Political science

TWO MARKS QNS

2. Behaviouralism
Ans. One of the methods of study of political science is Behaviouralism. It is the method to study political
science based on the perceptions of the individuals towards their own political system and their political
behaviour. David Easton, Gabriel Almond, Charles Marrium are some of the prominent popularisers of this
method.
3. Post- Behaviouralism
Ans. Post-Behaviouralism has emerged as a method of studying political science in response to
Behaviouralism. While Behaviouralism gives importance to scientific facts and methods, Post
Behaviourialism gives equal importance ethics and values in addition to scientific facts and methods.
1. What is Society?
Ans. Aristotle said that ‘man is a social animal’, society is a term which includes many kinds of relationship
and many groups and associations, which meant for a common good.
2. What is Government?
Ans. Government is an essential element of the state through which the aims and objectives of the state is
realized. Government is political organization, which is the agency and mechanism which formulates policies
and execute for the welfare of the people.
1. What do you mean by the word equity?
Ans. Equity: Equity means fairness and justice it is judge made law it is derived from the principle of natural
justice. It is an informal method of making a new law or altering an old law to new condition. In equity judge
is adding to the law what is missing there in and creating a new one.
2. Define the concept of “Rule of Law”.
Ans: i) All are equal before law
ii) Punishment is given only when an existing law is violated
iii) No individuals is above law and law does not recognize any.
1. Non-Cooperation
Ans. Non-cooperation is one of the forms of satyagraha mentioned by Gandhiji. Non-Cooperation is an
indirect and very small protest.
It was a great event in the Indian independence struggle against the British.
2. Civil-disobedience
Ans. Civil disobedience was one of the forms of satyagraha proposed by Gandhiji. It was a serious civil
disobedience that the British did to protect ourselves from their injustices.
This can be done individually or collectively.
4. What is recall?
A Recall means to call back the representatives will be called back by the people in case they are
inefficient. Hence, this method helps the representatives in discharging their responsibilities property for
fear of being called back on the ground of inefficiently.
3. What is Rigid Constitution?
Ans. Rigid constitution is one whose provisions cannot be clanged easily. In this system the constitutional
amendment methods are different from those of ordinary laws. There will be a special procedure for amending
the provisions of the Rigid constitution. Ex: America
4. What is Preamble?
Ans. Every constitution will have a preamble. The preamble denotes the aims and aspirations of the
constitution. It is the soul of the constitution. Hence, Preamble is considered as one of the important
features of the constitution.
1. How many organs of government are there? What are they?
Ans. A modern government composed of three organs, they are: 1. Legislature, 2. Executive, 3.
Judiciary.
2. What is meant by the theory of separation of powers?
Ans. “Montesquioes” a famous French political philosopher, wrote a book called ‘the spirit of laws’ in 1748.
In that book he had categorically stated the division of functions of government organs, and how they are
interrelated. Later Blackstone and English Jurists explained theory of separation of powers.
3. What meant by Plural Executive?
Ans. Plural Executive: All the powers are vested with more than one person called plural
executive. For Ex:- Federal council in Switzerland, and former USSR.
4. What is Bi-cameralism?
Ans: The legislature is divided into two houses called, Bi-cameralism. Most of the countries
have bi-cameral legislature. Ex: India, Britain, USA etc.
5 MARKS QNS
1. Write a brief note on Evolution of Political Science.
The study of Political science has begun with the Greeks. The Greek Philosophers- Socrates, Plato and Aristotle
have played a key role in studying Political Science scientifically. As Aristotle studied 158 governments
comparatively and rationally and classified them scientifically for the first time in ancient times, he is regarded as
the father of Political Science. The Greeks have viewed the Political Science as a comprehensive concept.
Owing to the changes that have taken place in the process of Sociological Evolution, Political Science
studies/ (investigates) the institutions like State and Government and their structure and function.
Behaviourialism is the revolutionary change that took place in the study of Political Science after the first
world war. In addition to scientifically studying the behaviour of the individuals it also studies their attitudes
and perspectives towards a political system and the government. The Government policies and their
implementation have become the subject matter of Political Science.
Another prominent change that has emerged as a reaction to Behaviourialism is Post-Behaviouralism .
While Behaviouralism gives importance to scientific facts and methods, Post Behaviourialism gives equal
importance ethics and values along with the scientific facts and methods. All these developments have
made the nature and scope of Political Science more and more comprehensive.
1. Explain the difference between State and Government?
Ans. The terms state and government are used interchangeably in political science, according to HJ. Laski
“The state means in reality government only because all the aims and objectives of the state are realises
through government only. But there are some differences between state and government.
3. Explain Any four kinds of Sovereignty.
Ans. Sovereignty is classified into several kinds as mentioned below.
1. Nominal Sovereignty
2. Real Sovereignty
3. Legal Sovereignty
4. Political Sovereignty
1. Nominal Sovereignty : Nominal Sovereignty implies possession of sovereign powers only in name but
utilised by other authority king/queen of the Britain and president of India are the example for nominal
Sovereignty.
2. Real Sovereignty : The real Sovereign actually discharges authority on behalf of the nominal sovereign
head. The prime ministers of India and England are the example for real Sovereignty.
3. Legal Sovereignty : The sovereign power who is competent to issue the highest orders are making the
laws to the people and institutions is called as legal sovereign power. The president of India in parliament is
the best example for legal sovereignty.
4. Political Sovereignty : Political sovereignty plays an important role in every democratic countries.
Political Sovereignty influences the political institutions. Political Sovereignty locates in the factor that shape
the public opinion.
1. Write about any three sources of Law?
Ans. Law is the command of the state, recognized by various organs of the state and enforced by it. The
term law is derived from the Teutonic [German] word ‘Lag’ which means “To lay” “To set” or something
fixed.
1. Sources of Law
i) Customs: Customs are regarded as the earliest source of Law. In ancient period disputes between
individuals were settled in accordance with the prevailing social customs these customs and traditions in
course of time become a basis for law. Britain is the best example for the customs as the source of Laws.
ii) Religion: In ancient period customs and religion were closely related to each other. In ancient
period religion played a key role in making of the laws religion served as the basis of laws in many states.
The Hindu and the Islamic laws are made based on their respective religions.
iii) Judicial Decisions: The judgments of the judges also serve as a source of law. Generally Judges
interpret laws apply them to particular cases and deliver judgments. Their judgments become precedents
and are usually followed by other judges in similar cases. In course of time such judgments acquire the status
of law. In this way judges add to the law of the country.
1. Describe any three types of justice.
Ans. The word ‘Justice’ is derived from the Latin word ‘Jus’ which means ‘to bind’ justice represents a
synthesis of law, liberty and equality.
Types of Justice
1. Social justice: The term social justice implies a just social order it seeks to eliminate all kinds of
discriminations and abolition of privileges based on birth, race, caste, creed and sex. It ensures eradication
of social evils like poverty, unemployment, starvation etc.
2. Economic justice: Economic justice refers to the absence of economic discrimination between
individuals on irrational and unnatural ground. It stands for the equal treatment of individuals irrespective of
differences in the income, money, wealth, property etc. It supports the principle from each according to his
ability, to each according to his needs.
3. Political Justice: Political justice symbolizes political equality and establishment of a democratic order
without any discrimination. It implies provision of political right to all the adult citizens in a state. It
facilitates free and fair participation of the citizens in the governance of the country. It is manifested to the
full extent in times of election.

