BPSM-161 Solved Assignment 2025-2026
Assignment – I
Answer the following questions in about 500 words each. Each question carries 20 marks.
Answer the following questions in about 500 words each. Each question carries 20 marks.
- What is Politics? Discuss its nature, scope, and significance in human society.
- Explain the revival of political theory. What were the reasons for its decline, and how has it re-emerged in recent decades?
Assignment – II
Answer the following questions in about 250 words each. Each question carries 10 marks.
3. Distinguish between Political Theory and Political Philosophy.
4. Discuss Max Weber’s typology of legitimate authority.
5. What are the key differences between the liberal and Marxist perspectives on the state?
Answer the following questions in about 250 words each. Each question carries 10 marks.
3. Distinguish between Political Theory and Political Philosophy.
4. Discuss Max Weber’s typology of legitimate authority.
5. What are the key differences between the liberal and Marxist perspectives on the state?
Assignment – III
Answer the following questions in about 100 words each. Each question carries 6 marks.
6. Define Civil Society and explain its role in democratic politics.
7. What is meant by ‘Distributive Justice’?
8. Write a short note on the empirical approach in political theory.
9. Explain the concept of ‘Manipulated Consent’.
10. What are the basic features of the Modern Nation-State?
Answer the following questions in about 100 words each. Each question carries 6 marks.
6. Define Civil Society and explain its role in democratic politics.
7. What is meant by ‘Distributive Justice’?
8. Write a short note on the empirical approach in political theory.
9. Explain the concept of ‘Manipulated Consent’.
10. What are the basic features of the Modern Nation-State?
Answer:
Assignment – I
Answer the following questions in about 500 words each. Each question carries 20 marks.
Question:-01
What is Politics? Discuss its nature, scope, and significance in human society.
Answer:
1. Introduction to Politics
Politics is a fundamental aspect of human society that governs the structure, processes, and conduct of governance. It refers to the set of activities associated with making decisions in groups or other forms of power relations among individuals, such as the distribution of resources or status. Derived from the Greek word "polis" meaning city-state, politics has evolved significantly to include global, national, and local dimensions. Whether in a formal governmental structure or informal community leadership, politics plays a central role in organizing societies and resolving conflicts.
2. Nature of Politics
The nature of politics is multifaceted and dynamic. It encompasses the theory and practice of influencing people and managing public affairs. At its core, politics involves power — who gets it, how it’s used, and who benefits or suffers from its application. It can be seen through various lenses:
- Conflict and Consensus: Politics is often viewed as a field of conflict where different interests and ideologies compete. However, it is also about building consensus, forging compromises, and finding common ground.
- Public Affairs: Politics usually focuses on activities concerning the state, government, or public life. It shapes laws, policies, and regulations that impact citizens’ daily lives.
- Power Dynamics: Politics examines how power is distributed and exercised. This includes formal institutions like parliaments and informal channels such as media or lobbying groups.
- Change and Continuity: Political systems evolve over time, but many also aim to preserve traditions and maintain stability. Politics thus balances innovation with continuity.
The nature of politics is not confined to democracies or state actors; it extends to non-governmental organizations, corporations, and even households where decisions and hierarchies emerge.
3. Scope of Politics
The scope of politics is extensive and has broadened considerably over time. It touches virtually every aspect of human life:
- Local to Global: Politics operates at various levels — from local governance dealing with municipal issues to international relations shaping global diplomacy and trade.
- Institutional and Non-Institutional: While traditionally centered around state institutions such as legislatures, executives, and judiciaries, politics now includes civil society, social movements, media, and transnational organizations.
- Theoretical and Practical: Academically, political science analyzes ideologies, systems, behavior, and policy. Practically, it involves activities like campaigning, voting, legislating, and lobbying.
- Economic and Social Dimensions: Politics influences and is influenced by economic systems, class structures, and cultural norms. Issues like taxation, education, healthcare, and welfare fall squarely within the political domain.
Politics also intersects with other disciplines like economics, sociology, law, and ethics, making it a highly interdisciplinary field.
