Long Questions with Answers- Political Theory | Political Science Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Q. 1. What do you mean by Political Theory ? Discuss its nature.
OR
Define Political Theory. Explain its characteristics and scope.

Ans: Political theory is a branch of political science that deals with the explanation, analysis, and understanding of political events, ideas, institutions, and practices. While terms like political science, political philosophy, and politics are often used interchangeably, political theory has developed a distinct identity.

The word theory comes from the Greek word Theoria, meaning a focused contemplation aimed at understanding something. Arnold Brecht describes theory as a general explanation of phenomena in abstract terms. Political theory, therefore, is the theoretical reflection on political matters, combining philosophical inquiry with scientific investigation.

Definitions of Political Theory

1. Germino defines it as the critical study of principles of order in human existence, distinct from ideology or behaviorism.
2. Alan Issak calls it a set of generalizations based on both observable and theoretical concepts.
3. Sabine describes it broadly as anything related to politics and narrowly as the disciplined investigation of political problems.
4. David Held sees it as a network of concepts and generalizations about political life.
5. Andrew Hacker views it as both a study of political ideals and the search for political and social truths.
6. Bluhm presents political theory as a framework for understanding politics, interpreting events, and evaluating actions.

Hacker also explains that political theory has two aspects: one historical (study of past thinkers and ideas) and the other analytical (study of modern political behavior).

Scope and Nature of Political Theory

1. Study of State and Government – It examines the nature, evolution, and functioning of the state and government, focusing on how they meet people’s needs and aim for welfare.
2. Study of Power – Political theory explores power in its various forms—social, political, economic—and its distribution and use in society.
3. Wider Scope – It covers formal and informal structures, as well as ethical, psychological, geographical, and cultural influences on politics.
4. Political Ideologies – It studies systems of beliefs like Marxism, Gandhism, Socialism, etc., that shape political values and institutions.
5. Associations and Institutions – It looks at bodies like pressure groups, public relations systems, and the election process.
6. Rights and Duties – The theory analyses how rights and duties of citizens are essential for democracy.
7. Political Parties – It studies the central role of parties in democratic functioning and governance.
8. Interdisciplinary Approach – Political theory draws from economics, religion, geography, education, and culture to better understand politics.
9. Empirical and Behavioural – Based on data and observations, political theory today uses behavioral methods to develop insights.
10. Micro and Macro-Level Study – It studies political organizations both as wholes and in parts for a deeper analysis.
11. Scientific Methods – Political theory adopts scientific tools for classification, data collection, and analysis due to the dynamic nature of human behavior.
12. Re-entry of Values – After the behavioural approach reduced focus on values, post-behaviouralists reasserted their importance.
13. Study of Informal Elements – Besides formal structures, it considers informal ones like polling, pressure groups, and political culture.
14. Human Behaviour – It focuses on individual actions and motivations in the political field, acknowledging that politics is ultimately about human behavior.
15. Political Processes – Political theory studies both national and international legal and political processes.
16. Policy Formulation – It also involves understanding how policies are made and their implications.

In conclusion, political theory is both philosophical and scientific, encompassing a wide scope that includes state, power, ideologies, human behavior, and political structures. It helps us critically understand political life and its underlying principles.

Q.  2.  Discuss the significance and utility of Political Theory.
Ans: Political theory holds a vital place in the modern world. The evolution of contemporary political ideologies has challenged older notions, making political theory more relevant in shaping society towards welfare and idealism.

