Jammu University Non CBCS
Political Science Previous Year Question Paper
1st Semester
PS-101
UNIT-I: Political Theory and Political Science
1.1 Introduction to Political Science, Politics, and Political Theory
Political Science: Political Science is the academic discipline that studies the theory and practice of politics. It seeks to understand the workings of political systems, institutions, processes, and behavior. Political Science focuses on the dynamics of governance, power, decision-making, and the functioning of states and governments.
Politics: Politics refers to the activities, actions, and policies used to gain and hold power within a government. It encompasses the strategies, decisions, and processes that determine who gets what, when, and how in society.
Political Theory: Political Theory is a branch of Political Science that focuses on analyzing and developing ideas about government, authority, justice, rights, and freedom. It involves the study of philosophical and normative concepts that guide political practices.
1.2 Nature and Scope of Political Science
Nature of Political Science: Political Science is empirical, systematic, and analytical. It seeks to explore, explain, and predict political phenomena through objective analysis. It incorporates various approaches and methods to study political activities and institutions. Political Science examines the structure, function, and impact of political systems.
Scope of Political Science: The scope of Political Science is vast and includes:
- Comparative Politics: The study of different political systems, their structures, and how they operate.
- International Relations: The study of the interactions between countries and international organizations.
- Political Theory: The study of the ideas and philosophies that underlie politics.
- Public Administration: The management and organization of governmental agencies.
- Political Economy: The relationship between politics and economic systems.
- Public Policy: The creation and evaluation of policies that affect the public.
1.3 Traditional Approaches to the Study of Political Science
Philosophical Approach: This approach focuses on the normative and ethical aspects of political life. Political theorists like Plato, Aristotle, and Machiavelli utilized this approach to explore ideas about justice, governance, and the ideal state.
Historical Approach: The historical approach examines the political ideas and events in historical context. It studies the evolution of political systems, institutions, and ideologies over time.
Legal-Institutional Approach: This approach is concerned with the formal structures of government, laws, and political institutions. It emphasizes the study of constitutions, the roles of the legislature, executive, and judiciary, and the legal frameworks that shape political life.
1.4 Modern Approaches to the Study of Political Science
Behavioral Approach: The Behavioralist approach emerged in the early 20th century and emphasizes the study of political behavior. It focuses on understanding how individuals and groups act within the political system, including voting behavior, political participation, and decision-making processes.
Systems Approach: This approach views politics as a system of interrelated parts. It focuses on inputs (such as public demands and support), political processes (such as lawmaking and governance), and outputs (such as policy decisions). The systems approach aims to understand how political systems function as a whole.
UNIT-II: State: Origin & Nature
2.1 Meaning and Elements of State: Difference between State, Society, and Nation
State: A state is a political entity with defined territorial boundaries, a permanent population, a system of governance, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. It is characterized by its sovereignty and authority.
Society: Society refers to a group of people bound together by shared values, norms, and institutions. While the state governs society, the two are distinct. Society encompasses social relations, cultural practices, and economic activities.
Nation: A nation is a group of people who share common cultural, historical, linguistic, or ethnic ties. It is a social and psychological entity, whereas a state is a political and legal institution. A state may contain multiple nations within its borders.
2.2 Theories of the Origin of State
Divine Theory: This theory posits that the state is created by God, and rulers derive their authority directly from a divine mandate. Historically, many monarchs claimed to rule by divine right.
Historical/Evolutionary Theory: This theory suggests that the state evolved gradually from primitive social organizations such as tribes or families. Over time, these groups developed structures to maintain order and protect their members.
Social Contract Theory: According to this theory, the state is a product of an implicit contract between individuals to form a collective society. Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau are key proponents. The idea is that people agreed to give up certain freedoms in exchange for security and governance.
2.3 Theories of Nature of State
Origin Theory: This theory focuses on the genesis of the state. It looks at how states emerge and develop, considering factors like warfare, social needs, and economic considerations.
Liberal Theory: Liberal theory sees the state as a neutral arbiter that protects individual freedoms, human rights, and promotes justice. It emphasizes limited government, rule of law, and democratic principles.
Marxist Theory: Marxism views the state as a tool of class oppression. According to Karl Marx, the state arises to protect the interests of the ruling capitalist class and maintain existing power structures. In Marxist thought, the state would eventually wither away after a proletarian revolution.
2.4 Sovereignty and its Theories
Austin’s Theory of Sovereignty: John Austin’s theory posits that sovereignty is absolute and indivisible. The sovereign is the supreme authority within a state, and no entity can challenge its power.
Pluralistic Theory of Sovereignty: The pluralistic theory rejects the notion of a single sovereign power. Instead, it argues that sovereignty is distributed among various groups and institutions (such as the state, civil society, and economic actors), each exercising influence over different aspects of political life.
UNIT-III: Basic Concepts
3.1 Right and Various Perspectives
Liberal Perspective on Rights: In liberal thought, rights are considered individual entitlements that protect personal freedom and autonomy. These include civil liberties such as freedom of speech and religion.
Marxist Perspective on Rights: Marxists view rights as socially and economically conditioned. They argue that rights are often shaped by the capitalist system and that true equality can only be achieved through collective ownership and the abolition of class structures.
Concept of Justice
Social Justice: Social justice emphasizes the fair distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges in society. It advocates for reducing inequality and ensuring access to basic needs.
Economic Justice: Economic justice focuses on creating a fair economic system where resources and wealth are distributed equitably.
Political and Legal Justice: Political justice involves ensuring that all individuals have equal political rights, while legal justice involves applying laws fairly and impartially to all citizens.
3.2 Liberty, Equality, and Their Relationship
Liberty: Liberty refers to freedom from oppression, coercion, or undue restriction. It emphasizes individual autonomy and the ability to act according to one's own will.
Equality: Equality is the principle that all people should be treated equally under the law and have equal access to opportunities and resources. It advocates for fairness in social, economic, and political matters.
Relationship: Liberty and equality are interrelated but can sometimes be in tension. Excessive liberty can lead to inequality, while excessive equality can restrict liberty. Balancing both is central to modern democratic systems.
3.3 Power, Authority, and Legitimacy
Power: Power refers to the ability of individuals or groups to influence or control the actions of others. It can be exercised through force, persuasion, or manipulation.
Authority: Authority is the legitimate use of power. It is recognized by those who are governed, and it is often institutionalized through law and political systems.
Legitimacy: Legitimacy refers to the acceptance of authority by the public. A government or ruler is considered legitimate if people recognize its right to rule, usually based on legal, historical, or moral grounds.
3.4 Democracy: Meaning, Evolution, and Types
Meaning: Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
Evolution: Democracy evolved over centuries, with notable milestones including the development of Athenian democracy, the Magna Carta, and modern representative democracies.
Types of Democracy: There are two main types of democracy:
- Direct Democracy: Citizens directly participate in decision-making processes (e.g., ancient Athens).
- Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf (e.g., the United States).
UNIT-IV: Major Ideologies
4.1 Liberalism: Classical, Modern, and Contemporary
Classical Liberalism: Classical liberalism emphasizes individual freedom, limited government, free markets, and the protection of private property.
Modern Liberalism: Modern liberalism advocates for a larger role of the government in addressing social inequalities and ensuring welfare while still upholding individual rights and freedoms.
Contemporary Liberalism: Contemporary liberalism integrates issues of social justice, environmental protection,