Political Theory: An Introduction

  • Question 1
    CBSEENPO11021022

    Politics is more than what politicians do. Do you agree with this statement? Give examples.

    Solution
    I agree with the statement. Different people have different ideas about what politics is.


    (i)Political leaders, and persons who contest elections and hold political office, may argue that it is a kind of public service.

    (ii)Some others associate politics with manipulation and intrigue undertaken to pursue ambitions and satisfy wants. A few think of politics as what politicians do.

    (iii)If they see politicians defecting from parties, making false promises and tall claims, manipulating different sections, pursuing personal or group interests ruthlessly and in worst cases stooping to crime, they link politics with ‘scams’.

    (iv)So prevalent is this way of thinking that when we see people in different walks of life trying to promote their interests by any means possible, we say they are playing politics.

    (v)If we see a cricketer manipulating to stay in the team, or a fellow student trying to use his father’s position, or a colleague in office mindlessly agreeing with the boss, we say he or she is playing ‘dirty’ politics.

    (vi)Disillusioned by such pursuits of selfishness we despair of politics. Cinema stars also complain of politics though they seem to be adept at the game once they join it.
    Question 2
    CBSEENPO11021023

    Vigilant citizens are a must for the successful working of a democracy. Comment.

    Solution

    If the citizenry is vigilant, politics becomes much more public-spirited.

    For example: As citizens, we are a bit like the audience in a music concert; we are not the main performers interpreting the song and melody. But we set the agenda and appreciate the output and put in new requests. Have you noticed that musicians perform better when they know the audience is knowledgeable and appreciative.

    (i)Vigilant citizens are a must for the successful working of a democracy because they possess awakening, reason and ability to reflect on the actions of their representatives.

    (ii)If vigilant citizens see politicians defecting from parties, making false promises and tall claims, manipulating different sections of the society, pursuing personal or group interests ruthlessly, these vigilant citizens can challenged this by taking various public platform.

    (iii)They can protest and organise demonstrations to persuade the government to change the existing outdated laws or to frame or pass new laws and regulations.

    (iv)Vigilant citizens have the capability to check wrong policies and corruption persisting among government officials and leaders.

     

    Question 3
    CBSEENPO11021024

    Do you think a good/convincing argument can compel others to listen to you?

    Solution

    The explaination:

    (i)As students we enjoy debates and elocution competitions. We have opinions about what is right or wrong, just or unjust but do not know whether they are reasonable or not.

    (ii)Only when we argue with others, we realize the need to defend them and seek out reasons and arguments.

    (iii)This capabality exposes us to systematic thinking on justice or equality so that we can polish our opinions and argue in an informed manner and for the sake of common interests.

    (iv)Such skills of debating rationally and communicating effectively are likely to be great assets in the global informational order.


















    Question 4
    CBSEENPO11021025

    Do you think studying political theory is like studying mathematics? Give reasons for your answer.

    Solution

    Studying political theory is not like studying methematics for the reasons mentioned below:

    (i)Unlike in mathematics where there can be one definition of a triangle or square, we encounter many definitions of equality or freedom or justice.

    (ii)This is because terms like equality, freedom or secularism are not abstract issues in our lives. Rather, we daily encounter discrimination of various sorts in families, schools, colleges, shopping malls etc. 

    (iii)For instance, when we are in a queue for goods and services, we want equal opportunity. We resent people who jump the queue in order to get services first.

    (iv)However, if there are special counters for the old and disabled, we understand that equality of opportunity is not enough and such special treatment is justified to ensure fairness in society.

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