SECTION A: MCQ

1. Aristotle

2. Machiavelli

3. Objective Knowledge

4. Rousseau

5. Society

6. JS Mill

7. Absolute

8. Karl Marx

9. Mosca

10. Skeptics

SECTION B: Short Answer Questions

1. Define Political Science

Political Science is the systematic study of political institutions, processes, behaviour, and
the theoretical and practical aspects of politics. It examines how power is acquired,
exercised, and maintained, as well as the structures and functions of governments. The
discipline draws upon history, law, economics, sociology, and philosophy to understand
governance, authority, and policy-making. Political science is broadly divided into subfields
such as political theory, comparative politics, international relations, public administration,
and public policy. It aims to generate objective knowledge to explain political phenomena,
predict outcomes, and provide guidance for better governance. Through analysis of political
systems, ideologies, and actors, political science fosters an informed citizenry, capable of
critical engagement with political life.

2. Nexus between Liberty and Equality

Liberty and equality are foundational concepts in political theory, often viewed as
complementary yet sometimes conflicting. Liberty refers to the freedom of individuals to act
without undue restraint, while equality emphasizes fairness and the absence of social or
economic hierarchies. Excessive liberty without equality can lead to exploitation and social
inequality, whereas absolute equality without liberty can suppress individuality and
innovation. Philosophers like John Rawls argue that liberty should be prioritized but
distributed in a manner that benefits the least advantaged, ensuring fairness. Modern
democratic systems strive to balance these ideals, ensuring that personal freedoms are
protected while social justice mechanisms address disparities. Ultimately, a sustainable
political order requires harmonizing liberty with equality to promote both individual
fulfillment and collective welfare.

3. Discuss Laski Theory of Rights

Harold Laski, a prominent political theorist, emphasized that rights are social in origin and
cannot exist in isolation from society. According to Laski, rights are those conditions of
social life without which no person can seek to be at their best. He rejected the notion of
natural rights as inherent and immutable, instead arguing that rights are granted and
maintained by the state to promote individual development. Laski believed that the
realization of rights depends on the fulfillment of corresponding duties by citizens. He
categorized rights into civil, political, and economic, stressing that without economic rights,
civil and political rights become meaningless. His theory underlines the interdependence
between the individual and society, and the role of the state in ensuring a conducive
environment for the enjoyment of rights.

4. Compare Marshall and Gidden view on Citizenship

T.H. Marshall conceptualized citizenship as comprising civil, political, and social rights,
developing progressively from the 18th to the 20th century. Civil rights ensure individual
freedoms, political rights enable participation in governance, and social rights guarantee
welfare and economic security. Anthony Giddens, however, offered a more dynamic view,
emphasizing the reflexive nature of citizenship in the context of globalization and
modernity. While Marshall viewed citizenship largely within the framework of the nation-
state, Giddens highlighted its transformation in a globalized world, where rights and
responsibilities extend beyond national borders. Marshall's approach is historically
grounded and linear, while Giddens focuses on contemporary challenges such as
multiculturalism, environmental issues, and transnational governance. Both agree on the
importance of balancing rights with responsibilities, but differ in scope and historical
perspective.

5. Origin of State
The origin of the state has been explained through various theories, each offering distinct
perspectives. The Divine Right Theory claims states were established by God, with rulers as
divine representatives. The Social Contract Theory, advanced by thinkers like Hobbes,
Locke, and Rousseau, posits that states emerged from agreements among individuals to
ensure order and protection. The Force Theory attributes the state's origin to conquest and
coercion by the powerful over the weak. The Evolutionary Theory views the state as a
gradual development from family and kinship structures to larger political organizations.
Modern scholarship often adopts a synthesis, recognizing the interplay of social, economic,
military, and ideological factors in state formation.

6. Explain Negative and Positive Liberty

Negative liberty refers to freedom from external interference, allowing individuals to act as
they wish without constraints from others or the state. This concept is often associated with
classical liberalism and thinkers like Isaiah Berlin, who defined it as the absence of coercion.
Positive liberty, on the other hand, is the freedom to realize one’s potential, which may
require enabling conditions such as education, healthcare, and economic support. This form
of liberty is linked to the idea of self-mastery and collective empowerment. While negative
liberty safeguards against oppression, positive liberty addresses structural barriers to
genuine freedom. Balanced together, they create a society that both protects personal
autonomy and provides the means for individuals to flourish.

