Political Theory – political science – class 11

 

I. Long Answer Questions

 

1. What is Politics? Is there any difference between Politics and Political Science?

 

Politics: Politics refers to the activities related to power, governance, decision-making, law-making, and conflict resolution in society. Harold Lasswell defined politics as “Who gets what, when, and how.”

 

Political Science: It is the systematic study of politics. It scientifically studies the theory and practice of politics, state, government, and power relations.

 

Difference:

 

1. Politics is the actual practice of power and decision-making.

 

2. Political Science is the academic discipline that studies politics.

 

 

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2. What is Political Theory? Why do we need Political Theory?

 

Definition: Political theory is a branch of Political Science that deals with the ideas, principles, and values which guide politics. It studies concepts like justice, liberty, equality, democracy, and rights.

 

Need for Political Theory:

 

1. Helps us understand political ideas and institutions.

 

2. Provides guidance for solving political and social problems.

 

 

3. Helps in protecting freedom, rights, and justice.

 

 

4. Guides citizens to become aware, active, and responsible.

 

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3. Discuss the traditional and modern views of Politics.

 

Traditional View:

 

1. Politics was limited to the study of State and Government.

 

2. Focus was on constitutions, laws, and political institutions.

 

3. Main thinkers: Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli.

 

 

Modern View:

 

1. Politics includes not just government, but also power relations in society.

 

 

2. Focus is on behavior, conflicts, decision-making, political parties, and pressure groups.

 

 

3. Modern thinkers: David Easton, Harold Lasswell.

 

 

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4. Discuss the scope of Political Theory.

 

Scope of Political Theory includes:

 

1. Study of Political Concepts – justice, liberty, equality, democracy.

 

 

2. Study of Institutions – state, government, parliament, judiciary.

 

 

3. Study of Processes – elections, political parties, pressure groups.

 

 

4. Study of Values – human rights, dignity, freedom.

 

 

5. Critical Analysis – examines policies, laws, and social justice issues.

 

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5. Define Political Theory. Discuss its Nature.

 

Definition: Political Theory is the study of political ideas, principles, and values that shape politics.

 

Nature:

 

1. Normative Nature – It studies what ought to be (justice, equality, liberty).

 

 

2. Explanatory Nature – It explains how political institutions and systems work.

 

 

3. Interdisciplinary – Related to sociology, history, economics, and philosophy.

 

 

4. Practical – Helps in solving real political and social problems.

 

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6. Discuss the Scope Theory of Political Theory.

 

Scope Theory of Political Theory refers to the boundaries of what Political Theory studies. It includes:

 

1. Philosophical Aspect – Studies values like liberty, equality, rights.

 

 

2. Empirical Aspect – Studies political behavior and systems with facts and data.

 

 

3. Normative Aspect – Provides ideals for a better society.

 

 

4. Practical Aspect – Guides policies, constitutions, and governance.

 

 

 

 

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7. Explain the usages of Political Theory.

 

Usages of Political Theory:

 

1. Helps understand political values and ideas.

 

 

2. Explains working of institutions like parliament, judiciary, and government.

 

 

3. Provides guidance for making laws and policies.

 

 

4. Helps citizens in becoming politically aware.

 

 

5. Promotes democracy, justice, and equality.

 

 

 

 

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8. Discuss the importance of the Study of Political Science for Citizens.

 

Importance for Citizens:

 

1. Makes citizens aware of their rights and duties.

 

 

2. Helps in understanding laws, government, and constitution.

 

 

3. Guides citizens to take part in elections and democratic processes.

 

 

4. Creates responsible, active, and enlightened citizens.

 

 

5. Helps in protecting democracy and human rights.

 

 

 

 

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II. Short Questions

 

1. What is the traditional view of Politics?

 

Traditional view: Politics is the study of State and Government, their institutions, constitutions, and laws.

 

 

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2. What is the modern view of Politics?

 

Modern view: Politics is the study of power, decision-making, conflict resolution, and political behavior in society.

 

 

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3. What is Politics?

 

Politics is the activity of making decisions in groups, distributing power and resources, and resolving conflicts in society.

 

 

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4. Is there any real difference between Politics and Political Science?

 

Yes: Politics is the practice of power, while Political Science is the systematic study of politics.

 

 

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5. Define Political Theory.

 

Political Theory is the study of political values, ideas, institutions, and processes like liberty, justice, equality, and democracy.

 

 

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6. Give main points of importance of Political Theory.

 

1. Explains political ideas.

 

 

2. Promotes values like justice, liberty, equality.

 

 

3. Guides governments and laws.

 

 

4. Educates citizens about democracy and rights.

 

 

 

 

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7. What are the major areas of the Scope of Political Science?

 

1. Study of State and Government.

 

 

2. Study of Political Institutions (parliament, judiciary).

 

 

3. Study of Political Behavior (elections, parties).

 

 

4. Study of Political Values (liberty, equality, justice).