Political Science Terms

political orientation - an orientation that characterizes the thinking of a group or nation

orientation - an integrated set of attitudes and beliefs

totalism, totalitarianism, absolutism - the principle of complete and unrestricted power in

government

anarchism - a political theory favoring the abolition of governments

autocracy - a political theory favoring unlimited authority by a single individual

centrism, moderatism - a political philosophy of avoiding the extremes of left and right by taking
a moderate position or course of action

collectivism - a political theory that the people should own the means of production

communism - a political theory favoring collectivism in a classless society

conservatism, conservativism - a political or theological orientation advocating the preservation

of the best in society and opposing radical changes

segregationism - a political orientation favoring political or racial segregation

constitutionalism - advocacy of a system of government according to constitutional principles

democracy - the political orientation of those who favor government by the people or by their
elected representatives

social democracy - the belief in a gradual transition from capitalism to socialism by democratic
means

domino theory - the political theory that if one nation comes under communist control then
neighboring nations will also come under communist control

elitism - the attitude that society should be governed by an elite group of individuals

extremism - any political theory favoring immoderate uncompromising policies

fascism - a political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government (as opposed to

democracy or liberalism)
federalism - the idea of a federal organization of more or less self-governing units

imperialism - a political orientation that advocates imperial interests

leftism - the ideology of the political left; belief in or support of the tenets of the political left

liberalism - a political orientation that favors social progress by reform and by changing laws
rather than by revolution

meritocracy - the belief that rulers should be chosen for their superior abilities and not because of
their wealth or birth

libertarianism - an ideological belief in freedom of thought and speech

monarchism - a belief in and advocacy of monarchy as a political system

Negritude - an ideological position that holds Black culture to be independent and valid on its
own terms; an affirmation of the African cultural heritage

Orleanism - the political philosophy of the Orleanists

progressivism - the political orientation of those who favor progress toward better conditions in
government and society

radicalism - the political orientation of those who favor revolutionary change in government and
society

reactionism - the political orientation of reactionaries

republicanism - the political orientation of those who hold that a republic is the best form of
government

rightism - the ideology of the political right; belief in or support of the tenets of the political right

socialism - a political theory advocating state ownership of industry

theocracy - the belief in government by divine guidance

Utopianism - the political orientation of a Utopian who believes in impossibly idealistic schemes
of social perfection

dovishness - any political orientation favoring compromise to avoid conflict

hawkishness - any political orientation favoring aggressive policies

administration The organized apparatus of the state for the preparation and implementation of
legislation and policies, also called bureaucracy.

agenda-setting Controlling the focus of attention by establishing the issues for public discussion.

anarchic order Order resulting from mutual coordination in the absence of a higher authority.

anarchism A stateless society that allows total individual freedom.

anomic group Spontaneously formed interest group with concern over a specific issue.

aristocracy A form of government in which a minority rules under the law.

associational group Formally organized group which articulates the interests of its members over
long periods of time.

asymmetrical federalism A federal system of government in which powers are unevenly divided
between provinces, i.e. some provinces have greater responsibilities or more autonomy than
others.

auction politics A danger in democratic politics in which state power may be "sold" to the
highest bidding groups.

auditor general The official of Parliament whose staff audit the expenditures of government
departments and who provides an annual report on instances of funds being unlawfully or
unwisely spent.

authoritarianism A system of government in which leaders are not subjected to the test of free
elections.

authority A form of power based on consensus regarding the right to issue commands and make
decisions.

backbencher Members of Parliament on the government side who sit on the backbenches and are
not in cabinet, or those similarly distant from shadow cabinet posts in opposition parties.

balance of payments A state's running account of economic transactions (exports and imports)
with the rest of the world.

balance of power policy The active prevention of any one state becoming too strong by the major
powers in the system.

balance of power The distribution of power in a system such that no one state may overwhelm
others.

behavioural revolution The introduction of more empirical analysis into the study of government
and politics.

bicameralism A system of government in which the legislature is divided into two chambers, an
upper and lower house.

bill A piece of legislation under consideration by a legislative body.

binational state Two nations co-existing within one state.

bipolar An international system in which there are two dominant nation-states. bourgeoisie. A
Marxist term referring to those who own the means of production.

bureaucracy A type of administration characterized by specialization, professionalism, and

security of tenure.

cabinet solidarity A convention that all cabinet ministers publicly support whatever decisions the
cabinet has taken, regardless of their personal views.

caucus A meeting of legislators of any one party to discuss parliamentary strategy and party
policy.

central agency. Government agencies such as the PMO, the PCO, the Treasury Board, and the
Finance Department that have certain coordinating functions across the whole federal public
service.

charismatic authority Authority based on the admiration of personal qualities of an individual.

checks and balances A system of government in which power is divided between the executive,
legislative and judicial branches of government, and these powers check and balance each other.

citizenship Legal membership in a community known as a nation-state.

classical liberalism A liberal ideology entailing a minimal role for government in order to
maximize individual freedom.

coalition government A parliamentary government in which the cabinet is composed of members

of more than one party.

coalition An alliance between two or more political units in response to opposing forces.

code civil The unique system of civil law used in Quebec.

code of law A comprehensive set of interrelated legal rules.

coercion A form of power based on forced compliance through fear and intimidation.

collective (public) goods Goods and services enjoyed in common and not divisible among
individuals.

collective defence An alliance among states against external threats.

collective security A commitment by a number of states to join in an alliance against member

states that threaten peace.

Cominform "Communist Information Bureau"; an international communist organization after

World War II.

Comintern "Communist International"; also known as the Third International, the communist
international organization between the two World Wars.

common law The accumulation of judicial precedents as the basis for court decisions.

communications (mass) media A general term for all modern means of conveying information.

communism A political ideology characterized by a belief in eliminating exploitation through

public ownership and central planning of the economy.

comparative politics An area of political study concerned with the relative similarities and
differences of political systems.

confederation A federal system of government in which sovereign constituent governments

create a central government but balance of power remains with constituent governments.

confidence Support for the government by the majority of the members of parliament.

consent of the governed People's acceptance of the form of government under which they live.

conservationism The attempt to manage natural resources in order to maximize benefits over a
long period of time.

conservatism A political ideology generally characterized by a belief in individualism and

minimal government intervention in the economy and society; also a belief in the virtue of the
status quo and general acceptance of traditional morality.

consociationalism A form of democracy in which harmony in segmented societies is maintained

through the distinctive roles of elites and the autonomy of organized interests.

constituency A electoral district with a body of electors who vote for a representative in an
elected assembly.
constitution The fundamental rules and principles by which a state is organized.

constitutionalism The belief that governments will defer to the rules and principles enshrined in a
constitution and uphold the rule of law.

constructive vote of confidence A system in which the majority in the lower house can bring
down the government, but not until that majority approves another government (e.g. in
Germany).

contracting out The hiring of private organizations to provide public services.

convention A practice or custom followed in government although not explicitly written in the
constitution or in legislation.

corporatism The organization of liberal democracies in such a way that the state is the dominant
force in society and the activities of all interests in society are subordinate to that force.

coup d’état A forceful and unconstitutional change of government, often by a faction within the
military or the ruling party.

credit Any transaction which brings money into the country (e.g. payments for the export of
goods).

Crown corporation Corporations owned by the government that assume a structure similar to a
private company and that operate semi-independently of the cabinet.

current accounts surplus A state selling more to the world than it is buying.

custom A generally accepted practice or behaviour developed over time.

customary law Rules of conduct developed over time and enforceable in court.

debit Any transaction which sends money out of the country (e.g. payments for the import of
goods).

deep ecology A form of environmentalism holding that nature and the natural order should be
valued over individual human happiness.

deficit Occurs when the value of a state's imports is more than the value of its exports.

delegate A representative role in which the individual subordinates his/her views to those of their
constituents.

democratic centralism The concentration of power in the leadership of the communist party,
which in theory acts in the interests of the people.
department of finance The government department that has overall responsibility for the
government's finances and its role in the economy.

deputy minister The Canadian public servant who heads each government department, manages
the department, and advises the minister.

deregulation A government policy designed to remove regulations on market activity.

devolution A system of government in which the sovereign central government devolves

(delegates) power to regional governments.

despotism An individual ruling through fear without regard to law and not answerable to the
people.

dictator In Roman Law, an appointed individual given exceptional powers in times of crisis.

dictatorship of the proletariat A revolutionary seizure of power by the "vanguard" of society, the
communist party, which then rules in the name of the working class.

diplomacy A system of formal, regularized communication that allows states to peacefully

conduct their business with each other.

direct democracy A system of government based on public decisions made by citizens meeting in
an assembly or voting by ballot.

disallowance A power given to the federal government in the Constitution Act, 1867, under
which the cabinet can nullify any provincial law, even though it has received royal assent from
the lieutenant-governor of the province.

discretion The flexibility afforded government to decide something within the broader
framework of rules.

distributive laws Laws designed to distribute public goods and services to individuals in society.

downsizing Reduction of the size and scope of government.

doxa Greek word for an opinion that may be at least partly true but cannot be fully expounded.

Electoral College The body which formally chooses the president of the United States.

elite A small group of people with a disproportionate amount of public decision-making power.

empirical Political analysis based on factual and observable data in contrast to thoughts or ideas.

episteme Greek word for knowledge that can be demonstrated by logical argument from first
principles.

equality of opportunity The equalization of life chances for all individuals in society, regardless
of economic position.

equality of result The equalization of outcomes of social and economic processes.

equality of right Application of the law in the same way to all.

equality rights A section of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (s. 15) that prohibits
governments from discriminating against certain categories of people.

ethnic group A group whose common identity is based on racial, national, or religious
association.

executive A small group of elected officials who direct the policy process, and oversee the vast
array of departments and agencies of government.

executive federalism A federal process directed by extensive federal-provincial interaction at the

level of first ministers, departmental ministers, and deputy ministers.

extractive laws Laws designed to collect taxes from citizens to pay for governing society.

faction An association of individuals organized for the purpose of influencing government

actions favourable to their interests, now known as interest groups.

fascism An extreme form of nationalism that played on fears of communism and rejected
individual freedom, liberal individualism, democracy, and limitations on the state.

federalism A system of government in which sovereignty is divided between a central

government and several provincial or state governments.

feminism The belief that society is disadvantageous to women, systematically depriving them of
individual choice, political power, economic opportunity and intellectual recognition.

