Political Science Paper 1 CSS 2017
Note: Attempt only four Questions from Part II, two Questions form Section I, two Questions form Section II. All Questions carry equal marks
SECTION-I
Q. No. 2. Compare and contrast the different political philosophies of Hobbes and Locke. How are these philosophies implemented in present-day political systems and policymaking? (20)
Q. No. 3. According to Marx, “the mode of production in material life determines the general character of social,
political, and spiritual processes in life.” Elucidate. (20)
Q. No. 4. Discuss the upward and downward development of states, rulers, and ruled in the socio-political thought of Ibn Khaldun. (20)
SECTION-II
Q. No. 5. What is the Islamic concept of state? Identify issues and challenges to the Islamic concept of state in modern times. (20)
Q. No. 6. What characteristic of society leads to the adoption of a federal form of government? How can it function successfully? (20)
Q. No. 7. Compare and contrast the differing roles played by political parties and interest groups in making public policy. (20)
Q. No. 8. What is Fascism and why is it considered to be the child of the first half of 20th-century events to place in Europe?
Summary
Q. No. 2. Compare and contrast the different political philosophies of Hobbes and Locke. How are these philosophies implemented in present-day political systems and policymaking? (20)
Comparison and Contrast:
- Hobbes (1588–1679): In his work Leviathan, Hobbes argues for a strong, centralized authority to avoid the chaos of the “state of nature,” which he believed was anarchic and violent. According to Hobbes, in the state of nature, individuals act out of self-interest, leading to constant conflict. Therefore, to escape this, people enter into a social contract where they surrender all their freedoms to a sovereign (the Leviathan) in exchange for security and order. His philosophy supports absolute monarchy, where the sovereign holds absolute power and is not bound by law.
- Locke (1632–1704): Locke, in his Second Treatise of Government, also discusses the state of nature, but he views it more positively than Hobbes, believing that individuals have natural rights to life, liberty, and property. Locke argues that the purpose of government is to protect these rights, and people enter into a social contract not to create an absolute sovereign but to form a government that represents the will of the people and is accountable to them. Locke supports the separation of powers and the idea of a limited government.
Implementation in Present-day Systems:
- Hobbes’ philosophy influences authoritarian regimes or systems with centralized power, where rulers may justify absolute control under the need for security. However, his ideas are not fully implemented in democratic systems today.
- Locke’s philosophy has had a profound impact on the development of liberal democracies, particularly in the context of the U.S. Constitution and other modern representative governments. The concept of a government accountable to the people and the protection of individual rights continues to shape current democratic policy-making and constitutional frameworks.
Q. No. 3. According to Marx, “the mode of production in material life determines the general character of social, political, and spiritual processes in life.” Elucidate. (20)
Marx’s theory is centered on the idea that the economic base (the mode of production) of society influences its superstructure, which includes politics, law, culture, and ideology. The “mode of production” refers to how goods and services are produced in a society, which is shaped by the forces of production (e.g., tools, technology, labor) and the relations of production (e.g., class relations between workers and owners).
- In pre-capitalist societies, the mode of production was based on feudalism, where land was the primary economic resource, and society was divided into the nobility and peasants. This influenced political power structures and cultural values.
- In capitalist societies, the mode of production is based on private ownership of the means of production and the exploitation of wage labor. This creates a division between the bourgeoisie (owners) and the proletariat (workers). Marx argues that political ideologies, legal systems, and culture are shaped by the interests of the ruling class, and the economic system largely determines the political and spiritual life of society.
According to Marx, historical change occurs when contradictions within the mode of production (such as class struggle) lead to the transformation of the economic base and the superstructure. This is why he predicts the overthrow of capitalism and the rise of socialism.
Q. No. 4. Discuss the upward and downward development of states, rulers, and ruled in the socio-political thought of Ibn Khaldun. (20)
Ibn Khaldun (1332–1406), a Muslim scholar, introduced a theory of the rise and fall of states in his work Muqaddimah. His views on the development of states are grounded in the concept of ‘asabiyyah (social cohesion or group solidarity).
- Upward Development: States emerge and thrive through strong asabiyyah, which is typically found in nomadic or tribal societies. In such societies, the group’s unity is strong, and leaders can rise to power through this solidarity. As these groups move to establish states, they often conquer settled areas and create dynasties. A powerful ruler, or dynasty, develops through the strength of their social cohesion.
