Political Theory: An Introduction|

Q1. What is Political Theory?

Ans. The political theory refers to the value of judicial decisions and a generalization about
the political issues like state, government, political leadership, based on the study and
analysis and which is useful for the society and which is accepted by the society.
According to Zemino, Political Theory is the critical study of the principles of right order
in human social existence.
The political theory attempts to explain the attitudes and actions arising from
ordinary political life. The political theory is a generalized statement about political issues
and political realities.
Q2. Discuss the scope and utility of the political theory.
Answer: Without a definite theory, no life, no society, no nation and no discipline can move
ahead properly. It is based on rational discussion, debate and study and analysis. One
learned political theorist has to define political theory as an attempt to explain the attitudes
and actions arising from ordinary political life.
David Held says “Political Theories are complex networks of concepts and generalisations
about political life involving idea, assumptions and statements about the nature, purposes
and key features of government, state and society and about the political capabilities of
human beings.”
Political Theory has wide scope in its meaning and application.
I. The political theory includes in its study the concepts like equality, freedom, liberty, justice,
dignity are also the process and institutions like decision-making process, state, society and
form of governments.
II. It also includes in its study, the new concepts like power, authority, legitimacy, political
socialization, political modernization, political communication, and elite, etc.
III. Political theory plays a very significant role in understanding, studying and analysing the
political ideas, political situations and political realities.
IV. It gives the relevance to the political decisions taken on the basis of reason, debate and
scientific.
V. It gives proper direction to society and brings positive transformation by removing
misunderstanding and confusion.
Q. What do we study in Political Theory?
Ans. There are certain values and principles that have inspired people and guided policies. For
example, Ideals like democracy, freedom or equality, different countries may try to protect such
values by enshrining them in their constitutions as is the case with the American and Indian
constitutions. These documents did not just emerge overnight; they are built upon the ideas and
principles debated almost since the time of Kautilya, Aristotle to Jean Jacques Rousseau, Karl
Marx, Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
As far back as the fifth century B.C., Plato and Aristotle discussed with their students
whether monarchy or democracy was better. In modern times, Rousseau first argued for freedom as
a fundamental right of humankind. Karl Marx argued that equality was as crucial as freedom.
In India, Mahatma Gandhi discussed the meaning of genuine freedom or swaraj in his book
Hind Swaraj. Dr. Ambedkar vigorously argued that the scheduled castes must be considered a
minority, and as such, must receive special protection.
Political theory deals with the ideas and principles that shape Constitutions, governments
and social life in a systematic manner. It clarifies the meaning of concepts such as freedom,
equality, justice, democracy, secularism and so on. It probes the significance of principles such as
rule of law, separation of powers, judicial review, etc.
Q. Why should we study Political Theory?
1. Ans. Firstly, political theory is relevant for all the above target groups. As high school
students, we may choose one of the above professions in the future and so indirectly it is
relevant for us even now.
2. Secondly, we are all going to be citizens entitled to vote and decide other issues. To act
responsibly, it is helpful to have a basic knowledge of the political ideas and institutions that
shape the world we live in.
3. Thirdly, freedom, equality and secularism are not abstract issues in our lives. People daily
encounter discrimination of various sorts in families, schools, colleges, shopping malls and
so on.
→ Political theory encourages us to do is examine our ideas and feelings about political
things.
• Finally, as students we enjoy debates and elocution competitions. We have opinions about
what is right or wrong, just or unjust but do not know whether they are reasonable or not.
→ Political theory exposes us to systematic thinking on justice or equality so that we can
polish our opinions and argue in an informed manner and for the sake of common interests.
Q. What is the difference between traditional political theory and modern political
theory?
Answer: Political Theory is the outcome of the approach which we adopt for the political
issues and political problems. There have been mainly two approaches i.e. Traditional
approach and Modem approach. Following are the features of the traditional and modern
approach with their difference:-

