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

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the meaning of Political Theory.
Ans:  Political theory is a systematic study of political leadership, processes, events, and systems based on analysis, reasoning, and societal utility. According to David Held, it consists of complex networks of concepts and generalizations about political life, including ideas, assumptions, and statements on governance, the state, society, and human political capabilities. It also explains attitudes and actions in everyday political life.

Q2: Mention two important functions of Political Theory.
Ans:  Political theory serves several important functions in society:

• Formulation of Concepts: It helps create and clarify key ideas and generalisations that guide political thought.
• Providing Direction: Political theory offers clear guidance to society, helping to eliminate confusion and uncertainty.
• Inspiration: It acts as a source of motivation for societal progress and development.

Overall, political theory plays a crucial role in shaping the understanding and functioning of political systems.

Q3: Discuss Gandhi as a Theorist.
Ans: Gandhi was a key figure in India’s liberation movement, but he was not a conventional politician as he never sought power or authority. Instead, he applied his concepts of truth, non-violence, and satyagraha in the freedom struggle. As a theorist, he analyzed the nature and role of the state and emphasized the importance of peace and non-violence in addressing global issues.

Q4: What is the importance of politics?
Ans: Politics has assumed great importance in today’s life. It has become the synonym of power. In fact, politics is art or capacity and capability to get power and authority. It is one’s ability to command obedience by influencing the people and by shaping the behaviour of the people according to their design. Politics is an important and integral part of any society. Mahatma Gandhi once observed that politics envelops us like the coils of a snake and there is no other way out but to wrestle with it.

Q5: What is the political role of a political theory?
Ans: Political theory analyzes ideas and institutions with political relevance. It arises from differing views on justice and societal goals, guiding what the government should or should not do. It helps conceptualize political issues and governance systems aimed at promoting social development.

Q6: Why different theories have been given on the same issues at a different point of time?
Ans: Different theories arise over time because the same issue can be viewed and understood in various ways. Key reasons include:

• Contextual Changes: The relevance of a theory may diminish as society evolves.
• Historical Perspectives: Concepts like equality have been interpreted differently, from Plato to Marx.
• Influence of Thinkers: Theories reflect the values and needs of the era in which the theorist lives.
• Layered Meanings: Political concepts are complex and can have multiple interpretations based on societal needs.

For instance, the definitions of justice vary between Plato and Aristotle, despite their teacher-student relationship. This highlights how political theorists clarify meanings by examining everyday language and debating diverse opinions.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q7: What is Political Theory?
Ans: The political theory refers to the value of judicial decisions and a generalisation 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 generalised statement about political issues and political realities.

Q8: What are the essential characteristics of a good theory?
Ans:  A good political theory should possess the following essential characteristics:

• The theory should not be hypothetical.
• It must be based on study, facts, reasoning, and analysis.
• The theory should be specific.
• It should be objective.
• The theory must be relevant to contemporary issues.
• It should have support from society.
• The theory must reflect current issues.
• It should be developed using scientific methods.

Q9: Discuss the utility of a political theory.
Ans: The utility of political theory can be understood through several key areas:

• Solutions to current political issues.
• Clarification of societal confusion.
• Providing direction for society.
• Inspiring societal change.
• Encouraging reformation within society.
• Facilitating revolutions when necessary.
• Framing policies for the future.
• Offering planning for future developments.
• Enhancing the study of political realities.
• Supporting research and conceptual understanding.

Q10: Discuss how politics operates.
Ans:  Politics is a natural aspect of human society. It reflects the diverse interests and beliefs of individuals, leading to different views on what is fair or unfair. Key points about how politics operates include:

• Negotiation: Politics involves ongoing discussions within society to make collective decisions.
• Decision-Making: It serves as a mechanism for evaluating relationships between people and the government.
• Influence: Individuals can influence decisions at various levels through political engagement.
• Social Development: Politics aims to promote social progress and address common challenges.

When people disagree with government policies, they often protest or organise demonstrations to advocate for change. This engagement reflects a desire to understand and improve the political landscape.