4. Significance of Politics in Human Society
Politics holds immense significance in human society due to its role in organizing collective life and ensuring societal functioning. Its importance can be highlighted through several key contributions:
- Governance and Order: Politics creates frameworks for governance, maintaining law and order, and ensuring justice. It establishes legal systems, enforces rules, and manages conflicts peacefully.
- Resource Allocation: Through political mechanisms, societies decide how resources such as wealth, education, and healthcare are distributed. Politics thus directly impacts social equity and economic development.
- Representation and Participation: Democratic politics empowers citizens to participate in decision-making through voting, representation, and activism. It gives voice to the marginalized and holds leaders accountable.
- Policy Formation: Politics shapes public policy that governs crucial areas like environment, defense, technology, and social welfare. These policies influence the quality of life and long-term national strategies.
- Cultural and Identity Formation: Politics plays a vital role in shaping national identities, cultural norms, and social values. Political movements often emerge to advocate for the rights and recognition of diverse communities.
- Stability and Change: Politics provides tools for both continuity and transformation. Through elections, reforms, and revolutions, political systems adapt to changing societal needs while maintaining stability.
The significance of politics is also evident in global challenges such as climate change, migration, pandemics, and war, where political coordination and cooperation are crucial.
Conclusion
Politics is an indispensable element of human civilization. It defines how societies are structured, how power is exercised, and how collective decisions are made. Its nature is rooted in power relations, negotiation, and governance, while its scope encompasses every sphere from the local to the global. The significance of politics lies in its ability to organize societies, allocate resources, foster participation, and manage change. Understanding politics is essential not just for political actors but for every citizen, as it shapes the very framework within which we live, work, and interact.
Question:-02
Explain the revival of political theory. What were the reasons for its decline, and how has it re-emerged in recent decades?
Answer:
1. Introduction to the Revival of Political Theory
The revival of political theory marks a significant intellectual development in the field of political science, especially in the latter half of the 20th century. Political theory, which involves normative and philosophical discussions about politics, justice, rights, and governance, had experienced a noticeable decline in influence during the mid-1900s. However, in recent decades, it has seen a resurgence as scholars and thinkers began to re-explore foundational questions about human society, ethics, and political structures. This revival represents not just an academic trend but a broader response to global socio-political changes, ethical dilemmas, and intellectual dissatisfaction with previous scientific approaches.
2. Reasons for the Decline of Political Theory
Political theory faced a serious decline between the 1930s and 1960s, particularly in the Western world. Several interrelated factors contributed to this:
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Rise of Behavioralism: One of the main causes of decline was the emergence of the behavioralist approach in political science, especially in the United States. This school of thought emphasized empirical research, quantifiable data, and the scientific study of political behavior. It rejected normative questions (e.g., what is justice?) as unscientific and subjective.
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World Wars and Distrust of Ideology: The devastations of World War I and World War II led to widespread disillusionment with grand political ideologies. Thinkers became skeptical of abstract political doctrines that seemed to contribute to authoritarianism and mass violence.
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Empirical Dominance in Social Sciences: The influence of positivism in the social sciences promoted the idea that only observable, measurable facts mattered. Political theory, with its focus on values, ideals, and abstract reasoning, did not fit this model.
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Technocratic Governance: Mid-20th-century governance increasingly relied on technical expertise, management, and bureaucratic efficiency, sidelining philosophical debates about the nature of good governance, citizenship, or justice.
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Cold War Climate: The ideological polarization of the Cold War discouraged open philosophical inquiry. Instead of encouraging nuanced political thought, the period often forced a binary choice between capitalism and communism.
3. Factors Leading to the Revival of Political Theory
From the 1970s onward, political theory began to regain its relevance and vitality. Several factors drove this resurgence:
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Disillusionment with Behavioralism: Scholars began to realize that behavioralism, though useful, could not answer deeper questions about justice, rights, or ethical governance. There was a growing need for normative frameworks to address political problems.
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The Civil Rights and Liberation Movements: Social movements in the 1960s and 1970s—civil rights, feminism, decolonization, and LGBTQ+ rights—challenged traditional political paradigms and called for new theoretical frameworks to understand identity, power, and justice.
