo and did not promote social
change
a) A key point of Post-Behavioralism is that too much
emphasis is put on the trivial masses
b) Academic research must be valued in society
c) The chief proponent of Post-Behavioralism is David
Easton (Beardsley, 1977)
(1) “Science should never be sacrificed for the sake of
relevance” (Beardsley, 1977, p. 97)
d) Intellectuals play a positive role in society and can affect
decision-making
(1) The Post-Behavioralism Theory is a way to handle
new advances in technology and the effect of
technology on society
6. Structural-Functionalism Theory claims that society is a system
of parts, all of which serve a function together for the overall
effectiveness and efficiency of society
a) Society is built upon order, interrelation, and balance
among each part as a means for maintaining a functioning
society
b) Based on seven assumptions
(1) Systems have a property of order and an
interdependence of parts
(2) Systems tend toward self-maintaining order
(3) Systems must orderly process change
(4) Change in one part of the system effect all parts of
the system
(5) Systems maintain boundaries in their environment
(6) Allocation and integration are fundamental in
creating equilibrium
(7) Systems try to control change so it does not create
imbalance
c) Saw a rapid decline in societies with the rise of
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Communism in the 1960s
7. Systems Theory is a highly abstract and holistic view of politics;
the political system is always changing when it comes to the
decision-making process
a) Like Post-Behavioralism Theory, Systems Theory was
created by David Easton
b) Easton simplified the theory into five steps:
(1) Changes in the social and physical environment
produce demand and support through political
behavior
(2) These demands and groups stimulate competition in
the political system
(3) After a decision is made it interacts with the
environment and produces change in the
environment
(4) The new decisions create either new demands for
society or support against the new decisions
(5) The feedback leads back to step one and it is a
never ending cycle of decision-making
c) Systems Theory was highly influential in the creation of
modern day Pluralist Theory in the US
8. New Institutionalism Theory has emerged over the last twentyfive years, but it is not widely accepted as a legitimate political
theory; however, it cannot be ignored
a) New Institutionalism does not constitute a unified body of
thought; it consists of three different analytical
approaches:
(1) Rational-Choice Institutionalism
(2) Historical Institutionalism
(3) Sociological Institutionalism
b) Rational-Choice Institutionalism – if everyone shifts their
ideologies to the center in order to get elected, it will be
difficult for Congress to ever get a stable majority to pass
legislation
c) Historical Institutionalism – conflict arises when the
government controls the resources and creates a scarcity
of the necessary resources
d) Sociological Institutionalism – citizens are socialized into
specific roles in society and are expected to behave
according to that role’s norms of behavior; institutions,
therefore, can affect the behavior of an entire society
IV. How has contemporary political theory affected social and political
change in the US?
A. Social movements in the US
1. The Feminist Movement
a) There have been several waves of the Feminist
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Movement in American history
b) The second wave of feminism in the US
(1) Began in the 1960s
(2) An example of Behavioralism Theory
(3) Ignited by the Betty Friedan book, The Feminine
Mystique
(a) Written in 1963
(b) Motivated the feminine social forces to lobby
political forces to the rights of women in
America
(4) Ushered in proposed political legislation which would
expand rights to women in America
(a) In 1972, the National Woman’s Party (NOW)
picketed the US Senate to hold hearings on the
proposed constitutional amendment, the Equal
Rights Amendment
(b) The proposed amendment was passed in
Congress but did not receive enough votes from
the states, so the amendment was not ratified
(c) Although it did not pass at the federal level, it
(i) Changed the behavior of groups in
America
(ii) Causes 21 states to adopt their own
version of an equal rights amendment to
add to their state constitutions
B. Political change in the US
1. The Tea Party
a) A grassroots movement with a foundation of Christian
values that are embedded in the founding governmental
documents
b) Gained momentum in 2010 after several of their members
won congressional seats
(1) For example, Rand Paul- KY and Michelle
Bachmann-MN
(2) Although these members were elected as
Republicans, they have personally identified
themselves as leaders of the Tea Party
c) A modern day example of the contemporary political
theory known as Systems Theory because they have
created competition with not only Democrats, but also
Republicans
(1) One of the Tea Party’s founding principles is the
reduction of government spending
(2) The Tea Party organized after several legislative bills
were passed during the Obama Administration
(3) These bills called for more spending for governmentsponsored programs, such as healthcare (i.e. The
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Affordable Care Act)
