BPSC 105 Solved Assignment 2024-25 (Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics) for July 2024 and January 2025 Admission Cycle. This assignment is valid up to 31st December 2025. All the questions are given below and also provided a pdf downloadable link directly to this blog.
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BPSC 105 Solved Assignment 2024-25
There are three sections in this assignment. You have to answer all questions in each Section.
Assignment – I
Answer the following in about 500 words each. Each question carries 20 marks.
1. Briefly describe the comparative methods used in the study of political science.
Ans: The comparative method in political science is a key approach used to examine, analyze, and draw conclusions about political systems, institutions, and behaviors across different countries or within varying contexts. The method allows researchers to identify patterns, test theories, and understand the diversity of political systems globally. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the major comparative methods used in political science:
1. Case Study Method
The case study method involves an in-depth examination of a single political entity, such as a country, institution, or political phenomenon. This method allows researchers to gain a deep understanding of the case’s unique political dynamics. Case studies are particularly useful when investigating complex political situations, historical events, or unique political institutions.
For instance, the study of the United Kingdom’s political system has provided insight into parliamentary democracy, while the examination of China has enhanced understanding of one-party systems. However, case studies are limited by their focus on a single instance, which may limit the generalizability of findings. Comparative political scientists sometimes use multiple case studies to offset this limitation.
2. Most Similar Systems Design (MSSD)
The MSSD method is used when comparing countries or political systems that are similar in many ways but differ in the political outcome or phenomenon being studied. The objective is to control for similarities and focus on key differences that might explain the variations in outcomes.
For example, Scandinavian countries—such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark—share similar cultures, histories, and economic structures but may differ in certain policy areas like healthcare or welfare. By examining these differences, researchers can better understand the specific variables contributing to varying policy outcomes.
3. Most Different Systems Design (MDSD)
Contrary to MSSD, the MDSD method compares systems that are fundamentally different in many respects but yield similar outcomes in specific political areas. This approach aims to identify common factors or universal principles that apply despite the dissimilarity of the systems.
A classic example is comparing democracy in countries with differing cultural and historical backgrounds, such as India and the United States. By exploring how democracy thrives in these distinct contexts, researchers can identify underlying factors—such as civic participation, rule of law, or economic development—that are essential for democratic survival across different settings.
4. Cross-Sectional Analysis
Cross-sectional analysis examines a large number of cases at a specific point in time to analyze correlations and patterns across different political units. Often used with quantitative data, this method is popular in comparative politics because it allows researchers to analyze large datasets, such as public opinion surveys or economic indicators, to make generalizations about political behaviors and attitudes across different countries.
For example, cross-sectional analysis may examine factors influencing voter turnout across different democracies. By analyzing voter data from multiple countries, researchers can identify whether variables like income, education, and electoral system type consistently affect turnout rates globally.
5. Longitudinal or Time-Series Analysis
Longitudinal analysis studies political systems or institutions over an extended period to observe how they evolve and respond to changes. This method is particularly valuable for tracking shifts in political attitudes, party dominance, policy reforms, or institutional changes over time.
For instance, examining the evolution of welfare policies in Europe since World War II provides insights into how economic, social, and political pressures have shaped welfare systems. By analyzing data over time, researchers can discern patterns of change and better understand the causal factors behind political developments.
6. Quantitative Comparative Analysis
Quantitative methods involve using statistical tools to analyze numerical data, often with the aim of identifying patterns, testing hypotheses, or making predictions. In comparative politics, quantitative analysis allows researchers to analyze data from a large number of cases, facilitating generalizations and more robust statistical inferences.
Regression analysis, for example, helps in understanding how different factors—like economic development, education, or political stability—correlate with political phenomena such as democracy, corruption, or human rights abuses. By applying these statistical techniques, researchers can explore complex relationships within political data and draw more objective conclusions.
7. Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA)
QCA is a method that combines qualitative and quantitative elements, often applied to a small number of cases. It involves the systematic comparison of cases using Boolean algebra to identify patterns and causal relationships. QCA is especially useful for identifying combinations of factors that lead to particular outcomes, allowing for nuanced comparisons without sacrificing depth.
