University of the Punjab

BS 4 Years Program

4th semester [solved past papers]

Political science in psychology

Solved paper 2019

Short Questions:
i. Describe the concept of Legitimacy.
Legitimacy refers to the general acceptance or recognition by the public and other
nations that a government, leader, or authority has the right to rule. A legitimate
government exercises power in a manner that is recognized as rightful by its
citizens, usually through laws, customs, or elections. It’s a key component in
maintaining social order and political stability.
ii. Write a short note on Judiciary as an important organ.
The judiciary is one of the key organs of government responsible for interpreting
laws, resolving disputes, and protecting rights. It ensures that the law is followed
and applied equally to all citizens, and it checks the other branches of government
to prevent abuse of power. An independent judiciary is vital for maintaining rule
of law, ensuring justice, and upholding the constitution.
iii. Highlight the scope of Political Science.
Political Science covers a broad range of topics, including the study of political
systems, government structures, political ideologies, public policy, international
relations, and political behavior. Its scope extends to the analysis of political
processes, elections, political parties, and the role of institutions like the state,
government, and international organizations. Political Science helps in
understanding how power is distributed and exercised, and it seeks to provide
insight into how societies are governed.
iv. Describe the concept of Federation.
Federation is a system of government where power is divided between a central
(federal) government and individual states or provinces. Both levels of
government have their own areas of responsibility, typically outlined in a
constitution. This system allows for local governance while maintaining national
unity. Examples include the United States, Canada, and India.

