POLI 105 EXAM 1 VCU questions and answers
2026/2027
Degeneration - ANSWER✔ � -Adding variables to a theory to try to extend its explanatory coverage is
generally considered to weaken a theory.
Parsimony - ANSWER✔ � -IR Theories seek to explain as much as possible with a single variable, making
a theory stronger.
Sovereignty - ANSWER✔ � -All states are defined by their political and territorial integrity. This concept
guides the international system.
Theory V. Policy Debate - ANSWER✔ � -Joseph Lepgold notes that there is a solution to which potential
problem in studying international relations
Dependent Variable - ANSWER✔ � -In the simple statistic statement X -> Y, the outcome of the variable
Y
International Anarchy - ANSWER✔ � -The absence of any controlling authority over the nation
Constructivism - ANSWER✔ � -Argues against the possibility of generalized explanations in world
politics
, Ideas all the way down - ANSWER✔ � -Discussing constructivism, we noted that the major critique of
this theory
Collective Action Problem - ANSWER✔ � -Liberal theory suggest that states need to cooperate to solve
real problems that cross and that effect all states without any one state being able to provide the
solution on their own
Alexander Hamilton - ANSWER✔ � -Authors' works are not interpreted to be in the liberal tradition
Ontological - ANSWER✔ � -Kind of fundamental difference between rational and constructivist theories
Security Dilemma - ANSWER✔ � -An increase of security to one state, which increases the insecurity of
another state. The other state balances the security against the first, which creates insecurity and they
balance back.
Realism - ANSWER✔ � -Power Matters
Liberalism - ANSWER✔ � -Cooperation Matters
Neoliberalism - ANSWER✔ � -Institutions Matter
Constructivism simpler - ANSWER✔ � -Ideas Matter
Neorealism - ANSWER✔ � -Power, Actors, State
Treaty of Westphalia 1648 - ANSWER✔ � -The official beginning of the system of sovereign states
2026/2027
Degeneration - ANSWER✔ � -Adding variables to a theory to try to extend its explanatory coverage is
generally considered to weaken a theory.
Parsimony - ANSWER✔ � -IR Theories seek to explain as much as possible with a single variable, making
a theory stronger.
Sovereignty - ANSWER✔ � -All states are defined by their political and territorial integrity. This concept
guides the international system.
Theory V. Policy Debate - ANSWER✔ � -Joseph Lepgold notes that there is a solution to which potential
problem in studying international relations
Dependent Variable - ANSWER✔ � -In the simple statistic statement X -> Y, the outcome of the variable
Y
International Anarchy - ANSWER✔ � -The absence of any controlling authority over the nation
Constructivism - ANSWER✔ � -Argues against the possibility of generalized explanations in world
politics
, Ideas all the way down - ANSWER✔ � -Discussing constructivism, we noted that the major critique of
this theory
Collective Action Problem - ANSWER✔ � -Liberal theory suggest that states need to cooperate to solve
real problems that cross and that effect all states without any one state being able to provide the
solution on their own
Alexander Hamilton - ANSWER✔ � -Authors' works are not interpreted to be in the liberal tradition
Ontological - ANSWER✔ � -Kind of fundamental difference between rational and constructivist theories
Security Dilemma - ANSWER✔ � -An increase of security to one state, which increases the insecurity of
another state. The other state balances the security against the first, which creates insecurity and they
balance back.
Realism - ANSWER✔ � -Power Matters
Liberalism - ANSWER✔ � -Cooperation Matters
Neoliberalism - ANSWER✔ � -Institutions Matter
Constructivism simpler - ANSWER✔ � -Ideas Matter
Neorealism - ANSWER✔ � -Power, Actors, State
Treaty of Westphalia 1648 - ANSWER✔ � -The official beginning of the system of sovereign states