For example, QCA might be used to understand why some authoritarian regimes transition to democracies while others do not, by examining factors such as economic conditions, international pressure, leadership, and public support for democracy across different cases.
8. Historical Analysis
Historical analysis examines past political events and institutions to understand their influence on current political structures and behaviors. This approach is especially useful for understanding the origins and development of political institutions and identifying path dependencies—how past decisions shape future political outcomes.
For instance, studying the historical development of federalism in the United States offers insights into contemporary issues around states’ rights and federal authority. Historical analysis also reveals how colonial legacies continue to affect political stability and governance structures in former colonies.
9. Institutional Analysis
Institutional analysis focuses on the structure and function of political institutions, such as legislatures, executives, and judicial systems, across different political systems. The aim is to understand how institutional arrangements shape political behavior, influence policy outcomes, and affect power dynamics.
Comparing presidential and parliamentary systems, for example, helps illustrate how different institutional frameworks influence executive power, legislative efficiency, and government stability. This method is valuable for analyzing the role of formal rules, informal norms, and the impact of institutional design on political outcomes.
10. Cultural Analysis
Cultural analysis in comparative politics examines how cultural factors—such as religion, social norms, and collective identities—impact political behaviors, values, and institutions. Political culture studies often involve surveys and case comparisons to identify how cultural differences contribute to variations in political participation, policy preferences, and governance styles.
For instance, comparing individualistic cultures like the United States with collectivist cultures like Japan provides insights into how cultural values shape policy preferences, attitudes toward the state, and civic engagement. Cultural analysis thus helps in understanding the role of societal values in shaping political outcomes.
The comparative method in political science is a diverse and flexible approach that uses a variety of methods—case studies, MSSD, MDSD, cross-sectional analysis, longitudinal analysis, and both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Each method has strengths and limitations, and political scientists often use them in combination to create more comprehensive analyses. By identifying similarities and differences across political systems, the comparative method enriches our understanding of politics, facilitating theory development, and guiding policy recommendations for addressing political challenges across different contexts.
2. Critically examine the interrelationship between liberal democracy and capitalism.
Ans: Liberal democracy and capitalism have historically developed in tandem, each influencing and shaping the other in ways that have led to both convergence and conflict. While liberal democracy emphasizes individual freedoms, equality before the law, and political participation, capitalism is characterized by private ownership, market competition, and the pursuit of profit. The relationship between these two systems is complex and multi-faceted, encompassing both mutual support and tension.
1. Historical Development and Alignment
The rise of liberal democracy and capitalism can be traced back to similar historical forces, particularly the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution. Both systems emerged as alternatives to feudalism and absolute monarchy, promoting individual rights and economic freedom as pillars of societal organization. Liberal democracy provided the political framework that allowed individuals to pursue personal and economic autonomy, while capitalism offered the economic structure in which individual initiative could thrive.
Early liberal thinkers like John Locke and Adam Smith emphasized the importance of personal liberty and property rights. For them, political freedom was inseparable from economic freedom. In this way, liberal democracy and capitalism became mutually reinforcing: democratic institutions offered legal protections for property and enterprise, and capitalism, in turn, generated the wealth and economic stability that supported democratic governance.
2. Capitalism as a Foundation for Liberal Democracy
Capitalism has provided a foundation for liberal democracy by fostering economic growth, raising living standards, and promoting social mobility. These economic benefits contribute to social stability, which is critical for maintaining democratic institutions. Economic freedom, a core tenet of capitalism, often goes hand-in-hand with political freedom, as both enable individuals to exercise choice and pursue their interests.
In capitalist democracies, economic growth and prosperity have often expanded the middle class, creating a social base with the resources and vested interest necessary for active political participation. A strong middle class is seen as essential to a stable democracy, as it is likely to advocate for political stability, rule of law, and protections for individual freedoms. By promoting prosperity, capitalism indirectly supports liberal democracy by creating the conditions for an informed and empowered citizenry.