1. Explain any three kinds of equality.

Ans. The concept of equality and in equality has figured in political theories since the time of Aristotle.
Aristotle discovered that inequality was one of the causes of revolution. In modern times and particularly
since the American and French revolutions, equality gained prominence. According to Barker, equality
implies “equal rights for all people and abolition of all special rights and privileges”.
1. Natural equality: Human beings are not equal in their physical or mental capacities, beauty and
talents. But their physical, emotional and intellectual needs are similar. Human beings are rational animals
as distinct from other animals. Philosophers held that all men were equal according to the law of nature.
2. Social equality: Social equality stands for equality of status and absence of class distinctions and other
discrimination. It exists when no individual is made to suffer on account of his caste, class, colour, creed,
race etc. and all citizens enjoy social equality, these will be no discrimination against any one on the above
grounds.
3. Political equality: Political equality implies that the all citizens should have equal political rights and
equal access to all offices of authority. All citizens enjoy the same political rights like right to vote, the right
to contest in the elections, the right to bold public office and the right to criticize the government.

1. Explain Political Rights.

Ans. These rights provide opportunities for citizens to participate in government affairs in politics.
The success of democracy depends on the exercise of these rights.
Citizens enjoy these rights only in a democracy. These rights play a vital role in the formation of a political
society.
1. Right to Vote: All adult citizens have these rights regardless of caste, creed or gender. But this right
does not apply to foreigners and minors. Citizens exercise these rights to elect their representatives in the
legislature.
2. Right to contest elections: This right gives citizens the opportunity to contest for the legislature. this
right allows citizens with an interest in politics to take an active part in politics.
3. Right to hold public offices: This right allows citizens to hold and hold a variety of government positions.
This right will help the citizens to manage the government soberly.
4. Right to appeal: This right helps citizens to bring their needs and problems to the attention of the
government through appeal.
5. Right to criticize the government: This right allows one to criticize the many manipulations that the government
makes. This makes it possible for the government to be careful.

