RBSE Class 11 Political Science Important Questions Chapter 1 Political Theory: An Introduction

Rajasthan Board RBSE Class 11 Political Science Important Questions Chapter 1 Political Theory: An Introduction Important Questions and Answers. 

RBSE Class 11 Political Science Important Questions Chapter 1 Political Theory: An Introduction 

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. 
Who is the father of Political Science?
Answer: 
Aristotle is the father of Political Science.

 

Question 2. 
Give the meaning of the word ‘Theory’.
Answer: 
Arnold Brecht defines theory saying that, “It is always used to designate attempts to explain a phenomena especially when that is done in general and abstract terms”

Question 3. 
From which language is the word ‘Politics’ derived?
Answer: 
The word ‘Politics’ is derived from the Greek word ‘Polis’ which means city-state.

Question 4. 
What is the origin of the word Theory’?
Answer: 
The word theory originates from a Greek word, ‘Theoria’ that suggests a well-focused look taken at something in a state of contemplation with an intent to grasp it.
 
Question 5. 
Give the meaning of Political Theory.    
Answer: 
In simple words, Political Theory is a theory about what is Political Science and the philosophy of something that is political.

Fill in the blank:

Question 6. 
Aristotle is the ............ of Political Science.
Answer: 
Father. 

Correct and rewrite the sentence:

Question 7. 
According to Aristotle Political Science is not a science.
Answer: 
According to Aristotle Political Science is a science.

Complete the Sentence:

Question 8. 
We can get knowledge of state and Government through study of ...........    
Answer: 
We can get knowledge of state and Government through study of Political Science.

Question 9. 
Who said: “Political science deals with government only”.
Answer: 
Dr. Leacock. 

Multiple-Choice Questions

Choose the Correct Answers:
1. The term ‘Politics’ is derived from :
(а) Latin word ‘Polis’
(b) Greek word ‘Polis’
(c) English word ‘Political’
(d) Greek word ‘City-State’
Answer: 
(b) Greek word ‘Polis’

2. Politics has been divided into two separate parts ............ theoretical politics and applied politics by:
(a) Aristotle    
(b) Machiavelli
(c) Polloch    
(d) Catlin
Answer: 
(c) Polloch    

3. Theory is derived from the word ‘Theoria’ which is taken from :
(a) Greek word 
(b) English word 
(c) Roman word 
(d) Latin word 
Answer: 
(a) Greek word 

4. Aristotle’s famous book on Political Science is the :
(a) ‘Republic’    
(b) ‘Prince’
(c) ‘Politics’    
(d) ‘Laws’
Answer: 
(c) ‘Politics’    

Very Short Answer Type Questions 

Question 1. 
Write down two definitions of Political Theory.    
Answer: 
1. According to J.G. Plano and R.E. Riggs, “Political Theory is a body of thought that seeks to evaluate, explain and predict political phenomena.”

2. According to Andrew Hacher, “Political Theory is a combination of a disintegrated search for the principles of good State and good society on the one hand and disinterested search for knowledge of pohtical and social reality on the other.”

Question 2. 
Write down any two subjects included in the scope of Political Theory.
Answer: 

1. State and Government are the main subjects of Pohtical Theory.
2. Pohtical Theory includes the study of power and pohtical ideology.

Question 3. 
What is the origin of the word ‘Politics’?
Answer: 
The word ‘politics’ is derived from the Greek word ‘Polis’ which means City-State. In ancient Greek, small cities were independent states and the subject concerned with the study of City-States was known as politics.

Question 4. 
Give any tw o definitions of the traditional view of Politics.
Answer: 

1. According to Dr. Garner, “Politics begins and ends with the State.”
2. According to Paul Jenet, “Politics is that part of social science which treats of the foundations of the State and the principles of government.”

Question 5. 
Write any two characteristics of the traditional view of Politics.
Answer: 

1. The traditional view is formal and institutional.
2. The traditional view is normative.

Question 6. 
Write any two definitions of modern view of Politics. 
Answer: 

1. According to David Easton, “Politics is the study of authoritative allocation of values as it is influenced by the distribution and use of power.”
2. According to Lasswell, “Politics is the study of sharing power.”

Question 7. 
Mention the name of any four writers who support the modern view of politics.
Answer: 

1. Hebert J. Spiro 
2. Bernard Gich 
3. David Easton 
4. Lass well.

Question 8. 
Mention any two subjects of Political Science according to traditional view.
Answer: 
Traditional scholars of Pohtical Science concentrated their study on two institutional basis:

1. It is the study of the State:
State is the pivot around which Pohtical Science revolves. We study the past, present and the future of the State.

2. Study of government:
The study of government is most essential in Pohtical Science. How is government formed? What are its various forms? What are the merits and demerits of the various forms of government? What are the various organs of government? Pohtical Science studies ah these aspects of the government.

