Students must practice these AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions 1st Lesson Scope and Significance of Political Science to boost their exam preparation.
AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions 1st Lesson Scope and Significance of Political Science
Long Answer Questions
Question 1.
Define Political Science and explain its scope. [May 2022, Sep 2021, Mar. 2020, 18, 16; May 17, 16; Mar. 17 -T.S: Mar. ’15-T.S& A.P]
Answer:
Meaning: Man is a social animal. Social life is a blend of different institutions and associations which include political, economic, cultural and social, etc. Political science studies about the political institutions like the State, the Government, the political parties, etc. The development of political science started before the 4th century BC. Aristotle, the famous Greek philosopher brought unprecedented importance and recognition to political science.
Definitions:
- “Political science begins and ends with the state.” – J.W.Garner.
- R.G. Gettle defines “Political science is a historical investigation of what the state has been, an analytical study of what the state is and a politico – ethical discussion of what the state should be”.
- Appadorai defines “Political science is concerned with the conditions essential for the existence and development of the state”.
- Stephen Leacock defines “Political science deals with the Government”.
Scope of Political Science: The scope of political science comprises the following points. They are:
1. Study of Man in Relation to the Society and State:
Aristotle stated that ‘Man is a social animal.’ Man can satisfy his basic needs like food, clothing, shelter and protection in the society. Political Science explains the relationship between man and society. It also explains the origin, evolution and purpose of the society. It examines how man should adjust himself with the society.
2. Study of State:
Political scientists like Paul Janet, Bluntschli and Garner viewed Political Science as a study of the affairs of the state. They conceived the state as a political institution. The state is indispensable for every individual. Political Science studies the intimate relationship between the state and the citizens. The scope of political science comprises many aspects of the state. It can be analysed into three categories. They are i) The state in the present situation, ii) the state in the past, iii) the state as it should be in future.
3. Study of the Government:
Scope of Political Science includes the study of government. Some political scientists like Stephen Leacock and John Richard Seeley confined the scope of the discipline to the government alone. Political Science mainly studies about the government. Government is an agency of the state. There can be no State without a government. The state realises its aims through the instrument of government. Government formulates, expresses and implements the will of the state. Political Science studies the meaning, forms, structure, nature and functions of the government.
4. Study of Associations and Institutions:
There are several associations and institutions which influence the life of an individual. Every individual is a member of various associations and institutions in the state. While the state fulfils various political needs of individuals, associations and institutions help the individuals for their moral, religious, cultural, scientific and technological progress. These carry on their activities at local, national and international levels. Individuals join as members in these associations out of their interests or purposes. Political science studies and examines as a part of its scope about all these associations and institutions which play a significant role in the all-round growth of human personality.
5. Study of Rights and Responsibilities:
Scope of Political Science includes the study of rights and responsibilities of citizens. Citizens in democratic states, enjoy certain rights such as right to life, right to liberty, right to property, etc. Political Science enumerates the definition, classification and different theories of rights. It also focuses its attention on fundamental rights and their constitutional provisions, Similarly, citizens will have some responsibilities towards the state. These include paying taxes, obeying the laws, etc. Political Science also deals with the fundamental duties.
6. Study of National and International Issues:
Scope of Political Science comprises a study of International Relations which have become significant since the beginning of the 20th century. Political Science deals with the matters of upcoming nation states as well as international politics.
7. Study of Power:
The Behaviouralists of twentieth century regarded Political Science as a study of sharing and shaping of power. They pointed out that Political Science discusses how power is grabbed, manipulated and perpetuated to have a control over the society.
8. Study of Public Policy:
Modern political scientists like David Easton, Anderson and Charles Lindbolm argued that Political Science is a ‘Policy Science’. They considered Political Science as the study of formulation, execution and evaluation of Public Policy. They emphasized the role of formal political structures and informal political groups.
Question 2.
Discuss the significance of the study of Political Science. [March 2019]
Answer:
The study of political science is very useful and valuable. Its significance can be analysed as follows:
1. Information about the State:
The primary aim of studying Political Science is to inculcate knowledge of the state – its origin, nature, structure and functions. Knowledge of the State is of great significance to everyone.
2. Knowledge of Government and Administration:
The administrators, political leaders and diplomats who manipulate the affairs of the State require a sound knowledge of Political Science in order to perform their functions with efficiency.
