Wali Muhammad

Nizamani-(2k23)

GJLC Hyderabad.

1. Introduction

2. Basic Concepts Of Political Science

DEFINATION:-
Political science is a social science that studies politics, government,
and public policy.

Some basic concepts in political science include:

1. Politics: The process of making decisions and allocating resources in a

society.

2. Government: The institution responsible for creating and enforcing laws,

policies, and regulations.

3. Power: The ability to influence decisions and outcomes.

4. Authority: Legitimate power granted to individuals or institutions.

5. Sovereignty: The highest authority in a political system.

6. State: A political entity with sovereignty over a defined territory.

7. Nation: A group of people sharing a common identity, culture, and history.

8. Citizenship: Membership in a political community with rights and

responsibilities.

9. Democracy: A system of government where power is held by the people,

either directly or through elected representatives.

10. Political Culture: Shared values, beliefs, and attitudes towards politics and
government.

11. Political Socialization: The process by which individuals acquire political

beliefs and values.

12. Political Ideology: A set of beliefs and values about the role of
government and politics.
Wali Muhammad
Nizamani-(2k23)

GJLC Hyderabad.

13. Political Institution: Organizations that play a role in the political process,
such as parliaments, courts, and bureaucracies.

14. Public Policy: The actions and decisions of government aimed at

addressing public issues.

These concepts form the foundation of political science and help us

understand how politics and government shape our lives.

3. Powers

4. Legitimaacy

5. Nation and sovereignty

Nation:

- A large group of people having a common identity, culture, history, and territory
It can be defined by factors like language, religion, etc.

Sovereignty:

Sovereignty is a political concept that refers to dominant power or supreme

authority

Ruling authority or supreme authority, having absolute powers, of a state is called

SOVEREIGNTY.

- The ability to make and enforce laws, regulate borders, and maintain independence

The Connection Between Nation And Sovereignty Is That:

- A nation often seeks to assert its sovereignty over its territory and citizens

- Sovereignty is often tied to the idea of national self-determination, where a nation

has the right to govern itself

- The concept of sovereignty can be used to justify the actions of a nation-state, such
as defending its borders or pursuing its own interests

6. State: Concept, origin and evolution

Concept:
Wali Muhammad
Nizamani-(2k23)

GJLC Hyderabad.

A state is a political entity/body that exercises sovereign control over a defined

territory and population. It provides public goods, maintains order, and resolves
conflicts.

Origin:

The origin of the modern state can be traced back to these instances of European
conflicts and geographical changes in the range of the 1500s to the 1600s, as
they classify the moments citizens put the needs of the state over their financial
interests and entrusted the state with greater powers to govern them.

Evolution:

1. Ancient and Medieval Periods: City-states, empires, and feudal systems existed,
but the modern state concept did not apply.

2. Absolutism (16th-18th centuries): Monarchs consolidated power, laying the

groundwork for modern states.

3. Enlightenment and Liberalism (18th-19th centuries): Ideas like social contracts,

individual rights, and democracy influenced state development.

4. Nation-Building (19th-20th centuries): States became associated with national

identities, leading to the rise of nation-states.

5. Globalization and International Cooperation (20th-21st centuries): States have

adapted to global challenges, forming international organizations and partnerships.

7. Forms of State:

a) Unitary:-
A unitary state is a sovereign state governed as a single entity in which
the central government is the supreme authority.

b) Federation:-
A federated state is a territorial and constitutional community forming
part of a federation. A federated state does not have sovereignty since powers
are divided between the other federated states and the federal government.

Such as Pakistan.

c) Confederation:-
Confederation states are political entities that cooperate for mutual
benefit while retaining their individual sovereignty and independence.
Wali Muhammad
Nizamani-(2k23)

GJLC Hyderabad.

A confederation is a political arrangement in which states or

organizations cooperate for mutual benefit, while retaining their individual
sovereignty and independence.

Such as The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), formerly known as the

Soviet Union.

8. Organs of State:
a) Legislature:-

The legislature is one of the three pillars of the state, along with the
executive and judiciary. As a pillar of the state, the legislature plays a crucial role
in the governance of a country. Here are some key functions of the legislature:

Fundamental Function:

1. Lawmaking: The legislature has the power to create, amend, and repeal laws.

Democratic Functions:-

1. Representation: Legislators represent the interests of their constituents and

make decisions on their behalf.

2. Oversight: The legislature exercises oversight over the executive branch,

ensuring that it is acting in the best interests of the country.

3. Budgeting: The legislature has the power to approve or reject the budget,
ensuring that public funds are allocated efficiently.

4. Advice and Consent: In some countries, the legislature has the power to
provide advice and consent on presidential appointments, treaties, and other
important decisions

b) Executive:-

Being a pillar of state, Executive performs below furnished tasks;

1. Head of State: The executive head (such as a President) represents the state
and its people.

2. Head of Government: The executive head is responsible for overseeing the

administration of the government.

3. Policy Implementation: The executive branch is responsible for

implementing the policies and laws passed by the legislature.
Wali Muhammad
Nizamani-(2k23)

GJLC Hyderabad.

4. Appointments: The executive appoints officials, including judges,

ambassadors, and heads of government agencies.

5. Emergency Powers: In times of crisis, the executive may assume emergency

powers to protect the nation.

c) Judiciary.
As a pillar of state it does following chores/tasks;

1. Interpreting laws: The judiciary interprets the constitution and laws,

ensuring they are applied fairly and consistently.

2. Administering justice: Courts hear cases, resolve disputes, and deliver

judgments to uphold justice and protect individual rights.

3. Checking and balancing: The judiciary checks the powers of the legislature
and executive, preventing abuses of authority.

