Political Theory: An Introduction Short and Long Important Question Class 11 Political Science Chapter-1 Book-Political Theory
Team Eklavya
जून 09, 2025
1. Why are humans unique in two respects?
Answer:
Humans are unique for two reasons—
1. Rationality - Man can reason and decide between good and bad.
2. Ability to communicate – Humans can express their thoughts through language.
2. What is politics?
Answer:
It is not easy to define politics because people have different views about it—
- Some consider it a medium of public service.
- Some consider it the art of ruling.
- Some consider it a means to attain power.
- Some associate it with fraud, scams, and manipulation.
In fact, politics is an important part of the society which is related to governance, administration and policy making.
3. What is the purpose of politics?
Answer:
The main objectives of politics are as follows-
- Maintaining peace and order in the society.
- Making policies for the welfare of the public.
- Taking decisions for the development of the country.
- Running the administration effectively.
4. What is political theory?
Answer:
Political theory is the study that analyzes the fundamental questions of politics, such as—
1. What is society and how should it be organized?
2. What should be the role of the government?
3. How does law affect our freedom?
4. What are the responsibilities of citizens?
5. What is studied in political theory?
Answer:
The following subjects are studied in political theory-
Political ideologies – Marxism, Socialism, Liberalism, Idealism etc.
6. Why should we study political theory?
Answer:
The main reasons for studying political theory are as follows-
- To become an aware citizen in the society.
- To understand democracy and use your right to vote.
- To know the political ideologies and understand their impact.
- To understand the government and administration better.
- To understand the importance of justice, equality and liberty.
- To make right policies for the country and society.
- To enhance discussion and reasoning.
7. What is the importance of political theory?
Answer:
- Understanding of justice and equality develops.
- It helps in understanding democracy and governance system.
- Efficiency in taking political decisions increases.
- Information about international politics is available.
- Movements and social reforms get direction.
8. How can political theory be put into practice?
Answer:
- By adopting principles like equality, freedom and justice in our lives.
- By understanding the laws and administrative policies.
- By taking active participation in democratic processes.
- To reason objectively and express one’s opinions.
9. What is the meaning of equality?
Answer:
- Equality means that all individuals should get equal rights and opportunities.
- Example: People should not break the queue and go ahead in a government office.
- Providing special facilities for the elderly and the disabled is not discrimination, but justice.
10. What is freedom?
Answer:
Freedom means that a person is free to think and act without undue constraints.
11. Is perfect equality possible?
Answer:
Complete equality is not possible, because every person's circumstances are different.
But there must be a rational basis for discrimination, such as—
It is just to provide special facilities for women, the elderly and the disabled.
12. What is democracy?
Answer:
- Democracy is a system of governance in which people form the government by electing their representatives.
- Universal suffrage (right to vote for every citizen).
- Government of the people, by the people, for the people.
13. What is the relation of the Constitution with politics?
Answer:
The constitution provides direction and limits to politics—
- Determines the powers and duties of the Government.
- Protects the rights and freedoms of the public.
- Protects democratic values.
14. What is the meaning of secularism?
Answer:
Secularism means that the state will not favour any religion and will treat all religions equally.
1. Religion and state are separate in India.
2. Every citizen is given freedom of religion.
15. What does political theory teach us?
Answer:
- Recognizing injustice and inequality in society.
- Understanding your rights and duties.
- Adopt a rational approach to political views.
- Participating in the democratic process.
- Understanding International Politics.
16. What is the difference between political theory and reality?
Answer:
1. Principles - based on ideals like equality, liberty, justice.
2. Reality – Many times these ideals are not implemented properly.
Example:
- The principle states that every citizen is equal, but discrimination is seen in the society on the basis of caste, religion and gender.
- The theory says there will be no corruption, but in reality corruption exists.
- Therefore, political theory motivates us to bring changes in society and improve reality.
