FIRST YEAR B.A.

– POLITAL SCIENCE

Introduction to Political Obligation (Meaning, Nature & Scope) and Evolution of the Concept of
Political Obligation.

Introduction:

The issue of political obligation is the principle problem of the political theory and philosophy. It is
chiefly related with the question that when, why and how much an individual is bound to obey the
laws/commands of the State. Under the analysis of Pol theory/philosophy an investigation of the
logical and moral grounds of the political obligation is made.

Meaning & Definition:

The word obligation has been derived from the Latin word obligate meaning “something that binds
men to an engagement of performing what is enjoined”. Thus obligation implies the act of binding
oneself to some duty, to some contract, to some promise. In other words it is binding someone to do
something.

Kinds of Obligations:

1. Conscious and unconscious – Conscious obligation is that of which individuals feel fully
aware. On the contrary there are such obligations too of which people may not be aware (e.g.
if a man is compelled by law to pay taxes the obligation is no less real for his being aware).

2. Moral, legal and political obligations –

a) When the conduct of the individual is expected to be in conformity with the ethical and
moral tradition and values silently evolved by the society in the course of ages, it is called
Moral obligation.

b) Legal obligations are legally binding on the individual which means that he shall not shirk
them.

c) Political obligation is the responsibility of the individual to the State. Being essentially a
member of the state every human being has certain duties which is known as political
obligation. In fact every individual is subject to political obligation due to the
omnipresence of the Modern State.

Various significant obligations:

a) Obedience to Laws;
b) Resistance to bad Laws;
c) Loyalty to the State;
d) Payment of taxes levied by the Government;
e) Excise of political responsibilities like voting and holding public offices.
f) Co-operation with the Government like maintenance of Law and Order etc.
Political Obligations implies seeking to establish a political system free from all types of injustices and
laden with promotion of common good. The scope includes a set of legal duties to be performed by
the citizens, their non-compliance is usually followed by punishment. The concept of political
obligation determines the responsibility of the individual towards the political authority. So it
associates essentially three different types of basic problems.

1. Identification of the Authority.

2. Basic source of Political authority.
3. Extent of Political obligation.

Since State is an abstract institution, due to which the individual has to deal with
Government/bureaucracy. If this distinction between the Government and State is neglected the
obligation can be interpreted autocratically. Fascist Governments demanded total surrender from their
subjects and any violation invited punishment.

Such interpretation was one of the causes for World War II. T.H. Green in this context said that the
organized power of the society should be defined as political obligation. Green’s concept of political
obligation is connected with a view of common good and its axis is the society itself.

State is merely a means and an end. Karl Marx said political obligation of the individual is towards the
individual only and not to the state because from his point of view such obligation is conducive only in
a stateless and classless society.

The Divine origin Theory of the State believes that the orders of the State are as good as the command
of the God. Therefore, this theory supported unlimited political obligation. Supporting examples are
found in the ideas of MANU in the Indian Political Thought. Manu’s theory believed in the
unquestioned belief in the principle of Monarchy.

Great profounder of the social contract theory like Hobbes and Rousseau ratified the idea of absolute
Sovereignty and supported the concept of unlimited political obligation. Whereas John Locke
enunciated the Government as a Trust established for safeguarding the natural rights like life, liberty
and property and favored the principle of limited political obligation.

The extent of political obligation means the obligation to obedience.

Conclusion:

Political obligation occupied an important place in the field of politely theory only after the 15th
century. Before the 16th century it was interpreted as something which is inherited by or is the Will of
God. As far as the modern political theory is concerned it differs in its rejection of the certainty of the
political authority and by considering that all citizens voluntarily assume what they consider to be
valued obligations.

Footnote: The above notes are not exhaustive. Students are advised to refer to relevant books for
additional information.