B.A. LL.B. (Five Years) Sem 2 Political Science 1 2025-26 Question Paper - Mumbai University | munotes

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Q1. Q1. Answer the following questions in two sentences (any 6 of 8) 12 Marks

1. (a) Mention two differences between a state and an association.
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2. (b) What are the three classes in Plato's Ideal State?
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3. (c) Write any two essential characteristics of sovereignty.
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4. (d) What is Universal Adult Suffrage?
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5. (e) What is plural voting?
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6. (f) What do you understand by 'Police State'?
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7. (g) Define Rule of Law.
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8. (h) What is meant by the Model Code of Conduct in elections?
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Q2. Q2. Write short notes (any 2 of 4) 12 Marks

1. (a) Comparison between parliamentary and presidential systems.
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2. (b) Aristotele's classification of state
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3. (c) Influence of Social Media on Indian Elections
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4. (d) Montesquieu's Theory of the Separation of Powers
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Q3. Q3. Situational questions (any 2 of 4) 12 Marks

1. (a) In the democratic country of Navdesh, the Supreme Court gives a judgment against a law passed by the government. After this, some leaders argue that judges are not directly accountable to the people and propose that judges should be elected through public voting.
   • (i) Why is the independence of the judiciary important in a democracy?
   • (ii) Do you think electing judges by the people would strengthen or weaken democracy? Give reasons.
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2. (b) India joins the Paris Agreement, which requires it to reduce carbon emissions and adopt stricter regulations on industries. Some citizens argue that following international commitments limits India's independence, while others maintain that the final authority to implement these measures lies with the Indian Parliament.
   • (i) Define internal sovereignty and external sovereignty.
   • (ii) Explain how popular sovereignty differs from legal sovereignty.
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3. (c) Many scholars argue that the first-past-the-post system in India is unfair to smaller parties and minorities. They propose shifting to proportional representation.
   • (i) Explain the main features of proportional representation.
   • (ii) Evaluate whether proportional representation would strengthen minority representation in India.
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4. (d) In the USA, several states have opposed federal policies on issues like healthcare and environmental regulations. For instance, some states refused to fully implement federal healthcare reforms, arguing that such decisions should remain within their own authority. This created tension between the federal government and the states over the distribution of powers.
   • (i) Explain the difference between unitary and federal government.
   • (ii) Discuss why India is described as a quasi-federal state.
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Q4. Q4. Answer the following questions in details (any 3 of 5) 39 Marks

1. (a) Discuss the contributions of Jean Bodin and Jeremy Bentham to the development of the concept of sovereignty.
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2. (b) Discuss Niccolò Machiavelli's political ideas as presented in The Prince. How do these ideas represent a departure from medieval political thought?
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3. (c) Examine the composition, powers, and functions of the Election Commission of India.
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4. (d) Trace the history of women's suffrage in the USA and examine challenges to women's representation in India.
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5. (e) Examine the relationship between the parliament and the judiciary in India. How is a balance maintained between the two?
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