First International A loose association of socialist parties and labour unions in Western Europe,
organized in 1864.

formal–legal institutions Institutions which are explicitly created by a constitution.

fragment theory A theory (proposed by Louis Hartz) which argues that colonial societies such as
Canada originated as fragments of the larger European society and that these societies have
remained marked throughout their history by the conditions of their origin.

free riders Those who enjoy a collective good without helping to pay for it.
free vote A legislative vote in which members are not required to toe the party line.

free-market environmentalism The view that environmental problems are best solved by property
rights and markets.

functions The special activity or purpose structures serve in the political process; for example
interest groups to articulate interests.

gerrymander Manipulating constituency boundaries for partisan election purposes. government.

A specialized group of individuals, institutions and agencies which make and enforce public
decisions.

head of government The person in effective charge of the executive branch of government; the
prime minister in a parliamentary system.

head of state An individual who represents the state but does not exercise political power.

human rights Rights thought to belong to all people simply because they are human beings.

ideological party A type of political party which emphasizes ideological purity over the
attainment of power.

ideology A system of beliefs and values that explains society and prescribes the role of
government.

influence A form of power based on the ability to persuade others to share in a desired objective.

informal institutions Institutions which are an integral part of the political process, but which are
not established by a constitution.

initiative The initiation of legislative action on a particular issue by way of a voters' petition.

institutional group Groups which are closely associated with the government and act internally to
influence public decisions.

interest (pressure) group Organizations whose members act together to influence public policy in
order to promote their common interest.

interest party A political party with a single interest or purpose, such as the Green Party.

international law The body of rules governing the relationships of states with each other.

International Monetary Fund An international organization created to prevent another collapse in

the world monetary system through the stabilization of national currencies throughout the world.

international order The combination of major actors, rules, mechanisms and understandings to
manage the co-existence and interdependence of states.

international regimes The pattern of regular cooperation governed by implicit and explicit
expectations between two or more states.

international relations An area of political study concerned with the interaction of independent
states.

intervention In a court case, the presentation of a view on the law without representing one of the
parties in the litigation.

item veto The power of an American president or state governor to veto particular components of
a bill rather than reject the entire legislation.

Judicial Committee of the Privy Council A British Court that functioned as Canada's final court
of appeal until 1949.

judicial activism The willingness and inclination of judges to overturn legislation or executive
action.

judicial review The power of the courts to declare legislation unconstitutional (ultra vires).

judiciary The branch of government with the power to resolve legal conflicts that arise between
citizens, between citizens and governments, or between levels of government.

junta A Spanish word meaning a group of individuals forming a government, especially after a
revolution or coup d'etat.

jurisprudence The philosophy and analysis of law.

justice The virtue of protecting individuals' possessions within the acknowledged rules of
conduct.

laissez-faire The non-intervention of the state in the economy.

law Enforceable rules of conduct.

legal positivism A theory holding that law is the command of the sovereign.

legislature A representative assembly responsible for making laws for society.

legislature The branch of government responsible for making laws for society.

legitimacy Belief in the "rightness" of rule.

liberal democracy A system of government characterized by universal adult suffrage, political

equality, majority rule and constitutionalism.

liberal feminism The advocacy of equal rights between men and women.

liberalism A theory of international relations stressing the rule of law.

limited government A state restricted in its exercise of power by the constitution and the rule of
law.

limited state See limited government.

list system A form of proportional representation in which the elector votes not for individuals
but for parties who have lists of candidates running for office.

lobbying An activity of interest groups aimed at influencing governors and the public to achieve
a favourable policy decision(s).

logrolling The act of vote-trading among legislators in the process of getting legislation passed.

Magna Carta (Great Charter) A document signed by King John in 1215, conceding that the king
is subject to law.

majority government A parliamentary government in which the party in power has over 50
percent of the seats in the legislature.

merit recruitment A system of hiring public servants on the basis of qualifications rather than on
party preference or other considerations.

microcosm The idea that a governing body should be a miniature replica of the society it
represents.

ministerial responsibility The principle that cabinet ministers are individually responsible to the
House of Commons for everything that happens in their department.

ministry The entire group of MPs appointed by the Prime Minister to specific ministerial
responsibilities.

minority government A parliamentary government in which the government party has less than
50 percent of the seats in the legislature.

mixed economy An economy based on both private and public (government-controlled)

enterprises.

mixed-member-proportional (MPP) Electoral system in which voters cast two ballots, one for a
local candidate running in a territorial constituency (first-past-the-post) and the other for a list of
candidates put forward by a political party (list system).
modernization The gradual replacement of traditional authority with legal authority.

monarchy Form of government in which a single person rules under the law.

monism Exclusive emphasis on a single principle or interest.

movement party A type of political party which emerges from a political movement, such as a
national liberation movement.

multinational state Three or more nations co-existing under one sovereign government.

multiparty system A party system in which there are three or more major contenders for power.

multipolar A system of actions involving several states.

nation Individuals whose common identity creates a psychological bond and a political
community.

national interest Interests specific to a nation-state, including especially survival and

maintenance of power.

nationalism The feeling of loyalty and attachment to one's nation or nation-state, and strong
support for its interests.

nation-state A state with a single predominant national identity.

natural authority Authority based on spontaneous deference to an individual's knowledge or

social position.

natural law Rules of conduct binding on humankind by virtue of human rationality alone.

neoconservatism An ideological term characterizing parties or politicians who not only advocate
an end to government expansion, but believe in reducing its role via downsizing, privatization,
and deregulation.

new international economic order A revision of the international economic system in favour of
Third World countries.

nonassociational (latent) group A group which lacks formal organization but has the potential for
mobilizing politically.

normative Political analysis based on values, commitments and ideas.

notwithstanding clause Section 33 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which allows federal
or provincial legislatures to pass laws that may violate certain sections of the Charter.
official opposition In a parliamentary system, the largest of the opposition parties, given a special
role to play in the legislative process.

oligarchy A form of government in which a minority rules outside the law. ombudsman. An
official with the power to investigate complaints against government administration.

one-party-dominant system A party system in which there are political alternatives but a single
political party dominates the political process as a result of the overwhelming support of the
electorate.

opposition Those members of Parliament who are not part of the government of the day.

order-in-council Decision by Cabinet which carries legal force.

parliamentary sovereignty The supreme authority of parliament to make or repeal laws.

party discipline The convention that all MPs within any party vote together, as predetermined in
the party caucus and enforced by the party whip.

patriarchy The domination of society by men.

peace-building A process for working towards objectives associated with peaceful coexistence of
combatants.

peacekeeping The interposition of lightly armed military forces between combatants who have
agreed to stop fighting.

permanent secretary The British equivalent of a Canadian deputy minister.

personal freedom The absence of coercion in various aspects of life.

personal party A type of political party founded by a single, overwhelmingly influential political
leader.

philosopher–king Plato's view of the ideal individual who rules in the common interest and is
directed by wisdom and virtue rather than the constraint of law.

planning Production and allocation of resources determined by a central authority.

plebiscite Another term for an advisory referendum.

pluralism The open competition of political interests.

plurality A voting decision based on assigning victory to the largest number of votes, not
necessarily a majority.
policy community The network of individuals and organizations deeply involved in a particular
area of public policy.

polis Greek city-state.

political alienation The sense of estrangement from political power.

political consultant A professional advisor who puts his/her political expertise to work in the
private and public sectors.

political culture Attitudes, values, beliefs, and orientations that individuals in a society hold
regarding their political system.

political economy The study of the involvement by the state in the economy of the nation-state.

political patronage Government appointments made as a payoff for loyal partisan activity.

political party An organized group that makes nominations and contests elections in the hope of
influencing the personnel and policy of government.

political philosophy An area of political study based on historical, reflective and conceptual
methods.

political police Forces reporting directly to a political leader who uses them for political purposes
rather than law enforcement.

political process The interaction of organized political structures in making and administering
public decisions for a society.

political socialization The process by which political culture is transmitted from generation to
generation.

politics A process of conflict resolution in which support is mobilized and maintained for
collective action.

polity A form of government characterized by popular sovereignty but exercised within a

constitutional framework to prevent the oppression of the minority by the majority rule.

polyarchy Robert Dahl's term for pluralist forms of liberal democracy, in which there is
competition between many different interests.

popular sovereignty Supreme authority residing in the consent of the people.

portfolio The administrative responsibility carried by a minister, usually some combinations of

departments and other agencies.
post-materialism The shift in values since the late 1940s from public order and material
prosperity to self-fulfilment.

power The ability to get other individuals to do as one wants them to do.

pragmatic party A type of political party concerned primarily with winning elections.

precedent A previous judicial case used as an example for deciding the case at hand.

preferential (alternative) ballot Electoral system in which voters rank the candidates.

prerogative The residual powers of the Crown that can be exercised at its own discretion.

Prime Minister’s Office Support staff appointed by the Prime Minister to carry out political
functions.

priming The selective portrayal of political events and personalities by the media which in turn
affects public opinion.

primus inter pares Latin phrase meaning "first among equals."

private law Laws controlling relations between individuals.

private member's bill Public bills introduced in the legislature by members who are not in the
cabinet.

privatization The sale of government-owned assets or activities to the private sector.

Privy Council A ceremonial body made up of all present and former cabinet ministers.

Privy Council Office A governmental department that supports the prime minister, cabinet, and
cabinet committees in devising government policy.

proclamation The announcement of the official date a new law will take effect.

progressive tax A tax rate which increases as the amount of one's income increases.

proletariat A Marxist term referring to those who sell their labour to the bourgeoisie; the working
class.

property franchise (suffrage) The requirement that citizens own a stipulated amount of property
to receive the right to vote.

proportional representation (PR) An electoral system in which the share of seats won closely
matches the share of popular votes received.
provincial courts Courts created by provincial statute, staffed by judges appointed by the
province to deal with matters such as small claims and minor criminal offences.

public authority Authority based on institutional office-holding.

public debt The accumulated sum owed by the government to its creditors.

public law Laws controlling the relations between the state and individuals in society.

qualified majority The raising of the simple majority requirement of "50 percent plus one" to a
higher level, in order to protect the rights of the minority.

race A group of individuals differentiated through distinct physical characteristics and common
ancestry.

radical feminism A belief that men and women constitute "sexual classes" and that women's
subordinated status is the result of a system which is controlled by men.

readings First, second and third readings representing the introduction and debate of proposed
bills in the legislative chambers.

realism A theory of international relations holding that struggles are resolved on the basis of
power of conflicting parties.

recall The ability of voters in a constituency to remove their elected representative from office by
means of a petition.