1. Understanding Political Reality: Political theory helps in comprehending real political situations. It organizes facts and events, removes illusions, and allows for clearer recognition and interpretation of political phenomena.
2. Simplification of Knowledge: It simplifies complex political information by converting facts into symbols, making them easier to remember and define.
3. Legitimising Government: Political theory justifies and supports governmental authority, especially helping ruling classes maintain their supremacy.
4. Use of Proper Means: It guides individuals in using appropriate means to achieve their political goals while balancing facts, events, and values.
5. Problem Solving: Political theory provides tools for resolving national and international issues such as war, sovereignty, and development, contributing to peaceful state functioning.
6. Utility for All Sections: It benefits politicians, rulers, leaders, and citizens by providing insights into political systems and institutions essential for governance.
7. Robert Dahl’s Perspective: According to Dahl, political theory is important not only politically (for legitimizing power) but also psychologically and ethically, offering direction to individual lives.
8. Extension of Intellect: It enhances intelligence by promoting knowledge, values, and awareness, helping individuals choose goals and set priorities.
9. Value for Researchers: Theories provide a solid base for research, enabling analysis, generalization, and efficient data handling, thereby saving time.
10. Guidance to Followers: Political theory offers direction to followers, aiding them in solving problems effectively. Ancient theories, like those from Hindu philosophy, remain relevant today.
11. Predictive Value: Based on past experiences, current conditions, and future needs, theorists make predictions to address social issues—though these are not always as precise as natural sciences.
12. Inspiration for Movements: Political theories often fuel political movements. Revolutionary leaders like Lenin and Indian freedom fighters drew inspiration from such theories.
13. Explaining Social Change: It explains causes and impacts of social change. Contrary to Marx’s view, political theory gains more relevance as society evolves.
14. Framework for Analysis: According to Easton, theory acts as a framework or compass—selecting relevant facts, directing research, and evaluating development over time.
15. Preserving Historical Thought: Political theory records historical ideas and forgotten contributions of ancient philosophers.
16. Scientific Explanation: It provides scientific analysis and generalizations of political events, helping not only to understand what is happening but also to make informed political choices.

In essence, political theory is crucial for understanding, evaluating, and guiding political actions, movements, institutions, and societal change across time.

Q. 3. Define Politics. Discuss major concern of Politics.
Ans:  Politics is a part of our everyday life. It deals with power, government, leadership, decision-making, and how a country is run. Like death and poverty, politics is also a universal phenomenon — it affects everyone, directly or indirectly.

As D.G. Hitchner rightly said, “The world around us is clearly a political world.” This shows that all human beings live in some political setup and are influenced by political decisions.

Definitions of Politics

• Oxford Dictionary: Politics is the science and art of government.
• Garner: Politics means the actual conduct of state affairs.
• Gilchrist:  Politics deals with current problems, often more economic than political.
• D.A. Butlar:  Politics is about how people react to decisions.
• Harold Lasswell:  “Politics is who gets what, when, and how.”
• David Easton:  Politics is about the authoritative allocation of values in society.

Scope of Politics

The scope of politics can be understood in two parts:

I. Traditional View of Politics

1. Study of State:  Politics studies the origin, nature, and purpose of the State.

2. Study of Government: It covers how governments are formed, their types, and their organs.

3. Political Ideologies:  It includes the study of ideas like socialism, communism, liberalism, Gandhism, etc.

4. Study of Human Life: Politics affects all areas of human life: social, economic, moral, and religious.

5. Study of Institutions: It covers political parties, interest groups, elections, and public opinion.

6. International Relations: Politics now includes global issues and relationships between countries.

II. Modern View of Politics

1. Power and Influence:  Politics is a struggle for power and influence in society.

2. Leadership: It studies political leaders and their role in decision-making.

3. Decision-Making: Politics is about making important decisions for society.

4. Conflicts and Consensus: Politics includes both disagreements and efforts to reach agreements.

5. Group Activity:  Politics involves different groups with different interests.

6. Comparative Politics : It compares political systems of different countries.

7. International Politics: Politics also studies international peace, war, treaties, etc.

Conclusion

The scope of politics has expanded greatly. It is not limited to the government or elections — it includes power, leadership, decision-making, and global issues. Politics is an unavoidable part of human life. As Steindhal said, “Politics in literature is like a pistol shot in a concert — loud and impossible to ignore.”