d) The decisions of the Tea Party are received with both
support and criticism by the American public
e) The decision-making process is still a continuous cycle in
which politicians will argue about what is the best course
for the US government
(1) More government support for programs like
education and healthcare
(2) Reducing the deficit by cutting government spending
V. What careers are available in the contemporary political world?
A. Political analyst
1. Studies the origin, development and operation of political
systems
a) Researches topics such as
(1) Public policy
(2) Public opinion
(3) Decision-making
(4) Political ideology
b) Has a variety of responsibilities such as
(1) Consulting with government officials, the media, and
political parties
(2) Evaluating public policies
(3) Identifying issues that should be researched
(4) Interpreting and analyzing policies
c) Requires at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited
university with an academic major in an area of study
which includes politics, government, or foreign relations
B. Political Researcher
1. Participates in all aspects of the government including
a) Political campaigns
b) Political polls (pollsters)
c) Lobbying
2. Requires an in-depth knowledge of the political process which
can be obtained through a formal education in college or
experience in the field of politics
a) A bachelor’s degree in a political field is usually important
because students can learn about the skills necessary for
quality research
(1) Researchers must possess strong written and verbal
skills so they can provide a clear and understandable
analysis of their research
(2) Some researcher positions may require an advanced
degree in political science or economics
3. Although most of the research is done alone, political
researchers must have strong interpersonal skills so they can
interview resources to support their theories
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Activities
1. College Information Presentation. Have the students create a presentation
about the college of their choice. The college should offer political science
or another government-related major. The presentation should include the
entrance requirements, the required number of courses to graduate, and
the courses that are offered for their major by that university. Have the
students present their findings to the class with a computer-based
presentation. Use the Presentation Rubric for assessment.
2. Modernization Theory in Africa. Have each student select and research a
non-modern country on the continent of Africa. For their project have the
students identify the following:
 The differences between a modern and non-modern society
 How the society can become modern
 How the country can develop its economy
Then have the students create a project in which they apply Modernization
Theory to their selected non-modern country in Africa. It should include a
plan for how the country can utilize economic assets, such as crops and
resources, and how economic development can propel social and
economic change. Use the Research Rubric for assessment.
3. Contemporary Political Theory Collage. Have students use historic or
modern examples in society to depict the foundations of each one of the
contemporary political theories. Have the students illustrate these theories
by cutting out pictures and/or phrases that they find in magazines or
newspapers, and/or by creating illustrations themselves. Then have the
students create a collage on a poster board using glue sticks. After the
collages are complete, have the students explain why the images
represent each of the theories. Use the Individual Work Rubric for
assessment.
Assessments
Foundations of Contemporary Political Theory Quiz and Key
Discussion Rubric
Individual Work Rubric
Presentation Rubric
Research Rubric
Materials
Foundations of Contemporary Political Theory computer-based presentation
Foundations of Contemporary Political Theory Terms
Computers with Internet access and computer-based presentation software
Old magazines and newspapers
Miscellaneous drawing materials
Poster boards
Glue sticks
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Resources
Beardsley, Phillip. "A Critique of Post-Behavioralism." Political Theory. 5.1
(1977): 97-11. Print.
Bertram, Christopher, "Jean Jacques Rousseau", The Stanford
Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2012 Edition), Edward N. Zalta
(ed.), http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2012/entries/rousseau/
Clayton, Edward. "Cicero." Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: a peerreviewed academic resource. Central Michigan University: 2001.
Easton, David. "The New Revolution in Political Science." American Political
Science Review. 63.4 (1969): 1051-1061. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/1955071?uid=3739960&uid=2134
&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101825248103
Fisher, John. "Systems Theory and Structural Functionalism." 21st Century
Political Science: a Reference Handbook. (1): n. page. Web. 26 Mar.
2013.
Hackett, Lewis. "The European Dream of Progress and Enlightenment." The
Age of Enlightenment. History World International , n.d. Web. April 1,
2013. http://history-world.org/age_of_enlightenment.htm
Harris, Harrison. American Democracy Now. 2nd. New York City: McGraw
Hill, 2011. Ch. 2, 16, 17 & 18. Print.
Immergut, Ellen. "The Theoretical Core of the New Institutionalism." Politics
& Society. 26.1 (1998): 5-34. Print.
http://bama.ua.edu/~sborrell/psc521/immergut.pdf
Kraut, Richard, "Plato", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer
2012 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.),
http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2012/entries/plato/
Shields, Christopher, "Aristotle", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
(Summer 2012 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.),
http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2012/entries/aristotle/
Political Science: Behavioralism. Encyclopedia Britannica. 2013.
Przeworski, Adam, and Fernando Limongi. "Modernization: Theory and
Facts." World Politics. 49.2 (1997): 155-183. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/25053996?uid=3739960&uid=2&
uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=2
Smith, Tony "Requiem or New Agenda for Third World Studies?" World
Politics, Vol. 37, No. 4 (Jul., 1985) pp. 538–547. Web. 22 Mar. 2013.