Red Tory A conservative with collectivist leanings.

redistribution The process of reallocating wealth and income to achieve an economic or social
objective.

referendum A decision on policy proposals by a direct vote of the electorate.

reform liberalism A liberal ideology which advocates a larger role for the state in providing
equality of opportunity.

regressive tax A tax that weights more heavily on low incomes.

regulative laws Laws that control individual and organizational behaviour.

regulatory agency Government agencies established to administer regulative laws in certain

fields, e.g. the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

report stage The stage in the legislative process after the second reading when the House debates
the committee's report on a proposed bill.

representative democracy A system of government based on the election of decision-makers by

the people.

residual powers Those powers in a federal system of government not explicitly allocated in a
constitution.

responsible government A form of government in which the political executive must retain the
confidence of a majority of the elected legislature or assembly, and it must resign or call an
election if and when it is defeated on a vote of nonconfidence.

royal assent The approval of a bill by the Crown.

rule of law Belief that all actions, of individuals and governments, are subject to an
institutionalized set of rules and regulations.

runoff system An electoral system in which additional rounds of balloting are held (with trailing
candidates dropped) until a candidate receives a majority of the votes cast.

scientific socialism The term Marx and Engels used to stress that their ideology was based on
analysis of class conflict.

Second International The reunion of socialist and labour parties in Europe, with the absence of
anarchists, established in 1889.

security dilemma The spiral of preparations and tensions which emerge when the protective
actions of one state lead to countermeasures by another state. self-government. The right of
members of a group to control their own collective affairs.

separation of powers The separation of powers between executive, legislative, and judicial
branches of government.

shadow cabinet The cohesive group of specialized critics in the official Opposition party.

single-member-plurality system (SMP) An electoral system in which the candidate with the most
votes wins, even though that win may not represent 51% of the votes.

single-party system A party system in which there exists only one party and no political
alternatives are legally tolerated.

single transferable vote (STV) A form of proportional representation in which electors vote for
individuals rather than party lists, but they do so by ranking the candidates in their order of
choice.

social democrats Socialists emphasizing popular consent, peaceful change, political pluralism,
and constitutional government.

socialism A leftist political ideology that emphasizes the principle of equality and usually
prescribes a large role for government to intervene in society and the economy via taxation,
regulation, redistribution, and public ownership.

social justice The partial equalization of wealth and income to reach a more desirable outcome.

society A self-sufficient group of individuals living together under common rules of conduct.

sovereign The highest or supreme political authority.

special (ad hoc) committee Legislative committees appointed for special, temporary purposes,
such as to investigate a problem before the government prepares legislation on the subject.

spoils system The assumption that, after successfully winning an election, the political executive
is entitled to appoint large numbers of supporters to the bureaucracy.

spontaneous order The pattern of mutual coordination that emerges as individuals pursue their
own interests in society.

standing committee Legislative committees that are set up permanently and parallel government
functions.

stare decisis The legal principle that precedents are binding on similar subsequent cases; the
basis of the common law system.

state Combination of people, territory, and sovereign government. state-centric. An approach to

international relations positing the sovereign state as the focus for understanding the nature and
workings of the international system.

stateless society A society without a sovereign government.

statism The heavy intervention of the state in societal affairs, especially in the economic system.

statute A specific piece of legislation.

structuralism A theory of international relations stressing the impact of world economic

structures on the political, social, cultural and economic life of countries.

subjects Members of a society who are not involved in the political process of that society.

suffragism A political movement by women to obtain the right to vote in an election.

superior courts In Canada, courts organized by provincial statute, staffed by judges appointed by
the federal government.
symbolic laws Laws designed to create special meaning for society, such as the adoption of a
national anthem.

syndicalism A variation of socialism in which the workers own or control the factory or
workplace.

Third International The political organization in which the official ideology was Marxist-
Leninism or communism, established in 1921.

totalitarianism A modern form of despotic rule in which the state undertakes to remake society
according to an ideological design.

traditional authority Authority based on birthright and custom.

Treasury Board A cabinet committee and government department whose primary responsibility
is to oversee government spending.

tribe A community of people tied together by a myth of common ancestry.

trustee A representative who acts independently in deciding what is in the best interests of his or
her constituents.

two-party system A party system in which there are two credible contenders for power and either
is capable of winning any election.

two-party-plus system A party system in which there are two major contenders for power of
approximately equal strength plus one or more minor parties able to win seats but not to control
the government.

typology A broad classification scheme of governmental systems.

tyranny A form of government in which one person rules arbitrarily.

ultra vires Term used to describe an action which exceeds the conferred constitutional powers of
the actor. Literally, "beyond the power."

unitary system A system of government in which a single sovereign government rules the
country.

unwritten constitution An uncodified constitution established through traditional practice.

utopian socialism Early-nineteenth century socialism based on a universal appeal to reason.

veto The authorized power of a president to reject legislation passed by Congress.

violence The utilization of physical force or power as a means of achieving ends.

vote of censure A motion of nonconfidence requiring the prime minister and the cabinet to
resign.

welfare state The provision for redistributive benefits such as education and health services by
the state.

White House Staff Special advisors to the President, part of the Executive office and similar to
the Canadian Prime Minister's Office.

wilderness preservationism A form of environmentalism positing the intrinsic importance of

wilderness for humankind.

World Trade Organization An international organization created to provide the ground rules for
international trade and commerce.

Zionism Jewish nationalist movement advocating establishment of a Jewish nation-state.

Keeping in view the importance of the subject I have taken another step to collect the key
points of principles of Political Science. It will cover the Political Science Paper-I, Part-B
whereas earlier thread will cover Political Science Paper-I, Part-A.

Political Science
Professor Garner:

“ Political Science begins and ends with the State.’

Professor Gettle:

“A historical investigation of what the State has been, an analytical study of what the State
is and a politico-ethical discussion of what the State ought to be”.

Paul Ganet:

“It is a part of social sciences which treats of the foundation of the State and the principles
of Government”.

Politics and Political Science

 Political Science is an academic subject—politics is its practical manifestation.

 Term politics, used by Aristotle and others as the name for the science of the State.
 Difference same as between Politician and Political Scientis.
 Political theory and Political Ideology

Political theory

 It portrays the point of view of a particular theorist or school of thought

 Gets benefit from political ideology.

Political Ideology

 Wide in sense than the former.

 Depicts the dominant political ideas of a particular region or an age.

Political Science and Political Philosophy

Political Philosophy

 Professor Gilchrist, “It deals with the fundamental problems of the State and
government, questions of duties and rights.”
  It does not cover the entire field of Sate and government.

Political Science

 Concerned not only with such problems but also history of political institutions.
 History has no place in political philosophy.

Is Political Science really a science?

What is Science?

A systematic knowledge of things and forces of nature based on observation, experiment or

reason.

Systematic method of knowing something.

Kinds of Sciences

Sciences of Nature: Natural and exact sciences e.g. Physics, Chemistry etc
Sciences of Society: Also called social sciences e.g. Political Science, Sociology etc.

Arguments in support of Political Science as a Science

Aristotle, “regarded Political Science not only a science but declared it to be the supreme
or master science.”

Hobbes also believed the Political Science to be a science.

 Can be a science if enquiry and research based on observation, experimentation and

empirical verification of facts are adopted.
 The whole world appear to be a laboratory.
 Gilchrist, “Every change in form of government, every new law passed by parliament
and every war is an experiment in Political Science”.
 After systematic study of the revolutions the political thinkers concluded that poverty
of masses and power in the hands of small groups—real cause (experiment)
 Ibn-e-Khaldoon discovered universal laws regulating a cyclic change regarding the
origin, rise and fall of dynasties.

Arguments against Political Science as a Science

Buckle, “In the present state of knowledge, Political Science so far from being a science, is
one of the most backward of all arts.”

Maitland, “When I see a good set of examination questions headed by the words ‘Political
Science’ I regret not he questions, but the title.”

Auguste Concludes

 i. No common agreement among its writers and thinkers regarding principles and
conclusions.
 ii. Lack of continuity of development
 iii. Lack of fixed laws and principles to predict future political events and
developments

 Its laws and conclusions are not exact.

 Writers do not adopt any one method for enquiry and research-differ from one
another
 Political conditions: difficult to apply scientific method
 Difficult to predict the flow of events due to uncertain political conditions.
 Direct political changes makes researcher’s task more difficult
 Political affiliations of a researcher affects his findings in research (impartiality:
major essential of scientific research)

Balanced View about Political Science as a Science

 It is science but not exact and definitely scientific in outlook

 Its principles may not exact and universal but generally valid and useful in solving
the problems of State and government.

Approaches/Methods of the Study of

Political Science

1. Experimental Method:

 The whole world appears to be a laboratory

 Every new law and constitution serves the purpose of political experiment.
 Much caution is required. Political phenomenas are very complex and influenced by
economy, religion, races, geography etc

2. Observational Method

 Lord Bryce and Montesquieu used that method.

  A researcher tests hypothesis with reference to contemporary realities and gives his
conclusions.
 During the observation of British Political System Montesquieu discovered
“Separation of Powers”.
 Framers US-Constitution fully incorporated the doctrine of Montesquieu.

3. Sociological Method

 The purpose and mode of State action corresponds to the physical features of
individual’s life.
 Ibn-e-Khaldoon developed this method and explained the nature and functions of the
government with reference to the particular stage of human civilization.

4. Historical Method

 Used by Freeman and Seeley

 It provides the data and contributed for evolution of political theory and development
of political ideas.
 Most of problems can be solved while placing them in historical setting.
 Study of evolutionary growth of different institutions—historical method provide clue
to understand their content.

5.Philosophical Method

 By Plato and Rousseau

 Study of explanation of human behavior and nature is essential for explaining all
political phenomena.
 Ancient Greek constructed the political concept on the basis of philosophy.

6.Comparative Method

 Used by Aristotle
 He applied it and studied various political systems, while conclusion and
generalization.

7.Psychological Method

 Political scientists are motivated by psychological factors.

 The followers prefer to explain nature and functions of political institutions in this set
up.
 Thomas Hobbes used this method.

8.Legal or Juridicial Method

  Nature, evolution and problems relating to political system can be better appraised
and analyzed by legal norms.
 Muslim scholars appraised political changes of Islam in the light of the law of Islamic
Shariah.

Utility and Scope of the Study of

Political Science

1. Success of Democracy

 Political powers cannot be claimed on hereditary basis.

