PAD 120: INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS - 2
Here are the suggested answers for some selected past exam questions. Read these carefully to understand clearly how to answer exam questions. You are required to master the technique of answering exam questions correctly.
Identify any two (2) features of the evolutionary or historical theory of the origin of the State.
a. The State was neither created by God nor by force. The State did not come into being as a result of voluntary
social or political contract. In fact, it has grown naturally and gradually over a period of time.
b. Many factors have contributed to the evolution of the State- namely, kinship, religion, property, defence and
political consciousness among the people.
Explain five (5) methods of establishing a constitution.
A constitution may be established by :
(a) a decree issued by the ruler (King)
(b) a referendum submitted to the people and accepted by them
(c) a people's revolution
(d) a constituent assembly created for the purpose
(e) gradual evolution over a period of time
Explain five (5) features of a parliamentary form of government.
(i) The party that has secured the most seats in a general election forms the government.
(ii) There is no strict separation of powers between the Executive and the Legislature.
(iii) The Executive is responsible to the Legislature.
(iv) If the ruling party loses the confidence of the majority members of the legislature, it must resign.
(v) There are two types of Executive: Nominal Executive (The Head of State) has no real political powers; it only acts
on the advice of the Cabinet and according to the principles of the Constitution whereas the Real Executive (the
Head of Government) has actual powers to make and enforce policies.
Explain any three (3) characteristics of Monarchy.
a. It is a form of government in which a king or queen is the ruler (Head) of the State.
b. The Monarch is either elected for a specific period (five years as in Malaysia) or is a hereditary ruler (as in the
United Kingdom)
c. There are two types of monarchy: Constitutional monarchy or limited monarchy and absolute monarchy.
A constitutional monarchy is a form of constitutional government, wherein either an elected or hereditary monarch
is the head of state (e.g. Malaysia); whereas in an absolute monarchy the monarch has unlimited powers as he or
she is not legally bound by the national constitution (e.g. Swaziland).
Explain any four (4) features of the Theory of Divine Rights concerning the origin of the State.
(i) The State is the creation of God.
(ii) The rulers (Kings) are appointed by God and therefore they are accountable only to God.
(iii) The ruler/king must be obeyed as a religious duty.
(iv) Disobedience to the ruler's command is a sin and would invite divine punishment.
Explain any four (4) ways by which a leader could gain authority.
a. Authority comes from one's position or office one holds.
b. Authority is also derived from ancient customs or traditions.
c. Authority is gained through the laws of the land (e.g. the Constitution).
d. A leader can also gain authority through his knowledge or expertise in a particular field.
Explain two (2) criticisms against the separation of powers.
a. Separation of powers is impractical and merely artificial.
b. There needs to be harmony and cooperation among the branches; separation of powers results in deadlock and
the government suffers.
© Peter Johnson 2000-2009