3. Provides Information about Democratic Valves:
Political Science provides accurate information about the various political terms such as State, Government, Nation, Nationality, Constitution, Democracy, Liberalism, Capitalism, Socialism and Communism which are used commonly in every sphere of life.
4. Makes Democracy Successful:
Political Science explains the significance of franchise. It educates the common men on the ideas and ideals of democracy. Its study is vital for the success of democracy. Its study makes the citizens intelligent, patriotic and vigilant in democratic system.
5. Awareness about Rights and Responsibilities:
The study of Political Science makes people conscious of their rights and responsibilities. It also enables the citizens to be familiar with their rights and responsibilities and the interrelationship between the two.
6. Teaches the Qualities of Good Citizenship:
Political Science teaches the lessons of various aspects and virtues of good citizenship. It trains the people to become ideal citizens. It inculcates good citizenship qualities such as obedience, social service, self-sacrifice, etc. It promotes and strengthens among them a sense of responsibility towards society and state.
7. Knowledge about World Affairs:
The study of Political Science enriches individual’s knowledge on world affairs. It widens his intellectual horizon. Political Science is useful for observing and understanding the contemporary world affairs.
8. Provides Knowledge about International Organisation:
The study of Political Science promotes the spirit of internationalism. It provides a good knowledge about international organizations like the United Nations. It educates the people about the importance of internationalism in the present day world for alleviating political tensions between states.
9. Develops Political Awareness:
The study of political science provides the necessary knowledge about political ideals namely Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Justice, etc. It also discusses about some political ideologies like fascism, socialism and communism. It removes ignorance among the people regarding the above political ideals.
10. Explains the Need for Co-operation and Toleration:
Political Science teaches about the need for adjustment, co-operation and toleration. It eliminates narrow mentality and selfish outlook among the people. It emphasizes the need for overcoming the sectarian and sectional interests. It further explains the need for respecting each other in society.
11. Knowledge of Political Science is Indispensable:
The study of Political Science has special significance in all states of the world. Its study helps everyone to understand the mechanism and constitutional systems of modern governments. Political Science creates awareness among them about the contemporary issues in national and international spheres.
Question 3.
Define Political Science and explain its nature.
Answer:
Definitions:
Political science has been defined by eminent political thinkers in different dimensions. They are:
- J.W. Garner defines “Political science begins and ends with the State”.
- Stephen Leacock defines “Political science deals with the Government”.
- Gilchrist defines “Political science is a study of the foundations of the State and Government”.
Nature of political science:
There prevailed a controversy among the political scientists in regard to the nature of Political Science. Some viewed Political Science as a Science. Others treated it as an Art. Those who viewed Political Science as a Science include some prominent political philosophers like Aristotle, Bluntschli, Bodin, Hobbes, Jellinick, Montesquieu, Sidgwick and others. On the other hand, some political writers like Barker, Collin, Maitland and J.S.Mill regarded Political Science as an Art. Let us examine the two aspects (Science and Art) of Political Science.
1) Political Science is a Science: Political Science is considered as a Science on the following grounds:
- Political Science is studied in a systematic manner.
- Experimentation is possible in politics. Principles are applied in the actual organisation of political institutions.
- Political Science, like other Sciences, has absolute and universal laws.
- Predictions are easily applicable in politics.
- Certain generally agreed principles can be incorporated into the study of Political Science.
- Political Science embraces scientific nature. Scientific principles are applicable in the study of this discipline.
- Political Science, like other sciences, gives scope for establishing relationship between cause and effect.
2) Political Science is also described as an Art: Political Science is considered as an Art on the following grounds:
- Political Science has no absolute and universal laws like physical sciences.
- The phenomena studied in Political Science are interpreted in various ways depending upon the context and situation. So it lacks uniformity in the interpretation of various concepts.
- Political Science gives no scope for the exact theory of cause and effect which is the basis of all sciences.
- Political Science is not evolutionary in nature as its concepts are not developed in a study, regular and continuous manner.
- Scientific methods of observation and experimentation are not applicable in Political Science.
- Complete objectivity and detachment are not found in the case of various phenomena in Political Science.
- Political Science gives no scope for accuracy.
Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Write about the traditional definitions of Political Science.
