VMOU PS-01 (Political Science) Semester-1

VMOU PS-01 (Political Science) 

Semester-1 Assignment 

Political science (PS-01) Sem 1

(Section A)

Very short answer type questions.(30words)

Q1.Give two differences between traditional and modern approaches to Political

Science.

Q2. What do you understand by inter-disciplinary approach? How are Political Science

and History related to each other?

Q3. What do you understand by Post-Behaviouralism?

Q4. What is the function of the feedback process present in a political system according

to David Easton it?

Q5. “Judiciary is an important institution to protect citizens’ rights." Explain.

Q6. What are the two principles of justice propounded by John Rawls?

(Section B)

Short answer type questions (Any 4) (200 words).

Q1. What are the reasons for emergence of Behaviouralism in Political Science?

Q2. What is Political Modernization? Mention its characteristics.

Q3. What do you understand by i) constitutionalism and ii) Rule of Law? How do they differ

from each other?

Q4.What do you understand by ‘Independence of Judiciary’? How can it be ensured?

Q5. Explain briefly the six stages of ‘Historical Materialism’principle advocated by Marx.

(Section C)

Long answer type questions.(Any 2) (500words)

Q1. Explain the basic postulates of Behaviouralism as advocated by David Easton.

Q2.Discuss the five different stages of Political Development as propounded by Edward

Shills.

Q3.Discuss the principle of ‘Materialistic Interpretation of History’ advocated by Marx.

Q4.Discuss the main principles of Liberalism.

SECTION A — Very Short Answer Type (30 words each)

Q1. Give two differences between traditional and modern approaches to Political Science.

Traditional approach focuses on legal institutions, norms and values, while modern approach emphasises empirical research and scientific analysis. Traditional study is normative, whereas modern study is descriptive and behavioural.

Q2. What do you understand by interdisciplinary approach? How are Political Science and History related?

An interdisciplinary approach integrates concepts of multiple subjects for deeper understanding. Political Science and History are related because political institutions evolve historically, and historical events shape political structures and processes.

Q3. What do you understand by Post-Behaviouralism?

Post-Behaviouralism emerged as a reaction to Behaviouralism. It stresses that political research should be relevant, value-oriented, action-oriented, and should address urgent social and moral problems, not only scientific analysis.

Q4. What is the function of feedback in a political system according to David Easton?

According to Easton, feedback provides information to the political system about how policies are received by society. It helps the system adjust, modify or reform policies to maintain stability.

Q5. “Judiciary is an important institution to protect citizens’ rights.” Explain.

Judiciary safeguards citizens’ rights by interpreting the constitution, ensuring rule of law, preventing arbitrary actions of government, and providing remedies through judicial review and independent courts.

Q6. What are the two principles of justice propounded by John Rawls?

Rawls proposed:

1. Equal liberty principle – equal basic rights for all.

2. Difference principle – social and economic inequalities allowed only if they benefit the least advantaged.

SECTION B — Short Answer Type (200 words each)

Q1. Reasons for the emergence of Behaviouralism in Political Science.

Behaviouralism emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the limitations of the traditional approach. Traditional political science focused mainly on institutions, laws and constitutions, but failed to analyse how political actors actually behave. Several factors contributed to Behaviouralism’s rise.

First, political scientists wanted to make the discipline more scientific, empirical and research-based. They adopted methods similar to natural sciences to study political behaviour using survey research, statistical analysis, sampling, and observation.

Second, the growth of psychology influenced political science. Scholars realised that understanding human behaviour is essential to understand political processes, such as voting, leadership, decision-making and attitudes.

Third, the social and political changes after World War II created a demand for studying real political behaviour rather than abstract ideals. The expansion of universities and research institutions also supported this new approach.

Finally, scholars like David Easton, Robert Dahl and Charles Merriam promoted behaviouralism by arguing that political science must focus on facts, not values, and develop theory-building based on actual behaviour.

Thus, behaviouralism emerged to make political science more scientific, objective, analytical and relevant to society.

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Q2. What is Political Modernization? Mention its characteristics.

Political Modernization refers to the process through which traditional political systems transform into modern, democratic, and rational systems. It accompanies social and economic modernization and results in new political structures and values.