 Equip the decision makers and aware citizens politically.
 Citizens not only to cast vote but to participate indirectly in decision-making process.

2. Political Consciousness

 Develop understanding of political process and political relations

 Knowledge regarding governmental affairs.
 Awareness of right to vote.

3. Protection of Rights

 Reject autocracy.
 Effective for enforcement of rights.
 Solid guarantee for protection of fundamental liberties.

4. Promotion of Knowledge

 Broadens the intellectual understandings.

 Enriches knowledge.
 Analyze the political issues by utilizing research techniques.

5. Political Training

 Educates the voters, to perceive their responsibilities.

 Hold political office bearers accountable to the people.
 Enhance political sagacity, skill, general information and training statecraft.

6. Adjustment of Loyalties
  Provide higher sense of tolerance among associations and political parties.
 Create and foster supportive political values in a society.

7. Improvement of Political Behavior

 Aquaints with peaceful means of techniques for demands and wishes get translated
into pubic policy.
 Clear estimation of far-reaching disastrous consequences of violence.
 Improvements of political behavior by clear perception of right and wrong.

Relation of Political Science with other

Social Sciences
1. Political Science and History:

 History provides necessary data for research, conclusions—past events.

 Political Science furnishes conceptual and ideological foundation to history without it,
history is mere chronology.
 History provides data regarding birth, growth and death of political institutions.
 Professor Seeley, “Political Science without history has no root while history
without Political Science bears no fruit”.
 Democracy is the best form of government: substantiated by history.

Difference between Political Science and History

 Research and study of Politic restricted to political events.

 Political Science concern the present and future course of action while history deals
pasts events only.
 History—chronological order and Political Science: generalization of conclusions.
 History does not evolve new idea or hypothesis.
 Political is speculative while history is narrative.

2. Political Science and Economics:

 Aristotle: Economic disparities is cause of revolutions.

 Economic factors play crucial role in prosperity and survival of State.
 Organized socio-political life guarantees satisfaction of economic wants.
 Political thinkers of eighteenth century regarded Economics a branch of Political
Science (Not accepted at present)
 At presented Economics emerged as distinct and full-fledged science.
  Economics deals with mode of production, source of wealth and the patren of its
distribution.

Impact of Economics on Political Science

Economic conditions have deep imprints on political ideas

Particular type of class determines nature of political structure
Most of the problems are economic.
Political parties draw manifesto while projecting economic problems.
Major cause of political instability in third world countries is economic.

Impact of Political Science on Economics

Economic concepts and activities affect political conditions and political decision making.
Different type of governments enact distinct economic policies e.g. Socials government—
nationalism. Liberal Democratic State—welfare economic system.

3. Political Science and Sociology:

 Sociology is basic social science deal with all aspects of social existence.
 Political aspect is only a part of Sociology.
 Political Science is study of human political behavior and working of political
institutions. Sociology help us to understand political problems.
 Sociology provides information regarding evolution of the Sate and social legislation.
 Political issues can be better solved, appraised and analyzed with reference to their
sociological setting.
 Political Science borrowed techniques of research from Sociology.
 Difference between Political Science and Sociology
 Political Science is study of Sate. Sociology is study of society and agencies of social
control.
 Sociology explains both conscious and unconscious activities of social life. Political
Science concern, actions consciously performed.
 Sociology is study of organized and unorganized groups while Political Science deals
politically organized society.
 Sociology has no concepts and guideline for future course of action where as Political
Science analyzes and explains past events for shaping a good political life in future.

4. Political Science and Ethics:

 Ethics: Refinement of conscience, aims at character building. It sets principles of

right and wrong.
 What is wrong in Ethics cannot be considered right in politics.
Impact of Ethics on Political Science

 Moral values are deeply rooted and held in esteem in societies even autocratic
governments try to justify their policies.
 Prevailing cannons of morality are given full weight age in legislation.
 Law is enforced most effectively when it has sanction of public morality at their back.
 Law and policies of government can bring revolutionary changes in the ethical
concepts.
 Media and educational system are the best tools to effectively indoctrinate moral
values through State’s machinery.
 Revivalism of Islamic ethical order can be implemented by an Islamic Sate.

5. Political Science and Psychology:

 Political attitudes of individual are better understood by psychology.

 Patern of government: mental attitude of people e.g. people living in desserts are
more freedom loving than city (Ibn-e-Khaldoon) they always foster democratic
governmental structure.
 Revolutionary changes in attitude and thinking of citizens: through effective political
power and Sate resources.
 Psychological techniques of propaganda are employed by political parties to mould
pubic opinion in favour.
 Psychological test (for civil and military services) to judge their aptitude and bent of
mind.

No matter how fast i run or how far i go it wont escape me, pain,
misery, emptiness.

The State
Aristotle

“An aggregation of different families and villages organized for the purpose of providing
facilities for the promotion of a happy and prosperous life.”

Bluntschli

“The politically organized people of a definite territory”.

To sum up

“A society politically organized within a definite territory, having its own government with
coercive power to enforce obedience and which is free from external control”.

Essential Elements of the State

1. Population

 Its absence: no human organization

 Include all citizens whose rights and duties are legally recognized.
 In ancient Greek Sates slaves and metics were not regarded as citizens, deprived of
civil and political rights.
 Modern Sates: no discrimination of class, creed or religion.

Size

 Early Greeks preferred limiter number.

 Plate restricted it to 5040.
 Aristotle: neither so small to distinguish between rulers and ruled, nor so vast
inconvenience in administration.
 At present no hard and fast rule: Israel 60 lac, India and China over 1 billion.
 It should be proportional to the size and resources of territory.
 Not to small—not be able to defend or to develop its resources to the fullest extent.

2. Territory

 Nomads: well organized, three elements are found, mere absence of a demarcated
territory disqualifies them to be treated as body politic.
 Scattered Jews did not form a State till they settled down in Israel.
 Membership of Sate confine to people living in its territory.

Vastness

 Greeks preferred limited territory.

 Ancient Romans believed expansion to the global level.
 Territory of the Sate includes, land natural resources, lakes and rivers, the marginal
sea, air space etc.
 Like population not possible to prescribe territorial limits.
 USA and Russia are most powerful States, they possess huge territory and natural
resources.
 Scientific inventions: possible to govern large territories.
 Not only vastness but also geographical position, climate and character of the people
contribute to power and prosperity e.g. the Great Britain.

3. Government
  Through it, will of State is formulated and expressed or through it, States
sovereignty is exercised.
 Number of people having a portion of territory with no any established organization
to formulate or express their will is not called a State.
 Governmental organization may be simple, few functions and restricted but must be
there to form a State.
 Government is temporary and State is permanent.
 Change is government has no affect on the existence of State.
 Parliamentary—Presidential, Unitary and Federal System, Democracy are most
popular form of governments where as autocratic and totalitarian are disliked.
 Government consists f Legislature, Executive and Judiciary.
 “If the people are the limbs and the territory the body, the government is the head
or brain of the State.”

4. Sovereignty

 Paramount position to command unconditional obedience form its citizens and the
groups.
 Sovereignty discriminate the State from other type of human associations and
establish it supremacy over all.
 Sovereignty has two aspects.
 Internal Sovereignty: Supremacy of the State over all individuals within its
jurisdiction.
 External Sovereignty: Independence of State from external control.

1. State and Government

 Government is an element of State, so important that State is dependent on it for

the formulation and expression of its will.
 Government has deep imprints on the working of political system.
 Hobbes regards defiance of government to treason against State.
 Democratic system signifies the difference: criticism against government’s policies is
not treason rather it is indispensable for the preservation of a democratic life.

Difference between State and Government

 Territory is essential element of government while government can be formed

without its own territory e.g. defacto government of Afghanistan in Islamabad.
 All citizens are members of State whereas government consists of few of them.
 Physical characteristics of State are same everywhere while forms of government
differ from place to place e.g. Presidential in USA, Parliamentary in UK etc.
 Sovereignty is attribute of State not of government. Government has power because
State grants, government exercises only delegated powers.
  State is permanent, sovereignty remain till the existence of State while government
change e.g. French Revolution: a big change in form of government but State
continue.
 State is abstract while government is concrete. People may against government but
never against the State.

2.State and Society

 Man compelled to develop many relationships i.e. political, economic, cultural etc,
society stands for all these relationships.
 Society stands for entire network of social relationships.
 If society is good a State will also be good and stable system.
 State can play role for better standard of life in a society.

Difference between State and Society

 Society embraces the whole life of man; State concerned with is political aspect only.
 Society has no territorial reference, it belong to man alone not its environment, it
may confined to home or extend to the whole world while Stat cannot be thought
without territory.
 Society lacks sovereign power whereas State has endowed with sovereignty.
 Every individual is a member of State; Association; every member is free to opt or
leave.
 First society than State came into existence.
 Violation of law; punishment by State while society depends upon State to control its
members.
 State has definite government while society has no legal and any prescribed
organization.

3.State and Association

 “An association is a group of persons organized for the pursuit of an interest in

common”.
 State is also a human association in a sense, though superior enough to regulate the
conduct of all other association.
 There are many associations in society e.g. family, church, clubs etc

Difference between State and Association

 Membership of State is necessary/compulsory while association is optional.

 Membership of State; one whereas membership of association; as many as depends
upon aptitude and convenience of a person.
  State; look after interests of all, Association; Only its members
 State has wide range of functions while associations have specific interests.
 State is a permanent institution whereas association is temporary, it disappear after
getting specific objects e.g. Association for Removal of Literacy.
 State has sovereignty while Association uses the instrument of moral persuasion or
may deprive from membership.
 State carries on functions in a definite territory. Associations are not bound to, they
may confine to a small village or on international scale e.g. UN, Red Cross etc.
 State has the right to dissolve associations, if they indulge in immoral and disruptive
activities in society

Islamic Concept of Welfare State

 State is bound to bring far reaching and multi dimensional changes.

 Islam has given just and stable political order, righteous society; fair play and
justice.
 Islam; neither uncontrolled economic patern (capitalism) nor socialistic solution. It
has distinct mode i.e. betterment of whole society.
 Enforcement of welfare system though State machinery.
 Fostering fraternal feelings, love, brotherhood, charity etc.

Balanced View

 Islam maintained suitable balance between liberty and equality.

 West liberalism is a social myth of equality.
 Responsibility of State
 Employment of mental and material resources.
 Pious Caliphate in Medina was an ideal system and has no parallel in modern world.
 Islam portrayed such a system which is based on chain of responsibilities.
 Social security system of Hazrat Umar (R.A)

Enforcement of Justice

 protection of property right.