Answer:
Traditional definitions of Political Science may be classified under three sub-categories. They are mentioned as follows.
A) Political Science – a study of the State:
Political Philosophers like J.W. Garner, R.G.Gettle, Appadorai and others defined Political Science as a study of the State.
- J.W. Garner:
“Political Science begins and ends with the state.” - R.G. Gettle:
“Political Science is a historical investigation of what the state has been, an analytical study of what the state is and a politico-ethical discussion of what the state should be.”
B) Political Science – a study of the Government:
Some political philosophers like Stephen Leacock, John Richard Seely and others defined Political Science as a study of the Government.
- Stephen Leacock:
“Political Science deals with the Government.” - John Richard Seeley:
“Political Science investigates the phenomenon of the Government.”
C) Political Science – a study of the State and the Government:
Political Philosophers like Paul Janet, R.N.Gilchrist, Dimock, Prof. Catlin and others defined Political Science as a study of the State and the Government.
Paul Janet:
“Political Science is that part of social science which treats the foundations of state and the principles of the government.”
Question 2.
What are the various modern definitions of Political Science?
Answer:
Modern definitions of Political Science can be classified into two sub-categories. They are discussed as follows:
A) Political Science – a study of power:
- Lasswell and Kaplan:
“Political Science, as an empirical discipline, is the study of shaping and sharing of power.” - William A.Robson:
“Political Science is primarily concerned with the power in society.”
B) Political Science – a study of allocation of values:
- David Easton:
“Political Science is concerned with the authoritative allocation of values for a society.” - Hillman : “Politics is the science of who gets what, when and why ?”
We may conclude that the modern definitions conceived Political Science as a social science concerning with the study and evaluation of activities, power and processes of political institutions.
Question 3.
Explain about the nature of Political Science.
Answer:
There prevailed a controversy among the Political Scientists regarding the nature of Political Science. Some Political Scientists like Aristotle viewed Political Science as a science. On the other hand, some Political thinkers like J.S.Mill viewed Political Science as an Art.
These two aspects may be explained as follows:
1. Political Science is a science:
Political Science is considered as a Science on the following grounds:
- Political Science is studied in a systematic manner.
- Experimentation is possible in politics. Principles are applied in the actual organisation of political institutions.
- Political Science, like other Sciences, has absolute and universal laws.
- Predictions are easily applicable in politics.
2. Political Science is an Art:
Political Science is considered as an Art on the following grounds:
- Political Science has no absolute and universal laws like physical sciences.
- The phenomena studied in Political Science are interpreted in various ways depending upon the context and situation. So it lacks uniformity in the interpretation of various concepts.
- Political Science gives no scope for the exact theory of cause and effect which is the basis of all sciences.
Question 4.
Mention any three topics covered under the scope of Political Science.
Answer:
1. Study of Man In Relation to the Society and State:
Aristotle stated that ‘Man is a social animal. Man can satisfy his basic needs like food, clothing, shelter and protection in the society. Political Science explains the relationship between man and society. It also explains the origin, evolution and purpose of the society, it examines how man should adjust himself with the society.
2. Study of State:
Political scientists like Paul Janet, Bluntschli and Garner viewed Political Science as a study of the affairs of the state. They conceived the state as a politcal institution. The state is indispensable for every individual. Political Science studies the intimate relationship between the state and the citizens. The scope of political science comprises many aspects of the state. It can be analysed into three categories. They are i) The state in the present situation, ii) The state in the past, iii) The state as it should be in future.
3. Study of the Government:
Scope of Political Science includes the study of government. Some political scientists like Stephen Leacock and John Richard Seeley confined the scope of the discipline to the government alone. Political Science mainly studies about the government. Government is an agency of the state. There can be no State without a government. The state realises its aims through the instrument of government. Government formulates, expresses and implements the will of the state. Political Science studies the meanings, forms, structure, nature and functions of the government.
Question 5.
Describe the scope of Political Science in the sphere of Government.