LONG QUESTIONS
Q1. Briefly Describe the Evolution of Western Political Thought
The evolution of Western political thought can be traced back to ancient Greece
and Rome, progressing through the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Enlightenment,
and into the modern era. Each period introduced critical ideas about politics,
government, and the role of individuals in society. Below is a detailed look at
these key stages:
Ancient Greece: The Birth of Political Philosophy
Western political thought originated in ancient Greece, where philosophers like
Plato and Aristotle laid the foundation for political theory. Plato, in his work The
Republic, introduced the concept of an ideal state ruled by philosopher-kings. He
argued that justice is achieved when each class in society performs its appropriate
role. Plato emphasized the idea of a ruling elite as the best form of government,
believing that rulers should be wise and virtuous.
Aristotle, a student of Plato, took a more empirical approach. In his work Politics,
he analyzed various forms of government and classified them into monarchy,
aristocracy, and polity (good forms of government), and tyranny, oligarchy, and
democracy (corrupt forms). Aristotle favored a mixed system combining
elements of democracy and oligarchy, believing that a large middle class would
create a more stable government.
Ancient Rome: The Development of Legal Systems
Rome contributed significantly to Western political thought, particularly in the
development of legal systems and the idea of citizenship. The Roman Republic
established the principle of rule of law, where even leaders were subject to laws.
Roman thinkers like Cicero emphasized natural law, justice, and the rights of
individuals. Roman political structures, such as the Senate and the notion of
checks and balances, influenced later democratic systems.
The Middle Ages: Christian Political Thought
During the Middle Ages, political thought was dominated by the influence of the
Christian Church. Thinkers like St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas shaped
the political philosophy of this period. Augustine, in his work The City of God,
argued that earthly governments were necessary to maintain order but ultimately
subordinate to God’s divine rule. This idea justified the authority of kings and
emperors, but also emphasized the moral responsibilities of rulers.
St. Thomas Aquinas integrated Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology,
asserting that human beings were naturally social and needed a political
community for their full development. He argued for the legitimacy of kings but
insisted that rulers must govern according to divine and natural law, a notion that
laid the groundwork for the idea of limited government and constitutionalism.
The Renaissance: The Rise of Secularism
The Renaissance marked a shift toward more secular political thought. Niccolò
Machiavelli, in his work The Prince, took a pragmatic approach to politics,
emphasizing the importance of power and statecraft over morality. Machiavelli
argued that rulers should do whatever was necessary to maintain their power and
protect the state, even if it meant being ruthless or deceptive. His ideas influenced
modern concepts of political realism and the nature of power.
The Enlightenment: The Social Contract and Individual Rights
The Enlightenment was a period of profound intellectual development in political
thought. Thinkers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau,
and Montesquieu developed theories of government that emphasized individual
rights, democracy, and the separation of powers.
• Thomas Hobbes, in his work Leviathan, argued that people are naturally
selfish and violent. To avoid a state of chaos, they must form a social contract,
surrendering some of their freedoms to a sovereign ruler who maintains order.
Hobbes favored a strong, centralized authority to prevent anarchy.
• John Locke disagreed with Hobbes’ pessimistic view of human nature.
Locke, in his Two Treatises of Government, argued that individuals have
natural rights to life, liberty, and property. Governments are formed through
a social contract to protect these rights, and if they fail to do so, citizens have
the right to overthrow them. Locke’s ideas laid the foundation for liberal
democracy and influenced the American and French Revolutions.
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau, in his work The Social Contract, believed that true
democracy arises from the collective will of the people. He argued that
individuals should be active participants in government and that laws should
reflect the general will. His ideas inspired democratic movements in Europe.
• Montesquieu, in The Spirit of the Laws, introduced the idea of separating
government powers into three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the
judiciary. This system of checks and balances was designed to prevent any
one branch from becoming too powerful and is a core feature of modern
democratic systems.
Modern Era: Democracy, Socialism, and Liberalism
In the 19th and 20th centuries, political thought continued to evolve with the rise
of democracy, socialism, and liberalism. Thinkers like Karl Marx and John
Stuart Mill debated the role of the state and the economy.
• Karl Marx, in The Communist Manifesto, criticized the capitalist system and
advocated for a classless, stateless society where the means of production
were owned collectively. His ideas influenced socialist and communist
movements worldwide.
• John Stuart Mill, in his work On Liberty, argued for the importance of
individual freedom and limited government intervention. He also advocated
for democratic reforms and social justice, particularly in the context of
expanding political rights to women and the working class.
Q2. Which Form of Government is Best for Pakistan: Presidential or
Parliamentary?
Pakistan currently operates under a parliamentary system of government.
However, there has been ongoing debate about whether a presidential or
parliamentary system is more suitable for the country, given its unique political
history, societal structure, and challenges. Both systems have their advantages
and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the priorities and needs of the
nation.
Presidential System
In a presidential system, the head of state (the president) is elected separately
from the legislature and holds significant executive power. This system can
provide strong and stable leadership, as the president serves a fixed term and
cannot be easily removed from office except through impeachment. Key features
of a presidential system include:
• Separation of Powers: The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of
government are separate, ensuring checks and balances.
• Strong Executive: The president has significant authority over domestic and
foreign policy and is often seen as a unifying national figure.
• Fixed Tenure: The president serves a fixed term, usually four to six years,
providing stability in leadership.
In Pakistan, a presidential system might offer some advantages:
• Political Stability: The fixed tenure of a president can prevent the frequent