3. Mutual Support through Institutions
Liberal democracy and capitalism are supported by similar institutional structures, including legal protections, property rights, and a market economy regulated by the state. These institutions uphold the rule of law, ensure fair competition, and safeguard individual freedoms. Independent judiciaries, for example, are crucial for both democracy and capitalism, as they protect citizens’ rights and enforce contracts and property rights.
Moreover, democratic governments tend to create regulatory frameworks that balance the needs of economic actors with the protection of citizens’ rights and the environment. Institutions like antitrust bodies and financial regulators act as safeguards against the concentration of economic power, which can threaten both economic fairness and democratic accountability.
4. Tensions between Equality and Inequality
While liberal democracy emphasizes political equality, capitalism generates economic inequality. This fundamental tension is one of the central challenges in the relationship between the two systems. In a capitalist system, individuals and firms with more resources often gain a competitive advantage, leading to unequal distributions of wealth and income. This economic inequality can translate into political inequality, as wealthy individuals and corporations have greater resources to influence policy decisions, often through lobbying and campaign contributions.
Economic inequality undermines democratic principles by concentrating power among the wealthy elite. This can lead to a cycle where economic disparities erode democratic accountability, as policymakers may prioritize the interests of powerful economic actors over those of the general public. Consequently, the influence of capitalism within a democracy can potentially distort the political process, leading to “elite capture” and reducing the political power of ordinary citizens.
5. Capitalism and Consumerism: Impact on Civic Values
Capitalism has also been criticized for promoting consumerism and individualism, which some argue can weaken civic values and social cohesion. Liberal democracy depends on an engaged and informed citizenry willing to participate in the political process and work toward the common good. However, the emphasis on consumption and material success in capitalist societies can lead to political apathy and disengagement from civic responsibilities.
Critics suggest that capitalism’s focus on profit and competition encourages a culture where individual success is valued above community welfare. This can erode the social solidarity needed for democratic engagement, as citizens may become more focused on personal wealth accumulation than on collective issues such as voting rights, equality, and environmental sustainability. The prioritization of economic concerns can thus overshadow democratic values, potentially undermining social cohesion and weakening democratic participation.
6. Globalization and the Power of Multinational Corporations
Globalization has strengthened the interdependence of liberal democracy and capitalism but has also created new challenges. Multinational corporations (MNCs) operate on a global scale, wielding significant economic influence that can transcend national borders and regulatory frameworks. These corporations often benefit from free-market policies while exerting considerable pressure on national governments to adopt favorable business regulations.
In some cases, the power of MNCs has raised concerns about the erosion of state sovereignty and democratic accountability. For instance, corporations may influence trade agreements, labor laws, and environmental standards, sometimes to the detriment of local democratic processes. This growing influence of multinational capital can create a democratic deficit, as citizens have limited control over decisions affecting their economic well-being. The rise of global capitalism, therefore, poses a challenge to traditional democratic governance by diluting the authority of democratic institutions and limiting their ability to regulate transnational economic forces.
7. Welfare State as a Mediating Institution
Many liberal democracies have responded to capitalism’s inequalities by creating welfare states, which aim to protect citizens’ social and economic rights through public services and social safety nets. Welfare programs such as healthcare, unemployment benefits, and public education help mitigate the social inequalities that capitalism can produce, making economic inequality more politically sustainable.
The welfare state thus serves as a compromise between capitalism and democracy, balancing economic freedom with social justice. By redistributing wealth and providing basic social protections, the welfare state helps maintain social stability and upholds democratic legitimacy. In countries like Sweden and Germany, welfare systems have proven effective in tempering the effects of market-driven inequalities, contributing to both economic and political stability.
