Political Science I Module 2

Sem-II
PROFESSOR: Ms Aishwarya Patole
aishwarya.patole99@gmail.com

PART A: Main Currents of Western Political Thought on

Statecraft

Chapter 1: Plato’s Ideal State as given in ‘The Republic’ -

Concept of Philosopher King.

In Plato's book "The Republic," he presents his concept of an ideal state, and
one important aspect of this ideal state is the concept of a philosopher king.
According to Plato, a philosopher king is a ruler who possesses both wisdom
and a deep understanding of justice. They are individuals who have
dedicated their lives to the pursuit of knowledge, particularly in the realm of
philosophy. Plato believed that philosophers are uniquely qualified to rule
because they have the capacity to see beyond the surface-level of things
and grasp the ultimate truth and the greater good. In Plato's ideal state, the
philosopher king is the leader who governs the society. They are not chosen
based on their wealth, power, or social status, but solely on their intellectual
abilities and their commitment to seeking truth and justice. Plato argued that
only those who have undergone rigorous philosophical training and have
acquired knowledge of the Forms (abstract concepts representing the true
nature of things) can truly understand what is best for the state and its
citizens. Plato believed that philosopher kings would rule with wisdom and
fairness, making decisions that promote the well-being of the entire society

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rather than their personal interests. They would prioritize justice, virtue, and
the common good above all else. Plato envisioned a harmonious society
where philosophers lead and guide the citizens towards a just and
prosperous life. The concept of a philosopher king in Plato's ideal state
emphasizes the importance of knowledge, wisdom, and moral integrity in
governance. It suggests that those who possess these qualities are best
suited to make decisions for the benefit of society as a whole. However, it's
important to note that Plato's ideas were highly idealistic and not necessarily
practical or achievable in the real world. Nonetheless, his concept of the
philosopher king continues to be a topic of philosophical discussion and
debate to this day.

Chapter 2: Machiavelli’s view on Statecraft- Advices to

Prudent Prince in ‘The Prince’

Niccolò Machiavelli had a different view on statecraft compared to Plato's

concept of a philosopher king. Machiavelli was an Italian political philosopher
who wrote a book called "The Prince" in which he provided advice to rulers on
how to effectively govern their states. According to Machiavelli, a prudent
prince should prioritize maintaining power and stability in their state above all
else. He believed that a ruler should be willing to do whatever is necessary,
even if it means being cunning and ruthless, to ensure the survival and
prosperity of their state. Machiavelli emphasized the importance of
practicality and realism in politics rather than relying on moral or idealistic
principles. He argued that a prince should be willing to use both force and
deceit when needed to protect their state and maintain control over their
subjects. Machiavelli famously said that "the ends justify the means,"
suggesting that the actions taken by a ruler should be evaluated based on
their ability to achieve the desired outcome, regardless of the methods used.
According to Machiavelli, a prudent prince should be adaptable and willing to

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make difficult decisions for the greater good of the state. They should be
strong and not hesitate to take decisive action, even if it means resorting to
violence or cruelty. Machiavelli believed that rulers should aim to be both
loved and feared by their subjects, but if they had to choose between the two,
it was safer to be feared because fear is more reliable in maintaining control.
Unlike Plato's philosopher king, Machiavelli's advice to rulers was focused on
the practical realities of politics rather than on philosophical ideals. He
believed that successful rulers should be pragmatic, strategic, and willing to
make tough choices for the sake of their state's stability and power. It's
important to note that Machiavelli's views have often been criticized for their
seemingly amoral nature, as he appeared to endorse actions that many
consider unethical or immoral. Nonetheless, his ideas have had a significant
impact on political thought and continue to be studied and debated today.

Chapter 3: Aristotle’s Classification of Governments

Aristotle, a Greek philosopher, classified governments into different types

based on how power is distributed and exercised within a society. Aristotle
identified three main types of governments: monarchy, aristocracy, and
polity. He also recognized three corrupt forms of these governments: tyranny,
oligarchy, and democracy.