Question 9. 
Mention the name of any two subjects of Political Science according to Modern approach.
Answer: 
According to modern approach main subjects of Pohtical Science are as follows:

1. Political Science studies the concept of power and authority.
2. Political Science is concerned with authoritative allocation of values for society.

Question 10. 
Mention two utilities of Political Theory.
Answer: 
(1) Helps to understand Political reality:
Political Theory helps to understand political realities. It makes the study of facts and events easy as it removes the illusions and superstitions regarding any event.

(2) Simplification of Knowledge:
Political Theory simplifies the knowledge. It converts the facts into symbols so as to make them easy to remember and define.

Question 11. 
Write two problems of Modern Political Theory.
Answer: 
1. Lack of adequate place for values:
The adequate place for values is the main problem of modern view of Political Theory. Modern political theorists differentiate about the place of values in Political Science.

2. Lack of Scientific Theory:
There is no scientific theory which is accepted by all political theorists.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. 
Define the term ‘Political Science’.
Answer: 
Scholars have given different definitions of Political Science. According to Garner, “Political Science begins and ends with the State”. According to Dr. Leacock, “Political Science deals with government only”. According to Gilchrist, “Political Science deals with the general problems of the State and Government.” Writers like Kalpan, Dahl and Almond and many others regard Political Science to be a study of political system as a whole. In short, Political Science deals with State, Government, Man Power and Authority.

Question 2. 
Describe the origin of the word ‘Political Science’.    
or 
Explain the meaning of the word I ‘Politics’.    
Answer:    
In ancient times,    the word ‘Politics’ was used for the term ‘Political Science’. The term politics is derived from the Greek word ‘Polis’ which means the City-State, the general form of political organisation present in ancient Greece. In ancient Greece there were small City-States. Therefore ‘Politics’, in ancient Greece, meant the science of the ‘City-State’ or pertaining to State and Government. Aristotle concentrated his study on these City-States. He drew his practical and theoretical conclusion in his study in his famous book ‘Politics’. Now, in place of City-State, we have big territorial states. Nowadays, Political Science is the science which studies the origin, necessity, development, nature and future of the State.

Question 3. 
Make a distinction between Political Science and Politics.
Answer: 
1. The term ‘Politics’ refers to the current problems of government. Politics is the practical aspect of Political Science while Political Science is the academic aspect of politics. Political activities are the laboratories of Political Science.

2. Political Science is more of a science while politics is more of an art. Political Science is a subject which imparts knowledge about states and government. Political thinkers study situations, conclude them and present principles. It depends on politics to implement or not to implement these conclusions and principles.

3. Political Science is moral based while politics is based on convenience.

4. Politics is more flexible than Political Science.

Question 4. 
Political Science is not a Science. Give reasons in favour of your answer.
Answer: 
The writers who do not accept Political Science as a science have put forth the following arguments:
1. Lack of unanimity of Fundamentals: The Scholars of Political Science do not hold unanimous opinions regarding the theories, subject-matter and conclusions of Political Science.

2. Impossibility of subject-matter: Physical Sciences, Political Science has neither laboratory nor object for experiments. Experiments are not possible in Political Science like those of Physical Sciences.

3. Prediction is difficult: The claim of Political Science as a Science is also ruled out on the ground that prediction is difficult in this subject. It cannot predict upcoming events. In all other Physical Sciences, prediction is possible.

4. Cause-effect relationship not clear: Political Science, relationship between cause and effect cannot be established. 

Question 5. 
Discuss the scope of Political Science.
Answer: 

1. State is the pivot around which Political Science revolves. Political Science studies the past, present and future of the State.
2. Political Science studies government and political institutions.
3. Political Science studies international relations and international organisations.
4. Political Science studies the nature of relationship between the individual and the State.

Question 6. 
Political Science is a Science. Give reasons.
Answer: 
1. Systematic knowledge: It is not correct to say that knowledge of Political Science is not systematic. Facts regarding the life of the State are collected from history and through observation in it. These facts are classified, coordinated and systematised.

2. General laws can be derived: In Political Science, the relationship between cause and effect like other natural sciences cannot be established. But general causes which can result in occurrence of some events in a country can be found out from the study of happenings in another country.

3. Experimentation is possible: Experiments are possible in Political Science. The entire world is a laboratory for Political Science and experiments are performed in this laboratory.

4. Prediction is possible: There is scope of predicting things in Political Science. It is true that sometimes the predictions do not come out to be true but generally its predictions come out to be true.

