1. Q1. Write characteristics of written constitution and unwritten constitution.
2. Q2. What are the roles of Government.
3. Q3. What are the three organs of Government?
4. Q4. What do you mean by a State?
5. Q5. Mention roles of Judiciary as an organ of government.
6. Q6. Give reasons why constitution is important for a State?
7. Q7. What are the elements of the State.
8. Q8. Discuss Social Contract theory of State.
9. Q9. What is difference between Parliamentary and Presidential form of Government?
10. Q10. Describe the functions of Judiciary.
11. Q11. Write an essay on Parliamentary form of Government.
12. Q12. Write an essay on Evolutionary theory of origin of state.
13. Q13. What are the features of Presidential form of Government?
14. Q14. Explain the nature of State.
15. Q15. “A constitution should be rigid and flexible.” Do you agree. Discuss.
16. Q16. Discuss the power or force theory of origin of state,
17. Q17. Critically examine divine theory of origin of state.
18. Q18. “State is necessary evil” Comment.
Topic – State (Q&A)
Subject – Political Science
(Political Theory)
Table of Contents
Q1. Write characteristics of written constitution and unwritten constitution.
| Written Constitution | Unwritten Constitution |
| That Constitution in which all its provisions are Systematically and serially arranged in Parts, Articles and Schedules is known as Written Constitution. | Its provisions are not systematically and serially arranged |
| It is codified and compiled in One Book form. | It is also codified but not compiled in a book form. |
| It is formulated by a Constituent Assembly formed for this purpose only. | It is formulated by laws passed by the Parliament. |
| Constitution is Supreme and all the three organs of the Government – Legislature, Executive and Judiciary are subordinate to the Constitution. | Principle of Parliamentary Supremacy is found. Hence Judiciary and Executive are subordinate to the Parliament. |
| Legislature, Executive and Judiciary are equivalent to each other. They derive their functions and powers in the polity from the Constitution. | Parliament itself decides what shall be the Constitution and according to that only functions and authority of Executive and Judiciary are determined |
| Consequently, Right to Judicial Review is found i.e. the Judiciary can declare a piece of legislation null and void if it is not in accordance with the substance and spirit of the Constitution. | Judiciary does not have this right and the laws passed by the Parliament are absolute and ultimate. Thus, the Parliament is final though fallible. |
| LEGISLATURE = EXECUTIVE = JUDICIARY and all of the three work under the Constitution. | Parliament is Supreme and what it says becomes the Constitution under which come the Executive and Judiciary. |
Q2. What are the roles of Government.
The role of government can vary significantly from one country to another and can be influenced by political ideologies, historical contexts, and societal needs. However, there are several fundamental roles and functions that governments typically perform:
Maintaining Law and Order: Governments are responsible for establishing and enforcing laws to ensure the safety and security of their citizens. This includes maintaining a police force, judicial system, and corrections system.
National Defense: Governments are tasked with protecting the country’s sovereignty and citizens from external threats. This involves maintaining armed forces and a defense strategy.
Protection of Rights and Freedoms: Governments are responsible for safeguarding the rights and freedoms of their citizens, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. They must ensure that citizens are treated fairly and that discrimination and injustice are addressed.
Economic Regulation: Governments often play a role in regulating economic activities to promote fairness, stability, and economic growth. This includes overseeing financial markets, enforcing antitrust laws, and managing fiscal and monetary policies.
Providing Public Goods and Services: Governments provide essential public goods and services that may not be adequately provided by the private sector, such as education, healthcare, transportation infrastructure, and public utilities.
Social Welfare: Many governments have social welfare programs to provide assistance to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, disabled, unemployed, and low-income individuals and families.
Environmental Protection: Governments have a role in regulating and protecting the environment, including setting environmental standards, addressing pollution, and conserving natural resources.
Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs: Governments engage in diplomacy and foreign relations to represent the interests of their country on the international stage, negotiate treaties, and promote peaceful cooperation with other nations.
Infrastructure Development: Governments invest in the development and maintenance of infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, airports, and public transportation systems, to support economic growth and public well-being.
Public Health and Safety: Governments are responsible for public health initiatives, including disease control, vaccination programs, and food safety regulations. They also respond to public emergencies and disasters.
Education: Governments oversee the education system, from primary schools to universities, to ensure that citizens have access to quality education and opportunities for skill development.
Cultural and Heritage Preservation: Some governments work to preserve and promote their cultural heritage, including the arts, historical sites, and cultural traditions.
Redistribution of Wealth: Through taxation and social welfare programs, governments may redistribute wealth to reduce income inequality and support those in need.
The specific roles and responsibilities of a government can be outlined in a country’s constitution or legal framework. The degree of government involvement in these areas can vary widely, with some countries favoring a more limited government role (e.g., libertarian philosophy), while others prefer a more active and interventionist government (e.g., social democracy). The balance between these roles is often a subject of political debate and policy development.
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