8. Authoritarian Capitalism as a Challenge to Liberal Democracy
The recent rise of authoritarian capitalist regimes, such as those in China and Russia, challenges the traditional belief that capitalism and liberal democracy are inherently linked. These regimes combine market-oriented economic policies with restrictive political controls, demonstrating that capitalist economies can function without democratic governance. In these contexts, economic growth is used to legitimize authoritarian rule, creating a model that other countries may seek to replicate.
Authoritarian capitalism suggests that economic prosperity does not necessarily lead to democratic reform, challenging the notion of liberal democracy as the ideal political framework for a capitalist society. This model demonstrates that capitalism can thrive under political systems that restrict individual freedoms and limit political participation, raising questions about the future compatibility of capitalism and democracy.
The relationship between liberal democracy and capitalism is both synergistic and fraught with contradictions. While capitalism has provided the economic foundation for the growth of liberal democracy, it also produces inequalities and power imbalances that challenge democratic principles. The welfare state serves as one mechanism to reconcile these tensions, but globalization and the rise of authoritarian capitalism complicate the traditional alignment of liberal democracy and capitalism. As societies continue to grapple with these issues, the future of this relationship will depend on balancing economic efficiency with democratic accountability, social equality, and civic engagement.
Assignment – II
Answer the following questions in about 250 words each. Each question carries 10 marks.
1. What Structural Functional analysis? What are its limitations?
Ans: Structural Functional analysis is a sociological approach that examines the structures of a society and their respective functions in maintaining the overall stability and order of that society. Developed by theorists like Talcott Parsons and Robert K. Merton, it views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. The theory posits that institutions, norms, and values serve specific functions that contribute to the maintenance of social order, similar to how organs in a body contribute to its overall health. Structural Functional analysis is particularly concerned with understanding how social institutions—such as family, education, religion, and government—function to meet the needs of society and help it persist over time.
Key Concepts of Structural Functional Analysis
- Social Structure: This refers to the organized pattern of social relationships and institutions that make up society. Structures are the “parts” of society.
- Social Function: Each part of society serves a function, contributing to the stability and operation of society as a whole. Functions can be manifest (intended) or latent (unintended).
- Equilibrium: Society is generally seen as stable, with structures functioning to maintain balance and avoid disruption.
- Value Consensus: Structural Functionalism assumes that most members of society share a set of common values that guide behavior and integrate society.
For example, education serves the function of transmitting knowledge, socializing individuals, and preparing them for the workforce, while the family unit provides emotional support and the socialization of children. Each institution has a purpose that contributes to the collective stability and continuity of society.
Limitations of Structural Functional Analysis
Despite its insights, Structural Functional analysis has been critiqued on several grounds:
- Conservative Bias: Critics argue that Structural Functionalism has a conservative bias, as it tends to emphasize stability, order, and equilibrium at the expense of recognizing social change and conflict. By focusing on the functions of social structures, it often downplays inequalities and social issues such as class conflict, racism, and patriarchy.
- Difficulty in Explaining Social Change: Since Structural Functionalism emphasizes stability, it struggles to explain how and why societies change over time. Major social upheavals, revolutions, and rapid technological advancements are difficult to accommodate within its framework, which is better suited to studying societies in relative equilibrium.
- Overemphasis on Consensus: Structural Functionalism assumes a high degree of consensus among society’s members, overlooking the diversity of values, beliefs, and interests that exist within complex societies. This neglects the ways in which different groups may have conflicting goals and the extent to which power dynamics influence social structures.
- Limited Focus on Individual Agency: The theory often treats individuals as passive actors within social structures, with little capacity for influencing or altering these structures. Critics argue that Structural Functionalism underestimates the role of individual agency and the potential for individuals to actively shape and change social institutions.
- Ignores Power and Inequality: Structural Functionalism does not adequately address issues of power, inequality, and exploitation within social systems. By assuming that all structures contribute positively to society, it may implicitly justify existing social hierarchies and ignore systemic oppression.
Structural Functional analysis has contributed significantly to understanding how social institutions work together to maintain societal order. However, its limitations—particularly its inability to account for social change, power disparities, and individual agency—have led many sociologists to turn to other perspectives, such as conflict theory and symbolic interactionism, to better understand the complexities of society.
