Bhu2108 PDF

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Thika
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SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF
HUMANITIES
COURSE CODE: BHU2108
COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE
LILECHI MELVINE C.
copyright@2016-All rights reserved for MKU
i
MEANING Of SYMBOLS
Objectives
Activity
! Key note
Summary
Self Assessment Question (SAQs)
Further Reading
ii
COURSE OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE
Credit Hours 3 Hours
Pre-requisites None
Purpose
This course aims at introducing students to the basic concepts of political science. As a
fundamental unit in the study of political science, mastering of the key concepts of the discipline
shall be emphasized. This course aims at making the students understand political science with
a view of making an interpretation of world of politics.
Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students should be able to:
i) Explain in detail, nature, scope of political science.
ii) Study role of politics in shaping the behavior of the society.
iii) Discuss role of power, and politics in relations to human behavior.
iv) Explain role of justice and freedom in relations to world politics
v) Define terms like bureaucracy, democracy, pressure groups and civil society.
Week Topic Lectures

1 Introduction 1 - Scope, nature and range of political science
Poltics in society 2- Role of poltics in society

2
3 Role of politics in society 3- Relations between power and legitimacy
4 Political institutions 4- political institutions and functions
5 Social contract 5- The social contract of state
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6 Theories of state 6-The divine force,patriachy and evolution theory of
state
7 Nation and state 7- Nation and state
8 Citizenship 8-citizenship
9 Ideology 9- Ideology
10 Interest and pressure groups 10- Interest and pressure groups
11 Civil society 11- Civil society
12 Revision
13&14 Examination
Teaching / Learning Methodologies: Lectures, Tutorials, Class discussion
Instructional Materials and Equipment: Handouts, Chalk board
Course Assessment
Examination - 70%; Continuous Assessments (Exercises and Tests) - 30%; Total - 100%
Recommended Texts
i) Arblaster, A. (1994) Democracy. Minneapolis; University of Minnesota Press.
ii) Ball, A. (1993). Modern Politics and Governments. London; Macmillan
iii) Diamond, L. and Morlino, L., (2016).The quality of democracy. In Diamond, L., In
Search of Democracy. London: Routledge
iv)
v) Crick, B. ( 1962; 2007). In Defence of Politics. Harmondsworth; Penguin, 1962.
vi) Hoffman, J. (1995; 1998). Beyond the State. Cambridge, Polity Press.
vii) Nyanchoga, .S.A (2014).Ethncity,Citizenship and Politics of Belonging.Nairobi:CUEA
Press.
viii) Nyanchoga, .S.A and Amutabi M (2014). Contemporary Issues in Kenyan History and
the Challenges of Natiionhood. Nairobi:Kolbe Press.
ix) Wilkinson. ( 1986) Terrorism and the Modern State. Basingstoke, Macmillan, Press.
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TABLE OF CONTENT
MEANING Of SYMBOLS.........................................................................................................ii
COURSE OUTLINE .................................................................................................................iii
TABLE OF CONTENT .............................................................................................................. v
Lecture 1 ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Nature, scope and range of political science ............................................................................... 1
Lecture Overview........................................................................................................................ 1
Meaning of political science ...................................................................................................... 1
Nature of political science .......................................................................................................... 2
Scope of political science............................................................................................................ 3
Importance of political science ................................................................................................... 4
Lecture 2 ..................................................................................................................................... 8
Role of politics in society ........................................................................................................... 8
Lecture Overview........................................................................................................................ 8
Meaning of politics ..................................................................................................................... 8
Role of politics in society ........................................................................................................... 9
Lecture 3 ................................................................................................................................... 12
Relationship between power and legitimacy ............................................................................ 12
Lecture Overview...................................................................................................................... 12
Meaning of power and legitimacy ............................................................................................ 12
Sources of power ............................................................................................................... 13

Sources of legitimacy ........................................................................................................ 13
Lecture 4 ................................................................................................................................... 18
Political Institutions and Functions ........................................................................................... 18
The Institutions of the government ........................................................................................... 18
The legislature ................................................................................................................... 19

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The executive ..................................................................................................................... 19
The Judiciary ..................................................................................................................... 20
Lecture 5 ................................................................................................................................... 23
The Social contract of State ...................................................................................................... 23
Lecture overview ...................................................................................................................... 23
The Social Contract Theory ...................................................................................................... 23
Thomas Hobbes ................................................................................................................. 24

John Locke ......................................................................................................................... 25
J. J.Rousseau ...................................................................................................................... 26
Lecture 6 ................................................................................................................................... 29
The divine, force, patriarchy and evolution theories of the state ............................................ 29
The Theory of Divine Origin .................................................................................................... 29
The Theory of Force ................................................................................................................. 30
Evolutionary Theory ................................................................................................................. 30
Patriarchal Theory ..................................................................................................................... 31
Lecture 7 ................................................................................................................................... 33
Nation and State ....................................................................................................................... 33
Meaning of the nation and state ................................................................................................ 33
Lecture 8 ................................................................................................................................... 38
Citizenship ................................................................................................................................ 38
The Meaning of Citizenship...................................................................................................... 38
Rights of Citizens...................................................................................................................... 40
Lecture 9 ................................................................................................................................... 44
Ideology .................................................................................................................................... 44
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The Meaning of ideology .......................................................................................................... 44
Nationalism ........................................................................................................................ 45
Socialism ........................................................................................................................... 45
Maxism .............................................................................................................................. 46
Capitalism .......................................................................................................................... 47
African Socialism .............................................................................................................. 47
Democracy ......................................................................................................................... 48
Lecture 10 ................................................................................................................................ 51
Interest and Pressure Groups .................................................................................................... 51
Meaning of pressure groups ...................................................................................................... 52
Lecture 11 ................................................................................................................................. 56
Civil Society Organisations ...................................................................................................... 56
Categories of civil society organization .................................................................................... 56
Functions of CSOs .................................................................................................................... 58
Advocacy ........................................................................................................................... 58
Service provision ............................................................................................................... 59
Environment ...................................................................................................................... 59
Development ...................................................................................................................... 60
Governance ........................................................................................................................ 61
Peace building.................................................................................................................... 62
Limitations ................................................................................................................................ 62
SAMPLE CAT QUESTIONS ................................................................................................... 65
SAMPLE FINAL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS .................................................................. 66
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Lecture 1
Nature, scope and range of political science
Lecture Overview
The term politics is derived from the Greek word Polis; a city state. Politics is the practice and
theory of influencing other people on a civic or individual level. Politics is art or science of
government or governing, especially the governing of a political entity, such as a nation, and
the administration and control of its internal and external affairs.Politics is divided into political
theory and poclitical organization. Political theory is primarily concerned with the purposes for
which people are organized into associations, civil or polity; purpose for political organization;
nature of authority of and the state. Political organization looks at the workings of government.
By the end of this lecture, you should be able to:

