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Solved 2025: FYUG Even Semester Exam, 2025 Political Science: PLSDSM-151 Introduction to Political Theory

Course No: PLSDSM-151

Semester: 2nd Semester

Full Marks: 70 | Pass Marks: 28

Time: 3 Hours

UNIT—I

2 Marks

1. (a) Origin of the word 'Politics'

The word 'politics' is derived from the Greek language (specifically the word 'Polis' meaning city-state)

. The term 'politics' was first used by the Greek philosopher Aristotle.
2 Marks

1. (b) Two definitions of Political Theory

  • David Held: Political theory is a network of concepts and generalizations about political life involving ideas, assumptions, and statements about the nature, purpose, and key features of government, state, and society.
  • Andrew Hacker: It is a combination of a disinterested search for the knowledge of good states and good societies and a disinterested search for knowledge of political and social reality.
    • 2 Marks

    1. (c) Modern meaning of 'Politics'

    In the modern sense, politics refers to the process of making collective decisions within a society through the use of power, authority, and influence

    . It encompasses the activities of the state, the struggle for power among groups, and the resolution of social conflicts.
    10 Marks

    2. (a) Relevance of Political Theory

    Political theory remains highly relevant in the contemporary world for several reasons

    :
  • Conceptual Clarity: It helps in defining and clarifying fundamental concepts like liberty, equality, justice, and democracy.
  • Critical Assessment: It provides the tools to critically examine existing political systems and ideologies.
  • Moral Guidance: It addresses normative questions about what "ought" to be, guiding societies toward a better political order.
  • Policy Formulation: Theoretical frameworks often underpin practical public policies and constitutional designs.
  • Citizen Awareness: It empowers individuals to understand their rights and responsibilities, fostering informed political participation.
    • 2 + 8 = 10 Marks

    2. (b) Define Politics. Why should we study politics?

    Definition: Politics is the art or science of government, concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy and the winnning and holding of power

    .

    Reasons to study politics:

  • Understanding Power Dynamics: To grasp how decisions are made and who benefits from the allocation of resources.
  • Protecting Rights: Knowledge of politics helps citizens defend their liberties against state overreach.
  • Global Awareness: It assists in understanding international relations and global challenges like climate change or conflict.
  • Conflict Resolution: Studying politics reveals the mechanisms through which diverse interests are reconciled without violence.
  • Career Opportunities: It prepares students for roles in law, journalism, public administration, and international organizations.

    • UNIT—II

    2 Marks

    3. (a) Democracy: Origin and Definition

    The word 'democracy' is derived from the Greek language (from demos meaning people and kratos meaning rule)

    . The thinker who defined democracy as "a government in which everyone has a share" is Sir John Seeley.
    2 Marks

    3. (b) Two definitions of Liberty

    J.S. Mill: Liberty consists in doing what one desires. T.H. Green: Liberty is a positive power or capacity of doing or enjoying something worth doing or enjoying.
    2 Marks

    3. (c) Political Equality

    Political equality means that all citizens possess the same political rights and opportunities to participate in the affairs of the state, regardless of their status

    . It can be secured through Universal Adult Franchise (the right to vote) and the Right to hold public office.
    2 + 8 = 10 Marks

    4. (a) Define Democracy. Explain the conditions for its success.

    Definition: Democracy is a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives

    . Abraham Lincoln famously defined it as "government of the people, by the people, for the people".

    Conditions for Success:

  • Education: An enlightened and educated electorate is vital for making informed choices.
  • Freedom of Press: An independent media acts as a watchdog, keeping the government accountable.
  • Rule of Law: Ensuring that the law is supreme and applies equally to all.
  • Economic Equality: Extreme poverty or wealth gaps can undermine democratic participation.
  • Tolerance: Respect for dissenting views and minority rights is essential for social harmony.
    • 3 + 7 = 10 Marks

    4. (b) Define Social Justice. Discuss Rawls' theory of justice.