Question 7.
fahftt do you mean by Political Theory?    
Answer: 
Political Theory is a branch of political science. In simple words, political theory is a theory about what is political science and the philosophy of something that is political. According to Alan Issak, “A Political Theory might be defined as a set of generalisations containing concepts with which we are directly acquainted and those which are operationally defined, but in addition and more important theoretical concepts that although not directly tied to observation and logically related to those concepts that are.” 

Bluntschli states that, “Political Theory is the science which is concerned with the State which endeavours to understand and comprehend the State in its fundamental conditions, its essential nature, its various forms of manifestations, its developments.” David Held defines Political Theory as a “complex network of concepts and generalisations about life involving ideas, assumptions and statements about the nature, purpose and key features of government, State and society and about the political capabilities of human beings.”

Question 8. 
Discuss the scope of Political Theory.
Answer: 
The scope of Political Theory is as discussed below:
1. State and Government are the Main Subjects of Political Theory. State is the main subject of political science and theory because the machinery of political science revolves around the State. In the sphere of political theory we study the nature and size of existing State and the practicability of the fundamental principle of the present government. But the nature of State and government have changed with the time. Now, their present nature is different from their past. Political theorists study the reasons for the origin of State and its process of development.

2. Study of Power:
The political theory also includes the study of power. In other words, “Political theory is the study of power process.” Power has many forms - political, economical and social power, individual and public power, national and international power, etc.

3. Wider Scope of the Subject:
The study of political theory comprises study in different fields i.e. formal, informal, economic, social, psychological, geographical, ethical, political, religious, and cultural. These factors influence the political system. In political theory, we study society, state and  international politics.

4. Study of Political Ideology:
Political theorists also study political ideologies. Various ideologies have been prevalent in the society from Plato to the present. For example, Idealism, Individualism, Marxism, Gandhism, Socialism, Utilitarianism, etc.

Question 9. 
Discuss the importance of Political Theory.    
Answer: 
The importance of Political Theory is as discussed below:

1. Helps to Understand Political Reality:
Political theory helps to understand political realities. It makes the study of facts and events easy as it removes the illusions and superstitions regarding an event.

2. Simplification of Knowledge:
Political theory simplifies knowledge. It converts facts into symbols and makes them easy to remember and define.

3. It Legitimises the Government:
Political theory legitimises the government. To maintain supremacy, influential classes take recourse to political theory.

4. Use of Proper Means to Fulfil Objectives:
Political theorists encourage people to use adequate means to fulfill their objectives and needs. Political Theory is the only means to balance political facts and events and study pattern and human values.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. 
Difference between Political Science? and political theory.
Answer: 
Political Theory is a part of Political Science:
Wasby very rightly differentiates the two and says, “Political Theory is an extremely unworldly subfield of Political Science.” Following are the differences between Political Theory and Politics.

1. Political Science is an independent subject:
Political Theory is a branch of it. Politics is an independent subject. It has many branches such as Politics, Political Philosophy, Political Thought, Political Theory etc. So, Political Theory is not an autonomous discipline but a part of Political Science. Political Science includes all these and much more in its sphere. Political Theory systematically studies and analyses political events and and seeks to derive some general rules and conclusions.

2. Political Theory is the ‘so what? ‘department of Political Science:
Political Theory is not itself not Politics, but a branch of it. According to Rodee, Anderson and Christor “Political Theory is really the ‘so what?’ departments of Political Science-it is the place where finding by statisticians, psychologists, sociologists and the rest of the researchers and tabulators may be weighed, tied together, cross- referenced and contemplated to the end that meaning and significance may be extracted from this mountainous mass of data.”

3. The Scope of Politics is wider as compared to Political Theory:
The Scope of Politics in comparison to Political Theory is very wide. Political Theory, Politics, Political Philosophy, Political Thought, etc. are branches of Political Science. In fact Political Science is like a tree that has many branches.

The scope of Political Science includes the study of state, government, political systems, international organisations, political ideologies, power, authority, legitimacy, law, international relations, Rights and duties of man, political parties, pressure groups, the political behavior of man, etc. But the scope of Political Theory is very narrow. Political theorists analyze some specific aspects of government performance to derive some definite principles. Thus the scope of politics is very wide whereas that of Political theory is very narrow.

4. Politics has many branches but Political Theory has none: Politics, Political Philosophy, Political thought, Political Ideologies, Political Theory, etc. are branches of Political Science. But Political Theory has no branch of its own.

5. Evaluation of political material is done not by Political Science but by Political Theory:
Study of political material is essential for a subject of Political Theory. Political material is studied and analysed with a particular purpose or objective. Political Theory also evaluates political material. According to Cober, “When political government and its forms and activities are studied not simply as facts to be described and compared but as facts to be understood and appraised in relation to the constant needs, desires and opinions of men then we have political theory.”