changes in government that have historically destabilized Pakistan’s political
system.
• Strong Leadership: A presidential system might produce a more decisive and
focused leadership, which could be beneficial in addressing Pakistan’s
economic, social, and security challenges.
However, the presidential system could also lead to:
• Concentration of Power: In Pakistan, where the political culture has often
leaned toward authoritarianism, a presidential system might centralize too
much power in one individual, risking dictatorship.
• Weakened Legislature: In a presidential system, the legislature may have
less influence over the executive, potentially reducing accountability.
Parliamentary System
A parliamentary system, which Pakistan currently follows, is characterized by
a close relationship between the executive and legislative branches. The prime
minister, as the head of government, is typically the leader of the majority party
in the legislature. Key features of a parliamentary system include:
• Collective Leadership: The executive is composed of a prime minister and a
cabinet, who are responsible to the legislature and can be removed through a
vote of no confidence.
• Flexibility: If the government loses the confidence of the parliament, new
elections can be called, ensuring that the executive remains accountable to the
legislature.
• Closer Link Between Executive and Legislature: This system ensures that
the executive is closely tied to the elected representatives of the people.
Advantages of the parliamentary system for Pakistan include:
• Accountability: The executive (prime minister and cabinet) is directly
accountable to the legislature, which means it can be replaced if it loses the
confidence of the majority.
• Preventing Concentration of Power: The collective decision-making
structure of the parliamentary system can prevent the centralization of power
in one individual.
• Adaptability: The parliamentary system allows for more frequent changes in
leadership if necessary, which can respond to public opinion and changing
political circumstances.
However, the disadvantages include:
• Political Instability: The parliamentary system can sometimes lead to
frequent changes in government, as has been seen in Pakistan, which can
create instability and hinder long-term planning.
• Coalition Politics: In Pakistan’s multi-party system, governments often rely
on fragile coalitions, which can lead to policy compromises and weak
leadership.
Conclusion
Given Pakistan’s political history, including military coups and authoritarian
regimes, a parliamentary system might be more suitable. It ensures greater
accountability and prevents the centralization of power, which is critical in a
country with a history of executive overreach. However, to make the
parliamentary system more effective, reforms are needed to stabilize the political
process, such as strengthening political parties and ensuring a more consistent
transfer of power.
Q3. Explain the Legislature and Judiciary as Important Organs of
Government
In any government, the legislature and judiciary are two of the most important
organs, playing distinct yet interconnected roles in governance. Together with the
executive, they form the core of a functioning government, ensuring law-making,
interpretation, and enforcement are carried out properly.
Legislature
The legislature is the law-making body of the government and is typically
composed of elected representatives of the people. It has a range of functions,
including making, amending, and repealing laws, representing the public,
overseeing the executive, and controlling public finances.
Functions of the Legislature:
1. Law-Making: The primary function of the legislature is to create laws that
govern the country. These laws can relate to various aspects of life, including
criminal justice, economic policies, social welfare, and foreign relations.
2. Representation: Legislators represent the interests and concerns of the people
who elect them. This ensures that government policies and laws reflect the
will of the people.
3. Control of the Executive: In a parliamentary system, the legislature holds the
executive accountable. This is done through mechanisms like question
periods, debates, and votes of no confidence.
4. Budget Approval: The legislature has control over the national budget. The
executive cannot spend public money without legislative approval, ensuring
that public funds are used responsibly.
5. Scrutiny and Oversight: The legislature plays a critical role in monitoring
the actions of the executive branch to ensure they are in line with the law. This
includes investigating misconduct and holding hearings on government
policies.
Importance of the Legislature in Pakistan:
In Pakistan, the National Assembly (the lower house) and the Senate (the upper
house) work together to pass legislation. The National Assembly, being
composed of directly elected members, plays a crucial role in representing the
will of the people. The Senate, on the other hand, represents the provinces,
ensuring a balance of power between different regions.
Judiciary
The judiciary is responsible for interpreting and applying the law. It ensures that
laws are consistent with the constitution and resolves disputes between
individuals, organizations, and the government. An independent judiciary is
essential for maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that citizens' rights are
protected.
Functions of the Judiciary:
1. Interpretation of Laws: The judiciary interprets laws passed by the
legislature and ensures they are applied fairly and consistently. This includes
determining the constitutionality of laws.
2. Adjudication of Disputes: Courts resolve legal disputes between individuals,
organizations, and the government. This ensures that conflicts are settled
according to the law rather than through arbitrary means.
3. Protection of Rights: The judiciary protects the fundamental rights of
citizens by ensuring that the government does not exceed its powers or violate
individual freedoms.
4. Judicial Review: Courts have the power of judicial review, meaning they can
assess whether laws or executive actions are consistent with the constitution.
If they find a law unconstitutional, they can strike it down.
Importance of the Judiciary in Pakistan:
The judiciary in Pakistan, particularly the Supreme Court, plays a crucial role
in interpreting the constitution and protecting fundamental rights. In recent years,
the judiciary has asserted its independence by taking on cases of public interest
and holding both the executive and legislature accountable for their actions.
Relationship Between the Legislature and Judiciary:
The legislature and judiciary work together to ensure the functioning of
government, but they also act as checks on each other. The legislature passes
laws, but the judiciary interprets them and can strike down those it deems
unconstitutional. Similarly, while the judiciary interprets laws, the legislature can
amend laws or pass new legislation in response to judicial rulings. This balance
of power is essential for preventing abuses and ensuring that no branch of
government becomes too powerful.