1. Traditional approach 2. Modern approach

1. It is subjective. 1. It is objective.
2. It is descriptive. 2. It is empirical.
3. It is hypothetical. 3. It is scientific.
4. It is value-based. 4. It is inter-disciplinary.
5. It is institutional. 5. It is based on facts.
6. It is philosophical, legal and 6. It is analytical
reformative.
Q. Discuss the importance of a political theory.
Answer: Importance of a political theory in the following areas:-
1. It offers solutions to contemporary political problems.
2. It helps in removing the prevailing confusion of society.
3. It gives direction to the society.
4. It acts as an inspiration for the society.
5. It brings a change in society.
6. It breaks the conservative character of the society.
7. It brings reformation in society.
8. It brings a revolution in society.
9. It frames the policies for the future.
10. It offers planning for the future.
11. It helps in studying and understanding the political realities.
12. It helps in research and conceptualisation.
 Q. What is politics?
Answer: Different people have a different understanding of politics. Politics is in fact
power. It is one’s capability and capacity to obtain one’s command. It is an art. It is a
methodology to get the position of authority. Some of the people regard it as a kind of
public service. Many people associates politics with manipulation and intrigue undertook
to pursue ambitions and satisfy wants. Politics is an art to get and retain one’s power and
authority over others. Politics is generally understood in a negative sense. Politics has
many aspects like:
1. Politics as a power struggle.
2. Politics as a service to mankind.
3. Politics as an art of domination.
4. Politics as an art of commanding obedience.
5. Politics as a method of controlling the political process.
6. In Marxism sense, politics is to control economic relations.
Q. What is Political Science?
Ans. Political science is a part of the social science which deals with the political problems
of human beings and the subject matter of political science are political institutions (State,
Government, Judiciary, Parliament, Pressure groups, Political Party, etc.),
Political science is the combination of two words one is Political and another one
is science. English word ‘Science’ comes from the Latin word ‘Scientia’, which means
knowledge which is acquired by systematic study. So It means a systematic study of
political institutions, the political behavior of human beings, political systems, international
relations, and all the issues related to power and authority.
Traditional Definition of Political Science
According to traditional Political Scientists, it deals with the state, Government, and other
political institutions. So in traditional view it discusses the origin, nature, ideals, and goals,
of the state.
R.G Gettel, “Political science is a historical investigation of what the state has been, an
analytical study of what the state is, and a politico-ethical discussion of what the state
should be”.
Modern Definition of Political Science:. Political Science concern itself with the life of
men in relation to organized state
Laski, “David Easton defines political science as an Authoritative allocation of values. He
has not seen it as a discussion of state institutions but presents this as a discussion of
political system or process”.

SCOPE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

1. Study of Government: This state was again embodied through the government. The state
cannot be imagined without the government. State fulfilled its goals through the
government. So the discussion of the state as well as the government becomes necessary.
2. Study of history of the State: The idea of the present state remains incomplete if we do
not discuss the history of the state. In the context of the past and present discussion of the
state, it is necessary to see how this institution evolved from the past to the present.
3. Study of Laws: In addition to the state and the government, laws enacted by the
government are also included in the discussion of political science. The government enacts
laws on behalf of the state and administers governance and maintains peace. So the
discussion of law is another matter of political science.
4. Study of International Relations and International laws: At present, the interaction
between the citizen and the state is influenced by multiple issues. The flow of international
events affects national life.
So, it also deals with international relations and international laws. It includes international
organizations like the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and The World Bank,
etc.
5. Study of theoretical and applied political science: Theoretical discussions of political
science are about the origin, nature, ideology, independence, law, etc. of the state.
On the other hand, the classification of government, functions, legislation, functions of
political institutions, international customs, treaties, and diplomacy are the main topics of
applied discussion in it.
 Q. What are the differences between Politics and Political Theory ?
Ans. The main difference between these two terms is that politics implies practical politics
i.e. that happens in the real world situation like formation, working of government and laws.
On the other hand, political science has a theoretical approach. Whereas, political theory claims
that it engages in analysis of empirical facts but doesn't actually do so (at least not in any serious way). ...
Political thought is the immediate and the concrete; political theories are concepts as to
how social and political order adheres, develops and decays ; Political Science is the most
abstract expression and the most general-political philosophy must, indeed, be philosophy.
Q. What are the differences between politics and political science?
Politics:
● Politics may have different ideas to be argued upon.
● Politics is associated with the satisfaction of wants.
● Politics is sometimes considered to be what politicians do. But it associates them with teams
due to their false commitments, etc.
● Politics promotes the interests of an individual by all means.
Political Science:

● It is a scientific study of political ideas and principles.

● Political Science shapes the government and public opinion in a well-mannered way.
● Political science examines the defections, false commitment and false promises made by
politicians.
● Political Science examines the validity of concepts of equality, justice, freedom, democracy,
secularism, etc.
● The philosophers in political science can generate the new ideas to mould society.