Political Science Fundamentals: State, Power, and Governance
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Unit I: Political Science Fundamentals
This unit introduces the discipline and the core dynamics of how people are governed.
Definition & Scope: Political Science is the study of the state, government, and the distribution of power. Its scope ranges from local governance to international relations.
Power, Authority, & Legitimacy:
Power: The ability to influence others to do what they otherwise wouldn't.
Authority: "Legitimated power." It is power that is recognized as rightful by those who obey it.
Legitimacy: The popular belief that a regime's rule is right and appropriate.
Approaches:
Behavioralism: Focuses on the actual behavior of individuals rather than just legal institutions. It uses scientific and statistical methods.
Post-Behavioralism: A reaction to behavioralism that emphasizes that political science should be "relevant" to society and solve real-world problems.
Unit II: The State
This unit focuses on the most central entity in political science: the State.
Essential Elements of a State: For an entity to be a state, it must have: Population, Territory, Government, and Sovereignty.
Theories of Origin:
Social Contract: Theorists like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau argue the state was created by a voluntary agreement among people.
Evolutionary Theory: The state is a product of slow, natural growth over time (kinship, religion, and defense).
Theories of Function:
Liberalism: The state should be a "neutral umpire" protecting individual rights.
Marxism: The state is an instrument used by the ruling class to dominate the working class.
Nationalism: A sense of belonging or identity based on shared culture, language, or history.
Unit III: Core Political Concepts
These are the "building blocks" of a democratic society.
Sovereignty: The supreme and absolute power within a territory.
Monistic (Legal): Sovereignty resides in a single legal authority (e.g., Austin's theory).
Pluralist: Sovereignty is shared among various social, professional, and political groups.
Rights & Duties: Rights are claims recognized by the state (Legal, Civil, Political). Duties are the obligations an individual owes back to society.
Freedom (Liberty):
Negative Liberty: Freedom from interference (absence of obstacles).
Positive Liberty: Freedom to achieve one's potential (presence of opportunities).
Justice: The fair and equitable distribution of resources, rights, and punishments.
Democracy: Rule by the people. Success depends on an educated electorate, free press, and an independent judiciary.
Unit IV: State in Function (Government)
This unit looks at how governments are structured and how they operate.
Forms of Government:
Unitary vs. Federal: In Unitary (UK), power is centralized. In Federal (USA/India), power is divided between center and states.
Parliamentary vs. Presidential: In Parliamentary systems, the executive is part of the legislature. In Presidential systems, they are strictly separate.
Organs of Government:
Legislature: Makes laws.
Executive: Implements laws.
Judiciary: Interprets laws and settles disputes.
Separation of Powers: The doctrine that no one branch should hold all power. This is maintained through Checks and Balances.
Political Parties vs. Pressure Groups: Parties seek to win elections and run the government. Pressure Groups (like labor unions) only seek to influence specific policies without holding office.