Political Science MCQs
Topic Notes: Political Science
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
161
Which of the following is considered the oldest theory regarding the origin of the state?
Answer:
Divine Origin Theory
The Divine Origin Theory is historically regarded as the oldest theory of the state's origin. It posits that the state was created by God and that the ruler is a divine representative on earth, accountable only to God. This theory was prevalent in ancient civilizations to justify the absolute authority of monarchs.
162
Which political theorist argued that rights are derived from established social customs and norms?
Answer:
Ritchie
David George Ritchie, in his work 'Natural Rights', argued that rights are not inherent or abstract but are the product of historical development and social customs. He posited that rights are recognized by society through long-standing practices, rejecting the idea of pre-social natural rights. This perspective aligns with the historical theory of rights, which emphasizes that legal and social entitlements emerge from the collective experience and evolution of human communities over time.
163
What is the core belief held by proponents of the Divine Origin theory regarding the state?
Answer:
God give state
The Divine Origin theory posits that the state is a direct creation of God. Under this view, the ruler is considered a representative of divine authority, and disobedience to the state is equated with disobedience to God. This theory was historically used to justify absolute monarchies and the unquestionable authority of rulers, asserting that political power is divinely ordained rather than humanly constructed.
164
Who were the primary proponents of the theory that the state is a man-made institution and an artificial device?
Answer:
Hobbes, Locke and Bentham
Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jeremy Bentham are key figures who viewed the state not as a natural or divine entity, but as a construct created by human beings to serve specific purposes, such as security, the protection of property, or the promotion of utility.
165
Why has the 'Mandan' theory regarding the origin of the state faced significant academic criticism?
Answer:
Considers state as the first condition of civilisation
The Mandan theory, often associated with early anthropological observations, is criticized for its deterministic view that the state is the absolute prerequisite for civilization. Critics argue this ignores historical evidence of complex societies that functioned without a formal state apparatus, thereby misrepresenting the evolutionary trajectory of human governance.
166
Which theory of the state's origin posits that the state was created by divine authority?
Answer:
Theory of Divine origin
The Theory of Divine Origin is one of the oldest theories regarding the state. It suggests that the state is a divine institution and that the ruler is a representative of God on earth, making disobedience to the ruler a sin against the divine order. This theory was historically used to justify absolute monarchies.
167
Which political thinker is most famously associated with the organic theory of the state, comparing the state to a living organism?
Answer:
Herbert Spencer
Herbert Spencer was a prominent proponent of the organic theory of the state. He drew detailed analogies between the biological evolution of organisms and the development of social structures. Spencer argued that society, like a living body, grows in complexity and differentiation over time, with various institutions functioning like organs to maintain the health and survival of the whole social organism.
168
Which prominent thinker is credited with the Patriarchal theory of the origin of the state?
Answer:
Henry Maine
Sir Henry Maine is the most notable proponent of the Patriarchal theory, which he articulated in his work 'Ancient Law'. He argued that the state evolved from the patriarchal family, where the eldest male was the supreme authority. Maine suggested that the transition from 'status to contract' was a defining feature of the evolution of legal and political systems from these early family units.
169
Which political school of thought characterizes the state as a 'necessary evil'?
Answer:
Anarchists
Anarchists generally view the state as an inherently oppressive and unnecessary institution that restricts human freedom. While some classical liberal individualists might view the state as a 'necessary evil' to protect property and life, in the context of political theory classifications, anarchism is the primary ideology that rejects the state's legitimacy entirely, often labeling it as an evil that should be abolished.
170
What is the fundamental critique of state authority according to anarchist political theory?
Answer:
The state is misusing its authority
Anarchism is a political philosophy that views the state as inherently oppressive and illegitimate. Anarchists argue that state authority is fundamentally coercive and prone to abuse, regardless of the intentions of those in power. They advocate for the abolition of the state in favor of self-governed, voluntary associations, believing that centralized power inevitably leads to the exploitation of individuals.