Let's look at each type:

1. Monarchy: In a monarchy, power is held by a single ruler, usually a king or

queen. The ruler exercises authority with the well-being of the people in mind.
Aristotle considered monarchy the best form of government if the ruler
governs wisely and in the best interest of the citizens.

2. Aristocracy: Aristocracy is a form of government where a small group of the

most capable and virtuous individuals rule. These individuals are typically the
educated and wealthy elite who possess knowledge and skills necessary for

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governance. Aristotle believed that aristocracy is the rule of the best, and it
can be an effective and just form of government.

3. Polity: Polity, also known as constitutional government, is a form of

government where power is held by the middle class citizens. It is a blend of
democracy and oligarchy, aiming for a balanced rule. Aristotle viewed polity
as a favorable form of government because it includes a broader range of
citizens in decision-making and allows for the representation of various
interests within society.

On the other hand, Aristotle recognized that each of these forms of

government could degenerate into a corrupt version:

1. Tyranny: Tyranny occurs when a monarch abuses their power and rules
oppressively, solely for their own benefit. It is characterized by the absence of
law and the disregard for the rights and welfare of the people.

2. Oligarchy: Oligarchy arises when a small group of wealthy individuals

dominates and exploits the majority of the population. They prioritize their
own interests over the common good, leading to inequality and injustice.

3. Democracy: Aristotle's understanding of democracy differed from the

modern sense. He saw democracy as a form of government where the poor
majority rules without regard for the rights and interests of the minority. In his
view, such a system could result in instability and injustice.

Aristotle believed that the best government is one that strikes a balance
between the interests of the rulers and the ruled, promoting the common
good and the well-being of all citizens. He emphasized the importance of
virtue, moderation, and the rule of law in maintaining a just and stable
government.

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 PART B: Modern Classification of Government

Chapter 1: Unitary and Federal Government (Meaning and

Definition, Features, Merits and Demerits and
Comparative Study)

Unitary Government:

Meaning : A unitary government is a system where the power and authority

are concentrated in a central government, which holds the highest level of
political power. Local or regional governments derive their power from the
central government and can be modified or abolished by it.

Definition : A unitary government is a system of governance where the power

and authority are centralized in a single governing body, usually at the
national or central level. In a unitary government, decisions and laws are
made by this central authority, and local or regional governments derive their
powers from and are subject to the control of the central government. This
means that the central government has the ultimate say in making and
enforcing laws throughout the entire country or state.

Features:

1. Centralized Power: The central government has ultimate authority and

makes decisions on behalf of the entire country.

2. Limited Local Autonomy: Local or regional governments have limited

powers delegated to them by the central government.

3. Uniform Laws and Policies: Policies and laws are typically consistent across
the entire country, ensuring uniformity.

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4. Greater Efficiency: Unitary governments can act swiftly and implement
policies effectively due to the concentration of power.

5. Flexibility: The central government can easily adapt and respond to

changing circumstances.

6.

Federal Government:

Meaning : A federal government is a system where power is divided between

a central government and regional or state governments. Each level of
government has its own set of powers and responsibilities, and both levels
coexist as separate entities.

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Definition : A federal government is a system of governance where power is
divided between a central or national government and smaller regional or
state governments. In a federal government, both the central government
and regional governments have their own separate powers and
responsibilities. They coexist as separate entities and share authority over
different aspects of governing the country or state. This division of powers is
usually outlined in a written constitution, which serves as a guiding document
for the government. The goal of a federal government is to balance the
authority between the central and regional governments, allowing for local
autonomy and representation while maintaining a unified national
framework.

Features:

1. Division of Powers: Powers and responsibilities are divided between the

central government and regional or state governments.

2. Dual Citizenship: Citizens hold both national and regional citizenship.

3. Written Constitution: Federal governments are usually governed by a

written constitution that outlines the division of powers.

4. Checks and Balances: There are checks and balances between the central
government and regional governments to prevent the concentration of
power.

5. Regional Autonomy: Regional governments have certain powers and

authority to govern their respective regions.

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6.