Q11: What is the difference between Politicians and Political Thinkers?
Ans: A politician is primarily involved in the power dynamics of party politics. They focus on practical politics and often have a narrow perspective. In contrast, a political thinker studies and analyses societal issues to propose solutions. They adopt a broader view and aim to guide society. Key differences include:

• Politicians engage directly in political activities.
• Political thinkers provide theoretical insights and solutions.
• Examples of politicians are Pt. Jawahar Lai Nehru and Stalin.
• Examples of political thinkers include Marx and M.K. Gandhi.

Q12: Discuss the features and characteristics of the Gandhian Theory of politics.
Ans:  Mahatma Gandhi is recognised as a significant thinker and political theorist. His ideas remain relevant today, not just in India but globally. Key features of his political theory include:

• Critique of Social Evils: Gandhi highlighted the emptiness of social issues like casteism, communalism, and untouchability.
• State Abolition: He believed in the removal of the state, viewing it as a mechanical institution.
• Core Principles: His philosophy is rooted in Truth and Non-violence, exemplified through his method of Satyagraha, which played a crucial role in India's independence.

Gandhi's concept of genuine freedom, or swaraj, is elaborated in his book Hind Swaraj. His ideas influenced the Indian Constitution, promoting freedom and equality, and abolishing untouchability.

Q13: The government as a part of politics can affect on daily life of humans both in a useful and a harmful way. How?
Ans:  The government can influence daily life in both positive and negative ways:
Positive impacts:

• The government can create beneficial policies in areas like education, economy, and foreign relations.
• These policies can enhance literacy and job opportunities for citizens.

Negative impacts:

• Government actions can lead to violent protests, disrupting daily routines.
• Such conflicts may result in closed markets and schools, affecting access to essential services.

Overall, the government's decisions significantly shape our lives, prompting us to engage in political discussions and actions.

Q14: ‘Human beings are unique’. Give any two arguments. 
Ans:  Human beings are unique for two main reasons:

• Reasoning: They possess the ability to think and reflect on their actions.
• Communication: They can use language to express thoughts, engage in discussions, and debate various issues.

Q15: ‘Politics works as a pursuit of common good of people’. Justify the statement.
Ans: Politics implies to power to make laws and to enforce them for common good: 

• Common good is both an objective and a procedure to be followed.
• Common good has been evolved with the growth of democracy.
• Common good may be associated with the concept of welfare state.
• Developing nations reflect common good in the realization of objectives for a welfare’ state while developed nations believe to the common good to be the efforts of state.

Politics as a pursuit of the common good:

• Politics discovers a ‘common’ in all and promoter the spirit of ‘common hood’ among people.
• Politics does not refer to class struggle but it is a class permeation.
• The common good serves all the people living in a society in place of individuals’ interests only.
• It begins with the establishment of social order and ends up in a state to serve all.

Q16: What are the differences between politics and political science?
Ans: Politics and Political Science differ in several key ways:

• Politics involves various ideas and debates.
• It focuses on satisfying individual wants and interests.
• Often seen as what politicians do, it can be linked to false commitments.
• Politics can promote personal interests through various means.

Political Science is the systematic study of political ideas and principles:

• It aims to shape government and public opinion effectively.
• Political Science analyses politicians' actions, including false promises.
• It evaluates concepts like equality, justice, freedom, and democracy.
• Philosophers in this field generate new ideas to improve society.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q17: Discuss the meaning, scope and utility of the political theory.
Ans: Political theory is essential for the functioning of life, society, and governance. It comprises a collection of tested hypotheses, conceptual decisions, and generalisations that guide societal progress. This theory is founded on rational discussion, debate, and analysis. According to political theorist David Held, political theories are intricate networks of concepts and generalisations about political life. They encompass:

• Ideas about government, state, and society.
• Assumptions regarding human political capabilities.
• Key features of political systems.