2. Describe the functioning of socialist states in Asia.
Ans: Socialist states in Asia have historically sought to organize their political, economic, and social systems based on socialist principles, focusing on state control of resources, public ownership, and reducing economic inequality. Prominent socialist states in Asia include China, Vietnam, North Korea, and Laos, each implementing unique adaptations of socialism that balance ideological commitments with practical governance needs and, in some cases, market-oriented reforms.
1. China: Socialist Market Economy
China is perhaps the most prominent example of a socialist state in Asia, operating under what it terms a “socialist market economy.” Governed by the Communist Party of China (CPC) since 1949, China initially followed a centrally planned economic model under Mao Zedong, marked by collectivization, state-owned industries, and economic campaigns like the Great Leap Forward. However, economic challenges led to reforms under Deng Xiaoping in the late 1970s, introducing market elements to spur growth.
Today, China maintains one-party rule and prioritizes state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in key sectors, yet it allows private enterprise and foreign investment to fuel development. This blend of socialism with market-oriented policies has resulted in significant economic growth, lifting millions out of poverty while maintaining state control over strategic industries and sectors. China’s model emphasizes economic modernization and social stability under the direction of the CPC, although critics argue this approach limits political freedoms and concentrates power.
2. Vietnam: Renovation and Market Reforms
Vietnam, under the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), follows a socialist framework but, like China, has integrated market reforms. After the unification in 1975, Vietnam implemented a centrally planned economy. However, faced with economic stagnation, the CPV introduced “Doi Moi” (Renovation) reforms in 1986, which allowed private enterprise and liberalized certain market mechanisms while retaining state control over crucial sectors.
Vietnam’s socialist system is characterized by state-owned enterprises, a strong role for the government in the economy, and extensive social programs. Similar to China, the government regulates political expression tightly, maintaining CPV’s authority while allowing market mechanisms to improve the economy. The “Doi Moi” reforms have been pivotal in transforming Vietnam from a low-income to a middle-income country, though challenges remain in balancing economic freedoms with political restrictions.
3. North Korea: Command Economy and Centralized Control
North Korea, governed by the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), is one of the most tightly controlled socialist states in the world. Following Juche, or self-reliance, the North Korean model emphasizes complete state control over the economy, restricted private enterprise, and limited foreign trade. The government plans all economic activity, focusing on heavy industry and military development while providing limited resources to consumer goods and agriculture.
Despite significant economic struggles, exacerbated by international sanctions, North Korea’s socialist system maintains tight control over its population, prioritizing ideological conformity and loyalty to the state. While some small-scale private markets have emerged informally, the state maintains strict oversight, and the economy remains isolated and heavily restricted.
4. Laos: Gradual Market Integration
Laos, led by the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), operates a socialist system but, like Vietnam, has gradually incorporated market reforms since the 1980s. Laos’s economic model includes state ownership in significant sectors alongside a limited but growing private sector. The country’s policies emphasize gradual market liberalization, foreign investment, and tourism as sources of revenue, while the LPRP retains strict political control.
The socialist states of Asia, while grounded in Marxist-Leninist ideology, have adapted their systems to varying degrees to meet contemporary economic challenges. China and Vietnam have embraced a hybrid model that mixes state control with market incentives, leading to significant economic growth. North Korea, however, continues to uphold a strict command economy, while Laos gradually integrates market reforms. Each state reflects a distinct adaptation of socialism, balancing ideological principles with economic pragmatism, but all maintain single-party rule, prioritizing political stability over democratic governance.
3. Briefly describe the core features of federalism in Brazil.
Ans: Brazilian federalism is characterized by a unique blend of centralized authority and substantial autonomy for its states, defined by the 1988 Constitution. Brazil’s federal structure divides powers among the federal government, 26 states, the Federal District, and over 5,500 municipalities, making it one of the most decentralized federal systems in the world. Here are the core features of Brazilian federalism:
1. Constitutional Foundation and Division of Powers
The 1988 Constitution is the cornerstone of Brazilian federalism, setting up a clear division of responsibilities between the federal government, states, and municipalities. The Constitution guarantees states substantial autonomy, allowing them to have their own constitutions, legislatures, and administrative structures. However, federal law supersedes state law, and the Supreme Federal Court (STF) plays a critical role in interpreting constitutional issues and maintaining federal unity.
