CSS Political Science 2022 Paper-I
SECTION-A
Q. No. 2. Discuss in detail the Plato’s concept of “justice.” (20 marks)
Q. No. 3. Compare and contrast the concepts of the ‘executive’ presented by the Muslim thinkers Al-Farabi, Al-Mawardi, and Shah Waliullah. (20 marks)
Q. No. 4. Illustrate the Hobbesian concept of limited ‘right to revolution’. (20 marks)
Q. No. 5. Describe in detail Karl Marx’s views on class, state, and religion. (20 marks)
Section-B
Q. No. 6. Write an essay on the development of the modern nation-state. (20 marks)
Q. No. 7. Discuss in detail the development of local self-governments in Pakistan. (20 marks)
Q. No. 8. Write short notes on the following:- (10 marks each)
- Islamic political ideology
- Forms of political culture
Summary of Questions:
SECTION-A
Q. No. 2. Discuss in detail Plato’s concept of “justice.”
Plato’s concept of justice is explored primarily in his work The Republic. He defines justice as harmony in the individual and the state, where each part plays its proper role. Justice is achieved when the rational, spirited, and appetitive parts of the soul work in harmony, with reason governing. In society, justice is mirrored when individuals fulfill roles based on their abilities: rulers govern, soldiers defend, and producers provide. Plato suggests that justice ensures a well-ordered and harmonious society, emphasizing the role of philosopher-kings in achieving justice.
Q. No. 3. Compare and contrast the concepts of the ‘executive’ presented by the Muslim thinkers Al-Farabi, Al-Mawardi, and Shah Waliullah.
Al-Farabi, Al-Mawardi, and Shah Waliullah all present views on the executive in Islamic political philosophy. Al-Farabi emphasizes the role of the ruler as a philosopher and a guide to the people, advocating for a virtuous, intellectual ruler. Al-Mawardi’s concept focuses on the practical aspects of governance, particularly the caliph’s duties to ensure justice, maintain order, and safeguard public welfare. Shah Waliullah, meanwhile, emphasizes the spiritual and moral role of the executive, viewing the ruler as a representative of divine will, balancing both religious and political authority. All three thinkers stress the importance of justice, but their interpretations of the ruler’s qualifications and responsibilities vary.
Q. No. 4. Illustrate the Hobbesian concept of limited ‘right to revolution’.
Thomas Hobbes argues that in his work Leviathan, people enter into a social contract to avoid the chaos of the state of nature. According to Hobbes, the sovereign holds absolute power to maintain peace and security. However, he acknowledges a limited right to revolution, asserting that the people have the right to resist or overthrow a ruler if the sovereign fails to protect their lives and property. This right is not unconditional but arises when the ruler becomes tyrannical or breaches the contract, threatening the very existence of the Commonwealth.
Q. No. 5. Describe in detail Karl Marx’s views on class, state, and religion.
Karl Marx’s views on class, state, and religion are foundational to his theory of historical materialism. Marx argues that history is driven by class struggle, with the bourgeoisie (capitalists) exploiting the proletariat (working class). The state is seen as an instrument of class oppression, primarily serving the interests of the ruling class. Marx also views religion as the “opium of the people,” a tool used by the ruling class to pacify the working class and prevent revolution. Marx advocates for the overthrow of the capitalist system, the abolition of the state, and the establishment of a classless society, where religion and economic exploitation no longer play a role.
SECTION-B
Q. No. 6. Write an essay on the development of the modern nation-state.
The modern nation-state evolved from feudal systems and empires into centralized political entities. The development of nationalism, the growth of centralized monarchies, and the Treaty of Westphalia (1648) are key moments in this process. Nationalism fostered a collective identity tied to geographic boundaries, while the rise of state power consolidated authority in a single entity. Over time, democratic principles emerged, contributing to the concept of state sovereignty and self-determination. The modern nation-state is characterized by a defined territory, permanent population, centralized government, and recognition by other states.
Q. No. 7. Discuss in detail the development of local self-governments in Pakistan.
Local self-government in Pakistan has undergone various stages of development, starting with British colonial rule, which introduced the concept of local governance through laws like the Local Government Act of 1886. After independence, Pakistan’s local governance structure evolved through several reforms, including those under the Zia-ul-Haq and Benazir Bhutto regimes. Devolution of power became a key objective, especially with the 2001 Local Government Ordinance, which aimed to decentralize authority to local bodies. The development has been marked by challenges, including political interference, lack of resources, and the need for more effective devolution to empower local communities.
Q. No. 8. Write short notes on the following:-
- Islamic political ideology: Islamic political ideology is rooted in the teachings of the Quran and Hadith, emphasizing justice, governance based on divine law (Sharia), and the role of the community (Ummah) in governance. It promotes the idea of a just ruler, accountable to both God and the people, with an emphasis on moral and social welfare. The concept of the caliphate as a political system was central to early Islamic governance, with leaders expected to maintain peace, justice, and religious observance.
- Forms of political culture: Political culture refers to the values, beliefs, and attitudes that individuals hold towards politics and governance. It can take different forms: parochial, where individuals are uninvolved or indifferent to politics; subject, where individuals are aware of the political system but not actively involved; and participant, where individuals are actively engaged in the political process. These forms can vary across societies depending on historical, social, and cultural factors, influencing political participation and stability.