PAPER 1.2. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

PAPER 1.2 : POLITICAL SCIENCE - I Text book

PAPER 1.2. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

SCHEME OF PAPER:

MAX. MARKS: 100 MIN. PASS MARKS: 36

This paper shall consist of following two parts:

(a) Written paper — 70 marks (b) Internal examination — 30 marks (15+10+5) Mid Semester Test: 15 marks Project/Assignment:10 marks Presentation: 05 marks

(1) The question paper shall be divided into two (02) Parts viz. Part – A and Part – B. (2) Part – A shall consist of five (05) compulsory questions of two (02) marks each whereas Part – B shall consist of seven (07) questions. The Candidate is required to attempt any four (04) questions. All questions carry equal marks. (3) The prescribed syllabus includes latest amendments in the subject wherever applicable.

OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE: To establish a relationship between Political Science and Law and in the process bring out the significance of Political Science in strengthening the understanding of Law. The subject will facilitate conceptual clarity and also will provide a theoretical understanding of key themes which are central to the subject of Law. In addition to this, Political Science as an academic discipline will familiarise with ideologies which will play a vital role in moulding the thought process of law students and which will have its effect while dealing with the practical aspect of Law.

UNIT - I

Introduction to the study of Political Science/Politics; Origin, different meanings, definitions; Scope of Politics- Ancient/Greek view, Traditional view and Modern View; Significance of study of Political Science for Law.

Meaning, Scope and Nature of Political Science; Traditional and Contemporary Perspective; Behaviouralism and Post-Behaviouralism; Inter-disciplinary approach in Political Science.

UNIT - II

State: Name, Characteristics; State and Government, Theories of the Origin of State; Social Contract and Evolutionary; Organs of Government and their Functions; Theory of Separation of Powers; State and Nation and State and Society. Theories of the State; Social Contract Theory: Views of Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau: Critical appraisal of the theory; Historical/Evolutionary Theory; Marxist Theory;

Sovereignty- Definitions and meaning; Internal and External Sovereignty; Types of Sovereignty; Characteristics of Sovereignty; John Austin‘s theory of Sovereignty; Pluralist Theory of Sovereignty; 

UNIT - III Forms of Government: Unitary and Federal; Parliamentary and Presidential; Characteristics of Unitary and Federal; parliamentary and Presidential forms of Government; Merits and Demerits of Unitary and Federal; Parliamentary and Presidential forms of Government; Concept: Liberty, Equality, Power, Authority, Law, Justice, Citizenship, Rights and Duties; Constitution and Constitutionalism.

UNIT - IV Election Commission in India: Role of Election Commission in regulating Political Parties; Pressure Groups – Meaning and significance and functions; Election process – Understanding basic concepts- Electorate - Constituency- Universal Adult Franchise- Representation and its types

UNIT - V Political Parties and Pressure Groups: Origin and Evolution of Political Parties; Meaning and nature of Political Parties; Structure, Power and functions of Political Parties; Types of Political Party System– Single Party System-Bi-Party System- Multi-Party System; Types of Political Parties – Indian Scenario- Umbrella Party- National Parties-State Parties-Regional Parties.