 Close all doors for ill means of getting wealth.
 Obligation of Islamic State to implement system of Zakat. Economic Justice
 Promote civic virtues, support simplicity, fair of Allah, uprightness, truthfulness etc.
 Hoarding and carted are strictly prohibited.
 No believe in complete socialization nor rigid type of economic system. Maximum
sanctity is attached to human labor.
 Government is responsible for provision of work to all people.
  Right of property is not indefeasible, it is rather trust. Every Muslim to spend wealth
in the way of Allah (SWT).

Theories of the Origin of the State

Concept of State in Historical Perspective or

The State in History
Evolution of State is inconsistent and irregular, resulting in different forms of polities.

1-Tribal Organization

 Most primitive form, chief of the tribe had to perform variety of functions.
 Gradually became hereditary and assumed absolute authority.
 Strong tribes got hold of weak.
 Gradually tribal organization expanded to vast area.
 e.g. Euphrate, Dajla, Sindh, Ganga, Yang etc.

2-Oriental Empire

 First organized entity on territorial basis.

 Beginning; loose foundation of old tribal States.
 They were free in internal affairs.
 They were expected to owe political allegiance to control authority (king).
 That political period; internal disturbance, frequent revolts.
 Stable political institutions could not developed in that period.

3-States in the West

 Contemporary of Oriental Empire. Flourished in the West.

 Aegean and East Mediterranean waters; note able progress in civilization.
 Their factor of expansion was strong naval power.

4-Greek City States

 Between 4th or 5th B.C. Historical linkage to present world.

 Whole region divided, small cities, every city was State.
 Mutual rivalries—concept of vast territory could not developed.
5-Roman Empire

 Emergence of City State, different phases, big Roman Empire.

 Form of government; hereditary monarchy—absolute authority (Roman City State)
 1st B.C: Rome became great empire having centrally administered strong authority.
 Roman Empire based on autocracy and oppression.

6-Feudal State

 Division of Roman Empire, small feuds, feudal remained at war.

 No central authority to unite principle and organize them in body politic.
 Powerful lords captured the neighboring territories.
 Small feudal States emerged on the Map of Europe, France, England, Germany etc.

7-Position of Church

 Christianity was the State religion of Holy Roman Empire, they regarded ruler as
representative of God.
 Church united the people by one religion, culture and uniform laws.
 Fall of Roman Empire: Church was considered source of all authority.
 Church became more powerful than contemporary European rulers.
 Compromise between spiritual authority and worldly rulers, rulers also considered as
representative of God.

8-Emergence of Modern Nation State

 In medieval ages, political power transformed between lords and tenants.

 Territorial nationalism, common political goals, race united the people.
 Regional languages flourished in 15th and 16th century which replaced Latin.
 Hatred against feudalism, need of its substitution felt.
 Invention of gun powder, a tremendous advancement in science and technology.
 Introduction of money economy and development of socio-economic order.
 16th century: new national States emerged in Europe.
 Contemporary political thought contributed in this regards.
 Importance of middle class, tussle between absolute rulers and people.
 French Revolution paved the way for democratic ideals and introduction of
constitutional monarchy.
 Working class also got importance.
 Popularity of democracy, socialistic thought, concept of welfare State realized and
got foothold.
 Present century, “One Nation One State” recognized by League of Nations later UN,
in the form of “Right of National self-determination”.
 Many States emerged in Asia and Africa in post war period.
  PAPER - II

 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

1. The American Senate is like "the saucer in which the boiling tea of the House is
cooled". Elucidate and make a comparison with the Senate of Pakistan under the
1973 Constitution. (2000)

2. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely’. Through what mechanism
this has been prevented in the American Constitution? (2001)


3. The most prominent feature of American Political System is its mechanism of

“Checks and Balances”. Discuss its functioning. (2002)

4. Examine critically the power of the President in the US Constitution. (2003)

5. Write down the election of the American President. (2004)

6. Examine the role of Supreme Court in the evolution of the American

Constitution. (2005)

7. How system of check and Balances works in American government? Explain its
functioning. (2006)

8. Analyze the place of President occupies in the U.S political system today. Account
for his supremacy in the Government. (2007)

9. How was George.W.Bush elected as president of U.S.A in 2004? Explain the role of
the U.S President as executive head of the state. (2008)


10. Discuss in detail the legislative the legislative powers of the USA
President. (2012)

11. Discuss the powers of senate of usa. Also analyse (2012)

12. What is judicial review? Discus its impact on usa decision making
process. (2012)

13. American Senate is "the saucer in which the boiling tea of the House is
cooled".Elucidate.(2013)

14. Discuss the powers and functions of US Senate. Also explain the concept of
Senatorial Courtesy.(2014)

15. Short Note - Gerrymandering (2014)

  UNITED KINGDOM
 1. The British Prime Minister is the "shining moon among the stars". Discuss. (2000)

2. Magna Carta. (2000)

3. The Cabinet is the "steering wheel of the ship of the state. It sets the direction of
national policy in U.K." Examine. (2000)

4. Ministerial Responsibility is the cardinal principle of British democracy.

Elaborate. (2001)

5. Do you agree that British Political System is known for the cabinet’s dictatorship?
Give your arguments for or against this idea. (2002)


6. Do you agree in cabinets dictatorship in UK has undermined the supremacy of the

parliament? Explain. (2006)

7. Examine the fundamental Principles of British Constitution. Also discuss the

nature, Powers and functions of the British Cabinet. (2005)

8. Discuss the position and powers of the British Prime Minister. How does
9. He compare with the American president? (2007)

10. Do you agree that sovereignty of the parliament is the dominant characteristic of
British Political System? Explain in detail the role of British parliament. (2008)

11. Explain how the British democracy is overshadowed by the cabinet

dictatorship? (2010)

12. What are the principals on which British Cabinet is organized and functions. Also
mention four occasions of Cabinet change (2011)

13. Explain why kingship is not abolished in England?(2013)

14.Explain the evolution of British Monarchy with focus on gradual transfer of powers
from the Monarch to the Prime Minister. (2014)

 FRANCE
 1. Analyze the powers of the French President. (2001)

2. French System of Government is a model of highly centralized political system.

Discuss. (2002)


3. The French politics is not as liberal as the Frenchmen claim. Discuss it in the light
of the working of the French Political System. (2004)

4. Discuss the Powers of the President of France under the Fifth Republic. (2005)
 5. Describe the main features of the French political system. (2007)

6. Describe the salient features of the judicial system in France. How it differs from
that of Britain? (2008)

7. How local government functions in France? Discuss. (2009)

8. How is the French President elected? Give an objective analysis of the power
enjoyed by the President. (2010)

9. Enumerate the reason for downfall of Fourth French Republic and discuss salient
features of 1958 Constitution. (2011)

10. Discuss the executive powers of the french president in detail. (2012)

11.

Analyze the role of political parties in the post 1958 political system of
France.(2014)

 SOVIET UNION

1. Examine the principle of Democratic centralism in the Soviet Union. (2001)

2. Examine critically the factors leading to the disintegration of Soviet Union. (2003)

3. What is Supreme Soviet? Discuss its powers and functions. (2009)



4. Examine the Powers of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of USSR. (2013)

5. Critically analyze the nature of federation in former USSR.(2014)

 PAKISTAN

1. Eighth Amendment. (2000)

2. Discuss the’ achievements of the Quaid-e-Azam for the establishment of Pakistan.

(2000)

3. Critically examine the Federal provisions of the Constitution of Pakistan. (2001)

4. Discuss evolution of Federalism in Pakistan with reference to its constitutional and

political development from 1956 to date. (2002)

5. Examine the role of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Iqbal in promoting the growth of
 Muslim nationalism in India. (2003)

6. Ayub Khan’s 1962 constitution was highly centralized and therefore ultimately
responsible for creating political turmoil in the country. Discuss. (2003)

7. What are the major factors in your opinion responsible for the success of
democracy in India and failure in Pakistan? (2003)

8. Write down variables by which political culture has not developed in

Pakistan. (2004)


9. Fourteen points of Quaid e Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah (2005)

10. Discuss the problems presently being faced to the federation of
Pakistan? (2006)

11. Make a survey of the role of Judiciary in Pakistan as the Guardian of the
Constitution. (2007)

12. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Allam Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah
were forced by historical events to shift from their view of Hindu-Muslim Unity to
Muslim Nationalism. Elaborate (2008)

13. Role played by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in the rise of Muslim Nationalism in the
sub-continent. (2009)

14. Compare and critically examine the following under 1956, 1962, and 1973
(Reinstated in 1985 with amendments) constitutions of Pakistan: (2009)

15. Role of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan as a reformer (2010)

16. Explain the factors that transformed Jinnah, the ambassador of Hindu Muslim
Unity, into the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah of the Muslims. (2010)

17. “In spite of the provisions of provincial autonomy in the 1973 constitution there
are Anti-Centre feelings in the federating units.” Discuss this statement with special
reference to Balochistan and Sindh. (2010)

18.Factors responsible for evolution of Two Nation Theory. (2011)

19. Short Note -Supreme court of Pakistan (2012)

20 . Discuss 18th amendment of pakistan.do u find the principle of social justice in

this Amendment? (2012)

21. Discuss the Role of Quaid-i-Azam in creation of Pakistan. (2013)

22.Give comparative analysis of the Islamic provisions of 1956, 1962 and 1973
Constitutions of Pakistan.(2013)

23. How Iqbal's wisdom helped in shaping the intellectual foundations of

Pakistan?(2014)
  CHINA
 1. Communist Party of China. (2000)

2. Discuss the role of Communist Party in the Chinese politics. (2001)

3. Explain the Commune System of Peoples Republic of China. How it played role in
Socio-economic development of the country? (2002)

4. What are the main characteristics of the Chinese Political System? (2005)

5. Deng’s concept of “one country two systems” in China’s political system has
succeeded in achieving Chinese National objectives. Substantiate your
answer. (2007)

6. Discuss the organization and the role of the communist part in the Chinese
political system. (2008)

7. Cadres scheme in Chinese political system. (2009)

8. Discuss the salient features of the constitution of the Peoples Republic of China in
comparison with the constitution of former Soviet Union. (2010)

9.How political Parties are organized in China? Discuss the organization and function
of Chinese Communist party? (2011)

10. Short Note - National People's Congress of China(2013)

11.Short Note - Impact of Deng Xiaoping's reforms on China (2014)