4. Protecting individual rights: The judiciary ensures that individuals' rights

and freedoms, enshrined in the constitution, are protected.

5. Resolving disputes: Courts resolve disputes between individuals,

organizations, and government entities.

6. Ensuring rule of law: The judiciary upholds the rule of law, ensuring that all
individuals and institutions are subject to the law.

9. Forms of Government:
a) Parliamentary:-

A parliamentary state is a form of government where the executive

branch is drawn from and accountable to the legislative branch, known as the
parliament. Characteristics of a parliamentary state include:

1. Head of government: The head of government is the prime minister,who is

the leader of the majority party or coalition.

2. Accountability: The government is accountable to the parliament and can be

removed by a vote of no confidence.

3. Dissolution: The parliament can be dissolved and new elections called if the
government loses support.

4. Collective responsibility: The government is collectively responsible for its

actions and decisions.
Wali Muhammad
Nizamani-(2k23)

GJLC Hyderabad.

5. Representative role: Members of parliament represent their constituents

and are responsible for scrutinizing the government.

Examples of parliamentary states include:

Pakistan.

In a parliamentary state, the head of state (such as president) typically has a

ceremonial role, while the head of government (prime minister ) holds the actual
political power. The government is responsible to the parliament, which can pass
laws, approve budgets, and hold inquiries.

b) Presidential:-

A presidential state is a form of government where the President serves

as the head of state and head of government, and is directly elected by the people
or by a legislative body. Characteristics of a presidential state include:

1. Separation of powers: The President, Legislature, and Judiciary have distinct

roles and responsibilities.

2. Fixed term: The President serves a fixed term, typically four or five years.
(I-e in Pakistan 5 years)

3. Direct election: The President is directly elected by the people or by a

legislative body.

4. Executive powers: The President has significant executive powers, including

the ability to appoint officials, sign or veto legislation, and command the military.

5. Symbolic role/ Symbol of Unity: The President represents the nation and
serves as a symbol of national unity.

Examples of presidential states include:

1. United States

In a presidential state, the President is often seen as the chief representative of

the nation and is responsible for setting the national agenda. The President is
also responsible for appointing judges, ambassadors, and other high-ranking
officials.

c) Authoritarian:-

Authoritarian refers to a political system or leadership style characterized

by:
Wali Muhammad
Nizamani-(2k23)

GJLC Hyderabad.

1. Centralized power: One person or a small group holds complete control.

2. Limited political freedoms: Citizens have little or no say in government

decisions.

3. Restricted individual rights: Freedoms, such as speech, assembly, and press,

are curtailed.

4. No separation of powers: No checks and balances on the ruler's or

government's authority.

5. Repression: Opposition is often met with force, censorship, or imprisonment.

6. Nationalism: Emphasis on national identity and loyalty over individual rights.

Authoritarian leaders often use tactics like propaganda, surveillance, and

coercion to maintain control. This system is different from democracy, where
power is distributed, and individual rights are protected.

Example:-

North Korea.

10. The Political Concepts And Institutions In

Islam.

Concept of politics in Islam:-

The concept of politics in Islam is collectively made by the following aspects;

1. Tawhid (Oneness with God): Islam's central doctrine, emphasizing the unity
of God and the unity of humanity under God's sovereignty.

2. Adab (Justice): The pursuit of justice is a fundamental political principle in

Islam, ensuring fairness, equality, and compassion.

3. Shura (Consultation): Encourages collective decision-making, consensus-

building, and participatory governance.

4. Khilafah (Stewardship): Humans are considered God's stewards on earth,

responsible for governing with wisdom and accountability.
Wali Muhammad
Nizamani-(2k23)

GJLC Hyderabad.

5. Ummah (Global Community): Islam envisions a unified global community,

transcending national and ethnic boundaries.

6. Sharia (Divine Law): Provides a moral and legal framework for governance,
emphasizing righteousness, fairness, and protection of human rights.

7. Maslaha (Public Interest): Decision-making prioritizes the common good

and public welfare.

8. Hisbah (Accountability): Encourages individuals and leaders to be

accountable for their actions, promoting transparency and good governance.

9. Ijtihad (Independent Reasoning): Encourages critical thinking and

intellectual inquiry in political decision-making.

10. Dawah (Invitation): Muslims are encouraged to invite others to embrace

Islam's teachings, promoting peaceful proselytization.

These principles aim to create a just, equitable, and harmonious society,

reflecting Islam's vision for human governance.

Political institutions in Islam:-

In Islam, the following political institutions have been established

throughout history:

1. Caliphate (Khilafah): A system of governance where a caliph (leader) is elected

to lead the Muslim community.

2. Imamah (Leadership): Similar to the caliphate, but with a focus on spiritual

leadership.

3. Sultanate (Sultanah): A monarchical system where a sultan exercises political

and military power.

4. Emirate (Imarah): A political entity ruled by an emir (prince or governor).

5. Wilayah (Governorate): Provincial governance, where a governor (wali) is

appointed to administer a region.

6. Majlis (Council): A consultative body of advisors or representatives.

7. Shura Council (Majlis al-Shura): A council of advisors chosen by the caliph or

leader.

8. Bayt al-Mal (Public Treasury): A financial institution managing the state's

revenues and expenditures.
Wali Muhammad
Nizamani-(2k23)

GJLC Hyderabad.

9. Hisbah (Accountability Office): An institution ensuring public accountability

and oversight.

10. Qadi (Judiciary): A judicial system where judges (qadis) interpret and apply
Islamic law (Shariah).

These institutions have evolved over time and vary across different Muslim-
majority countries, with some adopting modern political systems like
presidential or parliamentary democracies
.