i) Meaning of political science
ii) Outline the nature of political science
iii) Describe the scope of political science
iv) Examine the importance of studying political science .
Meaning of political science
Political science is a discipline concerned with the study of the state, nation, government, and
politics and policies of government. Political science intersects with other fields; including
economics, law, sociology, history, anthropology, public administration, public policy, national
politics, international relations, comparative politics, psychology and political organization.
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Nature of political science
Science is defined as classification of facts and information based on absolute judgment and
universal conclusions. Science is a systematic process of building and organizing knowledge in
the form of testable explanations and predictions. Politics cannot be an exact science like
physics and chemistry. Politics is social science that deals with human beings in society. Human
beings are social phenomenon that undergoes constant change.
Activity 1.1
Is politics a science?
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There is science of politics meaning set of rules, regulations, fundamental principles that form
the basis of predictions, conclusions and generalizations. For instance the study of the causes
of revolutions; the English revolution of 1688, American revolution of 1776, French revolution
of 1789, Russian revolution of 1917, Chinese revolution of 1949 one is able to accumulate facts
to formulate generalizations
Activity 1.2
Is politics an art?
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Political science the art of governing. political thinkers such as classical thinkers such as
Aristotle, Niccolò Machiavelli, Cicero, Plato and many others exlain that politics and indeed
political science involves the application of leadership skills to govern a polity.
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Scope of political science
Political science is commonly divided into distinct sub-disciplines which together constitute the
field; political theory; comparative politics; public administration; international relations;
public law and political methodology .Political theory is more concerned with contributions of
various classical thinkers such as Aristotle, Niccolò Machiavelli, Cicero, Plato and many others.
Comparative politics is the science of comparison and teaching of different types of
constitutions, political actors, legislature and associated fields, all of them from an intrastate
perspective. International relations deals with the interaction between nation-states as well as
intergovernmental and transnational organizations
Political science is methodologically diverse and appropriates many methods originating in

social research. Approaches include positivism, rational choice theory, structuralism, post-
structuralism, realism, institutionalism, and pluralism.
Political scientists study matters concerning the allocation and transfer of power in decision
making, the roles and systems of governance including governments and international
organizations, political behavior and public policies. Political science measure the success of
governance and specific policies by examining many factors, including stability, justice,
material wealth, and peace.
Political scientists provide the frameworks from which journalists, special interest groups,
politicians, and the electorate analyze issues. Political science is essentially a study of human
behavior and all aspects of politics.
Activity 1.3
Explain how political science is related to sociology, economics, law?
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Importance of political science
(i) Imparting Knowledge of the State:
However, the primary aim of the study of Political Science is to inculcate critical skill and
knowledge of the State, its origin, nature, structure and functions. Knowledge about the State is
of great significance to modern man.
(ii) Imparting Knowledge of government and administration:
The administrators, political leaders and diplomats, who conduct the affairs of the State, also
require sound knowledge of Political Science in order to perform their functions with efficiency.
(iii) Imparting Knowledge about the world:
The acquisition of know ledge of political science enriches one's mind and widens one's
intellectual horizon. In order to know what is happening in the world around us at least an
elementary knowledge of political science is necessary.
(iv) Creation of democratic values:
. The study of political science makes people conscious of their rights and duties. It also makes
them vigilant unless the citizens of a country are vigilant, alert, intelligent and patriotic; there
is no possibility of successful working of democracy in that country.
(v) Creation of good citizenship:
The study of Political Science is valuable for creating good citizenship and securing unity of
the nation. It makes citizens conscious of national, objectives and goals. Political Science
teaches the lessons and virtues of good citizenship.
(vi) Lesson of co-operation and toleration:
Political science also teaches the lesson of co-operation, adjustment and toleration. Society
cannot prosper without cooperation. Man should learn how to co-operate and adjust himself
with his fellow-beings.
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(vii) Knowledge of Political Science Indispensable
Its study helps us to understand the mechanism and constitutional systems of modern
government. The principles of government, the domestic and foreign policies of the nation. The
legislature, executive and judiciary of different countries, etc. are studied in Political Science.
The principles of liberty, equality and fraternity are also made clear by the study of political
science. Keeping in mind its importance and utilitarian value.
Activity 1.4
Explain the relationship between politics and political science
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Politics deals with the features, basic principles, theory of the state and government. Political
science covers the study of the state and actual forms of government; workings of government
and administration; political action and election; actual activities of the state; political parties;
contest in the elections; conduct of the administration of the state. It is known as applied or
practical polity, which deals with the actual working of government. Political Science deals
with actual forms of the government; working of the government, administration; actual laws,
their procedure and courts.
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Activity 1.5
Read chapter One of Crick, B. ( 1962; 2007). In Defence of Politics.
Harmondsworth; Penguin, 1962
From the above reading, we now need to see that the nature scope and importance of political
science is derived from classicl philosophical thinking of scholars such as Plato, Aristotle,
Machiaveli, Hobbes and Locke: We have learnt that politics and political science is about:
i. Politics is about power

ii. Power is about the capability of nations
iii. political science is application of the set of rules that are applied in analysing political
processes.
You have come to the end of lecture one. In this lecture you have learnt the
following:
 Meaning of political science
 The nature of political science
 The scope of political science
 The importance of studing political science .
Now take a break and reflect on some of the issues we have discussed today. After your break,
answer the following questions:
1. Define politics and political science

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2. Examine the importance of studying political science in the world today.
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Nyanchoga, S.A. ( 2014). Citizenship, Ethnicity and Politics of Belonging in Kenya. Nairobi:
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa Press.
Oyugi W.O and Gitonga, A. (1987) Democratic Theory and Practice in Africa. Nairobi: East
Africa Educational Publishers.
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Lecture 2
Role of politics in society
Lecture Overview
Politics is the art and practice influencing other people in society. Politics is idespensable.
Political thinkers such as Aristotle argue that man is by nature a political animal. The practice
of good politics is for the good of the members of society. Society may not do away with politics.
Even development takes within a political context.

i) Explain the meaning of politics
ii) Examine the role of politics in society.
Meaning of politics
Politics is about decision making that affect members of society. Politics also relates power and
resources in a govern society and between communities. Politics include promoting one’s
interest. Politics is about power. Politics refers to the operation of a constitutional system of
government. Politics is about forming alliances, exercising power and protecting and advancing
particular ideas or goals.
Activity 2.1
Explain how politics affect our daily lives
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Role of politics in society
i. Politics conciliates diverse interests. Society comprises of people and interest groups
with competing and diverse interests. Politics reconciles the diversity through the
process of competition
ii. Politics plays a key role in establishing peace and collaboration within and between
nations by s establishing rules, regulations and setting standards for expected codes of
conduct.
iii. Politics quell violence by fostering a sense of cooperation and encouraging

communication and acceptance among citizens.
iv. Politics helps us to know our rights and duties
v. Politics clarifies our beliefs such as ideology
vi. Politics enbles us to undersatnd our nation;party politics, constitution and operations of
government
vii. Transferance of skillskills include understanding how the political system operates,
communication, political theory, and international study.
Activity 2.2
Explain why it is necessary for you to study politics
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Study politics is very exciting. You will gain many analytical and practical skills including the
ability to conduct research, oral and written communication and all of which are invaluable in
today changing political environment and job market.
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Activity 2.3
Read chapter Two of Crick, B. ( 1962; 2007). In Defence of Politics.
Harmondsworth; Penguin, 1962
From the above reading, we now need to see the role of politics in society. We have learnt that
politics is about:
 Politics conciliates diverse interests.
 Politics may peace and collaboration.
 Politics helps us to know our rights and duties
 Politics enbles us to undersatnd our nation
 Transferance of skillskills
 Politics may be a source of conflict
You have come to the end of lecture two. In this lecture you have learnt the
following:
 Meaning of politics
 The role of politics in society.
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1. Define politics
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2. Examine the role of politics in society.
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Lecture 3
Relationship between power and legitimacy
Lecture Overview
In this lecture we shall discuss the meaning of power and legitimacy and how the concepts
related to authority. The lecture shall explain the sources of power and legitimacy and the
relationship between the two

i) Meaning of power and legitimacy
ii) Describe the sources of power and legitimacy
iii) Examine the relationship between power and legitimacy.
Meaning of power and legitimacy
All politics is about power and capability. It is the ability to get someone to do something.
Distinguished with authority power is the ability to do things and authority is the right to do
things. Power is seen in three forms: decision-making, agenda setting and thought
control.Thomas Hobbes defines power as the coercive force power that is used against an
individual’s will and hence individual is subservient to it, otherwise life would be nasty, brutish
and short. Legitimacy usually is understood as the popular acceptance and recognition by the
public of the authority of a governing régime, whereby authority has political power through
consent and mutual understandings, not coercion.
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Activity 3.1
Explain the relatioship between power authority and legitimacy
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Authority is the legitimate exercise of power. Ruling by power alone eventually lead to
unsustainable use of coercive resources. Authority may exist withou power. Also being ‘an
authority’ doesn’t need recourse to power but can have influence. Authority instrumental,
coming from below through thconsent of the governed; from legal-rational instruments and
from the above from those with experience and wisdom.
Sources of power
 Power may derived from economic resources such as property

 Power may also be obtained from social status
 Power may obtained through political competition
Sources of legitimacy
 Traditional – sanctified by history and based upon custom.

