TS Inter 1st Year Political Science Previous Paper  2024

Paper-I

(English Version)

Time: 3 Hours] (Max. Marks: 100

SECTION A

Note Answer ANY THREE of the following questions in 40 lines each.

Each Question carries TEN Marks

4. Discuss the essential conditions for the success of Democracy.

The success of democracy depends on several essential conditions that ensure its smooth functioning, stability, and effectiveness. These conditions provide a framework that supports democratic ideals such as participation, equality, and justice.

1. Political Participation:
Democracy thrives when citizens actively participate in political processes, including voting, debating, and engaging in political discussions. Widespread participation ensures that the government reflects the will of the people.

2. Rule of Law:
For democracy to succeed, the rule of law must prevail. All individuals, including the government, must adhere to the laws of the land. Legal equality ensures justice, fairness, and the protection of rights for all citizens.

3. Protection of Fundamental Rights:
A democracy must guarantee basic human rights such as freedom of speech, assembly, and religion. These rights allow individuals to express themselves, participate in public debates, and hold the government accountable.

4. Free and Fair Elections:
Regular, free, and fair elections are essential for the success of a democracy. Elections must be conducted impartially, with all citizens having the opportunity to vote and choose their representatives without fear or coercion.

5. Political Pluralism:
A successful democracy allows for political diversity. Multiple political parties and interest groups should have the freedom to operate and compete for power. This pluralism ensures that no single ideology or group dominates the political landscape.

6. Accountability and Transparency:
Democratic governments must be transparent in their actions and accountable to the people. Transparency in governance allows citizens to access information about government decisions, while accountability ensures that leaders are held responsible for their actions.

7. Educated and Informed Electorate:
An educated electorate is crucial for making informed decisions. Citizens must understand political issues, their rights, and the implications of their votes to ensure effective participation and the proper functioning of democracy.

8. Strong Institutions:
For democracy to function properly, it requires strong institutions such as an independent judiciary, a free press, and a fair electoral system. These institutions provide checks and balances, ensuring that no branch of government becomes too powerful.

9. Economic Stability and Development:
A prosperous and stable economy creates an environment where democracy can thrive. Economic stability helps in addressing the basic needs of citizens and reduces the likelihood of unrest, ensuring that democratic institutions can function effectively.

10. Social Cohesion and Tolerance:
A successful democracy requires social harmony, where people respect and tolerate different opinions, cultures, and backgrounds. Social cohesion encourages peaceful coexistence and collective decision-making for the common good.

5. What is Executive? What are its functions?

Executive is one of the three branches of government, alongside the Legislature and the Judiciary. It is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, policies, and decisions made by the Legislature. The Executive ensures the day-to-day administration of government affairs and is headed by the President, Prime Minister, or monarch, depending on the form of government.

Functions of the Executive:

1. Implementation of Laws: The Executive is responsible for enforcing the laws passed by the Legislature, ensuring that they are applied and followed in practice.

2. Formulation and Execution of Policies: The Executive formulates and implements various government policies that affect economic, social, and political life.

3. Administration of Government: The Executive manages government departments, services, and administrative functions, ensuring the smooth operation of public services.

4. National Defense and Security: The Executive controls the military and ensures the defense of the country. It is responsible for maintaining law and order within the country.

5. Foreign Relations: The Executive handles diplomacy, negotiates treaties, and manages the country’s relations with other states and international organizations.

6. Appointments: The Executive appoints officials, such as judges, diplomats, and civil servants, to carry out various functions of governance.

7. Budget and Finance: The Executive plays a role in formulating the national budget and managing public finances, ensuring the allocation of resources for government activities.

8. Crisis Management: During national emergencies, such as natural disasters or conflicts, the Executive takes quick action to resolve the situation and protect citizens.

9. Law and Order: The Executive is responsible for maintaining peace and ensuring the proper functioning of law enforcement agencies.

SECTION B

Note:Answer ANY EIGHT of the following questions in 20 lines
each.

Answer ANY EIGHT of the following questions in 20 lines
each.

(ii) Each question carries FIVE marks.

6. What is the relationship between Political Science and Sociology?

Political Science and Sociology are closely related disciplines:

• Political Science studies political systems, governance, power dynamics, political institutions, and the behavior of governments and citizens in political processes.

• Sociology studies society, social behaviors, institutions, relationships, and structures. It analyzes how social factors influence individuals and groups.