6. Political Theory makes Politics a Normative Discipline:
Political Philosophy is a branch of Politics and it deals mainly with the normative and moral aspects of political problems. What should be the nature of the State? What functions should be performed by the State? What the State should not do? These are questions which are part of the scope of political philosophy. But these questions are also answered by political theorists. This question of Political Theory “What ought to be’ makes Political Science a normative discipline. According to G. K. Roberts, “Political Theory-The term is usually to those areas of the study of politics otherwise termed political philosophy and empirical political analysis.”

Meaning, Nature and Scope of Political Theory

Question 2. 
What do you mean by Political Theory? Discuss its nature. 
Or    
Define Political Theory. Explain its characteristics and scope.    
Answer: 
We agree with Jellinek’s statement that there is no such duality in other sciences or their terminology as in Political Science. That is why it is known as Political Science, politics, political philosophy, etc. But now these different terms are used for different meanings. Political theory is distinguished from Dolitical philosophy. 

Meaning and Definitions of Political Theory:

To understand the meaning of political theory, we must know the meaning of theory. The word ‘theory’ originates from a Greek word, ‘Theoria’, which suggests a well-focused mental look taken at something in a state of contemplation with an intent to grasp it. In simple terms, Arnold Brecht defines theory saying, “it is always used to designate attempts to explain a phenomena especially when that is done in general and abstract terms.”

In simple words, Political Theory is a theory about what is political science and the philosophy of something that is political Political speculations of individual philosophers and some ideologies such as anarchism, communism and so on are put together in one volume which is given the title of political theory. In the entire field of political science, theory building in this scientific sense is possible. 

Montesquieu’s theory of Separation of Power, Michel’s Iron Law of Oligarchy and recent theories on Community Power Structure and in the field of international relations represent some of the attempts in this direction. Political theory is part philosophy and part science. It is, therefore, neither a complete political philosophy nor a full political science. Regarding the meaning and definition of political theory, critics have different opinions. Following are the various definitions of political theory.

1. Defining political theory as to “Critical study of the principles of right order in human social existence”, Germino declares that "Political Theory is neither reductionist behavioral science nor opinionated ideology.”

2. According to Alan Issak, “A political theory might be defined as a set of generalisations containing concepts with which we are directly acquainted and those which are operationally defined, but in addition, and more important, theoretical concepts that although not directly tied to observation are logically related to those concepts that are.”

3. Sabine defines it as “anything about politics or relevant to politics and narrowly as the disciplined investigation of political problems.”

4. In the words of David Held, “Political theories are complex network of concepts and generalisations about political life involving ideas,  assumptions and statements about the nature, purpose and key features of government, state and society and about the political capabilities of human beings.”

5. Andrew Hacker defines political theory as “a combination of a disinterested search for the principles of 
good state and good society on the one hand and a disinterested search for knowledge of political and social reality on the other.”

6. According to Bluhm, “Political Theory is an explanation of what politics is all about, a general understanding of the political world, a frame of reference. Without one we should be unable to recognise an event as political, decide anything about why it happened, judge whether it was good or bad or decide what was likely to happen next.”

7. According to Andrew Hacker, Political theory has two distinct meanings:
(i) It stands for the history of political ideas. Starting with Plato, these ideas are regarded as contribution to an intellectual tradition. They are studied with due regard for the historical circumstances which produced them, and their influence on political practice is a constant matter for speculation. This understanding of political theory is more traditional of the two and an honorable tradition of scholarship supports it.

(ii) The other conception of the theory is newer and in consequence less sure of its methods and purposes. Nevertheless, it can be said that this approach calls for the systematic study of political behaviour in the modern world.

Nature and Scope of Political Theory

1. State and Government are the main subjects of Political Theory:
State is the main subject of political science and theory because the machinery of political science revolves around the State. Man is incomplete without the State. In the sphere of political theory we study the nature and size of existing state and the practicability of the fundamental principle of the present government. But the nature of state and government has changed with time. Now their present nature is different from their past. Political theorists study the reasons for the origin of state and its process of development.

The sphere of political theory is not limited to the study of State in its past and present form, but political thinkers also study how State and government fulfil the needs of people. In other words, political thinkers measure the level of success of the government policies in satisfying the needs of the residents of state. In modem times, the objective of political thinkers is to establish a welfare State. Thus, the scope of political theory is extensive and expanded from past to present and to the future of the nature and scope of state and government.

2. Study of Power:
Political theory also includes the study of power. In other words, “Political theory is the study of power process.” Power has many forms-political, economic and social power, individual and public power, national and international power, etc. Political thinkers study the inter-relationship of these powers and also evaluate who gets when why and how in society. But political thinkers give primary preference to the study of political power. Government uses its powers under some laws and restrictions. The Constitution has restricted the powers of the government. Power has no separate existence and individuality.