Answer:
Scope of Political Science includes the study of government. Some political scientists like Stephen Leacock and John Richard Seeley confined the scope of the discipline to the government alone. Political Science mainly studies about the government. Government is an agency of the state. There can be no State without a government. The state realises its aims through the instrument of government. Government formulates, expresses and implements the will of the state. There must be some men or body of men who are authorised to issue orders on behalf of the state. They are known as the government. Political Science studies the meaning, forms, structure, nature and functions of the government. It discusses the relationship among the various organs of the government. It makes a differentiation between the State and Government. While dealing with the government, Political Science narrates the classification of various governments as given by Aristotle, Leacock and others. Political Science discusses the various merits and demerits, essential conditions and manifold activities of the above governments. Hence, Political Science is treated as a science of government.
Question 6.
“Political Science is a study of the present, past and future of the state. “Analyse this statement.
Answer:
The scope of Political Science comprises many aspects of the state. It can be analysed under three categories i.e.,
- the state in present situation
- the state in the past and
- the state as it should be in future.
1. Study of State in the present:
Political Science deals with the state as it exists today. It explains the meaning, nature, purpose, growth and functioning of the state. It also studies about the origin of the state and its theories. It also deals with public opinion, political parties and pressure groups which seek to capture the political power or influence public policies.
2. Study of State in the past:
Political Science explains about the origin and transformation of the state. It also discusses about the diverse political institutions that existed with in the state. It studies various factors that influenced the origin and evolution of the state. This sort of historical study is possible only in Political Science.
3. Study of State in future:
Political Science tries to determine the principles and concepts of a model state. It lays down the conditions under which a perfect state is realized. Political scientists conceive the future with a view to improve the standards of political institutions and their activities in the light of changing conditions.
Very Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Write about ancient city states. [May. 2022, Sep. 2021 Mar. ’19,’18, ’16; May ’17; Mar. 17 -T.S; Mar. ’15-A.P]
Answer:
Political Scientists felt that the study of Political Science had its origin in the ancient Greek city states. They described that civilisation at first flourished in those city states like Athens, Corinth, Macedonia, Thabes, Sparta, Milan, etc. These city states enjoyed sovereignty. They possessed self sufficiency and self-reliance. Prof. Catlin described them as city communities. Residents of the above city states belonged to three categories, namely, (i) Citizens, (ii) Aliens, and (iii) Slaves.
Question 2.
Give any two traditional definitions of Political Science.
Answer:
1) J.W.Garner:
“Political Science begins and ends with the state.”
2) R.G.Gettle:
“Political Science is a historical investigation of what the state has been, an analytical study of what the state is and a politico-ethical discussion of what the state should be.”
Question 3.
Write about any two modern definitions of Political Science.
Answer:
1) Lasswell and Kaplan:
“Political Science, as an empirical discipline, is the study of shaping and sharing of power.”
2) William A.Robson:
“Political Science is primarily concerned with the power in society.”
Question 4.
How does Political Science teach the qualities of good Citizenship?
Answer:
Political Sciences teaches the lessons of various aspects and virtues of good citizenship. It trains the people to become ideal citizens. It inculcates good citizenship qualities such as obedience, social service, self-sacrifice, etc. It promotes and strengthens among them a sense of responsibility towards society and state. It promotes the personality of individuals.
Question 5.
Justify the statement that Political Science is an Art. [Mar. 2020, May. 2016]
Answer:
Political Science is justified as an Art on the following grounds. Those are:
- Political Science has no absolute and universal laws like physical sciences.
- Political Science gives no scope for the exact theory of cause and effect which is the basis of all sciences.
- Political Science gives no scope for accuracy.
Question 6.
On what grounds is Political Science considered as a Science? [May. 2022]
Answer:
Political Science is considered as a science on the following grounds. Those are:
- Political Science is studied in a systematic manner.
- Experimentation is possible in political science. Principles are applicable in the actual organisation of political institutions.
- Political Science, like other sciences, has absolute and universal laws.
Question 7.
Name any four topics covered under the scope of Political Science. [Sep. 2021]
Answer:
Political Science covers the following topics under its scope. Those are:
- State and government
- Political ideas
- Political theories
- Political institutions.
Question 8.
In what way is Political Science considered as a study of the government?
Answer:
Scope of Political Science includes the study of government. Some political scientists like Stephen Leacock and John Richard Seeley confined the scope of the discipline to the government alone. Political Science mainly studies about the government. Government is an agency of the state. There can be no State without a government. The state realises its aims through the instrumnet of government. Government formulates, expresses and implements the will of the state.