 Charismatic – based entirely upon the power of an individual’s personality. Owes
nothing to status, social position or office, yet can be used to promote the interests of
society
 Legal-rational – situation for most liberal democratic Western capitalist societies.
Operates through a body of clearly defined rules linked to formal powers of office not
office holder. Arises out of a respect for the rule of law and is evident in the
constitutional framework of long-established states.
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Activity 3.2
Explain the relatioship between power authority and legitimacy
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Authority is the legitimate exercise of power but debate as to whether this requires morality or
perception or rightfulness. Ruling by power alone eventually lead to unsustainable use of
coercive resources.Power stems from the the use of force is the antithesis of authority.Legally
use of power need the support of law to be legimatly excercised. Office need power to be
influential
Legitimacy:
 exercise of authority that is linked to power.
 It is moral right to rule or consent by the governed through social contrast theory –
we consent to be governed. If there is a formal constitutional basis, we can see
legitimacy.
 For Rousseau the state is legitimate if it upholds the will of the people
Activity 3.3
Explain how the governments mantains power and legitimacy
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 Social contract – tacit and formal agreement whereby state’s legitimacy is based on
protection of citizens (Hobbes) and promotion of rights and freedoms (Locke) and the
common good (Rousseau).
 Tacit consent is given to the government by anyone who has “possession or enjoyment
of any part of the dominions of any government”.
 Popular compliance – populace have a belief in the right to rule which in a democracy
is based around the exercise of legal-rational authority.
 Constitutionalism legitimacy operating under existing established principles thus
power exercised through the existing constitutional process; if this adheres to the
widely held beliefs and values of a society.
 Power is legitimate if it is exercised according to certain rules; justified in terms of

ruler and ruled; people must give consent .
 Social contract ;taking social contract and trying to improve civic engagement
through modern political systems.
Activity 3.4
Read chapter Two and three Nyanchoga, S.A.. (2014). Ethncity
Citizenship and Politics of belonging. Naieobi; CUEA Press
From the above reading, we now need to see the relationship between power and Legitimacy:
 Power is legitimate when the governed consent it
 Power without authorityleads to usurpation
 Legitimate power emantes from traditions and legal rational instruments
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You have come to the end of lecture three. In this lecture you have learnt the
following:
 Meaning of power and legitimacy
 Describe the sources of power and legitimacy
 Examine the relationship between power and legitimacy.
1.Define power
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2.Examine whether governments in Africa have legitimate power to rule
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3.Explain the relation between power, authorityand legitimacy

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Lecture 4
Political Institutions and Functions
Lecture Overview
Government structures are the basic things that governments need to do to govern; they are the
basic functions that appear in every modern government. Political institutions are the particular
mechanisms that a government uses to carry out essential government functions. For example,
every government must have a mechanism to create laws. In addition to the basic functions that
institutions serve, they also can allow governments to build legitimacy for their policies.
Political institutions are reflections of a nation’s culture, its aspirations, and its history, and these
institutions also play a role in shaping a government’s policies.

i) Explain government institutions
ii) Describe their functions
The Institutions of the government

There are arms of government namely the legislature or parliament ; executive or the civil
service and the judiciary. The legislature comprises of the president; elected members;
nominated member and the speaker and the attorney general. The executive comprises
president as the head of the cabinet of which all ministers are members. The civil service is the
executive arm of the government responsible for the implementation of the programmes which
the government of the day has set out to accomplish.
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Activity 4.1
Explain the functions of legislature
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_
The legislature
 Legislative and formulation of policy
 The control of finance and its expenditure
 Serve as the representative of the people.
 Subject to the provisions of the constitution, parliament has the power to make laws for
peace, order and good government.
Activity 4.2
Explain the functions of executive
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The executive
The executive (civil service) is an instrument of the executive authority of the government. The
executive must mantain neutrality. The following are the functions of the executive:
 Nation building.This is the process of creating an organic entity out of the different
groups through various activities and programmes. The people are given sense of
oneness; they become a community, a nation with a common interest and broad general
goals. To achieve this, the people must be given functional access to one set of laws,
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equality before that law, and a protection of all individual and communal rights to life
property and liberties.
 Security. The civil service o protect the national borders from outside aggressor; protect
the lives and property, rights and liberties of the individuals and the community
 Development. The rationale, objectives and government programmes are explained and
and implemented by the civil service or executive The needs, aspirations and capacities
of the people and of the functional local institutions are identified through the civil
service . The provincial administration is the essential link between the policy makers
and planners and the people.
 Administration :The core function is to implement or execute law and policy, which is
related to administering government business..
 Policy-Advice. The political significance of the executive largely comes from its role
as the policy-advisers to the government.. Government decisions thus reflect the
influences of executive .
 Political Stability.The executive provides stability and continuity withinthe political
system and with change of government, there is no change of policy immediately
Activity 4.3
Explain the functions of Judiciary
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The Judiciary
All societies including african traditional societies there must be discipline and a code of
conduct which is acceptable to all and which applies to all. The following are the functions of
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judiciary.
 To interprate the law
 To prevent any discrimination based on tribe, race, religion, wealth or privilege.
 To protect human life and the ownership and enjoyment of property
 To represent society in apprehension of criminals and punishment of crime.
 To uncover corruption and other malpractices.
 To strengthen the civil administration in purposeful control of public behaviour
 To assist the people in cases of accident, distress or threat
Activity 4. 4
Read Chapter Three and Four of Oyugi W.O and Gitonga, A. (1987)
Democratic Theory and Practice in Africa. Nairobi: East Africa
Educational Publishers.
From the above reading, we now need to see the functions of political institutions. We have
learnt that political instituions perform varity of functions such as:
 Policy formulation
 Enactment of laws
 Executing laws and policies
 Interprating laws
You have come to the end of lecture four. In this lecture you have learnt the
following:
 Government institutions
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 The functions of government institutions
1.Explain the relationship between executive,legislature and judiciary in Kenya

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2.Discuss the challenges of upholding the rule of law in Africa
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3 “The executive in Africa is powerful because it has usurped the power of the judiciary and the
legislature”. Discuss
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Nyanchoga, S.A. and Amutabi Maurice( 2014). Contemporary Issues in Kenyan History and
Challenges of Nationhood. Nairobi: Kolbe Press
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Lecture 5
The Social contract of State
Lecture overview
Among the first questions which political theory raises is the origin of the state. There are
various theories concerning the origin of the state. They are the social contract theory, the divine
right theory, the force theory, and evolutionary theory.