The federal government holds exclusive power in areas such as defense, foreign affairs, currency issuance, and national transportation, while states manage issues like public safety, education, and healthcare, with support from federal funding. Certain powers, like taxation, are concurrent, meaning states and the federal government share jurisdiction, but federal regulations typically have primacy.
2. Three Levels of Government
Brazil’s federalism is unique in that it formally includes municipalities as an independent tier of government, unlike many other federal systems where local governance is under state authority. Each level—federal, state, and municipal—has constitutionally granted rights and responsibilities. Municipalities can collect taxes, enact legislation, and manage public services independently, giving local governments a significant role in the governance framework. This setup reflects Brazil’s commitment to decentralization and responsiveness to regional diversity.
3. Fiscal Federalism and Revenue Sharing
Brazilian federalism involves a complex system of fiscal transfers and revenue-sharing mechanisms designed to address regional disparities. The federal government collects most taxes, but revenue is shared among states and municipalities through mechanisms like the Fundo de Participação dos Estados (FPE) and the Fundo de Participação dos Municípios (FPM). These funds aim to equalize economic disparities and ensure states and municipalities have the financial resources needed to provide public services. The reliance on federal transfers varies, with poorer regions depending heavily on federal funds, while wealthier states generate more of their revenue locally.
4. Intergovernmental Relations
Brazil’s federal system requires constant negotiation and cooperation between different levels of government. Intergovernmental councils and forums provide platforms for coordination, especially in sectors like public health, education, and environmental protection. However, political dynamics between federal and state leaders, as well as competition over resources, can create tensions, particularly when state governors challenge federal authority. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted these complexities, with federal and state governments often adopting differing policies on lockdowns, vaccination, and public health measures.
5. Judicial Review and Constitutional Oversight
The Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) plays a crucial role in federalism by adjudicating disputes between the federal and state governments. It acts as the constitutional guardian, ensuring the balance of power between different government levels and interpreting federalism-related issues. Its decisions often set precedents for federal-state relations and impact policies nationwide.
Brazil’s federalism is marked by its strong constitutional foundation, fiscal decentralization, and the inclusion of municipalities as autonomous entities. Although the system encourages regional autonomy and local governance, intergovernmental relations can be strained by political conflicts and dependency on federal transfers. Despite these challenges, Brazil’s federal system remains a vital structure that accommodates its vast regional diversity, balancing unity with local autonomy.
Assignment – III
Write a short note on the following in about 100 words each. Each short note carries 6 marks.
1. Fukuyama on global capitalism
Ans: Francis Fukuyama is widely known for his views on global capitalism, particularly through his influential thesis in *The End of History and the Last Man* (1992). Fukuyama argued that liberal democracy and capitalism represent the endpoint of humanity’s ideological evolution, with free markets and democratic governance emerging as the most viable and stable systems. He believes global capitalism can drive economic growth, increase individual freedom, and foster global interconnectedness.
However, Fukuyama has also highlighted capitalism’s vulnerabilities, especially its potential to exacerbate inequality, undermine social cohesion, and weaken democratic institutions. He warns that unchecked markets can lead to concentration of wealth and power, creating divisions within societies that challenge the legitimacy of democratic systems. Moreover, Fukuyama has raised concerns about capitalism’s ability to respond to social demands for stability and equity, particularly amid rising populism and nationalism. While he sees capitalism as a powerful driver of progress, he emphasizes the importance of institutions and policies that balance market freedoms with social protections, ultimately supporting a version of capitalism that is tempered by regulation, fairness, and democratic values to maintain social cohesion and political stability.
