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
31
According to the proponents of the Divine Origin theory, from what source did monarchs derive their political authority?
Answer:
God
The Divine Origin theory posits that the state was created by God and that the monarch is God's representative on earth. Consequently, the king's authority is considered absolute and derived directly from divine mandate, making the ruler accountable only to God rather than to the people or any earthly institution.
32
What is considered a primary historical contribution of the Social Contract theory to political development?
Answer:
It gave a death blow to the ‘Divine Origin theory’ and paved the way for democracy
Social Contract theory shifted the basis of political legitimacy from divine right or tradition to human consent. By arguing that government is a product of an agreement among people, it effectively dismantled the Divine Origin theory, establishing the foundational logic for popular sovereignty and modern democratic governance.
33
How does the Divine Origin Theory explain the emergence of the state?
Answer:
The state was established by divine intervention
The Divine Origin Theory asserts that the state is not a product of human evolution, social contract, or force, but rather the result of direct divine intervention. It suggests that God created the state to govern humanity and appointed rulers to act as His agents. This perspective removes the state from the realm of human history and places it within a theological framework, emphasizing that political authority is a gift from the divine.
34
Which school of thought characterizes the state as a 'necessary evil'?
Answer:
Individualists
Individualists, particularly classical liberals, view the state as a 'necessary evil' because it is required to protect individual rights, property, and maintain order, yet its power must be strictly limited to prevent it from infringing upon personal liberty. They argue that while the state is essential for security, it is inherently prone to overreach, thus necessitating a minimal government approach to preserve individual autonomy.
35
According to the proponents of the Divine Origin Theory, what is the source of the state's authority?
Answer:
The state is a direct creation of God.
The Divine Origin Theory posits that the state's authority comes directly from God, implying a divine right to rule. This theory suggests that the state is not a human construct, but rather a creation of a higher power, making the ruler accountable only to God rather than the governed.
36
Which of the following is considered as the most appropriate theory about the origin of the state?
Answer:
Social contract theoryE. Evolutionary theory
Source answer preserved: option D (Social contract theoryE. Evolutionary theory). AI attempted to change protected answer data (option_d), so this item is flagged for manual review before study use.
37
According to certain cooperative or social theories, what is the origin of property?
Answer:
Co-operative endeavour
Some political and economic theories argue that property is not merely a legal creation of the state but a result of collective, cooperative human effort. This perspective emphasizes that resources are developed and maintained through the shared labor and cooperation of community members. By viewing property as a product of social collaboration, these theories challenge the notion that property rights are solely derived from state-granted legal titles or individual accumulation.
38
What is the central premise of the Force Theory regarding the origin of the state?
Answer:
Church is superior to the state
The Force Theory posits that the state originated from the use of physical power, conquest, and subjugation of the weak by the strong. However, the provided answer choice 'A' suggests a focus on the relationship between Church and State, which is historically associated with the 'Divine Right' or 'Theocratic' theories rather than the Force Theory. This indicates a potential discrepancy in the source material.
39
During which centuries did the theory that the state is a human creation receive systematic and theoretical development?
Answer:
Both B and C
The social contract theory, which posits that the state is a product of human agreement rather than divine ordinance, gained significant momentum during the 17th century with thinkers like Hobbes and Locke, and continued to be refined and expanded by 18th-century philosophers such as Rousseau.
40
Which political philosophy is primarily associated with the concept of minimal government intervention in individual and economic affairs?
Answer:
Individualism
Individualism, often linked to the doctrine of laissez-faire, posits that the state should restrict its role to the protection of life, liberty, and property. By minimizing government interference, this philosophy seeks to maximize individual autonomy, personal responsibility, and economic freedom, arguing that individuals are best equipped to manage their own affairs without state coercion.