i) Explain the social contract theory of the state according to Thomas Hobbes
ii) Discuss the social contract theory of the state according to John Locke
iii) Examine the social contract theory of the state according to John Rousseau
The Social Contract Theory
The state is a contract agreement entered into by men who originally had no government
organization. The history of the world is divided into two namely the period the period before
the state and period after. In the first state men lived in a state of nature with no human authority.
After some time they decided to set up a government and gave up their natural liberty and
decided to obey laws prescribed by the government. The state is human creation a result of the
contract
The theory of social contract became significant in the middle ages. Two forms of contract were
significant namely government contract between the coercive agency and the people i.e James
II and the people of England in 1688 and social contract which was compact among individuals
i.e mayflower in 1620 a covenant among the people to combine together in a civic body.
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Activity 5.1
Explain the social contract according to Thomas Hobbes
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Thomas Hobbes
Thomas Hobbes 1588-1679 an English man was inclined towards absolutism. In his works the
Leviathan of 1651; stated that in the state of nature man is selfish, moved to action not by
intellect and reason but by appetites, desires and passion. Law and justice are absent. Life of
man is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short. Hobbes recognizes that in the state of nature there
laws of nature whose essence is self preservation.In the creation of the state men relinquish all
rights to the government that are inconsistent with living in peace. When a state is created the
following happens:
The government is sovereign and sovereign power is absolute because sovereign power is as
result of a pact which is irrevocable. Men surrender their rights to the sovereign. The sovereign
represents the will of the people; anti social elements are checked the absolute authority.
Sovereignty is inalienable –there should be no power in state strong than the sovereign
Sovereignty is indivisible and unpunishable; is the judge for peace and defense of his subjects;
has right to make laws reward, honour and punish.
Hobbes preferred a monarchy rather than an assembly because it was consistent in policy
Law is in general not counsel but command
Liberty of the subjects was limited to which the sovereign had permitted as wells the natural
rights that can be surrendered.
Theory of Hobbes Has been criticized because primitive society rested not contract but on
status. He also assumed that human nature can be changed easily that is being a savage in the
state of nature and saint in the state of contract.
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Activity 5.2
Explain the social contract according to John Locke
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John Locke
John Locke 1632-1704; in his book Two Treatises if Government (1690) states that in the state
of nature men are free and equal; each lives according to his own liking. There is a natural law
or the law of reason which commands that no one shall impair the life , the health, the freedom
and the possession of another. The law of Locke stresses freedom and preservation of all men
unlike that of Hobbes that emphasized self preservation.
The state is created through a medium of contract in which individuals agree with every other
to give up their natural rights of enforcing law of reason in that life liberty and property are
preserved. Locke unlike Hobbes gives power to the community and not a government. The
natural rights of life, liberty and property are reserved to the individual.
Legislative powers constituted by the consent of the people becomes the supreme power but is
not arbitrary. It must be exercised for the good of the subjects . Government holds such
legislative power in trust. The legislature can dispense justice by standing laws, no one can be
deprived of his property without their consent, taxes can not be levied without consent of the
people or their representatives. Legislature can transfer this power to another person or body
because it is delegated power from the people who alone can dispose of it. The people can
dispose of the legislature if acts contrary to the trusted bestowed on it.
According to Locke the community is sovereign or supreme. The power of the community is
latent as long as the government is acting in accordance to the trust bestowed on it but when it
acts contrary to the trust the power of the community manifests itself in its right to replace that
government by another. Locke’s theory resulted into a constitutional government.
Locke central idea is that government rests on the consent of the governed and people have the
right to change the government if it acts contrary to wishes of the people.
25
Activity 5.3
Explain the social contract according to Jacque Jean Rousseau
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
J. J.Rousseau
J. J.Rousseau (1712-78); developed a social contract theory (Contrat Social). Man according to
Rousseau is good and sympathetic; the state of nature is a period of idyllic happiness men being
free and equal. Soon with the introduction of private property and growth of population conflict
begin and man is compelled to give up natural rights and find a form of association that protects
[personal property and that of associates. The problem is solved through the a contractual
creation of a civil society in which everyone surrender their rights to the community and not
the government. The community becomes sovereign. Individual surrender individual will and
subscribe the general will of the community.
The law becomes the expression of the general will and came made only in an assembly of the
whole people.
Sovereignty can never be alienated, represented or divided. The government is never the same
as the sovereign. The government executes the law in accordance to the sovereign and the
sovereign legislates.
The importance of Rousseau political thought is that it served as a basis for democracy and
justification of revolutions against arbitrary rule. The Declaration of the rights of Man of 1789
was taken from Rousseau political thoughts.
To argue that the general will always be the good of the community is not always guaranteed
The contract theory seems untenable because societies rested not contract but status. The
command of the law of status did not rest on voluntarism, mutualism. “He who is born slave,
let him remain a slave, the artisan, an artisan, the priest a priest”
26
The theory in practice supports anarchy. The state and its institutions are products of individual
will and therefore may not have sufficient authority when they contradict individual will
It assumes that men in the state of nature are equal; inequality rather equality is natural. The
theory is important because it brought out the idea that civil society rests not on the ruler but on
the governed -a contributory factor to democracy.
Activity 5.4
Read Chapter Chapter One of Nyanchoga,A.S. (2014).Ethncity,
Citizenship and Politics of Belonging in Kenya . Nairobi: CUEA Press.
From the above reading, we now need to see the arguments of the Hobbes,Locke and Rousseau
on the social contract theory. We have learnt that these scholars have different views on the
theory of state.
i) In Locke’s argument power is surrendered to the community . This leads to
constitutional forms of government
ii) In Hobbes power is surrendered to the government leading to absolutism or absolute

forms government.
iii) In Rousseau power is surrendered to the community leading republic form of

government
You have come to the end of lecture five. In this lecture you have learnt the
following:
 The social contarct theory of the state
27
1 Explain the inluence of social contract theory in the development of political institutions
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
2. Discuss the relevance of the social contract theory to governance in Africa

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
3.Examine the social contract theory to state formation in Africa

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
28
Lecture 6
The divine, force, patriarchy and evolution theories of the state
Lecture overview
There are various theories concerning the origin of the state. They are theory, the divine right
theory, the force theory, and evolutionary theory.

i) Explain the divine theory of the state
ii) Discuss the forcet theory of the state
iii) Examine the evolutiont and patriarchy theory of the state.
The Theory of Divine Origin

The theory is also known as the theory of divine right of kings. It has three propositions; the
state has been established by an ordinance of God. Its ruler are divinely appointed, they are
accountable to no authority but God. The theory helped to support claims of certain rulers like
James I of England to govern absolutely without being accountable to the people.
Activity 6.1
Explain the force theory of the state
__________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
29
The Theory of Force
The state is as result of subjugation according to Hume in Essays on the Origin of Government.
The state is founded when the leader with his warriors gets permanent control of a definite
territory of a considerable size and other tribes. This is what happened in England in the 9the
century. Norway, Denmark and Sweden were consolidated out of tribal fights in the 19th
Activity 6.2
Explain the evolution theory of the state.
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Evolutionary Theory
The state is a product of natural evolution. Factors that contributed to evolution of the state are;
kinship- created strong bonds and government; Common worship welded families and tribes
together; war led to emergency of leadership and conquest helped to give a mark of territoriality
of the state. Political consciousness; humanity was instinctively aware of the need to create
state.
Activity 6.3
Explain the patriarchy theory of the state
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
30
Patriarchal Theory
The state is an extension of the family, the head of the state being the father. H.S Maine in
Ancient Law cites the patriarchs of the Old Testament, Athens and ancient Rome as evidence in
favour of the theory. The patriarchal society which was which was the foundation of modern
state was characterized male kingship, permanent marriage and paternal authority
Activity 6.4
Read Chapter Chapter One of Nyanchoga,A.S. (2014).Ethncity,
Citizenship and Politics of Belonging in Kenya . Nairobi: CUEA Press.
From the above reading, we have learnt that these theories have different interpretation on the
origin of the state:
 The Divine theory is premised on the idea that the state is ecclessisticsl institution.
 The Force theory is premised on the idea that the state is a product of war and conquest
 The Patriarchy theory states that the state is an instrument of male domination
 The evolution theory argues that state institution has gradually developed over years.
You have come to the end of lecture six. In this lecture you have learnt the
following:
 The various theories of the state
31
1. Explain the inluence of divine theory in the development of the modern state
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
2. Explain the inluence of force theory in the development of the modern state
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
3.Discuss the patriarchal nature of the state in Africa