3. Wider Scope of the Subject:
The study of political theory consists of the study in different fields, i.e., formal, informal, economic, social, psychological, geographical, ethical, political, religious and cultural. These factors influence the political system. In political theory we study society, state and international politics. These areas widen the scope of political theory.

4. Study of Political Ideology:
Political theorists also studied political ideologies. Ideology is that system of values, beliefs and thoughts which governs people. Various ideologies have been prevalent in society from Plato to the present, e.g., Idealism, Individualism, Marxism, Gandhism, Socialism, Utilitarianism, etc. Political theory expresses political values, organisation and customs in political ideologies a society adopts as ideal.

5. Study of Associations and Institutions.
Another feature of political theory is that it studies various organisations, associations and institutions established in the State. These associations and institutions fulfil various needs of people. Importance has been given to the process of election, pressure groups, system of public relations, means of communication in the sphere of political studies, etc.

6. A Study of Rights and Duties:
Political Theory is a study of rights and duties. In the democratic world, government cannot progress until and unless its citizens obey their rights and duties.

7. Study of Political Parties:
In modern democratic countries, political parties influence the functions of government. With the passage of time political parties have become essential for a democratic government. In fact, political parties have become the life of the democracy. Political parties select the candidates for elections and form the government. Political theories are related with political parties.

8. Inter-disciplinary Study:
Political theory studies all those subjects that affect human behaviour. These subjects are Economy, Politics, Religion, Education, Geography and Culture, etc. These subjects influence human actions. In fact, these subjects influence the whole socio-political system. For a better study of political theory, the study of these subjects is essential.

9. Empirical and Behavioural:
This is another feature of political theory. Political theorists collect facts and figures on the basis of experience. Political studies have become empirical and behavioural. Political theorists form theories on the basis of experience and it has changed the nature of political theories.

10. Nature of Micro Level Study:
Another characteristic of political theory is that it concentrates on macro level study. It divides political organisations into small units and then analyses the structure of these small units. At macro level, theorists do effective studies.

11. Study by Scientific Methods:
It is a well- known fact that political science and its studies concentrate upon human behaviour. Political theorists take recourse to scientific methods as human nature is not static. Theorists use scientific methods to evaluate political events, collect facts, classification, analysis and for drawing conclusions. So the nature of political theories has become scientific.

12. Re-entry of Values:
Behaviouralistic studies had tried to make political theories free of values. Due to this, political theories, failed to solve behavioural problems and the importance of values in the behavioural world perpetuated the post-Behavioural Revolution.

13. Study of Informal Elements:
Another characteristic of political theories is that these theories not only study formal subjects, i.e., state, government, constitution, structure of government, etc but also informal subjects that influence political organisations. These are polling, referendum legislature, pressure group, interest group, judiciary, executive and political parties.

14. A Study of Human Behaviour:
Another characteristic of political theory is that it is a study of human behaviour. In the twentieth century, human behaviour has become the most significant subject of political theories. Political theorists study whatever an individual does in the political field, its studies causes and the motivating factors for all that it causes. In fact, politics is nothing but a sort of human behaviour.

15. A Study of Processes:
Political theories discuss political processes that go within a nation. Political process is always a legal process. Political theorists also study international politics.

16. A Study of Policy Formulation:
Political theory is also concerned with policy formulation. 

Significance and Utility of Political Theory

Question 3. 
Discuss the significance and utility of Political Theory. 
Answer: 
In modern times, Political theory has its own significance in each sphere of life. The development of present political theories and ideologies has completely shattered traditional political views. Political theory has great significance in the present scenario of political science and political institution. It shapes society in idealistic mould and makes efforts for the welfare of society. Political theory is significant for the following reasons:

1.  Helps to understand Political Reality:
Political theory helps to understand political realities. It makes the study of facts and events easy as it removes the illusions and superstitions regarding an event. It helps in the systematic arrangements of facts, events, relations, for external world. Political theory helps in understanding, recognition and denomination of some events and facts.

2. Simplification of Knowledge:
Political theory simplifies knowledge. It converts facts into symbols and makes them easy to remember and define.

3. It legitimises the Government:
Political theory legitimises the government. To maintain supremacy, influential classes take recourse to political theory.

4. Use of Proper Means to Fulfil the Objectives:
Political theorists encourage people to use adequate means to fulfil their objectives and needs. Political theory is the only means to balance political facts and events and study pattern and human values.

5. Helps to Resolve Problems:
It resolves the problems of peaceful settlement of states, its development and other problems that hinder the growth of state. Political theory is a means to control and resolve national and international problems. It can sort out the problems of war, sovereignty and nationality.

6. Utility for Politicians, Citizens, Rulers, Leaders, etc:
Political theory is significant for each section of society. It provides knowledge of the nature of political system and its various organisations. Politicians, leaders and rulers cannot do without political theories. For the efficient working of the machinery of state and political organisations, politicians and rulers adopt various political theories.