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Publication of Seminal Works: One of the most critical moments in the revival was the publication of John Rawls’ A Theory of Justice in 1971. This work reignited interest in normative political philosophy and provided a rigorous method for thinking about justice in liberal democracies.
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Increased Globalization: As societies became more interconnected, new global challenges—such as climate change, migration, and global inequality—demanded fresh political thinking beyond the nation-state paradigm.
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Crisis of Liberalism and Rise of New Ideologies: The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw crises in liberal democracies, the emergence of religious politics, and the rise of populism. These shifts created the need for deeper reflection on political legitimacy, democracy, and public reason.
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Interdisciplinary Influences: Political theory has benefitted from dialogue with philosophy, sociology, history, and law. These interdisciplinary approaches enriched the scope and methods of political theorists.
4. Contemporary Directions in Political Theory
The revival of political theory has not merely revived old debates but has opened new avenues of inquiry:
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Justice and Equality: Debates around distributive justice, capabilities (Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum), and global justice (Thomas Pogge, Charles Beitz) have reshaped the field.
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Identity and Difference: Theories of multiculturalism, feminism, post-colonialism, and queer theory have expanded political theory’s focus to include marginalized voices and experiences.
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Democracy and Deliberation: Thinkers like Jürgen Habermas and deliberative democrats have explored how rational discourse and public reasoning can strengthen democracy.
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Environmental Political Theory: With the rise of ecological concerns, political theory has turned to questions of sustainability, environmental justice, and intergenerational responsibility.
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Critique of Neoliberalism: Political theorists now examine how neoliberal economic policies affect democracy, social cohesion, and civic values, often drawing from Marxist, communitarian, or anarchist traditions.
Conclusion
The revival of political theory is a testament to the enduring need for philosophical inquiry into political life. While empirical approaches remain important, they cannot substitute for the normative and critical dimensions that political theory provides. The decline of political theory in the mid-20th century stemmed from an overemphasis on empirical science, distrust of ideology, and global political tensions. However, the complexities of modern society—identity, inequality, global crises, and democratic deficits—have made it essential to revisit foundational political questions. Today, political theory stands rejuvenated, offering profound insights and guiding democratic discourse in an increasingly complex world.
Assignment – II
Answer the following questions in about 250 words each. Each question carries 10 marks.
Question:-03
Distinguish between Political Theory and Political Philosophy.
Answer:
Distinction Between Political Theory and Political Philosophy
Political Theory and Political Philosophy are closely related fields within the discipline of political science, but they differ in their scope, focus, and methodology. While both seek to understand political life, they do so from different perspectives and with distinct aims.
Political Theory:
Political theory is more practical and analytical in nature. It deals with the interpretation, explanation, and critique of political ideas, institutions, and practices. Political theorists often focus on concrete issues such as democracy, justice, equality, liberty, power, and rights. They draw upon real-world political systems and historical events to assess and improve governance and policies. Political theory involves the systematic analysis of political concepts using empirical evidence and logical reasoning. It also includes normative aspects, but these are often tied to present-day political structures and debates. Key figures in political theory include thinkers like John Rawls, Isaiah Berlin, and Robert Dahl.
Political Philosophy:
Political philosophy, on the other hand, is more abstract and speculative. It deals with fundamental and timeless questions about the nature of the state, the purpose of government, the concept of justice, and the rights and duties of individuals in society. Political philosophers engage in deep reflection and philosophical inquiry to understand the ideal principles that should govern society. Their approach is more deductive and rooted in ethical and metaphysical reasoning. Classical thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, and Thomas Hobbes are foundational to political philosophy. Their inquiries often go beyond the practicalities of current political systems to explore ideal forms of governance and moral order.
Key Differences:
- Focus: Political theory emphasizes analysis of existing systems; political philosophy seeks ideal principles.
- Approach: Theory uses empirical and analytical methods; philosophy relies on normative and speculative reasoning.
- Application: Theory is more aligned with policy and governance; philosophy aims at understanding political ideals.
In summary, political theory and political philosophy complement each other. Theory provides tools to understand and improve real-world politics, while philosophy offers the foundational values and ethical considerations upon which political systems are—or should be—based.
Question:-04
Discuss Max Weber’s typology of legitimate authority.