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Hoffman, J. (1995; 1998). Beyond the State. Cambridge, Polity Press.
Ball, A. (1993). Modern Politics and Governments. London; Macmillan
32
Lecture 7
Nation and State
Lecture overview
This lecture is about development of nation, natiohood and state buildning. It is also premised
that nation emerge before the state. The becomes the totality of people territory and
governance institutions.

i) Explain the meaning of nation
ii) Define state
iii) Examine the relationship between the nation and state.
Meaning of the nation and state
Nation may refer to a large group of people who share a common language, culture, ethnicity,
descent, or history. Nation can refer to a people, race, or tribe; those having the same descent,
language, and history. An ethnic community, or ethnie, shares a common myth of origins and
descent, a common history, elements of distinctive culture, a common territorial association,
and sense of group solidarity. A nation is much more impersonal, abstract, and overtly political
than an ethnic group. It is a cultural-political community that has become conscious of its
coherence, unity, and particular interests. A nation refers only to a socio-cultural entity, a union
of people sharing who can identify culturally and linguistically. This concept does not
necessarily consider formal political unions.
33
A state refers to a legal/political entity that is comprised of the following:
a. a permanent population;
b. a defined territory;
c. a government; and
d. The capacity to enter into relations with other states.
Activity 7.1
Explain the development of nation
__________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
The development of nation
 The 18th century brought an alteration to the meaning of the term "nation", which
became more narrowly referred to as a group with a recognizable and sovereign
government with physical borders. The nation began to emerge in the late 18th century
as the leading form of government and social organization. The catalyst that brought
about this change in meaning was the influence of the African diaspora and its people
in other states, specifically in the United States. National identity brought rights to vote,
to hold office, and independence for a growing number of black territories held under
colonial rule.
 However, within the diaspora, particularly among groups that have been politicized, the
term nation has been used to describe a more abstract national experience, one that
transcends physical borders and language differences. This description of nation is
pinned to the shared experience of being radicalized and termed as Black.
 A nation-state is a political entity with sovereignty over a defined territory often
coinciding with the distribution of a unified ethnic identity.
34
 The concept and actuality of the nation state can be compared and contrasted with that
of the multinational state, city state, empire, confederation, and other state forms with which
it may overlap. The key distinction from the other forms is the identification of a people
with a polity.
 The origins and early history of nation states are disputed. A major theoretical issue is:
"Which came first, the nation or the nation state?" Professor Steven Weber of the
University of California, Berkeley, has advanced the hypothesis that the nation-state is an
inadvertent byproduct of 15th-century advances in map-making technologies. For
nationalists, the answer is that the nation existed first, nationalist movements arose to
present its legitimate demand for sovereignty, and the nation state met that demand. Some
"modernization theories" of nationalism see the national identity largely as a product of
government policy to unify and modernize an already existing state. Most theories see
the nation state as a 19th-century European phenomenon, facilitated by developments
imperilaism and capitalism.
Activity 7.2
Explain the development of the state
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
The theory of social contract of the middle ages lays the foundation for the origin of th emodern
state. Thereafter the revolutionary era in europe and africa led to the evolution of the state
institution. The colonial and post colonial era led to further development in the state.
35
Activity 7.3
Explain the relationship between the nation and the state.
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
The state is a political and geopolitical entity, while the nation is a cultural and/or ethnic one;
the term "nation state" implies that the two coincide geographically. Nation state formation took
place at different times in different parts of the world, but has become the dominant form of
state organization.
Activity 7.5
Read Chapter One Ball, A. (1993). Modern Politics and Governments.
London; Macmillan
From the above reading, we have learnt about the nation and state
The state political and legal rational entity while the nation cultural entity.
The modern state may be defined as nation state because it incorprates several nationalities
togther under a single sovereign entity
You have come to the end of lecture seven. In this lecture you have learnt the
following:
 The meaning of state and nation
 The evolution of both the state and nation

36
 The relationship between the state and the nation
1 Explain the challenges of African nation -states

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
2. Examine whether states in Africa possess the characteristics of statehood
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
3. Explain which of the two evolved first; the state or the nation?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
37
Lecture 8
Citizenship
Lecture overview
The formal legal definition of citizenship presupposes equality, entitlements and duties or
responsibilities which include but are not limited to the right to vote, run for public office, access
welfare benefits, pay taxes and obey laws of a country. The concept of citizenship has varied
interpretations

i) Explain the meaning of citizenship
ii) Examine the theory of citizenship
iii) Rights and duties of citizenship
The Meaning of Citizenship
Activity 8.1
Explain the theories of citizenship
__________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
According to Aristotle, citizens established a State to ensure their survival as a self-sufficient

community. Citizenship grew organically from the community and excluded foreigners
38
Citizenship in Ancient Rome incorporated people of diverse backgrounds and those who served
Rome in various capacities. Citizenship in Rome meant membership in a political community
based on legally defined rights and duties. Citizenship was not defined in terms of common
history or culture but could be conferred upon anyone whatever the origin. It was open to
foreigners, thus laying the foundation for universalization of citizenship
The contract theory postulates a tacit agreement between people and government and between
individuals. The idea of government contract was largely employed by the defenders of liberty
in Middle Ages to resist absolutism of rulers against their subjects Modern Theory on
Citizenship postulates the assertion of citizenry power over absolutism. This was exemplified
in the English Glorious Revolution of 1688 which limited the powers of the monarchy and
instituted the bill of rights that protected the citizens from the excesses of the monarchy.
Activity 8.2
Explain the rights and duties of citizens
__________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
The specific duties of Athenian citizen were:
Religious: Believing in the gods of his city and taking part in festival of national gods.
Private: Marriage; the law forbade men to remain single.
Political: The Athenian law forbade anyone to remain neutral. One was required to take a
position or side in public debate.
Financial: The law placed the heaviest burden of taxation on richer citizens who were required
to expend large sums of their money on public service.
Military: All citizens were required to serve in one or another branch of the military.
39
The Declaration of the rights of man and citizens that preceded the French Revolution of 1789
stated that all men are equal before the law and that sovereignty lies with the citizens. All
citizens, directly or through their representatives, participate in the making of the laws (Rials,
1988:475-751).
Rights of Citizens
Rights are privileges or those conditions of social life without which one may not live to the
fullest of his or her life. Rights are privileges or immunities upheld by the State.
Right to life
This is the most fundamental of all rights and is the foundation upon which all rights are built
Right to work
This implies the right to be occupied in producing some share of goods and services necessary
for society but not necessarily the right to particular work.
Personal safety and freedom
This is described as uninterrupted enjoyment of one’s life including locomotion without

restraint except by due process of law.
Right to reputation
Holland (1928) states that man has a right to his good name and respect as long as it is well
founded and that it shall not be diminished by spoken and written words or by pictures and
gestures.
Religious freedom
The right to follow one’s own religion and worship is gradually being recognized by modern
States.
Education
Education is a fundamental right which equips citizens for the tasks of citizenship.
Freedom of speech
It means the right to say or write what one chooses provided it is not blasphemous, obscene,
seditious or defamatory of another’s reputation
40
Right of association
Association is fundamentally important so long as it is not contrary to social order
Family rights
This right results from the institution of marriage and includes a man’s marital rights to the
society of his wife and vice versa, custody and control of his children, produce of their labour
till the years of discretion or termination of marriage .
Property rights
The right to private property includes unhampered use of one’s gains whether land or goods,
the right to exclusive use, right to destroy, right to alienate or exchange by gift and to bequeath.
The right to private property originates in nature and not in man:
Right to share in the government of the day
According to Rousseau, citizens share in the sovereign authority. Aristotle said that a citizen is
capable of ruling or being ruled
Activity 8.4
Read Chapter One Read Chapter Chapter One of Nyanchoga,A.S.
(2014).Ethncity, Citizenship and Politics of Belonging in Kenya . Nairobi:
CUEA Press.
From the above reading, we have learnt citizens have rights and dutiesthat the nation and state
The state political and legal rational entity while the nation cultural entity.
41
The modern state may be defined as nation state because it incorprates several nationalities
togther under a single sovereign entity
You have come to the end of lecture eight. In this lecture you have learnt the
following:
 The meaning of citizenship
 The duties and rights of citizens
1. Examine the role of African states in safeguarding the rights of citizens