Political science 2022

Short questions
i. Relation of Political Science with Economics
Political Science and Economics are closely intertwined as both deal with the
distribution of resources and power within society. Political decisions shape
economic policies, including taxation, welfare, and trade, while economic
conditions influence political stability and policy-making. Governments use
political structures to regulate economies, while economic prosperity or crises
can affect political stability and decision-making. Concepts like public finance,
fiscal policy, and political economy directly link these two fields.
ii. Power
Power in political science refers to the ability of individuals or groups to
influence or control the actions, behaviors, and decisions of others. It is the core
concept in politics, as it relates to the authority and legitimacy to govern or
control resources. Power can be exercised through various means, including
coercion, persuasion, and legal authority. It is often divided into hard power
(coercive, military, or economic power) and soft power (influence through
culture, diplomacy, and ideas).
iii. Merits of Parliamentary Form of Government
1. Accountability: The executive is directly accountable to the legislature and,
by extension, to the people.
2. Flexibility: The government can be dissolved and elections called if it loses
confidence, ensuring responsiveness to public opinion.
3. Prevention of Authoritarianism: Power is distributed across several
individuals rather than being concentrated in a single executive.
4. Close Connection Between Executive and Legislature: The legislative and
executive branches are interconnected, allowing for greater cooperation in
policy-making.
iv. Origin of State
Theories on the origin of the state vary, but some of the main ones include:
• Divine Right Theory: Suggests that states are created by the will of God, with
rulers holding authority as divine representatives.
• Social Contract Theory: Developed by thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, and
Rousseau, this theory posits that states are formed by people who surrender
some freedoms to a government in exchange for protection and order.
• Force Theory: States emerge through force, where stronger groups impose
their will on others to form a governing structure.
• Evolutionary Theory: States developed gradually over time as human
societies grew more complex, transitioning from family-based governance to
larger, organized political systems.