Answer:
Max Weber’s Typology of Legitimate Authority
Max Weber, a foundational figure in sociology and political thought, developed a typology of legitimate authority to explain how power is justified and exercised in different forms of governance and social organization. According to Weber, authority becomes legitimate when it is recognized and accepted by those subjected to it. He identified three ideal types of legitimate authority: traditional, charismatic, and legal-rational.
1. Traditional Authority:
Traditional authority is rooted in long-standing customs, traditions, and established practices. It derives its legitimacy from the sanctity of age-old rules and the belief in the rightful authority of those who inherit power. Monarchies and tribal systems are classic examples, where rulers govern because of their lineage or societal customs. In such systems, loyalty is directed toward individuals or families, and social change is typically slow and resisted.
2. Charismatic Authority:
Charismatic authority rests on the extraordinary personal qualities of a leader and the devotion inspired by them. Followers obey the leader not because of laws or traditions, but due to personal trust and belief in the leader’s vision, heroism, or sanctity. This type of authority often emerges during periods of crisis or transformation. Examples include revolutionary leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., or religious figures like Jesus or Prophet Muhammad. However, charismatic authority is inherently unstable and often requires institutionalization to persist beyond the leader’s life.
3. Legal-Rational Authority:
Legal-rational authority is based on a system of rules and laws that are formal, impersonal, and universally applied. Power is exercised through established procedures and office positions rather than personal loyalty. Modern bureaucratic states, democratic governments, and corporations are built on this type of authority. Here, legitimacy comes from the belief in the legality of enacted rules and the right of those in authority to issue commands under such rules.
Conclusion:
Weber’s typology helps us understand the diverse foundations of political power and authority across societies and eras. While these categories are ideal types—rarely found in pure form—they offer a valuable framework for analyzing real-world political structures and the shifting bases of legitimacy.
Question:-05
What are the key differences between the liberal and Marxist perspectives on the state?
Answer:
Key Differences Between the Liberal and Marxist Perspectives on the State
The liberal and Marxist perspectives offer contrasting views on the nature, role, and purpose of the state. These differences reflect deeper ideological divides between individual freedom and collective class struggle.
1. Nature and Role of the State:
- Liberal Perspective: Liberals view the state as a neutral, impartial authority that exists to protect individual rights, maintain law and order, and ensure justice. It is considered a product of social contract and rational agreement among individuals to safeguard life, liberty, and property. The liberal state operates within a framework of checks and balances to prevent abuse of power.
- Marxist Perspective: Marxists see the state as a tool of class domination, fundamentally shaped by the economic base of society. According to Karl Marx, the state exists to serve the interests of the ruling capitalist class (bourgeoisie) and maintain the conditions necessary for capitalism to flourish. It is not neutral but a reflection of class antagonisms.
2. View on Capitalism:
- Liberal Perspective: Liberals generally support capitalism, believing in the efficiency of free markets and the importance of private property. The state’s role is to regulate the economy only to correct market failures and ensure fairness.
- Marxist Perspective: Marxists reject capitalism, viewing it as inherently exploitative. They argue that the state under capitalism exists to protect capitalist property relations and suppress the working class (proletariat). True liberation, in their view, can only occur through the abolition of the capitalist state.
3. Change and Revolution:
- Liberal Perspective: Liberals favor gradual reform through democratic institutions. They believe social progress can be achieved within the existing political system by promoting rights, education, and participation.
- Marxist Perspective: Marxists advocate for revolutionary change. They argue that the capitalist state cannot be reformed to serve the working class and must be overthrown and replaced by a proletarian state (dictatorship of the proletariat) as a step toward a stateless, classless society.
Conclusion:
In essence, the liberal view sees the state as a guarantor of individual freedom and justice, while the Marxist view sees it as an instrument of capitalist oppression that must be dismantled to achieve true equality.
Assignment – III
Answer the following questions in about 100 words each. Each question carries 6 marks.
Question:-06
Define Civil Society and explain its role in democratic politics.
Answer:
Civil Society and Its Role in Democratic Politics
Civil society refers to the network of voluntary associations, organizations, institutions, and social groups that exist independently of the state and the market. These include non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, trade unions, religious organizations, media, and other civic associations that represent the interests and values of citizens.