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
2. Discuss the circumsatnces where one may loose citizenship of a country

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
3.Explain the disticntion between a citizen and a foreigner
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
42
43
Lecture 9
Ideology
Lecture overview
Ideology is set of values, beliefs, ideas or opinion founded in a particular society, profession or
a group of people. Ideology may defined as glue that hold certain groups or communities.
Positive ideology may bring prosperity but negative ideology may be destructive to society.
Ideology emanate from the traditions, customs or beliefs of people.

i) Explain the meaning of ideology
ii) Examine the types of ideology
iii) Discuss the positive and negative aspects of ideiology
The Meaning of ideology

Ideology may be defined as the philosophical beliefs, ideas, values that underlie a particular
society, community, nation, profession or class. Ideology is the body of ideas reflecting the
social needs and aspirations of an individual, group, class, or culture” and “a set of doctrines or
beliefs that form the basis of a political, economic, or other system. There are several types of
ideology.
44
Activity 9.1
Explain the meaning of nationalism as an ideology
__________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Nationalism
Nationalism, which is derived from nation, is a complex doctrine about the character, the rights
and obligations as well as a political movement which seeks to assert, defend and promote
specific obligations of nations as well as a political movement which seeks to assert, defend and
promote specific national goals and interests. Political nationalism aims at protecting the
sovereignty of a nation. Cultural nationalism aim at perserving the cultural identity of a group
and economic nationalism seek to protect national economies and industries against foreign
competition through protectionism.
Activity 9.2
Explain the meaning of socialism as an ideology
__________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Socialism
Socialism is a crtiquess of industrial capitalism such as the market economy, free competition
and enterprise and profiteering.Socialism is e opposed to the individualism of bourgeoisie
liberal ideology. Socilism deplores the exploitation and degradation of workers and the
growing gap between the rich and the poor. Socilaism advocates for the creation of a society
which was based on co-operation, comradeship and social justice. Socialism calls for an end to
45
the exploitation of man by man and insist that production should be geared to the satisfaction
of the needs of the community as a whole rather than to profit maximization. Socialism sees
private property as the principal cause of inequality and calls for the collective ownership of
the means of production in order to ensure distributive justice.
Activity 9.3
Explain the meaning of Marxism as an ideology
__________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Maxism
As a system of thought and a form of scientific socialism. Marxism was grounded in the concept
of historical materialism. In essence, historical materialism stressed the centrality of economic
forces in the organization of all societies throughout history. For Karl Marx, and Fredrick
Engels, the material economic conditions (including technology) determined ideas, religion,
philosophy, legal systems and political institutions. They called the former the substructure and
the latter the super structure of society
Activity 9.4
Explain the meaning of capitalism as an ideology
__________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
46
Capitalism
The capitalism ideology is founded on lieberal ideas, open markets and competition. As a mode
of production, the bourgeoisie controlled the forces of production (natural resources, capital
labour and technology) and dictated the relations of production between the work and the
employer. Capitalism underlies liberal ideas such as democracy. capitalism more liberal and
tolerant to private property both domestic and foreign. It promoted entrepreneurial class. The
state still dominated the economy. Through marketing programmes, price controls and large
parastatals.
Activity 9.5
Explain the meaning of African Socialism as an ideology
__________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
African Socialism
African socialism was reaction to European liberal and capitalist ideas that tended to exploit
Africans by setting development goals that were unrealistic to the local conditions. African
leaders such as Leopold Senghor of Senegal (Negritude), Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia
(Humanism), Julius Nyerere of Tanzania Ujamaa and Mbutu Se Seko of the then Zaire
(Mobutism) stressed on traditional values and marrying them within the development discourse.
These values were symbiotic relations, humanism and egalitarianism. These ideas cast the state
in the centre of development. Public enterprise came to dominate centrally planned economies
as large elements of private enterprise were nationalized.African socialism came to be hampered
by the nature of international economy, inability to mobilize the peasantry, internal social
division, elite politics
47
Activity 9.6
Explain the meaning of democracy as an ideology
__________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Democracy
Democracy is based on majoritarian rule. It advocates for liberal or plurality of ideas in the
political, social and economic space. Democracy as an ideology represents the notion that the
people, in their majority, will decide all group issues or plans of action by voting or consensus.
As a form of government, Democracy describes the process of election or referendum by which
law and policy is passed, which is open to and representative of the entire populace. Democracy
quite literally means 'rule by the people', so it's a concept rather than an ideology. However,
one's belief that democracy is an ideal form of government would be considered an ideology.
Activity 9.7
(2014).Ethncity, Citizenship and Politics of Belonging in Kenya . Nairobi:
CUEA Press.
Diamond, L. and Morlino, L., (2016).The quality of democracy. In

Diamond, L., In Search of Democracy. London: Routledge
From the above reading, we have learnt different types of ideology and positive and negative
aspects of ideology.
The following are some the positive aspects of ideology
48
 Ideology intergrates or unifies a group or society together towards achieving a common
goal or objective.
 Ideology serves as blurprint for development. Since development takes place in a
political context, ideolgy such as liberalism or socialism provides the principles upon
development of nation is hinged.
 Ideology gives a group or a nation identity. Democratic nations are identified by the
democratic ideals just as the socialist states are identified by the socialist ideals.
 Ideology may promote international cooperation. Nations of the world who may
subcribe to a particlar ideology cooperate on areas of mutual benefit under international
organisations such as the European union
The following are some the negative aspects of ideology

 Ideology may become the source of division especially when it descriminates aganist
those who do not subcribe to it. Religious ideologies are a good example of this.
 Ideology may be a source of conflict, war and destruction. Terrorist ideologies have
contributed to conflict in the world taday.
 Ideology may contribute to the violation of human rights. Ideologies of nazism,apartheid
and facism have contibuted to human rights violation in history.
You have come to the end of lecture nine . In this lecture you have learnt the
following:
 The meaning of ideology
 The types of ideology
 Benefits of ideology
 Negative aspects of ideology
49
1. Examine the role of ideology in development

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
2. Discuss the relevance African socialism in Africa today

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
3.Discuss the negative aspects of capitalism in Africa
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
50
Lecture 10
Interest and Pressure Groups
Lecture overview
In this we shall discuss Interest groups and pressure groups. The interest groups are
associations or organizations of individuals who share a common interest and assert their
collective strength in the political process to protect expand that interest. These groups may
form for many reasons: to celebrate a common heritage, pursue a political or social agenda,
shape a policy debate, or strengthen a profession or a vocation.
Pressure groups often represent viewpoints of people who are dissatisfied with the current
conditions in society, and they often represent alternative viewpoints that are not well
represented in the mainstream population. By forming a pressure group, people seek to express
their shared beliefs and values and influence change within communities and sociopolitical
structures, such as governments and corporations. Some pressure groups, such as the tobacco-
control movement, have been successful at influencing change across a number of sociopolitical
structures.