Long Questions:
Q1. Describe the Concept of Sovereignty
Sovereignty refers to the supreme and absolute authority that a state has over its
territory and people. It is a fundamental concept in political science and
international relations, signifying the power of a state to govern itself without
interference from outside entities. Sovereignty can be divided into:
• Internal Sovereignty: The state’s ability to govern within its own borders,
enforce laws, maintain order, and protect the rights of its citizens. This
includes the power of the government to make decisions on domestic affairs
without external influence.
• External Sovereignty: The recognition of a state’s independence and
authority by other states in the international system. This implies that no
foreign state or international body can dictate the state’s internal or external
policies.
Sovereignty is vital to the concept of nationhood, and any violation of a state's
sovereignty (such as through occupation or external interference) is generally
considered an act of aggression. In modern times, sovereignty is balanced with
international law and global governance structures, but the core idea remains that
a sovereign state has the ultimate authority over its people and territory.
Q2. Elaborate the Concept of Islamic State
An Islamic State is a political entity governed according to Islamic law (Sharia)
and principles derived from the Quran and the Sunnah (practices of the Prophet
Muhammad). The concept of an Islamic State revolves around the belief that
Islam is not just a religion but a comprehensive way of life that includes a political
system designed to implement justice and the welfare of the community.
Key features of an Islamic State include:
• Sovereignty of Allah: In an Islamic State, sovereignty belongs to Allah,
meaning that all laws and governance must be in accordance with the
principles of Islam.
• Rule of Sharia: Islamic law serves as the foundation of all legal, political,
and social affairs. Laws are based on the Quran, Sunnah, Ijma (consensus),
and Qiyas (analogical reasoning).
• Justice and Equality: The core objective of an Islamic State is to ensure
justice for all, regardless of race, religion, or status. The welfare of the people
 is prioritized, including protection of individual rights and provision of basic
needs.
• Consultative Governance (Shura): Governance in an Islamic State often
involves consultation (Shura) between leaders and the governed. Leaders are
expected to seek advice and input from knowledgeable individuals and the
public.
In modern contexts, the idea of an Islamic State can vary. Some states like Iran
and Saudi Arabia implement various interpretations of Islamic governance, while
others incorporate Islamic principles within a democratic or monarchic
framework.
Q3. Judiciary as an Important Pillar of the State
The judiciary is a crucial pillar of any state, responsible for interpreting laws,
protecting citizens’ rights, and ensuring justice. It functions as an independent
body that checks and balances the powers of the executive and legislative
branches, preventing any abuse of power and ensuring that all actions conform
to the constitution and legal frameworks.
The main roles of the judiciary include:
• Interpretation of Laws: The judiciary interprets laws passed by the
legislature and applies them to specific cases, ensuring they are enforced fairly
and consistently.
• Protection of Fundamental Rights: The judiciary protects individual rights
and freedoms, ensuring that laws and government actions do not violate
constitutional protections.
• Dispute Resolution: The judiciary resolves disputes between individuals,
organizations, and the government. It acts as an impartial body that ensures
justice is served in civil, criminal, and administrative matters.
• Judicial Review: In many countries, courts have the power to review laws
and executive actions to ensure they comply with the constitution. If a law is
found to be unconstitutional, the judiciary can strike it down.
• Maintaining the Rule of Law: The judiciary ensures that no one is above the
law, and all individuals, including government officials, are subject to it.
In a democratic state, an independent judiciary is critical to upholding the rule of
law, protecting human rights, and ensuring that government actions are held
accountable. Without judicial independence, the risk of tyranny and injustice
increases. In countries like Pakistan, the judiciary has played a pivotal role in
safeguarding the constitution and checking the excesses of the executive.

Political science 2020

Short questions
1. Describe the Functions of a Political System
A political system serves several key functions to maintain order, regulate
power, and meet the needs of society:
o Rule-Making: Establishes laws, policies, and regulations to govern
society.
o Rule Application: Enforces the laws and policies through institutions
like the executive branch.
o Rule Adjudication: Resolves disputes and ensures justice through the
judiciary.
o Interest Articulation and Aggregation: Channels the interests and
demands of individuals and groups into the political process, often
through political parties or interest groups.
o Social Integration: Encourages unity and consensus by managing
conflicts within society and promoting common national goals.
2. Describe the Law for Individual Liberty and Duties
Laws governing individual liberty ensure that citizens have the freedom to act
without unjust interference, such as freedom of speech, religion, and
movement. However, these liberties come with duties:
 o Respect for Laws: Individuals must obey the laws of the state to ensure
order and security.
o Civic Responsibilities: Citizens are expected to participate in
democratic processes like voting, serving on juries, and contributing to
the welfare of the community.
o Balance of Rights and Duties: The law protects individual freedoms
but also sets limits to prevent harm to others, maintaining a balance
between personal liberty and public interest.
3. Briefly Describe the Kinds of Constitution
There are several types of constitutions based on their structure, flexibility,
and formality:
o Written Constitution: A formal, codified document that outlines the
framework of government and the rights of citizens (e.g., the U.S.
Constitution).
o Unwritten Constitution: A constitution based on conventions, judicial
decisions, and statutes, rather than a single document (e.g., the UK
Constitution).
o Flexible Constitution: Can be easily amended or changed by ordinary
legislative procedures (e.g., the UK Constitution).
o Rigid Constitution: Requires a special, often more difficult procedure
to amend or change (e.g., the U.S. Constitution).
o Federal Constitution: Divides power between a central authority and
regional governments (e.g., the Indian Constitution).
o Unitary Constitution: Centralizes power in a single national
government (e.g., France).
4. Describe the Functions of Political Parties
Political parties play a vital role in the political system:
o Representation: Political parties represent various groups, ideologies,
and interests in society.
 o Policy Formation: Parties develop and propose policies that reflect
their platform or ideology.
o Recruitment of Leaders: Parties identify and train future leaders who
can assume public office.
o Election Mobilization: Parties campaign and mobilize voters to
participate in elections.
o Government Formation: In parliamentary systems, the majority party
forms the government, while in others, the party controls legislative
actions.
5. Define Interest Groups
Interest groups are organized groups of individuals or organizations that seek
to influence public policy and decision-making to benefit their cause or
interests. Unlike political parties, they do not run candidates for office but use
lobbying, advocacy, and public campaigns to shape legislation, regulation, or
social norms.
6. Why is Public Opinion Important in Democracy?
Public opinion is crucial in a democracy because:
o Guides Policy-Making: Elected representatives take public opinion
into account when creating laws and policies.
o Legitimizes Government: The government’s actions gain legitimacy
when they align with the views and interests of the majority.
o Checks Abuse of Power: Strong public opinion can act as a
counterbalance, holding officials accountable and preventing
authoritarianism.
o Influences Elections: Public opinion shapes electoral outcomes,
determining which candidates and parties gain power.