- Downward Development: Over time, the strength of asabiyyah weakens as the ruling elite becomes more sedentary, self-interested, and detached from the needs of the people. The state’s power diminishes, leading to a decline in order and discipline, which ultimately results in the fall of the state. This decline is marked by corruption, internal strife, and the disintegration of social cohesion. As the rulers become more decadent and disconnected from the people, their ability to maintain power weakens, and the state either decays or is overthrown.
Ibn Khaldun’s theory applies not only to the rise and fall of dynasties but also to the broader sociopolitical dynamics of human history.
SECTION-II
Q. No. 5. What is the Islamic concept of state? Identify issues and challenges to the Islamic concept of state in modern times. (20)
The Islamic concept of the state is based on the idea of Shura (consultation), Justice, and the implementation of Sharia (Islamic law). The state is seen as a vehicle to establish justice, peace, and the welfare of society. The Caliph is the leader, considered as a vicegerent of God, who is responsible for enforcing Islamic law, ensuring the welfare of the citizens, and protecting their rights.
- Key Concepts:
- Shura (Consultation): Leaders are to consult with the community in decision-making, reflecting the democratic ideals within an Islamic framework.
- Implementation of Sharia Law: The state’s legal system should be based on Islamic principles, including those that govern justice, morality, and social relations.
- Justice and Welfare: The state’s primary role is to create a just society that ensures economic and social welfare, which includes the provision of basic needs and the eradication of poverty.
Challenges to the Islamic Concept of State in Modern Times:
- Secularism: Modern nation-states often separate religion from the state, which clashes with the Islamic ideal of a state governed by Islamic principles.
- Interpretation of Sharia: Different interpretations of Islamic law lead to disagreements on its application in a modern state, particularly regarding issues such as women’s rights, social freedoms, and punishments.
- Globalization: Modern globalized systems of trade, technology, and communication may conflict with Islamic values, leading to challenges in maintaining Islamic identity and sovereignty within a global context.
- Political Instability: Many Muslim-majority countries face political instability, military coups, and authoritarianism, which undermine the Islamic ideal of a consultative and just system of governance.
Q. No. 6. What characteristic of society leads to the adoption of a federal form of government? How can it function successfully? (20)
Federalism is often adopted in societies that are diverse in terms of culture, language, ethnicity, religion, or geography. Such societies may face challenges in maintaining unity while respecting regional or local differences. Federalism allows for a division of powers between a central government and regional governments, each with their own authority in certain areas.
- Characteristics that Lead to Federalism:
- Cultural or Ethnic Diversity: Societies with multiple ethnic, linguistic, or religious groups benefit from federalism as it allows different regions to govern themselves in accordance with their unique cultural identities.
- Geographical Dispersion: Large and geographically diverse countries may adopt federalism to ensure local autonomy and more efficient governance.
- Historical or Colonial Legacies: Some countries have federal systems because of their historical or colonial structures, which favor decentralized governance.
- How It Can Function Successfully:
- Clear Distribution of Powers: There must be a clear delineation of responsibilities and powers between the central government and regional governments to avoid conflicts.
- Effective Coordination and Communication: The federal structure should allow for regular communication between the federal and state governments to address issues that require cooperation.
- Legal and Constitutional Framework: A strong legal and constitutional framework is essential to maintain the balance of power and resolve disputes.
Q. No. 7. Compare and contrast the differing roles played by political parties and interest groups in making public policy. (20)
- Political Parties:
- Role in Public Policy: Political parties are organized groups aiming to gain control of government through elections. They develop comprehensive platforms and policies that cover a wide range of issues. Once in power, they implement their policy agenda.
- Representation: Political parties represent the ideological interests of their members, shaping the direction of government.
- Accountability: Parties are accountable to the electorate through elections, and their policies reflect the promises made during campaigns.
- Interest Groups:
- Role in Public Policy: Interest groups (lobbies) focus on specific issues or concerns, influencing policy without seeking to control the government. They attempt to sway legislators and the public to support their specific interests.
- Representation: Interest groups represent narrower interests (e.g., environmental protection, business interests, etc.), often lobbying for specific legislation or policy changes.
- Influence: Interest groups may have significant influence through lobbying, financial contributions, and organizing public campaigns.
While political parties are broad in scope, interest groups are more specialized and focus on particular issues.