SECTION-A

Answer any ten questions (selecting two from each unit). Each question carries 2 marks.

UNIT-I

1. What is politics? 2

Politics is the activity through which people make, preserve, and amend the general rules under which they live. It involves the exercise of power, the resolution of conflict, and the collective decision-making process within a community or state.

2. Write the Marxist view of politics. 2

The Marxist view perceives politics as a reflection of the economic base of society. It argues that politics is a tool used by the dominant class (bourgeoisie) to maintain control over the oppressed class (proletariat) and to manage the class struggles inherent in a capitalist system.

3. What is 'political' in political theory? 2

The 'political' refers to the public sphere of human life where collective decisions are made. It encompasses the institutions of government, the distribution of power, and the normative frameworks (like justice and rights) that govern social coexistence.

UNIT-II

4. Discuss the views of Plato and Aristotle on democracy. 2

Plato viewed democracy as a "mob rule" that leads to anarchy and tyranny, preferring a philosopher-king. Aristotle considered democracy a "perverted" form of government (the rule of the many for their own benefit), though he saw 'Polity' (constitutional government) as the most practical ideal.

5. Mention any two safeguards of liberty. 2

• Rule of Law: Ensuring that the law is supreme and applied equally to everyone.
• Independent Judiciary: A court system free from executive influence to protect individual rights.

6. What is gender equality? 2

Gender equality is the state in which access to rights, opportunities, and resources is unaffected by gender. It implies that the interests, needs, and priorities of all genders are taken into consideration equally.

UNIT-III

7. What is global citizenship? 2

Global citizenship is the idea that one's identity and obligations transcend national borders. It suggests that individuals are members of a worldwide community and have a responsibility to address global issues like climate change and human rights.

8. Name two political rights of a citizen in a democracy. 2

• Right to Vote: The power to participate in the election of representatives.
• Right to Contest Elections: The eligibility to stand as a candidate for public office.

9. Write the essential elements of the State. 2

The four essential elements of a State are: Population, Territory, Government, and Sovereignty.

UNIT-IV

10. Name any two countries which are known as 'Tiger economies'. 2

South Korea and Taiwan (others include Hong Kong and Singapore).

11. What is Asian Values Thesis? 2

The Asian Values Thesis suggests that Asian societies prioritize collectivism, social harmony, respect for authority, and family values over Western-style individualism and liberal democracy as a means for economic development.

12. Mention any two forms of censorship. 2

• Preventive Censorship: Approval required before publication (e.g., film certification).
• Punitive Censorship: Legal action taken after content is released (e.g., banning a book).

UNIT-V

13. Write a note on protective discrimination. 2

Protective discrimination refers to the policy of providing special privileges or "reservations" to historically disadvantaged groups (like SC/ST in India) to bridge the gap of social and economic inequality.

14. Write any two provisions of the Constitution of India relating to the protection of the SC, ST and OBCs. 2

• Article 15(4): Special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes.
• Article 17: Abolition of Untouchability.

15. Mention any two areas where the State cannot intervene in the family. 2

• Personal religious beliefs practiced within the household.
• Private consensual choices regarding daily lifestyle and dietary habits (within legal limits).

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SECTION-B

Answer five questions, selecting one from each unit. Each question carries 10 marks.

UNIT-I

16. Define political science. Explain the relation between political science and political theory. 4+6=10

Political Science is the systematic study of governance, political activities, political thoughts, and political behavior. It deals with the theory and practice of politics at local, state, national, and international levels.

Relation between Political Science and Political Theory:

• Foundational Role: Political theory is the backbone of political science. It provides the concepts (justice, liberty, state) that political science uses to analyze real-world data.
• Normative vs. Empirical: While political science often focuses on "what is" (empirical facts), political theory focuses on "what ought to be" (normative values).
• Interdependence: Political science relies on theory to interpret findings, and political theory relies on the data of political science to stay relevant to changing social realities.

17. Explain the nature and relevance of political theory. 10

Nature: Political theory is both an art and a science. It is normative (valuing ideals), evaluative (judging systems), and explanatory (defining political concepts). It seeks to understand the origins of the state and the nature of political power.

Relevance:

• Conceptual Clarity: It helps us understand the true meaning of terms like "Freedom" or "Equality."
• Social Reform: Theories provide the vision for a better society (e.g., Feminism or Marxism).
• Policy Guidance: It provides the moral compass for lawmakers to create just laws.