The scope of political theory is broad, covering concepts such as:

• Equality, freedom, and justice.
• Processes and institutions like decision-making, state, and government forms.
• Modern concepts including power, authority, legitimacy, and political socialisation.

Political theory is crucial for:

• Understanding and analysing political ideas and situations.
• Providing a rationale for political decisions based on reason and debate.
• Guiding societal direction and fostering positive change by clarifying misunderstandings.

It also addresses fundamental questions about society, such as:

• How should society be organised?
• What is the role of government?
• What are the rights and responsibilities of citizens?

By examining these questions, political theory helps citizens think critically about political issues and assess contemporary events.

Q18: What is the scope of political theory?
Ans: Political theory is the study of political ideas, concepts, and issues that shape societies and governance systems. It systematically examines significant political questions, such as freedom, equality, justice, and the role of institutions like the state, government, and administration. The area of political theory is vast and encompasses the exploration of foundational political concepts and their meanings.

Key aspects of political theory include:

1. Analysis of Political Concepts: Political theory focuses on understanding and clarifying critical political concepts such as justice, liberty, equality, and authority. It provides insights into the significance of these concepts in shaping political discourse and policies.

2. Engagement with Political Thinkers: Political theorists from both the past and the present contribute to defining and reinterpreting these concepts. Thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Marx, and modern political philosophers have addressed the problems of their times, offering theories and ideas that influence political systems today.

3. Reexamining Definitions: Political theory involves revisiting the definitions and meanings of established concepts to reflect changes in society and contemporary challenges. Theories are not static; they evolve as political and social conditions change, requiring modification to remain relevant.

4. Guiding Rational Political Thought: One of the central goals of political theory is to cultivate rational thinking among citizens, encouraging them to critically assess political events, institutions, and ideologies in the modern world. It trains individuals to evaluate political actions and ideas in a reasoned and informed manner.

Therefore, political theory serves as a framework for understanding political concepts, guiding critical thought, and reflecting on how political structures and ideas evolve in response to societal changes. It plays a crucial role in shaping informed and engaged citizens who can contribute thoughtfully to political discourse.

Q19: What is politics?
Ans: Politics is a concept that has different meanings depending on one's perspective. At its core, politics is often understood as the distribution and exercise of power. It refers to the ability of individuals or groups to influence or control decisions, resources, and authority within a society. Politics can be viewed from various angles, each highlighting different dimensions of power, governance, and human relations.

Key aspects of politics include:

1. Politics as a Power Struggle: Politics is frequently seen as a contest for power, where various actors—whether individuals, political parties, or nations—compete to gain control and influence over resources, policies, and decision-making processes.

2. Politics as Public Service: For some, politics is viewed as a means of serving the public good. Politicians and leaders may be seen as working for the betterment of society, striving to create policies that benefit the general population.

3. Politics as an Art of Domination: Another interpretation of politics is as a tool for exercising control or domination. In this view, politics is about maintaining authority and securing power, often through strategic maneuvering or the use of force.

4. Politics as Commanding Obedience: Politics can also be seen as the art of commanding obedience from others. Leaders and institutions use laws, norms, and influence to ensure that people follow directives and maintain social order.

5. Politics as Controlling the Political Process: Politics is also about controlling the political system itself—determining the rules of engagement, shaping institutions, and influencing the direction of government and policy.

6. Marxist Perspective: In Marxist theory, politics is closely tied to the control of economic relations. It is seen as a means of maintaining and altering the structure of economic power, with political decisions often reflecting the interests of economic classes.

Hence, politics encompasses a wide range of activities and viewpoints, from power struggles and public service to domination and economic control. It is an essential part of human society, influencing how decisions are made and how authority is exercised.

Q20: What is the difference between traditional political theory and modern political theory?
Ans: 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

• It is subjective.
• It is descriptive.
• It is hypothetical.
• It is value-based.
• It is institutional.
• It is philosophical, legal and reformative.

2. Modern approach

• It is objective.
• It is empirical.
• It is scientific.
• It is inter-disciplinary.
• It is based on facts.
• It is analytical.