Relationship:

• Mutual Influence: Political Science helps to understand how social forces, like class or religion, influence political outcomes. Sociology, in turn, studies the social impact of political decisions and systems.
• Social Context: Sociology provides insights into the social behavior and conditions that shape political decisions and policies.
• Social Change: Both fields examine aspects of social and political change, such as movements, revolutions, and reforms.

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7. What are the differences between Nation and State?

Nation	State
A nation is a cultural community, based on shared traditions, language, history, and values.	A state is a political entity with a defined territory, government, and recognized sovereignty.
Nations do not necessarily have a political structure or legal authority.	A state has political institutions and the authority to govern and regulate its population.
A nation may or may not have territorial boundaries.	A state always has clearly defined borders.
Examples of nations without states: Kurds, Palestinians.	Every state has a government and political sovereignty.

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8. Explain any four kinds of Sovereignty.

1. Internal Sovereignty:
   The state’s authority within its own territory, allowing it to govern its citizens and affairs without interference.

2. External Sovereignty:
   The state’s independence and its recognition by other states, ensuring that no external force can dictate its policies or governance.

3. Popular Sovereignty:
   Sovereignty vested in the people. In democratic systems, it means that the people hold ultimate authority, and governments are accountable to them.

4. Legal Sovereignty:
   The supreme legal authority within a state, often vested in a constitution or a legal system. It ensures the supremacy of law within the state.

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9. Explain any three kinds of equality.

1. Legal Equality:
   All individuals are equal before the law, meaning laws are applied impartially without discrimination based on race, gender, or status.

2. Political Equality:
   Every individual has equal political rights, including the right to vote, run for office, and participate in political life.

3. Economic Equality:
   Economic resources, wealth, and opportunities should be distributed in a way that ensures fairness and reduces disparities in society.

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10. Write about any three sources of Law.

1. Constitution:
   The constitution serves as the fundamental source of law, setting out the basic framework of the government and the rights of individuals. It is the highest legal authority.

2. Statutory Law:
   Laws passed by the legislative body or parliament. These are written laws that are created through the formal legislative process.

3. Case Law (Judicial Precedent):
   Laws developed through judicial decisions. Courts interpret laws and their rulings set precedents for future cases.

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11. What are the features of Rights?

1. Inalienability:
   Rights cannot be taken away or surrendered because they are inherent to all individuals.

2. Universality:
   Rights are universal, applying to all individuals regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or status.

3. Legally Protected:
   Rights are guaranteed and protected by law, meaning individuals can seek legal redress if their rights are violated.

4. Impersonality:
   Rights are not personal or confined to specific individuals but are applicable to all people equally.

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12. How is Citizenship Lost?

Citizenship can be lost in the following ways:

1. Renunciation:
   Voluntarily giving up one’s citizenship, typically when acquiring citizenship of another country.

2. Deprivation:
   A government can revoke citizenship if a person is involved in actions against national security or other serious offenses.

3. Denaturalization:
   This occurs when an individual’s citizenship is revoked due to fraudulent acquisition or failure to meet citizenship requirements.

4. Expiration:
   In some cases, citizenship may expire if a person fails to meet certain legal or residency requirements.

13. What is Indian Secularism?

Indian Secularism refers to the principle of equal treatment and respect for all religions by the state, which does not favor or discriminate against any religion.

Key aspects of Indian Secularism:

1. Equal Respect for All Religions: The Indian state maintains neutrality towards all religions, neither promoting nor criticizing any religion.
2. Freedom of Religion: Citizens are free to practice, profess, and propagate their religion.
3. Non-Interference in Religious Affairs: The state does not interfere in religious matters but ensures the protection of religious rights.

The Indian Constitution enshrines the principles of secularism, ensuring that the government does not favor any religion while upholding religious freedoms.

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14. Explain features of the Constitution.

Features of the Constitution:

1. Supremacy of the Constitution: The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. All laws and actions by the government must be in compliance with it.

2. Written and Detailed: The Constitution is a written document that outlines the structure, powers, and responsibilities of various branches of government and guarantees fundamental rights.

3. Federal System: India has a federal system, with a division of powers between the central government and state governments. However, it is a strongly centralized federal structure with the Union government having overriding powers.

4. Secular State: The Constitution provides for a secular state, where the government does not favor any religion.

5. Democratic System: It establishes India as a democratic republic, where representatives are elected by the people through free and fair elections.

6. Fundamental Rights: It guarantees a set of fundamental rights to the citizens, ensuring personal freedoms and equality before the law.