7. Robert Dahl’s views about Utility of Political Theory:
According to Robert Dahl, political theory is relevant in the political, psychological and ethical sphere. From political point of view, it legitimises government. Political theory is important for individual from psychological point of view. It gives human life humanistic, intellectual and ethical directions.

8. Extension of Intellect:
Political theory develops and expands the intelligence level of an individual. Intelligence means knowledge, efficiency and awareness of values. Theory makes us efficient and capable. It helps in the selection of objectives and priorities.

9. Importance for Researchers:
Theories are valuable for researchers. If a propounded theory is acceptable and stable, then it provides ground to study public interest and share in the political system. It helps in analysis and generalisation of facts. Theories prove economical to researchers as these save researchers' time and make research work easy to accomplish.

10. Provides Guidance to Followers:
Political theory provides guidance to its followers. It makes their tesk, easy. Hindu Philosophy has propounded such theories that are still valuable and relevant even after thousands of years of their creation.

11. Helps in Prediction:
By keeping three things in view; i.e., past experience, existing circumstances and needs of future, the theorist tries to make predictions. Although the theorist makes predictions and looks for ways to eliminate social problems, yet these predictions cannot be as foolproof as natural sciences.

12. Inspires Political Movements:
Political theories inspire political movements. Generally, political movements get inspiration from political theories. Inspired by one or the other theory, revolutionists of the world sacrificed their lives. According to Lenin, “without a revolutionary theory there cannot be a revolutionary movement.” Many of the revolutionists of India like Raj Guru, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Chandra Shekhar Azad and many more sacrificed their life for the freedom of India.

13. To Understand and Explain Social Change:
Political theory helps to understand and explain the nature and causes of social change. It studies various aspects and effects of social change. Karl Marx’s view is not appropriate that theories will become insignificant after the establishment of classless and stateless society. But the fact is that with the change of society and human development, the value of political theory increases to study the changes and development of society.

14. Importance as a Framework:
Political theory encourages data collection and research. In this context, Easton discussed about the importance of theory in the form of a framework. It works as a sieve that selects relevant facts and ignores irrelevant material. It directs as a compass and like a gauge, measures the level of development in a specified period.

15. Collects Past Memories:
Political theory collects the facts of history. It compiles the knowledge of past and thoughts of ancient philosophers that are forgotten by the society,

16. Presents Scientific Explanations:
Political theory gives scientific explanation of political events. It scientifically discusses about the political processes and the reasons for those processes. It analyses and generalises the facts and events of state. Political theory is not only a device to evaluate what is happening but also to make political choices. Political theory is significant for political studies.
Meaning and Major Concern of Politics

Question 4. 
Define Politics. Discuss major concerns of Politics.
Answer: 
D. G. Hitchner has rightly pointed out that “The world around us is clearly a political world. All mankind has been drawn into some political association through which men engage in cooperation and conflict. Indeed, that the world is becoming even more political seems one of its most important aspects.” Like death, taxes and poverty, politics is a universal phenomena.

The universality of politics is due to the universality of mankind. Life of every human being is affected by politics directly or indirectly. According to Marshall Bermon, “Whether we belong to a small or large country, the action of our government and the actions of the government of great power will shape our destiny.”

Definitions of Politics:
It is very difficult to give precise and exact definitions of the word ‘Politics’ from different points of view.
1. According to Oxford Dictionary, “Politics is the science and art of government. The science dealing with the form organisation and administration of a State, or part of one and with the regulation of its relations with other States.”

2. According to Garner ‘The meaning of the term ‘Politics’ is confined to that part of the business and activity which has to do with the actual conduct of the affairs of the State.”

3. According to Gilchrist, “Politics now-a-days refers to current problems of government, which as often as not are more economic in character than political in scientific sense.”

4. According to D.A. Butlar, “Politics is entirely concerned with people, with the way in which they react to decisions. It cannot usefully be studied except in the light of actual behaviour.”

5. According to Harold Lasswell, “Politics is the study of influence and influential. Politics is primarily concerned with who gets, what, when and how? According to another statement of Lasswell, “Politics is the study of sharing of power.”

6. According to David Easton, “Politics is the study of authoritative allocation of values as it is influenced by the distribution and use of power.” Major Concern of Politics

There are two views regarding the concern of politics:
(I) Traditional and
(II) Modern.

(I) Concern of Traditional Politics
1. Concerned with the State:
Politics is the science of State. The main object of politics and sphere of its activity is the State. According to Gettell, “Political Science is the historical investigation of what the state has been, an analytical study of what the state is and politico-ethical discussion of what the state ought to be.”