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2010343?uid=3739960&uid=2134
&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101825248103
The US Declaration of Independence
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html
Locke, John. “Second Treatise Of Government”
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/7370/7370-h/7370-h.htm
Accommodations for Learning Differences
For reinforcement, students will make flashcards with the definitions of each
of the contemporary political theories and memorize them. The students
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should be able to identify the differences between each theory. Use the
Individual Work Rubric for assessment.
For enrichment, students will read chapter 2, “The State of Nature” in John
Locke’s “Second Treatise of Government”
(http://www.gutenberg.org/files/7370/7370-h/7370-h.htm). After reading the
chapter the students will write a 3–5 page paper in which they explain the
“state of nature” and the role of “man” in the state of nature. Use the
Research Rubric for assessment.
State Education Standards
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career and Technical Education
§130.183. Political Science I (One to Two Credits).
(1)
The student analyzes classic and contemporary political
theories. The student is expected to:
(A)
discuss why theories are important to the study of
political science;
(B)
draw conclusions about the classic political theorists
such as Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Machiavelli, Confucius,
Hobbes, Locke, Hegel, and Marx;
(C)
define the characteristics of contemporary political
theories such as behaviorialism, postbehavioralism,
systems theory, modernization theory, structuralfunctionalism, developmentalism, rational-choice theory,
and new institutionalism;
College and Career Readiness Standards
Social Studies Standards
III. Interdependence of Global Communities
B. Global analysis
1. Apply social studies methodologies to compare societies and
cultures.
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Foundations of Contemporary Political Theory Key Terms
Age of Enlightenment – a philosophical movement that stressed the importance of
individuality, reason, and scientific endeavor
Behavioralism Theory – examines the behaviors and actions of individuals rather than
government institutions
Capitalism – an economic theory that holds that the government should interfere with the
economy as little as possible
Developmentalism Theory – an economic theory which identifies how countries develop their
economy by creating a strong internal market
Modernization Theory – the connection of economic development in a country to the creation
of a democratic government
Post-Behavioralism Theory – argues that Behavioralism Theory was biased towards the
status quo and did not promote social change
Rational Choice Theory – a popular theory in political science to explain the actions of voters
as well as politicians; it assumes that individuals act in their own best interest, carefully
weighing the costs and benefits of possible alternatives
Social Contract Theory – the idea that individuals possess free will, and that every individual
is equally endowed with the God-given right of self-determination and the ability to
consent to be governed
Structural-Functionalism Theory – society is a system of parts, all of which serve a function
together for the overall effectiveness and efficiency of society
Systems Theory – a highly abstract and holistic view of politics; the political system is always
changing when it comes to the decision-making process
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Name________________________________ Date__________________________
Foundations of Contemporary Political Theory Quiz
1. _____ Social Contract Theory can be best described as
A. A theory for understanding the social behaviors in society
B. A theory that individuals possess free will and that every individual is
equally endowed with a God-given right of self-determination
C. A theory that examines the behaviors and actions of an individual in relation
to the institution of government
D. A theory that proclaims that government must interfere with the economy as
little as possible
2. _____ The Age of Enlightenment was a philosophical movement which influenced all of
the following political philosophers except
A. John Locke
B. Thomas Hobbes
C. Plato
D. Jean-Jacques Rousseau
3. _____ John Locke’s most notable work about Social Contract Theory can be found in
which of the following writings?
A. The Second Treatise on Civil Government
B. The Leviathan
C. The Prince
D. The Republic
4. _____ Which of the following types of government systems was not addressed by
Aristotle in Politics?
A. Democracy
B. Aristocracy
C. Oligarchy
D. Theocracy
5. _____ Which of the following statements best describes the theory of Capitalism?
A. Government controls the production of all goods
B. Agriculture is foundation of a capitalistic society
C. Businesses operate freely in the marketplace
D. All of the above
6. _____ In his writings, Cicero states that the concept of justice in society must be which
of the following?
A. Ethical
B. Tyrannical
C. Political
D. Constitutional
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7. _____ The contemporary political theories examine all of the following institutions in
society except which of the following?
A. Family
B. Government
C. Economy
D. Religion
8. _____ Rational-Choice Theory can be best described as which of the following?
A. A theory of economic growth in society
B. A theory which explains the framework for social and economic behavior
C. A theory of economic development in democracy
D. A theory that examines the behavior of individuals
9. _____ What is the main goal of political parties according to the Rational-Choice
Theory?