i) Explain the meaning of interest and pressure groups
ii) Examine their role in society
iii) Assess their limitation in meeting the expectation of the citizenry
Interest groups
The term interest group refers to virtually any voluntary association that seeks to publicly
promote and create advantages for its cause. It applies to a vast array of diverse organizations.
This includes corporations, charitable organizations, civil rights groups, neighborhood
associations, professional and trade associations.
51
Activity 10.1
Give examples of interest groups
__________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
There some of the examples. Some interest groups, such as the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), are well known; others, like the National Anti-
Vivisection Society, are obscure
Meaning of pressure groups
Pressure groups are collections of individuals who hold a similar set of values and beliefs based
on ethnicity, religion, political philosophy, or a common goal. Based on these beliefs, they take
action to promote change and further their goals.
Activity 10.2
Explain the meaning of socialism as an ideology
__________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Here are some of the examples; members of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) share a
common belief that, in turn, influences the actions (e.g., advocacy, public awareness programs,
policy research) they use to achieve their goals
52
Activity 10.3
Explain the role of both interest groups snd pressure groups in society
__________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
 Interest group is usually a formally organized association that seeks to influence public
policy
 Interest grouso usually non-profit and voluntary organization whose members have a
common cause may influence political or corporate decision makers to achieve a declared
objective.
 Whereas interest groups try to defend a cause (maintain the status quo), the pressure groups
try to promote it
 Pressure groups are different from political parties. Political parties seek to create
change by being elected to public office, while pressure groups attempt to influence
political parties.
 Pressure groups may be better able to focus on specialized issues, whereas political
parties tend to address a wide range of issues.
 Pressure groups are widely recognized as an important part of the democratic process.
Some groups offer opportunities and a political voice to people who would traditionally
be thought of as disadvantaged or marginalized from the mainstream population. In this
way, pressure groups strengthen the democratic process by giving a voice to a variety
of people.
53
 Pressure groups also offer alternatives to the political process by providing opportunities
for expressing opinions and a desire for change.
Activity 10.4
Diamond, L. and Morlino, L., (2016).The quality of democracy. In
Diamond, L., In Search of Democracy. London: Routledge
From the above reading, we have learnt different strategies used by interst and pressure groups
to achieve their goals
The following are some of the strategies used:
Pressure groups and interest groups may adopt a variety of strategies to achieve their goals,
including:
a. lobbying elected officials,

b. media advocacy, and
c. Direct political action (e.g., organized protests).
The degree to which such groups are able to achieve their goals may depend on their ability to
be recognized as legitimate by the population, media, and by those in power. For example, civil
rights groups, trade unions, and professional associations are more widely recognized and
accepted.
You have come to the end of lecture ten. In this lecture you have learnt the following:
 The meaning of pressure groups and interst groups
 Their role in society
 The strategies they adopt to achieve thier objectives
54
1. Examine the distcinction the interest and pressure groups

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
2. Discuss the role of pressure grioups in democratic reforms in Africa

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
3.Discuss the role of interest groups in contemporary african societies.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
55
Lecture 11
Civil Society Organisations
Lecture Overview
The civil society comprises of non-governmental organizations and institutions that manifest
interests and will of citizens. The term civil society goes in the Greek society of Aristotle refers
to a ‘community’ (polis) characterized by a shared set of norms and ethos.
The CSOs have five criteria: are private, non-profit distributing, self-governing, voluntary
organizations. Private: this signifies that they are institutionally separate from the state, even if
they can receive consequent amount from the state; Not profit distributing: this means that their
purpose is not primarily commercial and they do not distribute profit to specific people
(shareholders, a set of directors etc.); Self-governing: this means that they are independent from
both firms and governments, which means that there are in control of their own affairs.
Voluntary: this means that no one is obliged to join or become member of these organizations.
We define civil society as separated from both states and markets and thus exclude business
oriented CSOs from our strict definition of civil society.

i. Explain the meaning of of civil socity orgnisations
ii. Examine the categories of civil society organisations
iii. Discuss the functions and limitations of civil socity organisations
Categories of civil society organization
We distinguish five main types of CSOs (religious, community based, philanthropic, expert
groups and trade unions), plus two types of hybrid organizations (business CSOs and
government oriented CSOs).
56
The first type of CSOs are religious CSOs. These CSOs do not necessarily promote the worship
of a given religion and most of the time their primary objective is not the promotion of the latter.
However they are more or less linked to a given religion and act following a religious precept
(ex: Christian charity). Their primary fields of intervention are education, health, emergency
relief and basic assistance (food, clothing, shelter etc.). The Red Cross is a famous example of
such CSOs.
The second type of CSOs are community based CSOs. These are most of the time local CSOs
based on solidarity, resource sharing and community building. Their primary fields of
intervention are development ; housing, social services (such as child welfare, family services,
youth welfare, services for the elderly and other personal social services), civic and legal
assistance but also culture and recreation CSOs.
The third type of CSOs are philanthropic CSOs. These organizations serve a cause without any
religious affiliation and are based on values such as generosity and humanism. They include
private and business foundations ( Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) but also independent
NGOs such as Doctors Without Border (DWB) or Amnesty International.
The fourth type of CSOs are expert CSOs. These CSOs act in the “new fields” which require at
least some scientific knowledge, i.e. environment and finance. These CSOs are not exclusively
composed of experts and scientists but they have – or at least they claim to have – an expertise
unit and publish some technical reports. Greenpeace International or ATTAC are examples of
such CSOs.
The last type of CSOs are trade unions, which are labor and worker associations which promote
their interests. In addition, we distinguish two types of hybrid organizations, which are, in a
way, civil organizations, but which are not completely separated from States or firms.
Government oriented NGOs (GONGOs) are independent civil organizations which are more or
less influenced and controlled by national authorities. These organizations are especially
developed in industrialized Asian countries, particularly in China, following the tradition of a
strong bureaucratic central State. Business & Industry NGOs (BINGOs) are civil organizations
which defend a given firm’s or industry’s interests, or at least which are very influenced by the
latter. These organizations are especially developed in Anglo-Saxon countries, particularly the
USA, following the tradition of a liberal capitalist oriented society.
57
Activity 11.1
Explain the various categories of civil socity organisations
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Functions of CSOs
Advocacy
The first one is advocacy. It is a rather top-down approach which consists in influencing
authorities and impacting their policy making process by expressing cultural, spiritual, political,
social, environmental and ethnical concerns. Advocacy can take the form of counter-power
actions and protests. This includes notably bringing issues to the agenda through awareness
campaigns and “name and shame” strategies. But it can also be a cooperation between CSOs
and authorities as the latter consult civil society and incorporate its propositions in its policy
making process. But in some cases it can also be local actions sometimes called “community
building” activities, especially in the culture and recreation sector.
Activity 11.2
Taking a local scenario explain the meaning of advocacy and CSOs
operations
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
58
Service provision
The second type of CSOs’ work is service provision. It is a rather bottom-up approach which
consists in acting as a socio-economical agent by providing concrete services to the population,
businesses or governments and international institutions. This includes in particular welfare
services to the population (education, recreation, health, family etc.), humanitarian support,
development project implementation and advice & expertise services to businesses,
governments and international institutions. This bottom-up approach is essentially local and
very concrete. However service provision it is not only restricted to the local level and can
sometimes scale up to a more global level.
Activity 11.3
In own assessment explain the role and effectiveness of CSO in service
provision
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Environment
The role of civil society in global environmental governance .This identifies major roles that
civil society might play in global environmental governance: collecting, disseminating, and
analyzing information; providing input to agenda-setting and policy development processes;
performing operational functions; assessing environmental conditions and monitoring
compliance with environmental agreements; and (5) advocating environmental justice. Three
case studies include the Crucible Group, TRAFFIC, and global ecosystem assessment
processes.
59
Activity 11.4
Discuss the role of Green Belt Movement in environmental management
in Kenya
__________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Development
Civil society organizations play a significant role in international development cooperation. As