In democratic politics, civil society plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the state and the individual. It promotes political participation, holds governments accountable, and ensures transparency by monitoring public policies and decisions. Civil society fosters pluralism, encourages public debate, and protects the rights of marginalized communities. It also serves as a training ground for democratic citizenship by nurturing values such as tolerance, cooperation, and civic responsibility.
Ultimately, a vibrant civil society strengthens democracy by empowering citizens, enhancing dialogue, and preventing the concentration of power in the hands of the state or elites.
Question:-07
What is meant by ‘Distributive Justice’?
Answer:
Distributive Justice
Distributive justice refers to the ethical principle concerned with the fair allocation of resources, wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society. It addresses the question of who should get what and why, aiming to ensure that economic and social inequalities are justified and morally acceptable.
Different theories propose varying criteria for distribution—merit, need, equality, or contribution. For example, liberals like John Rawls argue for fairness through the "difference principle", where inequalities are acceptable only if they benefit the least advantaged. In contrast, libertarians emphasize individual rights and oppose redistribution, favoring outcomes based on free-market exchanges.
Distributive justice plays a key role in shaping public policies related to taxation, welfare, education, and healthcare. A just distribution system enhances social cohesion, reduces poverty and inequality, and upholds human dignity. Ultimately, it is central to building a fair and inclusive society where everyone has a chance to thrive.
Question:-08
Write a short note on the empirical approach in political theory.
Answer:
Empirical Approach in Political Theory
The empirical approach in political theory focuses on the observation, description, and analysis of political phenomena as they actually occur, rather than how they ought to be. It is rooted in scientific and objective methods, emphasizing facts, evidence, and real-world data.
This approach seeks to understand political behavior, institutions, processes, and systems through systematic observation, surveys, case studies, and statistical analysis. It avoids value judgments and normative claims, aiming instead to explain and predict political outcomes based on observable patterns.
Prominent in the 20th century, especially after the rise of behavioralism, the empirical approach has contributed significantly to fields like voting behavior, public opinion, political participation, and governance studies.
While it offers clarity and objectivity, critics argue that it may ignore moral and philosophical dimensions of politics. Nonetheless, the empirical approach remains essential for building evidence-based political science and informing effective policy-making.
Question:-09
Explain the concept of ‘Manipulated Consent’.
Answer:
Manipulated Consent
Manipulated consent refers to a situation where individuals appear to give their agreement or approval to political decisions, policies, or authority, but their consent is shaped or influenced through deception, misinformation, propaganda, or psychological manipulation. Unlike genuine or informed consent, manipulated consent lacks full awareness or voluntary choice.
This concept is often associated with mass media control, political advertising, censorship, and ideological conditioning, where public opinion is engineered to serve the interests of dominant elites or the ruling class. In such cases, people believe they are acting freely, while in reality, their choices are guided by hidden influences.
Thinkers like Noam Chomsky and Herbert Marcuse have criticized modern democracies for manufacturing consent through media and consumer culture, arguing that it undermines true democratic participation and critical thinking.
Thus, manipulated consent raises ethical concerns about the authenticity of public support in democratic systems and highlights the need for media literacy and transparency.
Question:-10
What are the basic features of the Modern Nation-State?
Answer:
Basic Features of the Modern Nation-State
A modern nation-state is a political entity characterized by a defined territory, a permanent population, a sovereign government, and recognition by other states. It combines the concepts of the nation (a group of people with shared culture, language, and identity) and the state (a political and legal organization with authority over a territory).
Key features include:
- Sovereignty – Full control over internal and external affairs without external interference.
- Defined Territory – Clear and recognized geographical boundaries.
- Permanent Population – A stable population that identifies with the nation.
- Centralized Government – A unified authority that enforces laws and policies.
- Legal Framework – A constitution or set of laws governing the functioning of the state.
- National Identity – A shared sense of belonging and loyalty among citizens.
- Recognition – Diplomatic acknowledgment by other nation-states.
These features enable the modern nation-state to maintain order, ensure security, and promote national interests.