7. Independent Judiciary: The judiciary is independent of the executive and legislature, ensuring the protection of citizens’ rights and upholding the rule of law.

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15. What are the reasons for the decline of the significance of Legislature?

The significance of the Legislature has declined due to several reasons:

1. Executive Dominance: In many parliamentary systems, the executive (the Prime Minister and the Cabinet) has gained more power, overshadowing the legislature in decision-making.

2. Frequent Use of Ordinances: The executive frequently issues ordinances, bypassing the legislative process, which undermines the legislative authority.

3. Centralization of Power: In many countries, there has been a shift of power from the legislature to the executive, with decision-making being centralized in the hands of the government.

4. Weakness of Opposition: In some cases, the opposition parties have been weak or fragmented, which reduces the effectiveness of the legislature in checking the executive’s power.

5. Political Instability: Frequent elections and political instability can lead to a lack of focus on legislative work, reducing its ability to carry out effective governance.

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16. Explain the merits and demerits of Parliamentary form of Government.

Merits of Parliamentary System:

1. Responsibility to the Legislature: The executive (Prime Minister and Cabinet) is accountable to the legislature (Parliament), ensuring a close relationship between the two.

2. Collective Responsibility: The Cabinet works collectively, which ensures cohesive decision-making and accountability.

3. Flexibility: The system allows for a more flexible approach to governance. The government can be removed through a vote of no confidence, which ensures that it remains responsive to the people’s needs.

4. Prevents Concentration of Power: The Prime Minister and Cabinet members are selected from the legislature, ensuring a broader base of political support and preventing the concentration of power in one individual or body.

Demerits of Parliamentary System:

1. Instability: Parliamentary systems can face instability if the government loses majority support in the legislature, leading to frequent elections or coalition governments that may be weak.

2. Inefficiency: With multiple parties and frequent changes in leadership, parliamentary systems can be slow to enact policies or make decisions.

3. Dominance of the Executive: In some cases, the executive can dominate the legislature, undermining the balance of power and leading to authoritarian practices.

4. Coalition Problems: Coalition governments may face internal conflicts and struggles for power, which can disrupt governance.

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17. Distinguish between Unitary and Federal form of Government.

Unitary Government	Federal Government
Centralized Power: In a unitary system, the central government holds most of the political power, and regional authorities derive their powers from the central authority.	Decentralized Power: In a federal system, power is shared between central and state or regional governments. Both levels have constitutionally guaranteed powers.
Example: The United Kingdom, France.	Example: The United States, India, Canada.
Flexibility: It is more flexible, as the central government can alter the powers of regional units.	Rigidity: Federal systems have a more rigid division of powers, which can only be changed through constitutional amendments.
Single Authority: The unitary system typically has one government that controls all political matters.	Multiple Authorities: Federal systems have multiple levels of government (central, state, local), each with its own jurisdiction.
Local Governments: Local governments exist but have limited powers, and their existence depends on the central government.	Autonomy of States: States or provinces in federal systems have significant autonomy, and their existence and powers are constitutionally protected.

SECTION C

Note:

(i) Answer ANY FIFTEEN of the following questions in 5 lines each.

(ii) Each question carries TWO marks.

18. Write about Behaviourism:

Behaviourism is a theoretical approach in political science and psychology that emphasizes the study of observable behaviors and actions of individuals and groups rather than focusing on unobservable mental states. In political science, it involves analyzing the behavior of voters, political leaders, and institutions through empirical data rather than theoretical constructs. Behaviourism stresses objective observation and the use of scientific methods to understand political processes.

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19. What is Government?

Government is the system or group of people governing an organized community, often a state. It has the authority to create, enforce, and administer laws and policies, ensuring the orderly functioning of society. Governments exist at various levels—local, state, and national—and may be democratic, autocratic, or have other structures. It includes institutions such as the executive, legislature, judiciary, and administrative bodies.

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20. Define Nation.

A nation is a large group of people who share common characteristics such as language, culture, history, and sometimes religion, which bind them together as a collective identity. It may or may not have a political structure or territorial boundaries. A nation often aspires to self-determination or political sovereignty.

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21. Mention any two demerits of Nationalism.

1. Exclusionary Tendencies: Nationalism can lead to the marginalization or exclusion of minority groups, fostering intolerance toward people who do not belong to the dominant national identity.

2. Conflict and War: Intense nationalism can fuel conflicts, both within states (ethnic strife) and between states, as people seek to assert their identity and sovereignty at the expense of others.