    Social Justice: It refers to the fair and equitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society

    .

    Rawls' Theory of Justice: John Rawls proposed a theory based on the "Original Position" and the "Veil of Ignorance"

    . His two main principles are:
  • Liberty Principle: Each person has an equal right to the most extensive basic liberties.
  • Difference Principle: Social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged members of society.

    • UNIT—III

    2 Marks

    5. (a) Citizenship and Naturalised Citizens

    Citizenship: It is the legal status of being a member of a particular country, entailing specific rights and duties

    .
    Naturalised Citizen: A person who was not born in a country but has legally acquired its citizenship through a formal process defined by that country's laws.
    2 Marks

    5. (b) Rights and Kinds of Rights

    Rights: Rights are legal, social, or ethical principles of freedom or entitlement; they are the fundamental normative rules about what is allowed of people or owed to people

    .
    Kinds of Rights: Natural rights, Moral rights, and Legal rights (which include Civil, Political, and Economic rights).
    2 Marks

    5. (c) Two definitions of State

  • Woodrow Wilson: State is a people organized for law within a definite territory.
  • Aristotle: State is a union of families and villages having for its end a perfect and self-sufficing life.
    • 2 + 8 = 10 Marks

    6. (a) Define Human Rights. Explain the three generations.

    Definition: Human rights are moral principles or norms that describe certain standards of human behavior and are regularly protected as natural and legal rights in municipal and international law

    .

    Three Generations of Human Rights:

  • First Generation (Civil-Political): Focuses on liberty and participation in political life (e.g., right to life, freedom of speech).
  • Second Generation (Socio-Economic): Focuses on equality and social security (e.g., right to work, education, and healthcare).
  • Third Generation (Solidarity Rights): Focuses on collective rights of communities (e.g., right to a clean environment, peace, and self-determination).
    • 5 + 5 = 10 Marks

    6. (b) State vs. Civil Society

    Distinction: The State is a formal political organization with sovereign power over a territory, whereas Civil Society consists of voluntary associations, NGOs, and community groups outside of government and business

    .

    Role of Civil Society:

  • It acts as a buffer between the individual and the state.
  • It mobilizes public opinion and promotes social welfare.
  • It holds the state accountable and protects democratic values.

    • UNIT—IV

    2 Marks

    7. (b) Two types of Censorship

  • Moral Censorship: Removal of materials deemed obscene or harmful to public morals.
  • Political Censorship: Suppression of information that opposes the government or threatens national security.
    • 10 Marks

    8. (b) Define Censorship. Does it infringe upon rights?

    Definition: Censorship is the suppression of speech, public communication, or other information that may be considered objectionable, sensitive, or harmful by a government or private body

    .

    Infringement Debate: Yes, censorship often infringes upon the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression

    . While states argue it is necessary for security or morality, critics suggest it can be used to silence dissent and limit the intellectual growth of a society.

    UNIT—V

    2 Marks

    9. (b) Two elements of State

    The four essential elements are Population, Territory, Government, and Sovereignty

    . Any two from these, such as Population and Territory, satisfy the requirement.
    2 + 8 = 10 Marks

    10. (b) Protective Discrimination and Fairness

    Protective Discrimination: It is a policy that gives preferential treatment to underprivileged sections of society (like SC/STs in India) to ensure equality

    .

    Fairness Debate: While it may seem to violate formal equality, it does not violate the principle of substantive fairness

    . It aims to provide a "level playing field" for those historically disadvantaged, thus fulfilling the requirement of social justice.

    Exam Focus Enhancements

    Important Definitions:

  • State: A political entity with territory, population, government, and sovereignty.
  • Human Rights: Universal rights inherent to all humans.

    • Answer Presentation Strategy:

    • For 10-mark questions, use clear headings and at least 5-6 points.
    • Mention thinkers like Aristotle, Rawls, and Mill to add academic weight to your answers.
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