UNIT-II

18. What is liberty? Explain the relationship between liberty and equality. 4+6=10

Liberty: Liberty is the absence of arbitrary restraints and the provision of conditions necessary for the development of one's personality. It is divided into negative liberty (non-interference) and positive liberty (enablement).

Relationship between Liberty and Equality:

• Complementary View: Thinkers like Laski and Tawney argue that without equality, liberty is meaningless. If a person is starving (no economic equality), they cannot enjoy freedom.
• Opposing View: Classical liberals like Lord Acton believed that "the passion for equality made vain the hope for liberty." They argue that enforcing equality requires state coercion, which destroys freedom.
• Synthesis: Modern democracy seeks a balance, recognizing that equal opportunity (equality) is essential to ensure that everyone has the "liberty" to succeed.

19. Write a note on John Rawls's theory of justice. What are its defects? 7+3=10

John Rawls in A Theory of Justice proposes the "Original Position" and the "Veil of Ignorance." Individuals choosing rules for society without knowing their own status would choose two principles:

1. Equal Liberty Principle: Maximum liberty for all.
2. Difference Principle: Social and economic inequalities are allowed only if they benefit the least advantaged members of society.

Defects:

• Communitarian Critique: Critics like Michael Sandel argue that people cannot be separated from their social identities (the "unencumbered self").
• Marxist Critique: It ignores the structural causes of inequality in a capitalist framework.

UNIT-III

20. Discuss the growth and development of the concept of citizenship. 10

The concept of citizenship has evolved through several stages:

• Ancient Greece: Citizenship was exclusive to a small group of free men (excluding women, slaves, and foreigners).
• Roman Empire: Used as a legal status to grant protections across vast territories.
• Modern Era: Following the French and American Revolutions, it became associated with popular sovereignty and national identity.
• T.H. Marshall's Stages:
  1. Civil Rights (18th Century): Liberty of person, freedom of speech.
  2. Political Rights (19th Century): Right to vote.
  3. Social Rights (20th Century): Economic welfare and social security.

21. What is civil society? Explain the relationship between the State and the Civil society. 4+6=10

Civil Society: It refers to the "third sector" of society, distinct from government and business. It includes NGOs, trade unions, self-help groups, and social movements.

Relationship:

• Watchdog: Civil society monitors state power and prevents it from becoming authoritarian.
• Interdependence: The State provides the legal framework for civil society to exist, while civil society provides the State with feedback and legitimacy.
• Hegemony: Gramsci argued that the State uses civil society to manufacture "consent" for its rule.

UNIT-IV

22. Define economic growth. Is democracy compatible with economic growth? Give reasons in support of your answer. 4+6=10

Economic Growth: An increase in the production of economic goods and services, compared from one period of time to another, usually measured by GDP.

Compatibility:

• Yes: Democracy ensures the Rule of Law and property rights, which attract investment. It allows for open debate, leading to better economic policies.
• No (The Lee Thesis): Some argue that authoritarian regimes (like China) grow faster because they can make quick decisions without opposition.
• Conclusion: While some autocracies grow fast, democracies provide "sustainable" growth and human development, which are more stable in the long run.

23. What is censorship? Give arguments for and against censorship. 2+4+4=10

Censorship: The suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security.

Arguments For (Pro)	Arguments Against (Con)
Protects national security and public order.	Violates the fundamental right to freedom of speech.
Prevents the spread of hate speech or obscenity.	Can be used by governments to hide corruption/failures.
Protects social/religious harmony.	Stifles creativity and intellectual growth.

UNIT-V

24. What do you mean by 'principles of fairness'? Do you think that protective discrimination is consistent with the principles of fairness? Give arguments. 4+6=10

The 'principles of fairness' suggest that all individuals should be treated with equity, and arbitrary barriers to success should be removed.

Is Protective Discrimination Consistent?

• Argument for Consistency: Fairness does not mean "equal treatment of unequals." Since some groups were historically oppressed, "fairness" requires giving them a "level playing field." This is called substantive equality.
• Argument against Consistency: Some argue it violates the principle of "merit" and discriminates against individuals of the present generation for the sins of the past.

25. What is family? Should the State intervene in family affairs? Give reasons. 4+6=10

Family: A fundamental social unit consisting of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption, serving as the primary site of socialization.

State Intervention:

• Traditional View: The "private sphere" should be free from state interference.
• Modern/Feminist View: "The Personal is Political." The State must intervene to prevent domestic violence, child abuse, and to ensure inheritance rights for women.
• Conclusion: Intervention is justified when it protects the fundamental rights and safety of individual members within the family.