SECTION-A

Answer ten questions, selecting any two from each Unit. (2 x 10 = 20 Marks)

UNIT-I

1. What is the traditional meaning of politics?

Traditionally, politics is understood as the study of the State and the government. It focuses on formal institutions, the exercise of authority, and the management of public affairs within a defined territory.

2. Write two differences between political theory and political science.

• Nature: Political science is primarily empirical and descriptive (focusing on "what is"), while political theory is normative and philosophical (focusing on "what ought to be").
• Scope: Political science studies actual political institutions and behavior, whereas political theory analyzes the concepts and values like justice and liberty that underlie those institutions.

3. Write the names of two liberal political thinkers.

John Locke and John Stuart Mill.

UNIT-II

4. Mention two safeguards of liberty.

• Rule of Law: Ensuring that no one is above the law and everyone is treated equally.
• Separation of Powers: Distributing authority between the legislature, executive, and judiciary to prevent tyranny.

5. What is social justice?

Social justice is the fair and equitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society. It seeks to eliminate discrimination based on caste, class, or gender.

6. Write the names of two direct democratic devices.

Referendum and Initiative.

UNIT-III

7. Write two hindrances to good citizenship.

• Illiteracy: Prevents citizens from understanding political issues and making informed choices.
• Poverty: Forces individuals to focus on survival rather than participating in civic life.

8. Mention any two economic rights of a citizen.

• Right to work.
• Right to adequate wages/livelihood.

9. Write two features of negative liberty.

• Absence of external constraints or interference by the State.
• Focus on an "individual's private sphere" where they can act as they please.

UNIT-IV

10. Name any two Asian countries which are known as 'Tiger Economies'.

South Korea and Singapore.

11. Mention any two types of censorship.

• Moral Censorship (removing content deemed obscene).
• Political Censorship (suppressing opposition to the government).

12. Write the names of two countries which are both politically and economically developed.

United States of America and Norway.

UNIT-V

13. What do you mean by 'principles of fairness'?

Principles of fairness refer to the moral requirement that similar cases be treated similarly and that the rules of social cooperation apply equally to all participants to ensure justice.

14. Mention any two areas where State should intervene in the family.

• Prevention of domestic violence and abuse.
• Ensuring the education and well-being of children.

15. Write the names of two radical feminists.

Shulamith Firestone and Kate Millett.

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SECTION-B

Answer five questions, selecting one from each Unit. (10 x 5 = 50 Marks)

UNIT-I

16. Discuss the nature and scope of political theory. 5+5=10

Nature: Political theory is both descriptive and prescriptive. It involves the systematic study of political ideas and values. It is analytical because it defines terms like power and state, and normative because it seeks to determine the best form of government and the ideal relationship between individuals and the state.

Scope: The scope of political theory includes:

• Study of the State and Government: Their origins, structures, and functions.
• Study of Power: How power is acquired, exercised, and distributed.
• Analysis of Political Concepts: Examining liberty, equality, justice, rights, and democracy.
• Validation of Political Ideologies: Assessing Marxism, Liberalism, Feminism, etc.

UNIT-II

18. Define democracy. What are the necessary conditions for the success of democracy? 3+7=10

"Democracy is a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system."

Conditions for Success:

• Political Consciousness: Citizens must be aware of their rights and duties.
• Universal Education: An educated electorate can distinguish between right and wrong policies.
• Economic Equality: Extreme poverty leads to the selling of votes; a stable middle class is essential.
• Independent Judiciary: To protect the constitution and individual rights from executive overreach.
• Freedom of Press: An unbiased media keeps the government accountable.

UNIT-III

20. Define Human Rights. Explain three generations of Human Rights. 3+7=10

Human Rights are inherent rights believed to belong to every person, regardless of nationality, sex, ethnicity, religion, or any other status.

Three Generations of Human Rights:

1. First Generation (Civil-Political): These are "negative" rights that protect individuals from state interference, such as the right to life, freedom of speech, and right to vote.
2. Second Generation (Economic-Social-Cultural): These are "positive" rights requiring state action, such as the right to education, housing, and health.
3. Third Generation (Solidarity Rights): These are collective rights, such as the right to a clean environment, peace, and self-determination.

UNIT-IV

23. What is censorship? Give arguments for and against censorship. 2+8=10

Censorship is the suppression of speech, public communication, or other information on the basis that such material is considered objectionable, harmful, sensitive, or "inconvenient."

Arguments For Censorship	Arguments Against Censorship
Protects national security and public order.	Violates the right to freedom of expression.
Prevents the spread of hate speech and communal disharmony.	Prevents the public from knowing the truth/government failures.
Protects children from harmful or obscene content.	Stifles creativity and intellectual growth in society.

UNIT-V

24. What is protective discrimination? Does protective discrimination violate the principles of fairness? 3+7=10

Protective discrimination is a policy of granting special preferences or reservations to historically disadvantaged and oppressed sections of society (like SCs/STs in India) to achieve substantive equality.

Relationship with Fairness:

• Not a Violation: Supporters argue it does not violate fairness because "equal treatment of unequals is itself an inequality." To be truly fair, the state must help those who started with a historical handicap.
• Compensatory Justice: It is seen as a way to compensate for centuries of social exclusion.
• Counter-Argument: Critics argue it violates "merit" and discriminates against the present generation for past wrongs. However, in the Indian context, it is seen as a tool for social integration.