 IRAN

1. Islamic Revolution in Iran. (2000),(2001)

2. Do you agree that we can present Iran as an Ideal Islamic State of the modern
age (2002)

3. Examine the role of Islamic Consultative Assembly in shaping politics in

Iran. (2004)

4. Do you agree that we can present Iran as an ideal Islamic state of the modern
age? (2005)

5. Explain the salient features of Iran's Political system? (2006)

6. Iranian Political System after the removal of the Shah of Iran (2010)

7. Basic Principles of Iranian Foreign Policy (2011)

 8. Short Note- Role of "Leader" in the 1979 Constitution of Iran .(2013)

9. Short Note - Rahbar in Iran's Constitution.(2014)

 INDIA

1. The President of India is "merely a figure head". Do you agree? Discuss. (2000)

2. Secularism in India. (2001)

3. Coalitional government has made Indian democracy fragile and crucial.

Substantiate. (2004)

4. The President of India is ‘merely a figure head’. How far do you agree? (2005)

5. Why Indian democracy is stronger than any other country of the region? Explain
the reason. (2006)

6. “The Indian Federation is rightly said to be a quasi-Federation having many

elements of a unitary state.” Discuss. (2007)

7. Explain the salient features of Indian political system. (2008)

8. “India is a Secular state” critically examine and comment. (2009)

9. The role of the President of India (2010)

10. Short Note -Lok Sabha (2012)

11. Short Note - "There is no such thing as Indian Secularism",Discuss.

(2013)

 TURKEY
 1. Discuss the role of Army in the Political system of Turkey. (2000)

2. Mustafa Kamal’s political philosophy provides stability and ideological foundations

to the Turkish Political System. Discuss it. (2002)

3. Critically evaluate role of political parties in Turkey. (2004)

4. How secure is the future of democracy both in Iran and Turkey after the 9/11
incident? (2003)

5. Role of Ataturk in building up modern Turkey (2005)

6. Discuss ideological foundations of Political System of Turkish Republic? (2006)

 7. Discuss SIX principles of kamalism as the basis of Turkish political
system. (2007)

8. Analyze the role of Mustafa Kamal Ata-Turk as the first President of Turkish
Republic with special reference to "six principles of kamalism" to modernize turkey
on western pattern. (2008)

9. How political parties organize and function in accordance with Turkish

constitution? Also enlist five major parties with names of their founding
fathers. (2009)

10. The predominance of the armed forces in the Turkish politics. (2010)

11. How Grand National Assembly in turkey is elected > Discus its Powers and
Functions . (2011)

12.Discuss the salient features of 1982 Constitution of Turkey.(2013)

13. Elaborate the secular aspect of Turkish Constitution and objectively analyze its
impact on Turkish society.(2014)

 COMPARE & CONTRAST


1. Examine the role of political parties both in UK and US in formulating public
opinion on major issues in foreign policy making. (2003)

2. Comparatively discuss the La\v-making process in the Parliament of Britain and

Congress of United States. (2004)

3. Discuss the characteristics of the American Political Party System. How it differs
from the Britain? (2006)

4. Discuss committee system in American congress and point out its demerits. Also
compare it with British committee system. (2009)

5. “The Senate of USA is the most powerful upper house in the world.” Do you agree
with the statement? Explain your answer with reference to the upper houses of India
and Pakistan. (2010)
 MISCELLANEOUS


1. Impact on the region of latest US President’s visit to India (2011)

2. What is provincial autonomy? Discuss its importance in true federation. (2012)

  SHORT NOTES

1-Fundamental rights (2012)
2-social justice (2012)

 PAPER - I


 PLATO

1. Explain Plato’s Theory of Justice. How he tries to implement it through the
Education System? (2001)

2. Plato’s Communism was, is and will remain impracticable. Critically examine this
statement. (2003)

3. Examine the main similarities and differences in the Political Ideas of Plato and
Aristotle. (2004)

4. Explain Plato's theory of Justice. How he tries to implement it through educational

system? (2006)

5. “Plato intended to build an institution for scientific study of politics and training of
statesman" elaborate (2008)

6. Discuss Plato’s contribution to the History of political thought. (2009)

7. Platonic and Aristotelian paradigms (2011)

8. Plato intended to build an institution for scientific study of politics and training of
statesman." elaborate. (2012)

9. Critically examine the concept of "Justice" by Plato.(2014)


ARISTOTLE
 1. Show how Aristotle’s Organic Theory different from Plato’s Idealistic Theory of
State. (2000)

2. Aristotle was a Realist and not an Idealist- explain w.r.t his theory of the Ends and
functions of the state. (2007)

3. Aristotle was great but not grateful student of Plato” Comment. (2010)

 MACHIAVELLI
 1. Machiavelli’s Prince. (2000)

2. Machiavelli enunciated the philosophy of art of the government for effective

discipline and stability in the state. Analyze and discuss the basis of his philosophy in
detail. (2002)
 3. Machiavelli enunciated the philosophy of Art of government for effective discipline
and stability in the satiate. Analyze and discuss the basis of this philosophy in
detail? (2006)

4. “Is it correct to call Machiavelli citizen of all states and contemporary of all ages”?
Argue. (2010)

 THOMS HOBBES
 1. Hobbes and Bodin are said to be the proponents of the theory of Absolutism. Do
you agree? Give reasons. (2003)

2. "Life in state of nature was nasty, poor, brutish and short." (Hobbes) (2008)

3.Discuss Locke and Hobbes “ perspective on the “ state of Nature” (2011)

 JOAN LOCKE
 1. Right to revolt against the established government by Locke, if the former violates
people’s trust, is antithetic, in some respects, to the social contract theories of other
philosophers. Analyze the statement and explain in detail. (2000)

2. Examine the nature of the contract expounded by Locke revolving in the

establishment of the Civil Society (2004)

3. Locke was the father of Modern Liberal Democracy-comment (2007)

4. The natural rights of men are right to live, liberty and property"(Locke) (2008)

 ROUSSEAU
 1. How General will of a Society formulated? Discuss in the light of Rousseau's
interpretation, on the conclusions, characteristics and criticism of the Theory of
Genera! Will. (2004)

2. Compare the views of Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau on Social Contract and
Sovereignty. (2005)

3. Describe the basic features of Rousseau’s political philosophy. (2007)

4. Appreciation and criticism of Rousseau’s theory of General Will. (2009)

5. Short Note - Rousseau theory of general will (2012)

 MONTESQUIEU
 1. Montesquieu expounded his theory of separation of power to set forth the
government organization in order to safeguard the political liberty. Explain. (2002)

2. How Montesquieu classify government? Which form he considers to be the

best? (2004)

3. Examine Montesquieu theory of separation of powers. Narrate those facts on

 which he has been called the Aristotle of the Eighteenth Century (2002)

4. Theory of separation of Power (2006)

5. Examine Montesquieu theory of separation of powers. Why has he been called the
Aristotle of eighteenth century? Discuss. (2009)

6. Montesquieu with all his faults and irregularities is the father of modern historical
research." explain and discuss. (2012)

7. Examine Montesquieu's theory of separation of powers. Why he has been called

"Aristotle" of eighteen century? Discuss (2013)

 HEGAL
 1. It is said that Hegel’s dialectic theory was standing on its bead but Marx has
reserved it. Discuss this statement. (2001)

2. It is said that Hegel's dialectical theory was standing on its head but Marx has
reserved it? Discuss (2006)

 JERMY BENTHAM
 1. Bantam’s theory of Punishment. (2002), (2006)

2. "Nature has placed man under the governance of two sovereign masters, pain and
pleasure. It is for them alone to point out, what we ought to do as well as to
determine, what we shall do..... We owe to them all our ideas; we refer to them all
our judgments and all the determinations of life". Bentham. Show how Bentham and
J.S. Mill promoted pleasure-pain theory and under what nomenclature. Had this
theory any historical ROOT as well as EFFECT on the political conditions obtaining in
their homeland? (2000)

 KARL MARX

1. Political Philosophy of Karl Marx (2004)

2. Marx’s historical materialism is the application of dialectical materialism to explain

historical events , processes and developments in society . Elaborate. (2011)

3.Short Note -views of marx on socialist revolution (2012)

4. Short Note -Marx's theory of Class Struggle (2013)

MUSLIM POLITICAL THINKERS


  IMAM GHAZALI
 1. Enlist the quantities of Al-Ghazali’s Amir and detail account of his daily
routine (2002)

2. Al-Ghazali was the torch bearer of the Muslim Rationalistic Renaissance. Analyze
the statement in view of his status as a Mujaddid (2007)

3.Critically appreciate Al-Ghazali theory of Khalafat. (2011)

 AL-MAWARDI
 1. The Imamate is established to replace prophecy in the defence of faith and the
administration of the world". Elaborate this statement of Al-Mawardi with reference
to his Theory of Jmarnate. (2004)

2. “Al-Marwardi brought constitutional theory of Islam in line with political reality of

his time.” Discuss this with reference to his views on ‘Khlafat’ and Wizarate’. (2010)

ALLAM IQBAL
 1. Explain Allama Iqbal’s Concept of Nationalism. Do you agree that it developed
through a lengthy process of evolution? (2001)
 2. Dr.Iqbal's concept of Ego (Khudi) (2004)

3. Examine the contribution of Allama Iqbal as a Philosopher and as a supporter of

Muslim unity. (2007)

4. Iqbal’s views on Ijtehad (2010)

5. Write note on : Iqbal concept of Millat (2011)

6.Discuss the Allam Iqbal's concept of "Khudi" (2013)

7. Compare the concept of Millat and Territorial Nationalism by Iqbal.(2014)

 IBN-KHULDUN
 1. Ibn-Khuldun’s stage in the development of the state. (2002)

2. "Ibn-e-Khaledun is called the Father of Political Economy”. Discuss his views on

Political Economy. (2005)

3. Discuss the place of Ibn-e-Khuldun in the history of Political Philosophy? (2006)

4. How far is it true to say that Ibn-e-Khaldun perhaps was the first philosopher to
realize the relevant importance of economics to politics? Argue. (2008)

5.Ibn-e-khaldun perhaps was the first philosopher to realize the relevant importance
 of economics to politics. Discuss. (2012)

6. Short Note - Ibne Khaldun's concept of Asbiyah (2013)

 FARABI
 1. Farabi was in the truest sense, "the parent of all subsequent Arabic philosophers",
so that its only natural that he is regarded by the Muslims as the ‘Mu’allim’-o--thani.,
the second Preceptor, the first being Aristotle. Explain.(2000)