2. Study of Government;
Government is an essential attribute of the state. How the government is formed, what are its various forms, what are the merits and demerits of the various forms of government, what are the various organs of government and what are their relations to one another? Political Science studies all these things.

3. Concerned with Political Thought:
Political thinkers of different ages have always been trying to answer some fundamental questions about the state. These answers have come to us in the form of isms like Idealism, Individualism, Utilitarianism, Socialism, Communism, Anarchism, Fascism, Gandhism, etc. The study of all these theories is an important scope of Political Science.

4. Study of Man:
Without human beings there can be no State. Aim of the State is public welfare. The State today follows the individual from the cradle to the grave. In politics, we study not only the political aspect of man but also include social, economic, religious, moral and psychological aspects. In other words, in politics, we study man as a whole. 

5. Study of Associations and Institutions:
Within a State, there are various associations and institutions which fulfill various needs of man. There are pressure groups and interest groups. Politics studies all these groups and associations. Politics also studies the electoral system, organisation of public opinions, public relationship and the means of propaganda in the State.

6. Study of International Problems. Modern age is an age of internationalism. No State is self sufficient. Hence, all states are closely related t-o each other. According to Beni Prasad, “Politics started as the science of the affairs of the city. Later it broadened to comprise the large country state. It has now to take the final step and stand forth as the science of world organisation.”

(II) Concern of Modern Politics:

Modern Politics includes all those things which are concerned with the political system of a country. According to modern view, politics is concerned with the following:
1. Politics is concerned with Power. In the modern age, many political scholars have considered power as a central point of politics and according to them, politics is a struggle for power. According to Von Dybe, “Power is obviously a salient feature of politics.” Max Weber has regarded the use of power or threat of use of power as the basic elements of power. Lasswell has also accepted Power as the major concern of politics. According to Hans Morganthau, “Politics is a struggle for power; a game played to attain and maintain power.”

2. Politics is the Study of Influence:
According to some political scholars along with power, influence is also a central subject of politics. According to Lasswell, “The study of politics is the study of influence and influential.”

3. Study of Leadership:
Another important subject of politics is leadership. Leadership means to have the capacity of organising human means for the achievement of particular goals. Some people are called leaders on the basis of their influence and power and others are called their followers. Leadership is important in politics and plays an important role in taking decisions.

4. Politics is concerned with Authoritative Allocation of Valuer for the Society:
According to David Easton, “Politics is the study of the authoritative allocation of values for society.” In his analysis of politics, David 

Easton has emphasised three things: 
(a) Policy or Value 
(b) Authority 
(c) Society.

5.  Politics is concerned with Problems and Conflicts:
Another element in Politics is controversy. According to Wasby, “Where there is politics, it is said, there is controversy where there are issues, there is Politics. Where no controversy exists, where no issues are being debated, Politics does not exist.”

6. Politics is concerned with Consensus and Cooperation:
Some political scientists are of the opinion that many problems are solved without any struggle, by discussion and negotiation.

7. Politics is concerned with man:
Many political scientists have described politics as the study of man. According to them, politics is concerned with the relation and patterns of interactions between men. Man is the main actor in politics. His actions and activities in a particular environment, produce politics. Thus, when we study politics, we also study human actions and interactions.

8. Politics is concerned with Inter nationalism:
Politics is also concerned with international politics. In fact, international politics has its roots in national politics.

9. Study of Group Involvement:
Politics is a collective process or activity. In this we study the activities of various groups organised on the basis of different interests and different principles. Politics is such a process by which people determine their destiny.

10. Study of Political Parties:
Political parties are inevitable in democratic systems. In politics, we study origin, nature and role of political parties.

11. Study of Comparative Government and Politics:
In politics, we study comparative government and politics also. Traditional thinkers only study comparative government and politics of European countries whereas modern scholars also study political system of developing countries of the Third World. 

Conclusion:
In short, the scope of politics is increasing day by day. Politics is an unavoidable fact of modern life. According to Steindhal, “Politics in a work of literature is like a pistol shot in the middle of a concert, something loud and vulgar and yet a thing to which it is not possible to refuse one’s attention.”

Question 5. 
Study the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Answer:
These documents did not just emerge overnight; they are built upon the ideas and principles debated alomst since the time of Kautilya, Aristotle, Jean Jacques Rousseau, Karl Marx, Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. As far back as the fifth century B.C., Plato and Aristotle discussed with their students whether monarchy or democracy was better. In modern times, Rousseau first argued for freedom as a fundamental right of humankind. Karl Marx argued that equality was as crucial as freedom. Closer home, Mahatma Gandh discussed the meaning of genuine freedom or swaraj in the book Hind Swaraj. Dr. Ambedkar vigorously argued that the scheduled castes must be considered a minority, and as such, must receive special protection. These ideas find their place in the Indian 

Constitution:
our Preamble enshrines freedom and equality; the chapter on Rights in the Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability in any form; Gandhian Principles find a place in Directive Principles.

