Passage Based Questions: Political Theory : An Introduction | Political Science Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Passage - 1

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Politics arises from the fact that we have different visions of what Is just and desirable for us and our society. It involves the multiple negotiations that go on In society through which collective decisions are made. At one level, It Involves what governments do and how they relate to the aspirations of the people; at another level, It Involves how people struggle and Influence decision-making. People may be said to engage In Political activity whenever they negotiate with each other and take part In collective activities which are designed to promote social development and help to resolve common problems.

Q1: What is the fundamental source of politics, and how does it relate to differing visions within society?
Ans:

• Politics originates from the existence of varying perceptions about what is just and desirable for both individuals and society as a whole.
• These differing visions give rise to the need for collective decision-making and negotiation in a society.

Q2: How does politics manifest at the government level, and what is its connection to people's aspirations?
Ans:

• In the realm of governance, politics involves the actions and decisions of governments and their alignment with the aspirations of the people they serve.
• Politics at this level encompasses the way in which governments respond to the needs and desires of their constituents.

Q3: When can individuals be considered engaged in political activity, and what activities fall under this category?
Ans:

• People engage in political activity whenever they participate in negotiations, collective efforts, and activities designed to foster social development and resolve common problems.
• These activities can include interactions where individuals work together to influence decision-making processes and promote the betterment of their community or society.

Passage - 2

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

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. This Is done by examining the arguments advanced by different thinkers In defence of these concepts. Though Rousseau or Marx or Gandhi did not become politicians, their Ideas Influenced generations of politicians everywhere. There are also contemporary thinkers who draw upon them to defend freedom or democracy In our own time. Besides examining arguments, political theorists also reflect upon our current political experiences and point out trends and possibilities for the future.

Q1: What is the primary focus of political theory, and how does it achieve this focus?
Ans:

• Political theory primarily deals with the systematic examination of ideas and principles that shape constitutions, governments, and social life.
• It accomplishes this by clarifying the meanings of concepts like freedom, justice, democracy, and secularism and by probing the significance of principles such as the rule of law, separation of powers, and judicial review.

Q2: How do political theorists utilize the arguments put forth by different thinkers, and how has this influenced politicians and governance?
Ans:

• Political theorists examine and analyze the arguments advanced by various thinkers in defense of political concepts.
• Thinkers like Rousseau, Marx, and Gandhi, although not politicians themselves, have had a profound influence on generations of politicians and governance worldwide, as their ideas were used to shape political ideologies and actions.

Q3: In addition to examining historical arguments, what else do political theorists engage in, and what is the purpose of this practice?
Ans:

• Political theorists also reflect on contemporary political experiences and identify trends and possibilities for the future.
• This reflection helps to provide insights into current political issues and guide the development of political thought and action in the present and future.

Passage - 3

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

We dally encounter discrimination of various sorts In families, schools, colleges, shopping malls and so on. We ourselves have prejudices against people who are different from us, be they of a different caste or religion or gender or class. If we feel oppressed, we want It redressed and If that Is delayed, we feel a violent revolution Isjustlfled. If we are privileged, we deny that there Is any oppression even as our maids and servants struggle for dignity. Sometimes, we even feel that our servants deserve the treatment they get.

Q1: Where does discrimination occur in daily life, and what are some common forms of discrimination mentioned in the passage?
Ans:

• Discrimination is encountered in various settings, including families, schools, colleges, and shopping malls.
• Common forms of discrimination mentioned include biases related to caste, religion, gender, and class.

Q2: How do individuals often respond to feelings of oppression, and what actions may they consider when seeking redress?
Ans:

• When individuals feel oppressed, they may seek redress for their grievances.
• Delay in addressing these concerns can lead to a sense of justification for violent revolution as a means of seeking justice.

Q3: What contrasting attitudes or behaviors are discussed regarding privilege and the treatment of maids and servants?
Ans:

• Those who are privileged may deny the existence of oppression, even when their domestic staff and servants are struggling for dignity.
• Some individuals may hold the belief that their servants deserve the treatment they receive, reflecting a disparity in power and privilege.

Passage - 4

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

For Instance, global communications is making It easier for activists to network with one another across the world to protect tribal cultures or forests. But It also enables terrorists and criminals to network. Moreover, Internet commerce Is all set to Increase In the future. This means that the information we give about ourselves online to buy goods or services must be protected. So even though citizens (citizens of the Internet) do not Ilke government control, they recognise that some form of regulation Is necessary to safeguard Individual security and privacy.

Q1: How does global communication technology impact both activists and criminals, and what is the consequence of this?
Ans:

• Global communication technology facilitates networking among activists to protect tribal cultures and forests while enabling terrorists and criminals to connect as well.
• The consequence is that this technology presents a dual-edged sword, offering both opportunities for positive change and threats to global security.

Q2: Why is the protection of personal information in Internet commerce considered important, and how does it relate to the growth of online business?
Ans:

• The growth of Internet commerce is set to increase in the future, and this necessitates the protection of personal information provided online for purchasing goods and services.
• Ensuring the security and privacy of individual data is crucial as more transactions occur online.

Q3: What is the general attitude of "citizens of the Internet" toward government control, and why do they recognize the need for some regulation?
Ans:

• "Citizens of the Internet" may not prefer government control, but they acknowledge the necessity of some form of regulation.
• They recognize that such regulation is essential for safeguarding individual security and privacy in the digital realm, particularly in a world where online activities continue to expand.