TIPS TO ANSWER POLITICAL SCIENCE QUESTIONS

1. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely: In the light of the
above statement, reflect upon the doctrine of separation of powers
Introduction: History of the doctrine context in which Montesquieu proposed the
doctrine (5marks)
Different organs of the government main functions of the three organs idea of
separation of powers and its importance leads to despotic and tyrannical
government threat to life, liberty and property of citizens - practical feasibility of
separation of powers how separation of powers imply checks and balances
Merits Efficiency, prevents arbitrary rule and judiciary can act as a guardian of the
constitution - Demerits

Difference in the levels of each organ and hence the

difficulties created by separation of powers organicity of the government and

artificiality of separation Application of separation of powers in parliamentary
democracies like India
Presentation and coherency
2. Write an essay on theories of origins of state.
Introduction General assumption of a pre-state society and various theories
speculating on the need for evolution of the idea of state
Important theories and a brief description of each theory Evolutionary theory:
State as an evolution of family Divine Origin theory: State as a creation of God
Force theory: A territory brought under the rule of a person / group through force
Social Contract theory: the idea that the state is a creation of a contract between
the people and the institution called state who found creation a state is a better
alternative than living in state of nature
Critical appreciation of the theories mythical nature of these theories the idea
that some of state / authority structure always existed in all societies