Its major characteristics include:

1. Secularization of politics – decline of traditional authority based on religion or custom, and rise of rational and legal authority.

2. Differentiation of political structures – emergence of specialised institutions like legislatures, bureaucracies, and political parties performing specific functions.

3. High political participation – citizens actively participate through voting, parties, interest groups, and political communication.

4. Rule of law and constitutionalism – political processes operate within defined constitutional limits.

5. Bureaucratic efficiency – modern political systems rely on trained, professional and rational bureaucracy.

6. Nation-building – development of national identity, unity and integration.

7. Democratic decision-making – emphasis on equality, accountability, and public welfare.

Thus, political modernization transforms a society from traditional authority and limited participation to a rational, democratic and participative political system.

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Q3. Constitutionalism and Rule of Law. How do they differ?

Constitutionalism is the principle that government powers must operate within constitutional limits. It emphasises limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, protection of rights, and accountability.

Rule of Law means that law is supreme, and all persons—rulers and citizens—are subject to law. It ensures equality before law, fairness in procedure, and protection from arbitrary power.

Differences:

1. Constitutionalism is broader, covering entire constitutional framework, whereas Rule of Law focuses on legal supremacy and equality.

2. Constitutionalism includes institutional arrangements like separation of powers, while Rule of Law emphasises uniform application of laws.

3. Constitutionalism deals with structures, Rule of Law with processes and legal justice.

Both principles work together to ensure democratic governance and protection of rights.

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Q4. What do you understand by Independence of Judiciary? How can it be ensured?

Independence of Judiciary means that judges must be free from executive, legislative or political influence while delivering justice. They should decide cases solely on the basis of law and constitution, without fear or favour.

It can be ensured through the following measures:

1. Security of tenure – judges should not be removed except through a strict constitutional procedure.

2. Adequate salary and service conditions – fixed and protected by law to prevent pressure from the government.

3. Independent appointment process – selection based on merit, through judicial commissions or collegium systems.

4. Protection against interference – no external influence in decision-making.

5. Power of judicial review – judiciary can review actions of the executive and legislature.

6. Separation of powers – ensures that judiciary is not controlled by other branches of government.

7. Contempt of Court power – prevents attempts to disrespect or obstruct judicial process.

An independent judiciary is essential for democracy, rule of law, and protection of fundamental rights.

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Q5. Explain briefly the six stages of Historical Materialism advocated by Marx.

Marx’s theory of Historical Materialism states that history progresses through changes in economic structure. He identified six stages:

1. Primitive Communism – no private property; communal ownership; equality in society.

2. Slave Society – emergence of private property; division into masters and slaves; class struggle begins.

3. Feudalism – land becomes main source of wealth; lords exploit peasants; rigid social hierarchy.

4. Capitalism – factory system and industrial production; bourgeoisie exploit workers (proletariat); private ownership dominates.

5. Socialism – workers overthrow capitalists; state controls means of production; class distinctions begin to disappear.

6. Communism – stateless and classless society; common ownership of resources; exploitation ends; full freedom and equality.

According to Marx, each stage develops internal contradictions that lead to the rise of the next stage. Economic forces thus shape political and social structures.

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SECTION C — Long Answer Type (500 words each)

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Q1. Explain the basic postulates of Behaviouralism as advocated by David Easton.

Behaviouralism emerged in political science during the mid-20th century as a scientific and empirical approach. David Easton identified certain basic postulates that define the behavioural approach.

1. Regularities

Behaviouralists believe human behaviour shows regular patterns. By observing many individuals, it is possible to establish general laws of political behaviour, such as voting behaviour or political attitudes.

2. Verification

All political statements must be testable and verifiable. Behaviouralism rejects speculative or purely normative statements unless they can be supported by empirical evidence.

3. Techniques

Behaviouralism emphasises the use of scientific methods and tools such as surveys, sampling, interviews, mathematical models, and statistics to analyse political behaviour.

4. Quantification

Behaviouralists stress quantifying political data. Numerical measurement allows accuracy, comparison and theory-building based on observable behaviour.

5. Values vs Facts

Behaviouralism distinguishes between value judgments and empirical facts. It argues political science should be value-free, focusing on objective study rather than moral or normative evaluations.

6. Systematization

Political data must be collected in a systematic and organised manner to ensure scientific reliability. Research must follow established methods.

