css political science paper 2018-II

POLITICAL SCIENCE 2018 PAPER-II

SECTION-I

Q. No. 2. Write the Composition, Powers, and Position of the French National Assembly. (20)

Q. No. 3. Compare and Contrast the powers of the Indian President with the American president. (20)

SECTION-II

Q. No. 4. Do you agree that Pakistan was achieved by “Jinnah” through the “constitutional democratic process for the sake of constitutional democracy”? (20)

Q. No. 5. Logically prove that the 18th amendment of the 1973 Constitution is considered to be the new social contract for provincial autonomy among the Pakistani political parties. (20)

Q. No. 6. To what extent global economic institutions are indispensable pieces of global governance? (20)

Q. No. 7. Examine the importance of national interest for “peace and security” with special reference to the geostrategic position for economic opportunities of Pakistan in the 21^st century. (20)

Q. No. 8. Write comprehensive notes on the following: (10 each)

(a) Guardian Council of Iran.

(b) ECO

Summary:

SECTION-I

Q. No. 2: Write the Composition, Powers, and Position of the French National Assembly.

Composition: The French National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale) is the lower house of the French Parliament. It consists of 577 deputies who are directly elected for five-year terms through a two-round voting system (majority voting). The deputies represent constituencies across metropolitan France and overseas territories.

Powers:

1. Legislative Powers: The National Assembly shares legislative power with the Senate, but it has the final say in the event of a conflict between the two. The Assembly is primarily responsible for initiating legislation on many matters, such as finance, health, and labor.
2. Control over the Executive: The National Assembly has significant powers over the executive branch, including the ability to dismiss the government through a vote of no confidence.
3. Budgetary Authority: The National Assembly has the exclusive right to approve the national budget and government expenditure plans.
4. Treaty Ratification: While the Senate must ratify treaties, the National Assembly plays an important role in discussions related to international agreements.
5. Legislative Review: The Assembly reviews and debates proposed laws, and it can amend or reject legislation passed by the Senate.

Position: The National Assembly holds a dominant position in French political life, particularly in relation to the executive, which is headed by the President of France. It has the final say over most legislative decisions, and its powers to control the government make it a crucial institution for upholding democratic principles in France.

Q. No. 3: Compare and Contrast the Powers of the Indian President with the American President.

Indian President:

1. Role: The President of India is the ceremonial head of state with limited executive powers, most of which are exercised on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
2. Executive Powers: The President’s executive powers are mainly exercised through the Council of Ministers. For example, the President appoints the Prime Minister and other ministers, but this is done based on the majority in the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament).
3. Legislative Powers: The President can summon, prorogue, and dissolve the Parliament. He/she also gives assent to bills passed by Parliament for them to become law.
4. Military Powers: The President is the supreme commander of the armed forces but exercises this power under the guidance of the government.
5. Judicial Powers: The President can appoint judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts and has the power to grant pardons in some cases.

American President:

1. Role: The President of the United States is both the head of state and head of government, wielding significant executive authority.
2. Executive Powers: The U.S. President has substantial independent executive powers, including issuing executive orders, directing military forces, and conducting foreign affairs.
3. Legislative Powers: The U.S. President can veto laws passed by Congress and propose legislation, but unlike the Indian President, the veto can be overridden by Congress.
4. Military Powers: The U.S. President is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and has significant authority over military actions.
5. Judicial Powers: The U.S. President appoints federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, but these appointments require Senate confirmation.

Comparison:

• The Indian President is largely a figurehead, with powers exercised by the Prime Minister and Cabinet, while the U.S. President has considerable independent executive, legislative, and military authority.
• The American President has more direct influence over governance, foreign policy, and national security compared to the largely ceremonial role of the Indian President.

SECTION-II

Q. No. 4: Do you agree that Pakistan was achieved by “Jinnah” through the “constitutional democratic process for the sake of constitutional democracy”?

Yes, I agree to a significant extent. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, strongly believed in the constitutional and democratic framework for achieving the goals of the Muslim community in India. His leadership in the All-India Muslim League culminated in the Lahore Resolution of 1940, which demanded separate nations for Muslims and Hindus. Jinnah’s pursuit of constitutional means to achieve Pakistan involved negotiations, representation in the British and Indian governments, and advocacy for the protection of Muslim rights. His demand for a separate state for Muslims was rooted in the belief that it was necessary for the political and cultural survival of Muslims. While the process was marked by challenges and conflicts, Jinnah’s commitment to constitutional processes was evident through his insistence on legal rights and democratic principles, which laid the groundwork for Pakistan’s creation.

Q. No. 5: Logically prove that the 18th Amendment of the 1973 Constitution is considered to be the new social contract for provincial autonomy among the Pakistani political parties.

The 18th Amendment of 2010 was a landmark constitutional reform aimed at decentralizing power and enhancing provincial autonomy in Pakistan. This amendment is often referred to as a “new social contract” because it reshaped the power dynamics between the federal and provincial governments, signifying a new approach to governance and democratic representation.