SECTION C: Long Answer Questions

1. Critically analyse the nature and scope of Political Science

Political Science is both a theoretical and practical discipline that systematically studies
political systems, behaviour, institutions, and theories. Its nature is interdisciplinary,
drawing insights from history, economics, sociology, psychology, and law. It examines the
structures of government, distribution of power, political participation, policy-making, and
the role of the state in society. Political Science is normative, empirical, and analytical—
seeking to understand what politics is, what it ought to be, and how it functions. It also
involves comparative analysis to identify patterns and variations across different systems.
Its scope covers fields like political theory, comparative politics, international relations,
public administration, and political economy. In the modern era, its scope has expanded to
include global governance, human rights, environmental politics, and digital democracy.
Critics argue that political science can never be wholly objective due to value-laden
interpretations, while proponents stress its capacity for systematic inquiry. Overall, political
science provides essential tools for understanding, critiquing, and improving governance
and political life.

2. Discuss basic tenets of Behaviouralism

Behaviouralism emerged in the mid-20th century as a scientific approach to studying
politics, emphasizing empirical research, quantification, and objectivity. Its primary goal is
to produce verifiable knowledge through observation and analysis of political behaviour,
rather than focusing solely on legal and institutional frameworks. Key tenets include
regularities (searching for patterns in political behaviour), verification (testing hypotheses),
quantification (using statistical methods), value-neutrality, and systematic research.
Behaviouralists stress the importance of studying individuals, groups, and mass political
actions as the basis for understanding political systems. They employ interdisciplinary
methods from sociology, psychology, and anthropology. Critics argue that behaviouralism
neglects normative concerns and overemphasizes quantification. However, its contribution
in making political science more empirical and policy-relevant is widely acknowledged.

3. Explore the evolution of Democracy

Democracy, derived from the Greek term 'demos' (people) and 'kratos' (rule), has evolved
significantly over centuries. Its earliest form can be traced to ancient Athens in the 5th
century BCE, where direct democracy allowed citizens to participate directly in decision-
making. The Roman Republic introduced representative elements, though limited to elites.
During the Middle Ages, democratic principles were overshadowed by feudalism, but
documents like the Magna Carta (1215) planted seeds of constitutional governance. The
Enlightenment of the 17th and 18th centuries brought forward thinkers like Locke,
Rousseau, and Montesquieu, advocating individual rights, separation of powers, and
popular sovereignty. The American and French Revolutions institutionalized democratic
ideals through written constitutions. In the 19th and 20th centuries, industrialization,
suffrage movements, and decolonization expanded democracy globally. Modern democracy
combines representative institutions, rule of law, protection of rights, and periodic free
elections. In the 21st century, challenges such as populism, digital misinformation, and
authoritarian resurgence test democratic resilience, yet its adaptive capacity continues to
evolve.

4. Assess the impact of Globalisation on State Sovereignty

Globalisation, characterized by the intensification of cross-border economic, cultural,
technological, and political exchanges, has significantly impacted state sovereignty.
Economic globalisation has integrated markets, making national economies interdependent,
often limiting states’ control over their economic policies due to global trade rules,
multinational corporations, and financial markets. Political sovereignty is challenged by
supranational institutions like the UN, EU, and WTO, which can impose binding decisions.
Cultural globalisation spreads ideas and values, sometimes eroding local traditions and
national identities. While hyperglobalists argue that sovereignty is in decline, skeptics
maintain that states still play a central role, adapting to global pressures.
Transformationalists view globalisation as reshaping sovereignty rather than eliminating it,
creating complex governance networks where power is shared among states, corporations,
and international bodies. Overall, globalisation constrains certain aspects of sovereignty but
also offers opportunities for cooperation, economic growth, and addressing transnational
issues like climate change and pandemics.