NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science - Political Theory: An Introduction

Q1: Which of the following statements are true/false about Political theory?
(a) It discusses ideas that form the basis of political institutions.
(b) It explains the relationship between different religions.
(c) It explains the meanings of concepts like equality and freedom.
(d) It predicts the performance of political parties.
Ans:
(a) True

Political theory involves the study of ideas and principles that underpin political institutions and practices. It explores concepts such as justice, democracy, rights, and the nature of political authority, which are fundamental to understanding how political institutions are structured and function.

(b) False

While political theory may touch upon the impact of religion on politics and the state, it does not primarily focus on explaining the relationships between different religions. This is more the domain of religious studies or sociology.

(c) True

Political theory is deeply concerned with the analysis and interpretation of key political concepts such as equality, freedom, justice, and rights. It seeks to define these concepts, explore their implications, and understand how they can be applied in political practice.

(d) False

Political theory does not aim to predict the performance of political parties. This task is more suited to political science subfields such as political analysis, comparative politics, or electoral studies, which use empirical data and statistical methods to analyze and predict political behavior and party performance. 

Q2: Politics is more than what politicians do. Do you agree with this statement? Give examples.
Ans:
It is correct that politics is more than what politicians do. Politicians as a part of government are involved in politics but politics is not limited to their activities. Politics involves a number of negotiations that go on in society through which collective decisions are made.

1. Politics involves the actions of government and its relation to the aspirations of the people.
2. Politics involves the struggle of people and its influence on decision-making. 
3. People are engaged in political activity whenever they negotiate with each other and participate in collective activities that are designed to promote social development and resolve common problems.
4. For example, residents of localities form associations to solve their common problems and raise these issues at a higher level.
5. Students form unions in colleges and universities to debate and resolve issues that affect the majority of them.
6. Thus, politics is involved in the sphere of life that is related to power, collective decision-making, and solving common problems.

Politics is more than what politicians do

Q3: Vigilant citizens are a must for the successful working of a democracy. Comment.
Ans:

• Vigilant people are a must for the successful working of democracy as vigilance creates awareness about the rights of citizens and government policies that affect daily life.
• Awareness leads to discussion and debate on the issues that arise out of the implementation of policies.
• Citizens can, thus, force the government to implement new policies or modify the existing policies and programs of the country by building up and mobilizing their opinion.
• As democracy is about the government of the citizens, by the citizens, and for the citizens, the vigilance of the citizens accelerates the successful working of a democracy.

Q4: In what ways is the study of political theory useful for us? Identify four ways in which the political theory can be useful to us.
Ans: Political theory is useful for us as it helps in understanding the meaning of political concepts by looking at the way they are understood and used in ordinary language.
Political theories debate and examine the various meanings and opinions from different contexts in a systematic manner.
The four ways in which the political theory can be useful to us, are:

• It helps in understanding how constitutions are shaped in a certain manner, how governments and social lives are arranged in a certain systematic manner by studying and understanding the ideas and principles that are at their base.
• It shows the significance of various principles such as rule of law, separation of power, judicial review etc.
• Political theory helps bureaucrats, politicians, government officers, and advocates to interpret the laws and constitution. It also helps in understanding the problems of society and explore the ways to solve them.
• Political theory encourages individuals to examine their ideas and feelings about political things so that they can become moderate in their ideas and feelings.

Q5: Do you think that a good/ convincing argument can compel others to listen to you?
Ans: Yes, a good/ convincing argument can compel others to listen to one. Arguments prove the degree of reason of a proposition and the need to defend it. A good defense is a compelling factor in the audience listening to the speaker. The knowledge of political theory enables the individual to think systematically on issues like justice and freedom and polish his/her opinion. This helps the presentation of the argument in an informed manner. A wise opinion is convincing and is for the sake of common interests. Therefore, it makes others listen to and agree with the individual who argues in a convincing manner.

Q6: Do you think studying political theory is like studying mathematics? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans: Studying political theory is not like studying mathematics as mathematics deals with precise concepts and patterns while political theory studies human beings and their ideas in the context of power and decision-making. In mathematics, there are single definitions of terms. In political theory, on the other hand, the definitions of terms vary according to the context. This is because the opinion of people changes unlike objects and carries different meanings of a single term in different contexts. The concepts that are dealt by mathematics are constant and derived through formulae whereas the concepts of political theory are at variance and open to interpretation.