2. What is the role of public opinion in Democracy?

Ans: The term ‘public opinion’ was coined by philosopher John Locke in the 17th century. However, the
concept itself predates Locke. Vox populi or ‘voice of the people’ is a similar Latin concept. Today, public
opinion is defined in the following way: collective evaluations expressed by people on political issues,
policies, institutions and individuals.
It is important to understand the factors that shape public opinion as a whole. These include social class,
education, region, age, gender and ethnic group. Society is not a homogenous whole. It is made of components.
Each component faces different challenges in its functioning therefore, members of each component view the
world differently.
A state is built upon the consent of the members of society. A constitution is drafted by the collective will of
the people. Just as the state and the constitution are vital organic constructs, so is the primary method of
information them public opinion.

1. What are the features of Secular state?

Ans. Features of Secular State:
1. The state will not have any official religion.
2. Secular state government gives equal status to its people. It does not discriminate on the basis of
religion.
3. It grants every individual the freedom to follow any religion, or no religion in his personal life.
4. If the individual decides to resource his own religion and embrace another one.
5. A secular state means not an irreligious state rather if means that in the matters of religion, it will
remain neutral.
10 MARKS QNS

1. Define State and discuss its Essential features.

Ans. State is considered as the most prominent institution among all social institutions established by
human beings because it has Sovereign power. State is established for regulating and improving life of the
individuals. State is meant for avoiding dissent, conflicts and tensions in human society. From the ancient
Greek city states to present nation states the state has changed it shape to reach the present comprehensive
one.
Meaning
Italian political thinker Niccole Machiavelli used the Italian word “La Stato” in his famous book ‘The Prince’.
Thereafter, the word appeared in the English language and also got prominence.
Definitions
Woodrow Wilson: “The State is a people organised for Law within a definite territory.”
H.J. Laski: “The State is a territorial society divided into government and subjects claiming within its
allocated physical area, a supremacy over all other institutions.”
Essential Elements of the State
State is primarily a institution of humanbeings and it must have population. We can imagine a state without
having population. There are different opinions among political philosophers on the size of the population of a
State. Plato opined that the state must have population of 5040 in his ideal state. According to Aristotle, the
population of state should be neither toolarge nor too small.
Territory
Territory is essential element for the state because without territory human existence will be problematic.
Territory denotes geographical area of the state and also its borders with other states. Territory of a state
comprises its land, mountains, mines, rivers, territorial space and also territorial waters of 12 nautical miles.

