Principles of Political Theory

Unit I — Introduction to political Science

Meaning, Nature and Scope of Political Science-political science and allied studies- Political Science and History- Political science and Economics-Political Science and Sociology- Political Science and Geography-political science and jurisprudence-Political science and Ethics

Unit II — Approaches to Political Analysis

Traditional approach-Modern approach-postmodern approach- behavioralism – Post - behavioralism - systems approach-structural functional analysis.

Unit III — Origin of State

Theories of Origin of State-Divine Right theory- Theory of force-patriarchal & Matriarchal Theories-Social contract theory- evolution theory.

• Social Contract/Consent Theory. (Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau)
• Divine Right Theory of Kings, Social Contract/ Consent Theory, Theory of Force

Unit IV — Elements of state

State-Elements of state-sovereignty- characteristics of sovereignty-Classification of Sovereignty-legal and political

• Constituent Elements of State and importance of each Element
• Sovereignty as the Basic Element of the State
• Meaning and Definition of Sovereignty
• Essential Characteristics of Sovereignty
• The Notion of Legal Sovereignty, Political Sovereignty and Popular Sovereignty

Unit V — Liberty

Meaning-Definition-Forms-The Concept of Negative-Positive Liberty-The Marxist Concept of Freedom- Safeguards of Liberty.

• Meaning and Definition, Basic Principles, Arguments in Favour and Against. Shift from Negative Liberty to Positive Liberty (Classical and Modern Liberalism)
• J.S Mill views on Liberty — Influence on Indian Constitution

Unit VI — Equality

Meaning-The Concept of Equality –Dimensions of Equality-Liberty and Equality: Relationship-Equality and Justice.

Unit VII — Forms of government

Parliamentary form of government-Presidential form of government-Unitary form of government-Federal form of government.

• Modern Classification of Government
• Parliamentary and Presidential Government (Meaning and Definition, Features, Merits and Demerits and Comparative Study)
• Federalism

Unit VIII — Organs-Elements of government

Legislature-Executive-Judiciary-Political Parties-Public opinion.

• Judiciary as an Organ of the Government
• Role and Functions of Judiciary
• Political Parties — Meaning, differences between Political Parties and Interest Groups