1. Mention the name of any two political thinkers.
2. Mahatma Gandhi belong to which country?
3. Name any one book written by Mahatma Gandhi.

Answer: 

1. Plato and Aristotle.
2. Mahatma Gandhi belongs to India.
3. 'Hind Swaraj'.

Question 6. 
Study the Cartoon and answer the following questions:

1. What is this cartoon about?
2. Who is affected by the leader’s activities?
3. What is the thinking of leader’s son?

Answer: 

1. This cartoon is about politics.
2. The leader’s son is affected by the leader’s activities.
3. The leader’s son thinks that he can get away with lying and cheating.

Question 7. 
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: 
In ancient times, the word ‘Politics’ was used for the term ‘Political Science’. The term politics is derived from the Greek word ‘Polis’ which means the City- State, the general form of political organisation obtaining in ancient Greece. In ancient Greece there were small City-States. ‘Politics’ therefore meant to be in ancient Greece, the science of the ‘City-State’ or pertaining to State and Government. Aristotle concentrated his study on these City-States. He drew his practical and theoretical conclusion in his study in his famous book ‘Politics’. Now, in place of City-State, we have big territorial states. Nowadays, Political Science is the science which studies the origin, necessity, development, nature and future of the State.

7.1. In ancient times, which word was used for the term ‘Political Science’?
(a) Theory    
(b) Status
(c) Politics    
(d) Law
Answer: 
(c) Politics    

7.2. From which word the term ‘Politics’ is derived? 
(a) Greek word Law 
(b) Greek word ‘Polis’ 
(c) Greek word Justice 
(d) Greek word Liberty 
Answer: 
(b) Greek word ‘Polis’ 

7.3. What is the meaning of word ‘Polis’?
(a) Country-state 
(b) State-country 
(c) City-state    
(d) None of these
Answer: 
(c) City-state    

7.4. Who among the following is a Author of book ‘Politics’?
(a) Plato    
(b) Sabine
(c) Waldo    
(d) Aristotle
Answer: 
(d) Aristotle
 
HOTS QUESTIONS

Question 1. 
What is Politics?
Answer: 
Politics is a concern of everybody with any sense of responsibility. Politics is a struggle for power and every activity which is concerned with the struggle for power is a political activity.

Question 2. 
What is the modern view of Political Science?
Answer: 
According to modern view, Political Science is concerned with struggle for power, influence and 
influential, decision-making process, etc. Modern writers regard political science as a study of political system as a whole. According to Lasswell and Kaplan, “Political Science is an empirical inquiry in the study of the shaping and sharing of power.”

Question 3. 
Who has called Political Science ‘A Master Science’ and why?
Answer: 
Aristotle, the father of Political Science, had called Political Science ‘A Master Science’ because ‘Polis’ covered almost all the activities of individuals in social institutions. Aristotle defined the scope of ‘Polity’ to include political and social institutions. He did not make any distinction between politics and society.

Question 4. 
Make a distinction between Indian view of Political Theory and Greek view of Political Theory.
Answer: 
Indian view of Political Theory and Greek view of political theory have following distinctions:

1. According to Indian view, State is a result of social contract, whereas Greek thinkers accept State as a natural institution having no contractual basis.
2. Indian thinkers accepts State and society as two 

different institutions, whereas Greek thinkers did not distinguish between the two.

Question 5. 
Mention two distinctions between traditional view of Political Theory and modern view of Political Theory.
Answer: 
1. Traditional Political Theory is a value-based study whereas modern view of Political Theory is a value-free study.

2. Traditional Political Theory was confined to the study of formal institutions only whereas modern political theory was a broader field. It studies all formal and informal elements that affect the political processing of State. 

SELF-EVALUATION TEST

1. Who is the father of Political Science?
2. Owe the meaning of the word Theory’. 
3. From whch language la the word ‘Policdenved? 
4. FIll in the blank:
Aristotlt is the ............. of Political Science 
5. Write down two definitions of Politics Theory.
6. Write any two characteristics of LraditinM view of Politics,
7. Write two problems of modern Political Theory.
8. Menton two utilities of Political Theory:
9. Explain the meaning of the word ‘Politics’.
10. Discuss the scope of Political Science.
11. Political Science is a Science. Give reasons.
12. Discuss the importance of Political Theory.
13. Study the cartoon and answer the following

• What is this cartoon about?
• Who is affected by the leadera activities?
• What is the thinking of the leader’ son?

14. What do you mean by Politic&l Theory? Discuss ita nature. 
15. Discuss the significance and utility of Political Theory. 
16.Differentiate between politics and political theory.