Chapter 2: Quasi- Federal State, India as a Quasi-Federal

State

A quasi-federal state refers to a system of governance that combines

elements of both federalism and unitary government. It means that while a
country may have a federal structure in place, there are certain
characteristics or features that make it lean towards a more centralized or
unitary system. India is often considered a quasi-federal state because it
exhibits characteristics of both federalism and unitary government.

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1. Distribution of Powers: Like a federal state, India has a division of powers
between the central government and the state governments. The
Constitution of India specifies the powers and responsibilities of each level of
government.

2. Dual Polity: India has a dual polity system, meaning there are two levels of
government—central and state governments—each with its own jurisdiction
and powers.

3. Centralized Features: However, India also has certain centralized features.

The central government has the power to intervene in state matters under
certain circumstances, such as during emergencies or when it deems it
necessary for the national interest. This gives the central government a
greater degree of control.

4. Unequal Representation: In India, the states do not have equal

representation in the central government. The number of seats in the central
parliament is based on population, which means that states with larger
populations have more representation, potentially leading to an imbalance of
power.

5. Single Constitution: India follows a single written constitution that governs

the entire country. This is a characteristic of unitary systems, as federal
systems often have separate constitutions for the central and state
governments. India's quasi-federal state structure combines elements of
federalism, with powers divided between the central and state governments,
and unitary features, with certain central control and unequal representation.
The central government plays a significant role in Indian governance, but the
states also have a degree of autonomy in managing their internal affairs.

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Chapter 3: Parliamentary and Presidential Government
(Meaning and Definition, Features, Merits and Demerits
and Comparative Study)

PARLIAMENTARY GOVERNMENT

Meaning : In a parliamentary government, the executive branch of

government (headed by the Prime Minister) is accountable to the legislative
branch (parliament). The Prime Minister and other members of the executive
are typically members of the parliament.

Definition : In a parliamentary system, the head of government, such as the

Prime Minister, is typically a member of the parliament and is elected by the
legislative body or appointed by a constitutional process. The parliament,
which represents the citizens, holds the power to pass laws, make decisions,
and oversee the functioning of the government. The executive branch, led by
the Prime Minister and their cabinet, is responsible for implementing and
executing the laws and policies approved by the parliament. This system
emphasizes the interdependence and cooperation between the executive
and legislative branches, with the executive deriving its authority and
legitimacy from the support of the parliament.

Features:

1. Fusion of Powers: The executive and legislative branches are fused together,
with the Prime Minister and Cabinet being accountable to the parliament.

2. Role of Prime Minister: The Prime Minister is the head of government, elected
by the parliament and usually the leader of the majority party or coalition.

3. Confidence Vote: The government's stability depends on the support of the

majority in the parliament, which is expressed through votes of confidence.

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4. Collective Responsibility: The Cabinet operates as a collective
decision-making body, with members sharing responsibility for government
decisions.

5. Flexibility: The government can respond quickly to changing circumstances

through votes of confidence or no-confidence.

6.

Presidential Government:

Meaning : In a presidential government, there is a clear separation of powers

between the executive and legislative branches. The President is the head of
state and government and is elected separately from the legislature.

Definition : In a presidential system, the head of state and government, known

as the President, is elected by the people through a direct election or an

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electoral college process. The President holds significant executive powers
and is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, making policy
decisions, and representing the country on the national and international
stage. The President serves a fixed term and is not dependent on the
confidence of the legislative body for their continuation in office. The
legislative branch, such as a parliament or congress, is a separate entity and
is responsible for making laws and representing the interests of the people. In
a presidential system, there is a clear separation of powers between the
executive and legislative branches, with each branch having its own sphere of
authority and serving as a check on the other's powers.

Features:

1. Separation of Powers: The executive and legislative branches operate

independently of each other.

2. Role of President: The President is the head of state and government,

elected directly by the people or through an electoral college.

3. Fixed Term: The President serves a fixed term and is not dependent on
legislative confidence.

4. Cabinet Separation: The President appoints members of the Cabinet

without requiring legislative approval.

5. Checks and Balances: The executive and legislative branches serve as

checks on each other's powers.

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6.

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