2. “Farabi was much inspired by Plato in his setting of the Ideal City, or the Model
State.” Discuss (2001)

3. Al – Farabi must be placed among the proponents of the Theory of Social

Contract.” In the light of this statement. (2003)

4. AI-Farabi Concept of State (2004)

5. Ideal State of Al-Farabi (2010)

6.Short Note - Al-farabi theory of state (2012)

7. Discuss in detail the concept of "Raisul Awwal" by Al-Farabi.(2014)

 ISLAMIC STATE

1. Keeping in view the concept of Shura in Islam, which system of government you
suggest for an Islamic State – Presidential, Parliamentary or any other? Explain you
answer in detail, especially with reference to the practical problems. (2001)

2. An Ideal Islamic State is bound to bring revolutionary changes in all spheres of

human life.” Discuss (2010)

3. Elaborate the characteristics of Islamic State. Give proper references from the
Holy Quran and Sunnah. (2003)

 DEVOLUTION OF POWER PLAN 2000

 4. Write a critical note on “Devolution of Power Plan 2000”. Explain also its positive
as well as negative points as compared to the previous system of local government
in Pakistan. (2001)
  MILITARY INTERVENTIONS IN POLITICS

5. Explain the general reasons of military interventions in politics in the developing
countries of the world. What precautionary measures you suggest to avoid such
situation. (2001)

6. In what circumstances might a democratic country turn to military dictatorship or

totalitarian rule? (2008)

 COMMUNISM
 7. Communism is inimical to democracy, freedom and actual rights.” Critically
examine the statement. (2003)
8. What are the salient features of communism? Briefly explain. (2003)


FASCISM
 1. Discuss the principles of "Fascism" highlighting its historical background. (2004)

2. Fascism VS Platonism (2005)

3. Principles of Fascism. (2009)

 LIBERALISM

1.Short Note - classical Liberalism(2012)

 POLITICAL PARTIES
 1. Give a brief account of historical evolution of Political Parties with reference to
theories on the origin of Parties. Also enumerates functions of Political
Parties. (2005)

2. Political Parties (2003)

3. Discuss the importance of Political Parties in a Modern state and assess their role
as effective instrument of mobilizing Public Opinion. (2007)

4. Define political parties and their functions. In your view, which party system is
suitable for Pakistan's political system? (2013)

 FEDERATION
 1. Differentiate between Federation and Alliance. (2002)

2. In all federations there is a manifest tendency to entrust the central governments

with a wider and wider sphere of authority.” Analyze the statement and discuss in
 detail. (2002)

3. What are the essential pre-requisites for successful Federal System? (2007)

4. Merits of Federation. (2009) (2013)

 SOVEREIGNTY
 1. "If a determinate human superior, not in the habit of obedience to a like superior,
receives habitual obedience from the bulk of given society,’ that determinate
superior is sovereign in that society and that society-(including the superior) is a
society political and independent". Austin. Critically examine the theory of
sovereignty with reference to views expressed by thinkers in the 16th
century. (2000)

2. Sovereignty is the most essential element of state hood-explain wrt the

differences in the nature of western and Islamic concepts of sovereignty. (2007)

3. Attributes of Sovereignty (2010)

 RIGHTS & LIBERTY

 1. Rights are conceived in different ways of various political philosophers. Critically
examine the most important theories of right. (2002)

2. Rights and duties are based on the principal of reciprocity? Explain. (2006)

3. Basic Rights. (2009)

4. Critically examine the most important theories of Rights as explained by different

writers. (Minimum three). (2005)

5. "Liberty is described as power to do or enjoy something that is worth doing or

enjoying in common with others." In the light of the above statement discuss the
significance of liberty in the contemporary societies. (2008)

6. Define and discuss Liberty and its safeguards. Enlist the causes of its decline in
modern times also. (2009)

7.Short Note - Right and duties are facets of the same coin. (2011)

8. Define and discuss Liberty and its safeguards. Enlist the causes of decline in
modern times. (2013)
  PRESSURE GROUPS
 1. Pressure Groups (2003)

2. Discuss organization & functions of pressure groups. Point out indicators of its
effectiveness also. (2009)

 FORMS OF GOVERNMENT
 1. Compare and contrast between Democracy and Dictatorship (2003)

2. What are the powers and functions of an executive as a second great organ of the
Government? (2004)

3. Would you agree if it is stated that dictatorship is the only remedy for social,
political and economic instability in a developing country? (2010)

4. Examine in detail the principal advantages and disadvantages of parliamentary

over presidential form of government. (2008)

5. discus the principal advantages and disadvantages of parliamentary over

presidential form of govt. With special reference to Pakistan. (2012)


POLITICAL SCIENCE

1.Define political science. To what extent can one be systematic in a study of political
process? How " scientific" is political science? (2012)

 POLITICAL SYSTEM AND CULTURE


1.What are the prerequisites for the success of democratic Political System? (2011)

2. Discuss "Democratic Political System". How can it bring even change in the
society. (2014)

3. Discuss the "Political Culture". Also its importance.(2014)

 MISCELLANEOUS
 1.What are the reasons for the increased activity of the state in modern times? Do
you subscribe to the views that the failure of democracy in Pakistan is the
consequence of misplaced priorities, determined by its leaders on the basis of their
self-interest and prejudices against their opponents? (2000)

3. Unitarianism is the habitual exercise of supreme legislative authority by one

central power. Bring out basic features of this form of state, giving examples and
show that the District Devolution Plan, as an advanced form of local government, is
not the initial step towards formation of unitary type of state in the country. (2000)

4.Write an essay on the structure and powers of the present local Government in
Pakistan. Point out its merits and demerits. (2003)

5.What are the agencies available for formation and expression of public opinion?
Also discuss the methods of influencing his opinion. (2004)

6. Discuss the three principles for constituting the Second Chamber in a bi-cameral
Legislature. (2005)

7. Explain the doctrine of Judicial Review. (2005)

8. What are the agencies available for the formation of and expression of public
opinion? Also discuss the methods of influencing public opinion. Can public opinion
be regarded as the 5th essential element of a modern democratic state? (2006)

9. Point out the problems and prospects of local –self Government in

Pakistan. (2007)

10. State the grounds on which Mill advocated the freedom of individual's conduct.
What limitations did he apply to this freedom? (2008)

11. Discuss the theory of Kingship as propounded by Nizam-ul-Mulk Tusi. (2009)

12. 5. Write a comprehensive note on the power of judicial review and its limits in
the context of Pakistan (2011)

13.Critically analyse the Social Contract theory of Hobbes, Locke and

Rousseau.(2013)

 SHORT NOTES
1. Mao’s views on Individualism. (2009)

2. Delegation of Powers. (2009)

3. No. of seats in provincial Assemblies (2009)

4. Mode of Elections. (2009)

5. National Language. (2009)

6. Opinion Polls. (2010)

7. The nature and emergence of “nation state” (2011)

8. Independence of judiciary (2013)

 9. Asabiya (2014)

10.Social Justice(2014)

11. Oligarchy(2014)

12. Liberty(2014)

PAPER - I

PLATO
1. Explain Plato’s Theory of Justice. How he tries to implement it through the Education
System? (2001)

2. Plato’s Communism was, is and will remain impracticable. Critically examine this
statement. (2003)

3. Examine the main similarities and differences in the Political Ideas of Plato and
Aristotle. (2004)

4. Explain Plato's theory of Justice. How he tries to implement it through educational

system? (2006)

5. “Plato intended to build an institution for scientific study of politics and training of
statesman" elaborate (2008)

6. Discuss Plato’s contribution to the History of political thought. (2009)

7. Platonic and Aristotelian paradigms (2011)

8. Plato intended to build an institution for scientific study of politics and training of
statesman." elaborate. (2012)

9. Critically examine the concept of "Justice" by Plato.(2014)

ARISTOTLE
1. Show how Aristotle’s Organic Theory different from Plato’s Idealistic Theory of
State. (2000)

2. Aristotle was a Realist and not an Idealist- explain w.r.t his theory of the Ends and
functions of the state. (2007)

3. Aristotle was great but not grateful student of Plato” Comment. (2010)

MACHIAVELLI
1. Machiavelli’s Prince. (2000)

2. Machiavelli enunciated the philosophy of art of the government for effective discipline and
stability in the state. Analyze and discuss the basis of his philosophy in detail. (2002)

3. Machiavelli enunciated the philosophy of Art of government for effective discipline and
stability in the satiate. Analyze and discuss the basis of this philosophy in detail? (2006)

4. “Is it correct to call Machiavelli citizen of all states and contemporary of all ages”?
Argue. (2010)

THOMS HOBBES
1. Hobbes and Bodin are said to be the proponents of the theory of Absolutism. Do you
agree? Give reasons. (2003)

2. "Life in state of nature was nasty, poor, brutish and short." (Hobbes) (2008)

3.Discuss Locke and Hobbes “ perspective on the “ state of Nature” (2011)

JOAN LOCKE
1. Right to revolt against the established government by Locke, if the former violates
people’s trust, is antithetic, in some respects, to the social contract theories of other
philosophers. Analyze the statement and explain in detail. (2000)

2. Examine the nature of the contract expounded by Locke revolving in the establishment of
the Civil Society (2004)

3. Locke was the father of Modern Liberal Democracy-comment (2007)

4. The natural rights of men are right to live, liberty and property"(Locke) (2008)

ROUSSEAU
1. How General will of a Society formulated? Discuss in the light of Rousseau's
interpretation, on the conclusions, characteristics and criticism of the Theory of Genera!
Will. (2004)

2. Compare the views of Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau on Social Contract and
Sovereignty. (2005)

3. Describe the basic features of Rousseau’s political philosophy. (2007)

4. Appreciation and criticism of Rousseau’s theory of General Will. (2009)

5. Short Note - Rousseau theory of general will (2012)

MONTESQUIEU
1. Montesquieu expounded his theory of separation of power to set forth the government
organization in order to safeguard the political liberty. Explain. (2002)

2. How Montesquieu classify government? Which form he considers to be the best? (2004)

3. Examine Montesquieu theory of separation of powers. Narrate those facts on which he

has been called the Aristotle of the Eighteenth Century (2002)

4. Theory of separation of Power (2006)

5. Examine Montesquieu theory of separation of powers. Why has he been called the
Aristotle of eighteenth century? Discuss. (2009)

6. Montesquieu with all his faults and irregularities is the father of modern historical
research." explain and discuss. (2012)