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22. What do you mean by Civil liberty?

Civil liberty refers to the individual rights and freedoms that are protected by law from governmental interference. These rights include freedom of speech, the right to a fair trial, freedom of religion, the right to privacy, and freedom of assembly. Civil liberties are fundamental to ensuring personal freedom and autonomy within a society.

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23. What is Power?

Power in political science refers to the ability or capacity of an individual or group to influence or control the behavior of others, the course of events, or decision-making. It can be exercised through authority, coercion, or persuasion. Power is a central concept in understanding political dynamics and relationships.

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24. Meaning of Socialism:

Socialism is an economic and political ideology advocating for the collective or governmental ownership and control of the means of production, distribution, and exchange. The goal of socialism is to reduce inequality, ensure equal distribution of wealth, and provide a welfare system that supports the basic needs of all citizens.

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25. Doctrine of Non-violence:

The Doctrine of Non-violence, famously associated with Mahatma Gandhi, promotes the idea that conflicts should be resolved without the use of physical force or violence. Non-violence emphasizes peaceful resistance, dialogue, and tolerance as means to achieve political or social goals.

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26. Classify Rights:

Rights can be classified into various categories:

1. Civil Rights: Rights that protect individuals’ freedoms from infringement by the government or other entities, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and religion.

2. Political Rights: Rights that allow individuals to participate in political life, such as the right to vote and run for office.

3. Economic Rights: Rights related to economic opportunities, like the right to own property, work, and earn a fair wage.

4. Social Rights: Rights related to the social well-being of individuals, such as the right to education, health care, and social security.

5. Cultural Rights: Rights that protect the cultural identity of individuals and groups, including the right to freely practice and promote one’s culture and language.

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27. Write about Moral Rights:

Moral rights refer to the rights of individuals to be treated with respect, dignity, and fairness in accordance with ethical principles. These rights often involve the protection of personal integrity, freedom of expression, and privacy. Moral rights are based on human dignity and are not contingent on laws or societal norms.

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28. Mention any two qualities of a good citizen:

1. Civic Responsibility: A good citizen participates in civic duties such as voting, obeying laws, and contributing to the welfare of society.

2. Respect for Diversity: A good citizen shows respect for different cultures, religions, and opinions, promoting harmony and tolerance in society.

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29. What is Direct Democracy?

Direct Democracy is a form of democracy in which citizens directly participate in decision-making processes, rather than through elected representatives. In direct democracy, people vote on laws, policies, and other government decisions directly, ensuring that the will of the people is enacted.

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30. What is Recall?

Recall is a procedure that allows citizens to remove elected officials from office before the end of their term, usually through a petition and subsequent election. This process is a form of direct democracy aimed at ensuring accountability among public officials.

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31. What is Theocratic State?

A Theocratic State is a form of government in which religious leaders control political power, and the state’s legal system is based on religious laws. In a theocratic state, the government is guided by divine principles, and religious institutions hold significant authority in political matters.

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32. What do you mean by Constitution?

A Constitution is a fundamental set of laws, principles, and procedures that outline the structure of a government, define the powers of its branches, and guarantee the rights of citizens. It serves as the supreme legal document that guides the governance of a country.

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33. What is a Written Constitution?

A Written Constitution is a constitution that is codified in a single, formal document. It outlines the basic structure of the government, the powers and responsibilities of its institutions, and the rights of citizens. Examples include the U.S. Constitution and the Indian Constitution.

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34. What is meant by Plural Executive?

A Plural Executive refers to a system in which executive power is divided among multiple individuals or bodies rather than being concentrated in a single leader. This system is often found in parliamentary systems, where the prime minister and the cabinet share executive responsibilities.

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35. What is Judicial Review?

Judicial Review is the power of courts to review the actions of the executive and legislative branches to ensure they are in compliance with the constitution. If any law or government action is found to violate the constitution, the judiciary can declare it unconstitutional and nullify it.

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36. Presidential form of Government:

The Presidential form of government is a system where the executive, headed by the president, is separate from the legislature. In this system, the president is directly elected by the people and has significant powers, including being the head of state and government, making decisions independently from the legislative body.

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37. Write about Collective responsibility:

Collective responsibility is a principle in parliamentary systems where all members of the cabinet are collectively responsible for the decisions made by the government. If the government loses the confidence of the legislature, all members of the cabinet, including the prime minister, must resign. It ensures that ministers act as a unified body.