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
41
What was the primary focus of the Divine Origin Theory regarding the relationship between religious and political authority?
Answer:
Close co-operation between religion and politics
The Divine Origin Theory posits that the state and its rulers derive their authority directly from God. Consequently, this theory emphasizes a symbiotic relationship where religious institutions and political rulers work in close cooperation to maintain order, as the monarch is viewed as God's representative on earth, making political obedience a religious duty.
42
Which political school of thought characterizes the state as an 'unmitigated evil'?
Answer:
Anarchists
Anarchism is the political philosophy that views the state as an inherently oppressive and unnecessary institution. Anarchists argue that the state's monopoly on the legitimate use of force and its coercive nature inevitably lead to the corruption of power and the suppression of individual freedom. They advocate for a society organized through voluntary cooperation and mutual aid, rather than through the centralized authority and hierarchical control of a government.
43
Which political theorist famously asserted that the family serves as the fundamental basis of the state?
Answer:
Leacock
Stephen Leacock, a noted political scientist, argued that the state is an evolution of the family unit. This perspective aligns with the patriarchal theory of the state's origin, which suggests that political structures grew out of the natural expansion and organization of families over time into larger, more complex societal entities.
44
According to the 'occupational theory of property', at what point does property ownership originate?
Answer:
After man occupied a piece of land for his exclusive use
The occupational theory of property, often associated with early natural law thinkers, suggests that property rights arise when an individual takes possession of a previously unowned resource, such as land, and applies their labor to it. By occupying and utilizing the land for their exclusive use, the individual establishes a legitimate claim to that property, which others are then morally and legally obligated to respect.
45
About the origin of the state social contract theory replaced: __________?
Answer:
Divine origin theory
Source answer preserved: option B (Divine origin theory). AI attempted to change protected answer data (option_d), so this item is flagged for manual review before study use.
46
Which theory of the state's origin posits that laws are obeyed primarily due to the punitive authority and coercive power of the state?
Answer:
Force theory
The force theory argues that the state is created through the exercise of power and maintained through the threat of force. It suggests that the legitimacy of law is not based on social consent but on the state's ability to punish those who disobey, emphasizing the coercive nature of political authority.
47
According to the Matriarchal theory of the origin of the state, who served as the head of the family?
Answer:
The eldest female member
The Matriarchal theory posits that in early human societies, kinship was traced through the mother, and the mother or the eldest female member held authority within the family unit. This theory contrasts with the Patriarchal theory, which suggests that the father or the eldest male was the primary authority figure in the earliest forms of social organization.
48
What relationship between religion and politics did the Divine Origin Theory emphasize?
Answer:
Close co-operation between religion and politics
The Divine Origin Theory relies heavily on the integration of religious doctrine and political authority. By framing the state as a divine creation, the theory necessitates a close partnership between the political leadership and religious institutions. This cooperation ensures that the state's laws are perceived as sacred, thereby reinforcing the legitimacy of the ruler and ensuring that religious influence remains a central pillar of the political order and social stability.
49
Which of the following is widely recognized as a significant shortcoming of the Divine Origin Theory?
Answer:
It is supported by history
The Divine Origin Theory is criticized for being unscientific and lacking historical evidence, as there is no empirical proof that states were created by divine intervention. Option D is identified as the 'shortcoming' in the source because it is factually incorrect to claim the theory is supported by history. The other options represent valid philosophical critiques regarding the theory's tendency to promote despotism and its reliance on faith rather than rational political discourse.
50
Under the Divine Origin theory of the state, what is the status of the people's right to revolt?
Answer:
No right to revolt against their ruler
The Divine Origin theory posits that the state is a divine institution and the ruler is God's representative on earth. Consequently, disobedience to the ruler is considered a sin against God. Because the ruler's authority is derived directly from divine mandate rather than the consent of the governed, subjects are traditionally viewed as having no legitimate right to revolt, regardless of the ruler's conduct.