01. Introduction of Polity Flashcards
What is the difference between polity and politics?
Polity: The organizational structure of a state’s government. It refers to the established system and principles of governance.
Politics: The process and activities involved in running a government, organization, or movement. It includes debates, power struggles, and decision-making.
What is a constitution?
A set of fundamental rules and regulations that define how a state or organization is governed.
Ensures a rule-based system.
Can be written (like in India or the USA) or unwritten (like in Britain).
Why do we need a constitution?
Prevents anarchy and lawlessness by establishing a rule-based society.
Ensures coordination, order, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
What are the goals of a constitution?
Societal Values: Establishes goals like justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Power Distribution: Separates power among different branches of government to prevent any one branch becoming too powerful.
How do constitutions evolve?
Social Contract: Evolves from the idea that a government’s power comes from the consent of the people.
Doctrine of the Living Tree: Constitutions are not static; they adapt to changing societal needs and can be amended over time.
Evaluation: Growth of a constitution is judged by both citizens and the judiciary to ensure it stays relevant and aligned with a nation’s needs.
Can private institutions have a constitution?
Yes. While the term ‘constitution’ is most often associated with nations, private institutions can also have constitutions. These documents outline their governing structure, rules, and principles.
What is the “state of nature”?
The “state of nature” is a theoretical concept used in philosophy to describe how humans might have lived before the establishment of organized societies and governments.
Philosophers like Hobbes and Locke used this concept to discuss ideas about social contracts and the origins of government.
What does “equality” mean in the context of a constitution?
Equality means no discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex and place of birth.
The Indian Constitution guarantees equality through Articles 14 to 18, ensuring all citizens have equal rights and opportunities before the law.
Define “fraternity” as a constitutional aspiration.
Fraternity means a sense of brotherhood, sisterhood, and belonging among the citizens of a nation.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emphasized its importance for India’s unity and progress.
How does the concept of “justice” appear in constitutions?
Justice means fairness and giving each person what they deserve. It opposes arbitrary decisions.
Constitutions often enshrine different types of justice:
Social justice: Equal opportunities and the removal of social inequalities.
Economic justice: Fair distribution of resources and wealth.
Political justice: Equal rights and participation for all citizens in governance.
What is anarchy?
A state of disorder and chaos due to the absence of any recognized authority or government.
It often leads to lawlessness and lack of basic social order.
What is a monarchy?
A system of government where a single person (usually a king or queen) holds power for life, often through hereditary succession.
Can be good or bad. If it turns oppressive, it becomes a dictatorship.
Describe an oligarchy.
A system where a small group of people hold power over the rest of the population.
Types of oligarchies can include those based on wealth, military power (‘junta’), or other forms of influence.
What is democracy?
A system of government where the people hold power, either directly or through elected representatives.
Types include:
Direct democracy: Citizens vote directly on laws and policies.
Indirect (representative) democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
What is aristocracy?
A system of government where power is held by a small, privileged class of people (the aristocrats).
Rule in an aristocracy is often based on inherited titles, wealth, or social status.