Government
State came into force to fullfil the basic needs of the people and continues to provide good life to the people.
The Aims and Objectives of the State are realises through Government. The main function of the government is
to protect the law and order among the people and also by enacting laws, it will strives for the development and
welfare of the people.
Sovereignty
Sovereignty is most important element of the State. It is soul of the State. The supreme power of the State
distinguishes from other institutions. Sovereignty implies the independence of the State from external
control and supreme power over all the individuals and institutions within internal affairs of the State.
International Recognition
The present world is interdependent world. Co-operation between the countries is very essential for
development; thats why international recognition has become one of the main elements of the State in
recent times. Recognition by the UNO and other international organisations is necessary for every State.
2. Define Political Science and explain its scope.
Ans. Aristotle described political science is master science of all the social sciences. Political Science is a
subject studies about state, Government society and various institutions and its relations with each other
which were established by human beings for the better life and regulated life. Political science also studies
scientifically the government, policies, acts and day to day political affairs.
Meaning
Politics is a word which is derived from the two Greek words i.e., ‘polis’ and “politeia”.
Polis means city state and politeia which means government and constitution.
Definition
• J.W. Garner : “political science begins with the state and ends with the state.”
• Paul Janet : “Political Science is the part of social science which treats of the foundations of the state
and the principles of government.”
• Robert Dahl : “Political Science is the scientific study of importance of power, authority and influence.
Scope of Political Science
1. Study of state : Political Science explains the origin evolution and purpose of the state, nature of the
state and main functions of the state. The relation between the state and citizen are basic study of political
science.
2. Study of the government : The aims and objectives of the state realised through the government.
Political science studies about the structure of the government i.e., main organs of the government and also
kinds of the government.
3. Study of man in relation to the society : Father of political science stated that “man is a social animal”.
Society plays an important role in the life of human beings, politica science studies about the relation between
the state and government as well as state and society.
4. Study of associations and institutions : Political science studies various associations, institutions and
their relationship with the state because these institutions are helping in the betterment of human life.
Political science explains structure, nature and functions of various associations.
5. Study of rights and duties : Rights and duties are very essential for the citizens to lead good life in a
political society. Political science studies the importance of civil rights and human rights in a civil society.
6. Studies of national and international issues : After emergence of national states and sovereign states
the relation between the nations has become an important topic in the study of political science subject.
The relation between the nation and state with the international organisations is also matter of the subject.
7. Study of political concepts : Political science studies about the political concepts like law, liberty,
equality, power, justice and sovereignty because these concepts will play an important role in governmental
affairs.
Study of comparative Government and politics : Political science studies about various kinds of government
their structures and functions. Comparative study of government and politics is essential because every nation
can choose which will be the best government.
1. Write an essay on basic Ideas of Gandhism?
Ans. The father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, achieved independence for India by using non-violent,
Satyagraha He practiced what he taught himself.
Basic ideas of Gandhism
1. Meta physical Idealism: Gandhiji’s Meta physical idealism is fraught with theological concerns. His
meta physical idealism was a unique combination of the values based on nonviolence, ethics, Vedanta,
spiritual, meta physical, Jain, Buddhist and Vaishnava.
2. Ethical absolutism: Gandhiji placed a high priority on moral values. We can see Gandhiji’s Ethical
absolutes in philosophy.Moral values that people practice make people obedient to God.
3. Doctrine of Non-Violence: Gandhiji used the concept of non - violence as an irreversible weapon in
politics. Non - violence means “Not to Kill”. “Not to do Harm”. Truth, lack of fear are desirable factors for
nonviolence.
Gandhi regarded and equated nonviolence on par with self-torture to the soul, mercy, love, fearlessness,
innocence, soul force, kindness, and non-indulgence, Gandhiji said that independence could not be achieved
through violence.
4. Doctrine of Satyagraha: Gandhiji intended satyagraha to mean the pressure of love, Gandhiji’s opinion
that satyagraha was not about torturing those who have done wrong, it is about upsetting ourselves and
bringing about change in others.
Principles of Satyagraha
1. Not to lie
2. Non - Violence
3. Practicing celibacy
4. Should not be stolen
5. Political faith of Satyagraha: In Gandhiji’s view, secular politics reduces the level of government.
Religion does not mean believing blindly that there should be religious beliefs with moral values. But
Gandhiji never said that the kingdom should have religion. Gandhi said that religion is supposed to be the
eliminator of evilin society.
6. Ends and Means: In Gandhiji’s view the means must be such as to achieve the intended goals. He said
tools like love, compassion should be used to achieve socio - political goas. Means is like a seed, the end is
like a tree, as the seed so the tree.
7. Trusteeship: The society of Gandhian dreams was like the state of Rama Rajya in which the welfare of
all will bloom. Trusteeship means that each person is the sole trustee of their property keep as much as you
want and give the rest to others.
2. Identity the safeguards of rights.
Ans. Citizens enjoy their rights only when they were fully protected or safeguarded by the state.
The following elements act as the safeguards of the rights.
1) Democratic Rule: People can enjoy their rights perfectly in democratic stations only. Democratic rule
safeguards the rights of the people to a great extent.
2) Written constitution: In order to protect the rights of the people, the constitution must be written in
such a way that the constitution guarantees the rights of the people.
3) Constitutional incorporation: Incorporation of fundamental rights in the constitution will prevent the
encroachment of individual rights by the government. Such an arrangement protects the rights of the
individuals to a great extent.
4) Separation of Powers: The powers of the government should be separated among the three organs of the
government. Such a measure would act as a check against other organ.
5) Decentralization of powers: Citizens rights can only be protected if powers are decentralized at the
local, regional and national levels.
6) Rule of Law: Rule of law implies equality before law. It also denotes equal application of laws to the
citizens. It gives no space for discrimination between citizens on the grounds of region, religion, caste, color,
community etc.
7) Independent and Impartial Judiciary: The department of Justice must be impartially independent in
order to protect the rights of thepeople. Rights are protected only when judges make bold and independent
judgments.
8) Independent Press: Rights are protected only when newspapers are able to deliver news to the public
without fear freedom of the press is an important element in the protection of rights.
9) Social and Economic Equalities: Individuals can achieve their rights only when they enjoy the rights of
social and economic equality in the state.
10) Eternal Vigilance: People must alwasy be careful about government policies. Rights must be protected
only when there is awareness among the people. People must be constantly vigilant.