Which of the following statements are true/false about Political Theory?
A. It discusses ideas that form the basis of political institutions.
B. It explains the relationship between different religions.
C. It explains the meanings of concepts like equality and freedom.
D. It predicts the performance of political parties.
A. True
Political theory discusses the value that inform political life, the values like equality, freedom and Justice. These are the values that forms the basis of political institution.
B. False
It deals with the origins, meaning and significance of political ideas that we are familiar with such as freedom, equality, citizenship, justice, development, nationalism secularism.
C. True
(Same reason as Above)
D. False
It deals with principles that shape Constitutions, governments and social life in a systematic manner. But it does not predict the performance of political parties.
Politics is more than what politicians do. Do you agree with this statement? Give examples.
It is correct to say that Politics is more than what politicians do. Though Politician as part of government are involved in Politics but Politics is not limited to their activities.
1. Politics involves the actions of government, their policies which are taken to improve the lives of the people.
2. People are engaged in political activity to promote social development and resolve common social problems.
3. No Society can be formed without political organization. Example Residents of localities form association to resolve the common issues. The students of colleges form unions to reach their voices at higher levels of organizations
Thus politics is involved in spheres of life that is related to power, conflict, decision making etc
Vigilant citizens are a must for the successful working of a democracy. Comment.
Vigilant citizens are the one who are aware of the societal problems and raise their voice to redress the issues of common people. These citizens are a must for the successful working of a democracy.
1. Vigilant citizens create awareness among the masses of their rights and the government policies that affect day to day life.
2. The awareness and voices raised leads to discussion at the governmental platform.
3. They forces government to make policies for the goodwill of humans and agitate against the same if it hampers the rights of common people.
Therefore, vigilant citizens unofficially check the accountability of the government policies and action, and hence they are must for a democratic nation.
In what ways is the study of political theory useful for us? Identify four ways in which political theory can be useful to us?
Political theory is helpful for us in the following ways:
1. It deals with the idea of constitution and preamble and clarifies the meaning of concepts like freedom, equality, rights etc. The study keeps us aware of our rights and help us understand the basis of our constitution.
2. It probes the significance of principles such as rule of law, separation of powers, judicial review, etc.
3. It helps to understand the problems of society and provide ways to solve the problems.
4. Political Theory contains the ideas of significant political thinkers like Mahatma Gandhi, Pt. Nehru, so their ideas and experience acts as a guiding light in political, social and economic sphere of life.
Do you think that a good/convincing argument can com pel others to listen to you?
Yes, good and convincing arguments can compel others to listen us. The arguments can be of two ways one theoretical based on ideas and other with facts and logic behind it. The latter is compelling arguments which attract the people to listen.
The knowledge of political theory enables one to think rationally and provide genuine logic with the help of factors like freedom, justice and equality.
This makes the argument an informed one. Hence makes others to listen.
Do you think studying political theory is like studying mathematics? Give reasons for your answer.
Studying political theory is not like studying mathematics because:
1. Unlike mathematics, political theory has many definitions and meaning of a term. Example in Mathematics the meaning of square, triangle is one that they are solid figure, but in the later there could be several meanings of the term freedom, equality etc.
2. Mathematics is the study of precise contexts and patterns whereas Political theory is the study of human beings and their ideas.
3. The concept in mathematics are derived and constant whereas in political theory concepts are variance and open.