Logical Proof:

1. Devolution of Power: The 18th Amendment transferred significant powers to the provinces, particularly in areas such as education, health, and social welfare. This devolution process, embedded in the Constitution, reflects a shift towards federalism, where provinces have greater control over their affairs.
2. Provincial Rights and Autonomy: The Amendment restored the original spirit of the Constitution of 1973 by reaffirming the principle of provincial autonomy, thus allowing provinces more discretion in their legislative and administrative functions. This represents a new social contract wherein the federal government recognizes the sovereignty of provinces.
3. Empowerment of Provinces: The Amendment gave the provinces greater control over their financial resources by ensuring their share in the federal revenue and control over local governance.
4. Political Consensus: The successful passage of the 18th Amendment, supported by all major political parties, demonstrated a consensus on the need for greater provincial autonomy, representing a shift towards inclusivity and democratic governance in the country.

Thus, the 18th Amendment can be seen as a new social contract, reflecting a mutual agreement between the federal government and the provinces to respect the autonomy and sovereignty of provinces, and ensuring a more balanced federal system.

Q. No. 6: To what extent global economic institutions are indispensable pieces of global governance?

Global economic institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and World Trade Organization (WTO) play an essential role in global governance by regulating economic relations, stabilizing international financial markets, and promoting sustainable development.

1. Regulation of Global Trade: The WTO ensures that global trade remains fair, equitable, and open, preventing protectionism and ensuring dispute resolution between member states.
2. Stabilization of Financial Systems: The IMF provides financial assistance to countries facing economic crises and helps maintain financial stability by offering policy advice, technical assistance, and financial resources.
3. Promoting Development: The World Bank supports long-term projects aimed at alleviating poverty, promoting infrastructure, and fostering economic growth in developing countries.
4. Global Cooperation: These institutions provide a platform for countries to cooperate on issues such as climate change, trade, and poverty reduction.

In conclusion, global economic institutions are indispensable as they facilitate cooperation, stability, and economic development across nations. Their role in managing global economic crises and ensuring sustainable development makes them central to modern global governance.

Q. No. 7: Examine the importance of national interest for “peace and security” with special reference to the geostrategic position for economic opportunities of Pakistan in the 21st century.

National Interest: National interest is the key factor guiding a country’s foreign and domestic policies. In the case of Pakistan, national interest often revolves around maintaining peace, ensuring security, and promoting economic development.

1. Peace and Security: National interest dictates that Pakistan must focus on achieving internal stability and regional peace to secure its borders and foster a conducive environment for economic growth. Conflict or instability can disrupt economic development, whereas peace enhances trade and investment.
2. Geostrategic Position: Pakistan’s location, bordering China, India, Afghanistan, and Iran, and its proximity to the Middle East and Central Asia, provides it with strategic significance. The development of trade routes such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) offers opportunities for Pakistan to leverage its location for regional connectivity and economic integration.
3. Economic Opportunities: By maintaining peace and security, Pakistan can tap into economic opportunities such as transit trade, regional cooperation, and foreign investment. Its role in global energy transit, particularly through pipelines and trade routes, positions Pakistan as a key player in regional economic dynamics.

In the 21st century, ensuring peace and security is integral to Pakistan’s national interest, as it helps realize economic opportunities, boosts regional influence, and attracts international investment.

Q. No. 8: Write comprehensive notes on the following:

(a) Guardian Council of Iran:

The Guardian Council of Iran is a powerful constitutional body consisting of 12 members. Six members are appointed by the Supreme Leader, and the other six are selected by the Iranian Parliament from among qualified jurists. The primary responsibilities of the Guardian Council include:

1. Legislative Review: The Council ensures that laws passed by the Parliament (Majlis) are in line with Islamic principles and the Constitution.
2. Electoral Oversight: It has the authority to approve or disqualify candidates for elections, including presidential and parliamentary candidates, thereby exerting significant influence over the political process.
3. Guardian of Sharia Law: The Council’s interpretation of Islamic law has profound implications for the legal and political landscape of Iran.

(b) ECO (Economic Cooperation Organization):

The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is an international organization founded in 1985, initially by Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey. It aims to promote economic, cultural, and technical cooperation among member states, which now include 10 countries from Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. The organization focuses on:

1. Regional Trade Integration: Promoting trade and economic development among member countries by reducing trade barriers and improving infrastructure.
2. Energy Cooperation: Fostering cooperation in the energy sector, including oil and gas trade.
3. Transport and Connectivity: Enhancing connectivity through roads, railways, and pipelines to facilitate intra-regional trade and economic collaboration.
4. Sustainable Development: ECO members work together on issues such as poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability, and technological advancements.

ECO plays a critical role in enhancing regional cooperation and addressing shared economic challenges among member states.