A. To register voters
B. To pass legislation
C. To win office
D. To make money
10. _____ The Modernization Theory is the connection of economic development to which
type of government system?
A. Democracy
B. Aristocracy
C. Oligarchy
D. Monarchy
11. _____ Which of the following is a basic principle of the Developmentalism Theory?
A. Voters want to maximize the chance the policies they favor are adopted
B. Economic growth creates social and cultural changes
C. Political institutions reflect underlying social issues
D. Citizens support a government or regime when their economic welfare is
developing
12. _____ Behavioralism Theory seeks to examine the behaviors and actions of which of the
following?
A. Individuals in society
B. Government
C. Religion
D. Economy
13. _____ What does Post-Behavioralism Theory claim must be valued in society?
A. Self-Determination
B. Political Opinion
C. Academic Research
D. Economic Development
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14. _____ Which of the following contemporary political theories claims that society is a
system of parts that must function together to have an effective society?
A. Systems Theory
B. New-Institutionalism Theory
C. Modernization Theory
D. Structural-Functionalism Theory
15. _____ Systems Theory was highly influential in the creation of which modern day
political theory?
A. Pluralist Theory
B. Hyper-Pluralist Theory
C. Elite Theory
D. Bureaucratic Theory
16. _____ Which of the following analytical approaches is not considered to be a part of
New-Institutionalism Theory?
A. Rational-Choice Institutionalism
B. Political Institutionalism
C. Historical Institutionalism
D. Sociological Institutionalism
17. _____ The Tea Party is a modern day example of which contemporary political theory?
A. Post-Behavioralism Theory
B. Modernization Theory
C. Behavioralism Theory
D. Systems Theory
18. _____ Jean Jacques Rousseau’s Social Contract Theory was the basis for which of the
following basic principles of the US Constitution?
A. Rule of Law
B. Checks and Balances
C. Popular Sovereignty
D. Separation of Powers
19. _____ All of the following political philosophers from the Age of Enlightenment had an
influential impact on American society except
A. Thomas Hobbes
B. David Hume
C. John Locke
D. Jean Jacques Rousseau
20. _____ Which political philosopher first referred to politics as a science?
A. Aristotle
B. Plato
C. Cicero
D. Socrates
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Foundations of Contemporary Political Theory Quiz Key
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
B
C
A
D
C
A
A
B
C
A
D
A
C
D
A
B
D
C
B
A
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Name_______________________________________
Date_______________________________
Discussion Rubric
Objectives
4 pts.
Excellent
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Participates in group discussion
Encourages others to join the
conversation
Keeps the discussion progressing
to achieve goals
Shares thoughts actively while
offering helpful recommendations to
others
Gives credit to others for their ideas
Respects the opinions of others
Involves others by asking questions
or requesting input
Expresses thoughts and ideas
clearly and effectively
Total Points (32 pts.)
Comments:
19
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Name______________________________________
Date_______________________________________
Individual Work Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Follows directions
Student completed the work as directed,
following the directions given, in order and to the
level of quality indicated
Time management
Student used time wisely and remained on task
100% of the time
Organization
Student kept notes and materials in a neat,
legible, and organized manner. Information was
readily retrieved
Evidence of learning
Student documented information in his or her
own words and can accurately answer questions
related to the information retrieved
*Research/Gathering information (if relevant)
Student used a variety of methods and sources
to gather information. Student took notes while
gathering information
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
20
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Name:____________________________________
Date:_____________________________
Presentation Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Topic/Content
 Topic discussed completely and in-depth
 Includes properly cited sources (if used)
Creativity/Neatness
 Integrates a variety of multimedia effects to
create a professional presentation (transition
and graphics) or appropriate visual aid used
 Title slide, table of contents, bibliography are
included, using acceptable format
Mechanics
 Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and
capitalization are correct
 Image and font size are legible to the entire
audience
Oral Presentation
 Communicates with enthusiasm and eye
contact
 Voice delivery and projection are dynamic
and audible
Audience Interaction
 Presentation holds audience’s attention and
relates a clear message
 Clearly and effectively communicates the
content throughout the presentation
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
21
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Name______________________________________
Date_______________________________________
Research Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Question/goal
Student identified and communicated a question
or goal of the research
Research/Gathering information (if relevant)
Student used a variety of methods and sources
to gather information. Student took notes while
gathering information
Conclusion/Summary
Student drew insightful conclusions and
observations from the information gathered.
Information is organized in a logical manner
Communication
Student communicated the information gathered
and summary or conclusions persuasively.
Student demonstrated skill in the use of media
used to communicate the results of research
Reflection
Student reflected on the importance of the
research and its potential application
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
22
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