Long Questions:
Q1. Explain in Detail the Electoral Process and Requirements of Impartial
Elections

An electoral process is the method by which citizens select their representatives

through voting. For an election to be fair and impartial, several conditions must be
met:
o Voter Registration and Eligibility: Citizens must be eligible to vote
based on age, nationality, and residency. Efficient voter registration
systems help ensure that all eligible voters can participate.
o Election Campaigns: Candidates and political parties must be allowed
to campaign freely without restrictions, and there should be equal
access to media to ensure that all voices are heard.
o Secret Ballot: Voting must be done in private, ensuring that individuals
can cast their vote without fear of intimidation or coercion.
o Transparent Election Process: Elections should be conducted
transparently, with proper monitoring and oversight from neutral
election commissions and independent observers.
o Impartial Electoral Body: An independent election commission
should oversee the entire process to ensure that rules are followed, fraud
is prevented, and the results are credible.
o Free from Fraud and Manipulation: Elections must be free from vote
tampering, voter suppression, or any form of manipulation. Voting
machines, paper ballots, and counting processes should all be secure
and monitored.
o Dispute Resolution Mechanism: A clear and impartial system for
addressing electoral disputes should be in place, allowing for timely
and fair resolution of any issues.
In sum, the integrity of the electoral process is essential for maintaining trust
in democratic governance. Impartial elections ensure that the government reflects
the true will of the people.
Q2. Explain the Important Features of Marxism
Marxism
is a political and economic theory developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich
Engels that critiques capitalism and advocates for a classless society. The key
features of Marxism include:
o Historical Materialism: Marxism argues that history is shaped by
material conditions and class struggles. According to Marx, society’s
economic base (relations of production) determines its political and
social superstructure (laws, institutions, ideologies).
o Class Struggle: Marxism posits that all of history is a struggle between
opposing social classes. In capitalist societies, the conflict is between
the bourgeoisie (owners of the means of production) and the proletariat
(working class). Marx predicted that the proletariat would eventually
rise up and overthrow the bourgeoisie.
o Alienation: Workers in capitalist systems are alienated from the
products of their labor, from each other, and from their own potential
because they have no control over the production process or the end
result of their labor.
o Exploitation: Marx argued that capitalists exploit workers by paying
them less than the value of what they produce. This surplus value is
taken by the capitalist as profit, leading to the accumulation of wealth
in the hands of a few and poverty for the working class.
o Communism: Marx envisioned a final stage of human development in
which there would be no classes, no state, and no private ownership of
the means of production. In this classless, stateless society, wealth and
resources would be distributed according to need, and there would be
no oppression or exploitation.
o Revolutionary Change: Marxism advocates for the overthrow of
capitalist systems through revolution, where the working class seizes
control of the state and reorganizes society based on collective
ownership of the means of production.
Marxism has influenced various political movements and revolutions, particularly
in the 20th century, including the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia and the
establishment of communist states in China, Cuba, and other countries.