7. Integration

Findings should contribute to general theories rather than isolated studies. Behaviouralism hopes to build a comprehensive science of politics integrating various research results.

8. Psychological Orientation

Behaviouralism draws heavily from psychology, believing that political behaviour is shaped by attitudes, motivations, perceptions and personality.

Easton also promoted the idea of Political System theory, focusing on inputs, outputs, feedback and environment. Behaviouralism thus transformed political science from a descriptive and legalistic discipline to a scientific, empirical and analytical social science.

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Q2. Discuss the five different stages of Political Development as propounded by Edward Shils.

Edward Shils described political development as a process through which societies move from traditional to modern political systems. He identified five major stages:

1. Primordial Politics

This is the earliest stage where political authority is based on kinship, tribe, religion or tradition. Political roles are not specialised. Decisions are made by chiefs, elders or religious leaders. Loyalty is personal, not institutional.

2. Politics of Mobilization

As society grows, people become more aware of political issues. Political leaders start mobilising people for participation through movements, campaigns or ideologies. New political groups emerge. The legitimacy of traditional authority weakens.

3. Politics of Institutionalization

At this stage, strong political institutions are created. These include constitutions, legislatures, bureaucracies, courts and political parties. Authority becomes impersonal and based on rules. Political functions become specialised and stable.

4. Politics of Participation

Mass participation increases through elections, political parties, interest groups and communication networks. Citizens demand rights, representation and accountability. Political culture becomes more democratic.

5. Politics of Integration

This is the final stage where society achieves unity and political stability. Diverse groups, classes and regions become integrated into a national identity. Conflicts are managed through institutions, and the political system becomes strong and legitimate.

Shils believed political development is not linear for all societies but provides a useful framework to understand how traditional societies evolve into modern democratic systems.

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Q3. Discuss the principle of Materialistic Interpretation of History advocated by Marx.

Karl Marx’s Materialistic Interpretation of History, also called Historical Materialism, explains that material or economic conditions are the primary driving force of historical change. According to Marx, human history is shaped not by ideas, religion or morality, but by the mode of production, meaning how goods are produced and distributed.

Marx argued that every society consists of two major components:

1. Base – economic structure, including forces of production and relations of production.

2. Superstructure – political institutions, laws, ideologies, culture, religion.

The economic base determines the nature of the superstructure. When the economic structure changes, the superstructure also undergoes change.

Marx believed history progresses through class struggle, caused by conflict between those who own means of production and those who do not. As economic systems develop contradictions, revolutions occur and new systems emerge.

Marx identified historical stages:

Primitive communism

Slave society

Feudalism

Capitalism

Socialism

Communism

Each stage contains opposing classes whose conflict leads to social transformation. For example, in capitalism, the bourgeoisie and proletariat struggle over surplus value. This conflict ultimately leads to a socialist revolution.

Marx’s materialistic interpretation highlights that economic forces shape politics, law, religion, culture and ideology. Thus, history is not a series of random events but a scientifically understandable process driven by material conditions.

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Q4. Discuss the main principles of Liberalism.

Liberalism is a political philosophy that emphasises individual freedom, equality, limited government and rule of law. Its major principles include:

1. Individual Liberty

The individual is supreme, and the state exists to protect personal freedoms such as speech, religion, movement and expression.

2. Equality

Liberalism supports equal rights and opportunities for all individuals. Discrimination based on caste, religion, gender or class is rejected.

3. Limited Government

Government power must be constrained through constitutionalism, separation of powers and checks and balances. Excessive state interference threatens liberty.

4. Rule of Law

All individuals are equal before law. Laws must be clear, fair and applied uniformly.

5. Representative Democracy

Liberalism supports democratic political systems with free elections, political parties and popular participation.

6. Economic Freedom

Classical liberalism promotes free markets, private property and minimal state interference in the economy. Modern liberalism allows welfare measures to reduce inequality.

7. Tolerance and Pluralism

Liberalism encourages respect for diverse opinions, religions and cultures. It supports open discussion and peaceful coexistence.

8. Human Rights

Protection of civil, political and social rights is central to liberal thought.

Liberalism thus aims to create a society where individuals enjoy freedom, dignity and equal opportunities, governed by a state that protects rights without dominating citizens.