8th Standard, Social, Political Science Chapter 7
MEANING AND IMPORTANCE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
EXERCISES
I. Fill in the blanks with suitable words:
1. The word Politics was derived from the Greek word ‘polis’.
2. ‘Republic’ was the work of Plato.
3. Aristotle wrote a book on political science and it is called “The Politics”.
4. Kautilya’s work relating to political science is ‘Arthashastra’.
II Answer the following questions in brief:
5. What is political science?
Answer: Political science is one of the social sciences dealing with the political activities of man. It deals with the state and government. It is related to the origin and nature of state and forms of political institutions. The study of state is the main subject matter of political science.
6. Who began the systematic study of Political Science?
Answer: The systematic study of political science began with the Greeks. Politics was given status of an independent science by Greeks.
7. Who is called the Father of Political Science?
Answer: Aristotle, the ancient Greek thinker is called as the ‘Father of Political Science’ for his valuable contributions to its growth and development.
8. Give a definition of Political Science.
Answer: The science which deals with the study of origin and principles of state is political science.
9. Mention uses of the study of Political Science?
Answer: The uses of the study of Political Science are as follows.
- Political Science helps to understand the birth and growth of a state.
- Political Science provides information about the origin and development of ideas.
- It provides information about the structure and functions of the state and central governments.
- Political Science helps to plan the future activities of the state.
- Political Science provides knowledge about the Constitution and laws of the state.
- The knowledge of Political Science helps to raise good leadership and good citizens
- Political Science helps to understand the important Political institutions.
- Political Science helps to understand about the organs of the government.
- Political Science provides the knowledge of international relations.
III Activities:
- Prepare an album highlighting the nature of Political system existing during the kings.
Answer: To Student
- Discuss the statement of Aristotle given in the book in your classroom with the help of your teacher.
Answer: Aristotle, the ancient Greek thinker is recognized as the ‘Father of Political Science’ for his valuable contributions to its growth and development. He wrote the first book on political science called “The Politics”. In his famous book Aristotle discussed the origin, development and functions of state. Aristotle believed that virtue is crucial for a fulfilling life. He identified virtues like courage, temperance, and justice, and emphasized that these are developed through habit and practice, not just through knowledge. In “Politics,” Aristotle explored different forms of government, identifying monarchy, aristocracy, and polity as desirable forms when properly practiced, and tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy as corrupt forms. He believed the purpose of the state is to promote the good life for its citizens. Aristotle emphasized the importance of practical wisdom, the ability to make sound judgments in specific situations. This is not just about theoretical knowledge, but also about experience and understanding the context. Aristotle is a towering figure in ancient Greek philosophy, making contributions to logic, metaphysics, mathematics, physics, biology, botany, ethics, politics, agriculture, medicine, dance and theatre. He was a student of Plato who in turn studied under Socrates.
- ‘The social needs of man led to the rise of the state’ – is it so? Arrange a talk on the topic in your classroom.
Answer: “The social needs of man led to the rise of the state” is a valid argument, and it’s a good topic for a classroom discussion. Humans are inherently social creatures, and this need for social interaction and cooperation has played a significant role in the development of complex societies and the formation of states. The evolution from small tribes to larger political entities like states was driven, in part, by the need for security, resource management, and social order. “The social needs of man, such as the need for security, cooperation, and a system of justice, were fundamental drivers in the development and rise of the state.” Early humans lived in small groups for protection. As populations grew, larger, more organized structures were needed to defend against threats (external enemies or internal conflicts). One explanation suggests this led to the formation of tribes and eventually, states with armies and formalized systems of defense. The state provides a monopoly on the legitimate use of force, ensuring internal order and external protection. States manage resources (land, water, food) for the benefit of the population. This includes agriculture, trade, and infrastructure development. States also establish systems for wealth distribution and economic activity.
IV Projects:
1. Imagine that you are a member of ancient Greek city state and discuss any one particular issue of the city state.
2. Collect portraint’s of world is leading political thinkers and prepare an album.
