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(BA I Semester) Paper PSc. 01 : Political Theory, , Asst. Prof. Chanmiki War, UNIT 1 – MEANING, NATURE, SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF POLITICAL THEORY, Q. What is Political Theory? Discuss the scope of Political Theory. 5+10 (NEHU 2017,, Ans: Political theory is that branch of political science which attempts to arrive at generalizations,, inferences or conclusion from the data gathered by various political thinkers relating to political phenomena. In, simple words Political Theory means a theory of Politics or theory of State and Government and political relation, in society. According to David,”Political theories are complex networks of concepts and generalizations about, political life involving ideas, assumptions and statements about the nature, purpose and key features of, government, state and society and about the political capabilities of human beings”. Thus political theory seeks, to understand, explain and analyse the political phenomena and prescribe ways and means to rectify the, shortcomings. It is both normative as well as empirical in nature and content., SCOPE OF POLITICAL THEORY, The scope of Political theory implies its area of study. It has a comprehensive and expanding scope. Its scope, may be described under the following heads., 1) Study of state and Government: Political theory study about the nature and aims of state and, government. State is the highest political organisation in a society and therefore the first and foremost, concern of political theory is the study of state from various angles., 2) Study of Power: Political theory is concerned not only with the study of ‘state’ and ‘government’, it is, also now understood, as the study of ‘power’. It studies about the characteristics, role and influence of, power in political system and all those activities that have their connection with the struggle for power., 3) Study of the past: Political theory studies the beginning of organized political life, evolution of political, forms from simple to complex as well as a study of constitutional history. A study of power and authority, in the past is of great help in understanding the present institutions, ideas and processes., 4) Study of the present: The empirical investigation of existing political phenomena and processes forms, an important part of political theory. This involves the study of the prevailing political concepts like, modernisation, political development, political socialisation, political participation, political culture,, legitimacy, national integration, bureaucracy and social change., 5) Study of the future: It is now generally realised that the purpose of political theory is not only to analyse, political phenomena but also to suggest policy that may be adopted to realise a political ideal. Proposals, and projects for modification of the existing political structure and processes have become a legitimate, part of study in political theory., 6) Study of Political Dynamics: The study of political dynamics examines the existing forces which, exercise influence on the government and politics. Social systems changes with the change of habits of, men. As a result, changes in the government are also bound to take place. New political concepts and, theories such as power, Authority, Legitimacy, Bureaucracy, Political Culture, Decision-making theory,, Structural functional theory, Communications theory, have now been enunciated which have opened up, new dimensions for study in political theory.., 7), , Study of problems and conflicts: Study of world political systems and problems such as capitalism,, communism, violence, conflicts, corruption, poverty, unemployment and terrorism has become a part of, political theory in recent times. The states now make political decisions and decide economic policies, keeping in view their ramifications in other countries., , Conclusion: To conclude, the scope of political theory which in Greek time was restricted to the theory of state, and government, has now widely expanded to include the study of newer political concepts and theories, mentioned above.

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(BA I Semester) Paper PSc. 01 : Political Theory, , Q . Discuss the nature and Significance of Political Theory. 7+8 (NEHU 2018, Ans: The following are the nature of Political Theory:, 1. Political Theory is theory of Politics. It seeks to understand, analyse and explain the phenomena of, politics. It also attempts to reform by rectifying the shortcomings in the political life of society., 2. Political Theory, like an ideology, also includes a set of beliefs, values and ideas which stand accepted, by the people in the process of their governance., 3. Political Theory involves systematic reflections on politics or state or government or political, institutions. It is generally the intellectual and moral creation of a thinkers who offers a theoretical, explanation of the political reality the phenomena of state., 4. Political Theory can be normative or empirical or both., 5. Description, analysis, explanation, prediction and change are the goals of Political Theory. Scope of, Political Theory covers all areas of political relations., 6. Finally, Political Theory is related to the state, government political institutions and political relations., It is the handiwork of philosophers, historian, economists, theologians, sociologist, thinkers, journalists,, intellectuals, political scientists and all others who try to comprehend and explain the political reality., SIGNIFICANCE / IMPORTANCE OF POLITICAL THEORY, Political theory whether normative, empirical, classical, modern, philosophical or scientific has many significant, or uses. The study of political theory makes people aware of the political reality and awakens their consciousness., They also come to know about the hindrances faced by the government and the solution of socio-economic, problems and ensuring good governance. Political theory also helps the people in understanding political values, like liberty, equality, democracy, and justice and adjudging the success or failure of the government to ensure, these ideals to them. People who are politically enlightened are assets to the state. They can play active and, useful part in political affairs. In a country where people are not mentally equipped with political knowledge,, the standards in politics, administration and statesmanship is not high. Leaders and administrators in such country, may not discharge their duties efficiently in the absence of political awareness among the people., A political theory helps the policy-makers to solve practical problems. It provides a sound, understanding of what has caused a problem and how such problem can be solved. Political ideas have generally, flourished during periods of social turmoil and change. Greece, England, France and some other countries was, undergoing social upheaval, religious and political conflicts in the 16th, 17th and 18th century. These upheavals,, changes and conflicts led political thinkers to analyse their causes and come out with their theories for rebuilding, political institutions. John Stuart Mill, Bentham, Green, and Karl Marx, all these thinkers have analysed the, contemporary problems and proposed solutions. The modern political thinkers are busy analysing the current, problems, of poverty, unemployment, Violence, conflicts, terrorism, corruption, development and nuclear, disarmament., Political theories have brought about deep and profound changes in human history. All political, theories either lent support to the ‘status quo or suggested reforms, improvements or even advocated revolution, to bring about social change. The utilitarian theory was a theory of reforms whereas Marxism was a theory of, revolution. Liberalism was a theory of laissez-faire whereas socialism was a theory of state control. Communism, stands for dictatorship whereas democracy stands for liberty and rights., Political theory provides legitimacy to the government. The government is not based merely on force, or suppression. The political structure of a government follows one or the other political theory. The USSR, government found its support in communism to justify its political structure. The US government is based on, the theory of liberalism whereas the government of the Great Britain follows the principles of democratic, socialism., To conclude, it may be remarked that the study of political can produce a better understanding of the, prevailing ideology of the contemporary society.

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(BA I Semester) Paper PSc. 01 : Political Theory