7. Examine Montesquieu's theory of separation of powers. Why he has been called

"Aristotle" of eighteen century? Discuss (2013)

HEGAL
1. It is said that Hegel’s dialectic theory was standing on its bead but Marx has reserved it.
Discuss this statement. (2001)

2. It is said that Hegel's dialectical theory was standing on its head but Marx has reserved
it? Discuss (2006)

JERMY BENTHAM
1. Bantam’s theory of Punishment. (2002), (2006)

2. "Nature has placed man under the governance of two sovereign masters, pain and
pleasure. It is for them alone to point out, what we ought to do as well as to determine,
what we shall do..... We owe to them all our ideas; we refer to them all our judgments and
all the determinations of life". Bentham. Show how Bentham and J.S. Mill promoted
pleasure-pain theory and under what nomenclature. Had this theory any historical ROOT as
well as EFFECT on the political conditions obtaining in their homeland? (2000)

KARL MARX

1. Political Philosophy of Karl Marx (2004)

2. Marx’s historical materialism is the application of dialectical materialism to explain

historical events , processes and developments in society . Elaborate. (2011)

3.Short Note -views of marx on socialist revolution (2012)

4. Short Note -Marx's theory of Class Struggle (2013)

MUSLIM POLITICAL THINKERS

IMAM GHAZALI
1. Enlist the quantities of Al-Ghazali’s Amir and detail account of his daily routine (2002)

2. Al-Ghazali was the torch bearer of the Muslim Rationalistic Renaissance. Analyze the
statement in view of his status as a Mujaddid (2007)

3.Critically appreciate Al-Ghazali theory of Khalafat. (2011)

AL-MAWARDI
1. The Imamate is established to replace prophecy in the defence of faith and the
administration of the world". Elaborate this statement of Al-Mawardi with reference to his
Theory of Jmarnate. (2004)

2. “Al-Marwardi brought constitutional theory of Islam in line with political reality of his
time.” Discuss this with reference to his views on ‘Khlafat’ and Wizarate’. (2010)

ALLAM IQBAL
1. Explain Allama Iqbal’s Concept of Nationalism. Do you agree that it developed through a
lengthy process of evolution? (2001)

2. Dr.Iqbal's concept of Ego (Khudi) (2004)

3. Examine the contribution of Allama Iqbal as a Philosopher and as a supporter of Muslim

unity. (2007)

4. Iqbal’s views on Ijtehad (2010)

5. Write note on : Iqbal concept of Millat (2011)

6.Discuss the Allam Iqbal's concept of "Khudi" (2013)

7. Compare the concept of Millat and Territorial Nationalism by Iqbal.(2014)

IBN-KHULDUN
1. Ibn-Khuldun’s stage in the development of the state. (2002)

2. "Ibn-e-Khaledun is called the Father of Political Economy”. Discuss his views on Political
Economy. (2005)

3. Discuss the place of Ibn-e-Khuldun in the history of Political Philosophy? (2006)

4. How far is it true to say that Ibn-e-Khaldun perhaps was the first philosopher to realize
the relevant importance of economics to politics? Argue. (2008)

5.Ibn-e-khaldun perhaps was the first philosopher to realize the relevant importance of
economics to politics. Discuss. (2012)

6. Short Note - Ibne Khaldun's concept of Asbiyah (2013)

FARABI
1. Farabi was in the truest sense, "the parent of all subsequent Arabic philosophers", so that
its only natural that he is regarded by the Muslims as the ‘Mu’allim’-o--thani., the second
Preceptor, the first being Aristotle. Explain.(2000)

2. “Farabi was much inspired by Plato in his setting of the Ideal City, or the Model State.”
Discuss (2001)

3. Al – Farabi must be placed among the proponents of the Theory of Social Contract.” In
the light of this statement. (2003)

4. AI-Farabi Concept of State (2004)

5. Ideal State of Al-Farabi (2010)

6.Short Note - Al-farabi theory of state (2012)

7. Discuss in detail the concept of "Raisul Awwal" by Al-Farabi.(2014)

ISLAMIC STATE
1. Keeping in view the concept of Shura in Islam, which system of government you suggest
for an Islamic State – Presidential, Parliamentary or any other? Explain you answer in detail,
especially with reference to the practical problems. (2001)

2. An Ideal Islamic State is bound to bring revolutionary changes in all spheres of human
life.” Discuss (2010)

3. Elaborate the characteristics of Islamic State. Give proper references from the Holy
Quran and Sunnah. (2003)
 DEVOLUTION OF POWER PLAN 2000
4. Write a critical note on “Devolution of Power Plan 2000”. Explain also its positive as well
as negative points as compared to the previous system of local government in
Pakistan. (2001)

MILITARY INTERVENTIONS IN POLITICS

5. Explain the general reasons of military interventions in politics in the developing countries
of the world. What precautionary measures you suggest to avoid such situation. (2001)

6. In what circumstances might a democratic country turn to military dictatorship or

totalitarian rule? (2008)

COMMUNISM
7. Communism is inimical to democracy, freedom and actual rights.” Critically examine the
statement. (2003)
8. What are the salient features of communism? Briefly explain. (2003)

FASCISM
1. Discuss the principles of "Fascism" highlighting its historical background. (2004)

2. Fascism VS Platonism (2005)

3. Principles of Fascism. (2009)

LIBERALISM
1.Short Note - classical Liberalism(2012)

POLITICAL PARTIES
1. Give a brief account of historical evolution of Political Parties with reference to theories on
the origin of Parties. Also enumerates functions of Political Parties. (2005)
2. Political Parties (2003)

3. Discuss the importance of Political Parties in a Modern state and assess their role as
effective instrument of mobilizing Public Opinion. (2007)

4. Define political parties and their functions. In your view, which party system is suitable
for Pakistan's political system? (2013)

FEDERATION
1. Differentiate between Federation and Alliance. (2002)

2. In all federations there is a manifest tendency to entrust the central governments with a
wider and wider sphere of authority.” Analyze the statement and discuss in detail. (2002)

3. What are the essential pre-requisites for successful Federal System? (2007)

4. Merits of Federation. (2009) (2013)

SOVEREIGNTY
1. "If a determinate human superior, not in the habit of obedience to a like superior,
receives habitual obedience from the bulk of given society,’ that determinate superior is
sovereign in that society and that society-(including the superior) is a society political and
independent". Austin. Critically examine the theory of sovereignty with reference to views
expressed by thinkers in the 16th century. (2000)

2. Sovereignty is the most essential element of state hood-explain wrt the differences in the
nature of western and Islamic concepts of sovereignty. (2007)

3. Attributes of Sovereignty (2010)

RIGHTS & LIBERTY

1. Rights are conceived in different ways of various political philosophers. Critically examine
the most important theories of right. (2002)

2. Rights and duties are based on the principal of reciprocity? Explain. (2006)

3. Basic Rights. (2009)

4. Critically examine the most important theories of Rights as explained by different writers.
(Minimum three). (2005)

5. "Liberty is described as power to do or enjoy something that is worth doing or enjoying in

common with others." In the light of the above statement discuss the significance of liberty
in the contemporary societies. (2008)

6. Define and discuss Liberty and its safeguards. Enlist the causes of its decline in modern
times also. (2009)

7.Short Note - Right and duties are facets of the same coin. (2011)

8. Define and discuss Liberty and its safeguards. Enlist the causes of decline in modern
times. (2013)

PRESSURE GROUPS
1. Pressure Groups (2003)

2. Discuss organization & functions of pressure groups. Point out indicators of its
effectiveness also. (2009)

FORMS OF GOVERNMENT
1. Compare and contrast between Democracy and Dictatorship (2003)

2. What are the powers and functions of an executive as a second great organ of the
Government? (2004)

3. Would you agree if it is stated that dictatorship is the only remedy for social, political and
economic instability in a developing country? (2010)

4. Examine in detail the principal advantages and disadvantages of parliamentary over

presidential form of government. (2008)

5. discus the principal advantages and disadvantages of parliamentary over presidential

form of govt. With special reference to Pakistan. (2012)

POLITICAL SCIENCE
1.Define political science. To what extent can one be systematic in a study of political
process? How " scientific" is political science? (2012)

POLITICAL SYSTEM AND CULTURE

1.What are the prerequisites for the success of democratic Political System? (2011)

2. Discuss "Democratic Political System". How can it bring even change in the
society. (2014)

3. Discuss the "Political Culture". Also its importance.(2014)

MISCELLANEOUS
1.What are the reasons for the increased activity of the state in modern times? Do you
subscribe to the views that the failure of democracy in Pakistan is the consequence of
misplaced priorities, determined by its leaders on the basis of their self-interest and
prejudices against their opponents? (2000)

3. Unitarianism is the habitual exercise of supreme legislative authority by one central

power. Bring out basic features of this form of state, giving examples and show that the
District Devolution Plan, as an advanced form of local government, is not the initial step
towards formation of unitary type of state in the country. (2000)

4.Write an essay on the structure and powers of the present local Government in Pakistan.
Point out its merits and demerits. (2003)

5.What are the agencies available for formation and expression of public opinion? Also
discuss the methods of influencing his opinion. (2004)

6. Discuss the three principles for constituting the Second Chamber in a bi-cameral
Legislature. (2005)

7. Explain the doctrine of Judicial Review. (2005)

8. What are the agencies available for the formation of and expression of public opinion?
Also discuss the methods of influencing public opinion. Can public opinion be regarded as
the 5th essential element of a modern democratic state? (2006)

9. Point out the problems and prospects of local –self Government in Pakistan. (2007)

10. State the grounds on which Mill advocated the freedom of individual's conduct. What
limitations did he apply to this freedom? (2008)

11. Discuss the theory of Kingship as propounded by Nizam-ul-Mulk Tusi. (2009)

12. 5. Write a comprehensive note on the power of judicial review and its limits in the
context of Pakistan (2011)

13.Critically analyse the Social Contract theory of Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau.(2013)

SHORT NOTES

1. Mao’s views on Individualism. (2009)

2. Delegation of Powers. (2009)

3. No. of seats in provincial Assemblies (2009)

4. Mode of Elections. (2009)

5. National Language. (2009)

6. Opinion Polls. (2010)

7. The nature and emergence of “nation state” (2011)

8. Independence of judiciary (2013)

9. Asabiya (2014)

10.Social Justice(2014)

11. Oligarchy(2014)

12. Liberty(2014)

13. Separation of Power(2014)13. Separation of Power(2014)