a token of solidarity, a number of European states assisted developing countries strive for
political and socio-economic development well before establishing the European Union and
institutionalizing the European policy for nongovernmental sector development. The
Commission of the European Communities. Commission Staff Working Document
accompanying the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the
Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.
Civil organizations operate in various areas and possess diverse competences. In recent years a
group of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) specializing in the area of international
development and humanitarian aid (NGDO - Non-Governmental Development Organisations)
have been set up in a number of European countries. They allow placing donor-development
assistance benefi ciary relationship on new grounds. NGDOs conduct a dialog with EU
institutions on issues of international development cooperation, participate in EU institutions’
work in their consulting capacity and implement EU funded development assistance
programmes and projects. European NGOs have established structures to liaise with European
institutions. In the area of development such a structure is CONCORD – a confederation with
members from both EU member states and European NGDOs. The main objective of DEEP is
to enhance public control and provide training on global issues such as poverty and famine.
60
Activity 11.5
Assess the role of CSOs in development
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Governance
Civil society organizations in participatory and accountable governance. Without strong CSO
and grassroots groups may not be able to hold government accountable. The success at the
policy level is seen as achieving favorable policy or legislative change. At the level of civil
society, it means strengthening non-governmental and grassroots organizations capable of
keeping government accountable and responsive to community needs. Finally, at the level of
democracy, success means expanding the democratic space in which CSOs function, increasing
their political legitimacy, and improving the attitudes and behaviors of government officials and
elites toward NGOs and grassroots groups. In a nutshell, some of the key factors that contribute
to the success of CSO policy initiatives include willingness and ability to negotiate and
effectively lobby with government, elites and other sectors, a vision of narrow and
comprehensive policy goals and good strategies to accomplish them, changed perception of the
state, financial and technical resources to campaign, mobilize, network, analyze and
disseminate, and good and speedy decision making within CSOs.
Activity 11.6
Explain the role of CSOs in democratisation in East Africa
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
61
Peace building
Civil society actors have important potential for peacebuilding on the international, regional
and local level. Support for civil society should be further developed as a key element of
development and peace politics, in particular in post-war regeneration and peacebuilding. An
important challenge is to include civil society actors from the very beginning in all phases of
war-to-peace transition – from peace negotiations and implementation of agreements to post-
conflict peace building. First, it is the only way to integrate perspectives of broader society and
civilians, instead of responding exclusively to the needs of armed groups and negotiating only
with former or still-active warlords. Second, it is the only way to include the perspectives of
women, as the gender-related campaigns inspired by UN Resolution 1325 have demonstrated.
Third, inclusiveness also increases the chance of reaching a broader political and social
consensus that is necessary to make peace agreements sustainable.
Activity 11.7
Explain the role of CSOs in peace building in the horn of Africa
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Limitations
 Lobbying and negotiations require skills and tactics to persuade and effectively
communicate
 Low levels of confidence and independent thinking that some of the grassroots
constituencies lack.
 Scarcity of funds
 Lack of technically competent staff is a persistent problem.
 Lack of internal accountability and transparency
62
 Divergent interests and norms limit the perception of their effectiveness and legitimacy.
 State control and legislations that limit their operations
Activity 11.8
(2004) The Role of Civil Society In the Democratic transtion in East
Africa.
From the above reading, we have learnt the categories, functions and limitations of civil socirty
You have come to the end of lecture eleven. In this lecture you have learnt the
following:
 The meaning and categories of civil Society organistions
 Their role in society
 The strategies they adopt to achieve thier objectives
 Their limitations
63
1. Examine the CSOs and political parties
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
2. Discuss the role of the CSOs in democratic reforms in Africa

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
3.Discuss the limitations of CSOs in contemporary African societies.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
64
SAMPLE CAT QUESTIONS
ANSWER TWO QUESTIONS
ONE HOUR
1. Discuss the relations between politics and political science (15 marks)
2. Assess the importance of political science in contemporary human society (15 marks)
3. Evaluate the role of civil society in the democratization process in Africa (15 marks)
65
SAMPLE FINAL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
ANWER QUESTION ONE AND ANY OTHER TWO QUESTIONS
TWO HOURS
QUESTION ONE
a) Discuss the contract theory according to Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. (15 marks)
b) Analyze the sanctity of citizen rights in modern states in Africa (15 marks)
QUESTION TWO
Distinguish between the pressure groups and interest groups (20 marks)
QUESTION THREE
Examine the role of ideology in national development (20 marks)
QUESTION FOUR
Analyze the challenges of statecraftcy in Africa (20 marks)
QUESTION FIVE
Discuss the concept of power, authority and legitimacy in contemporary African leadership
(20 marks)
66

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SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

COURSE CODE: BHU2108

COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE

copyright@2016-All rights reserved for MKU

Self Assessment Question (SAQs)

Expected Learning Outcomes

Week Topic Lectures

Poltics in society 2- Role of poltics in society

5 Social contract 5- The social contract of state

Teaching / Learning Methodologies: Lectures, Tutorials, Class discussion

Instructional Materials and Equipment: Handouts, Chalk board

COURSE OUTLINE .................................................................................................................iii

TABLE OF CONTENT .............................................................................................................. v

Nature, scope and range of political science ............................................................................... 1

Meaning of political science ...................................................................................................... 1

Nature of political science .......................................................................................................... 2

Scope of political science............................................................................................................ 3

Importance of political science ................................................................................................... 4

Role of politics in society ........................................................................................................... 8

Meaning of politics ..................................................................................................................... 8

Role of politics in society ........................................................................................................... 9

Relationship between power and legitimacy ............................................................................ 12

Meaning of power and legitimacy ............................................................................................ 12

Sources of power ............................................................................................................... 13

Political Institutions and Functions ........................................................................................... 18

The Institutions of the government ........................................................................................... 18

The legislature ................................................................................................................... 19

The Social contract of State ...................................................................................................... 23

Lecture overview ...................................................................................................................... 23

The Social Contract Theory ...................................................................................................... 23

Thomas Hobbes ................................................................................................................. 24

Lecture overview ...................................................................................................................... 29

The Theory of Divine Origin .................................................................................................... 29

The Theory of Force ................................................................................................................. 30

Evolutionary Theory ................................................................................................................. 30

Patriarchal Theory ..................................................................................................................... 31

Nation and State ....................................................................................................................... 33

Lecture overview ...................................................................................................................... 33

Meaning of the nation and state ................................................................................................ 33

Lecture overview ...................................................................................................................... 38

The Meaning of Citizenship...................................................................................................... 38

Lecture overview ...................................................................................................................... 44

Interest and Pressure Groups .................................................................................................... 51

Lecture overview ...................................................................................................................... 51

Meaning of pressure groups ...................................................................................................... 52

Civil Society Organisations ...................................................................................................... 56

Categories of civil society organization .................................................................................... 56

Functions of CSOs .................................................................................................................... 58

SAMPLE CAT QUESTIONS ................................................................................................... 65

SAMPLE FINAL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS .................................................................. 66

By the end of this lecture, you should be able to:

Meaning of political science

Political science is methodologically diverse and appropriates many methods originating in

(i) Imparting Knowledge of the State:

(ii) Imparting Knowledge of government and administration:

(iii) Imparting Knowledge about the world:

(iv) Creation of democratic values:

(v) Creation of good citizenship:

(vi) Lesson of co-operation and toleration:

i. Politics is about power

 Meaning of political science

 The nature of political science