2. The concept of overdeveloped state
Ans: The concept of an “overdeveloped state” refers to a state apparatus that maintains a high level of bureaucratic and administrative control, often disproportionate to its actual level of economic development. This term is frequently applied in the context of post-colonial or developing countries, where colonial legacies have left behind strong, centralized institutions designed to serve colonial interests rather than to promote indigenous economic growth or democracy. In these contexts, the state remains heavily bureaucratic and often interventionist, with power concentrated in centralized government agencies.
An overdeveloped state can hinder democratic governance and economic progress by concentrating power within state institutions rather than empowering the private sector or local communities. Such states may exert control over various aspects of economic and political life, maintaining influence through regulatory authority, state-owned enterprises, and extensive public services. This dominance can stifle political pluralism and economic innovation, often creating dependency on state intervention rather than fostering a dynamic, self-sustaining economy. The concept, therefore, critiques a form of state development that, despite its institutional strength, lacks alignment with the broader developmental needs of society, emphasizing the need for structural reforms to balance state power with economic and political freedoms.
3. Party system in China
Ans: China operates under a single-party system dominated by the Communist Party of China (CPC), which has maintained control since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. This system is characterized by the absence of competitive multiparty elections, as the CPC is the only legal political party allowed to hold power at all levels of government. The party’s leadership is centralized, and key decisions are made within its top echelons, particularly through the Politburo and the Standing Committee.
While there are other minor parties in China, known as the “democratic parties,” they operate under the CPC’s leadership and do not pose any real challenge to its authority. These parties participate in the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), providing a veneer of pluralism but lacking genuine power. The CPC emphasizes ideological conformity and has strict control over political discourse, limiting dissent and maintaining social stability through censorship and surveillance.
The party system in China prioritizes stability and economic growth, often at the expense of democratic freedoms. This has led to significant economic development, but critics argue that the lack of political pluralism stifles innovation and social progress.
4. Dictatorship of the proletariat
Ans: The “dictatorship of the proletariat” is a Marxist concept referring to a transitional state in which the working class (proletariat) holds political power, ostensibly to dismantle the capitalist system and establish a socialist society. Karl Marx articulated this idea as a necessary phase following the overthrow of capitalism, where the proletariat would control the state to suppress the bourgeoisie (the capitalist class) and prevent counter-revolution.
During this phase, the state is expected to enact policies that promote social ownership of the means of production, redistribute wealth, and advance the interests of the working class. The concept emphasizes that the state, rather than withering away immediately, will be utilized as a tool to consolidate power for the proletariat, ensuring the establishment of socialism.
However, the practical implementation of this concept has varied significantly across different historical contexts. In many cases, it has led to authoritarian regimes where the ruling party claims to represent the proletariat but maintains tight control over political dissent and civil liberties. Critics argue that this has often resulted in bureaucratic centralism and a concentration of power, diverging from the original Marxist ideal of a classless, stateless society.
5. New institutionalism.
Ans: New institutionalism is an approach within social sciences, particularly political science and sociology, that emphasizes the significance of institutions in shaping social, political, and economic outcomes. It emerged in the late 20th century as a response to both behavioralism and traditional institutionalism, integrating insights from various disciplines to analyze how institutions influence human behavior and societal structures.
New institutionalism encompasses three main strands:
- Rational Choice Institutionalism: This perspective focuses on how institutions provide incentives and constraints that shape the strategic interactions of individuals. It emphasizes the role of institutions in guiding rational actors towards specific choices.
- Sociological Institutionalism: This approach highlights the cultural and normative aspects of institutions, arguing that they shape identities, values, and social practices. It stresses the importance of social context and historical development in understanding institutional behavior.
- Historical Institutionalism: This perspective examines how institutions evolve over time and how historical contexts influence institutional stability and change. It emphasizes path dependency, where decisions made in the past constrain future options.
Overall, new institutionalism offers a comprehensive framework for analyzing the interplay between institutions and social dynamics, highlighting that institutions are not merely structures but also active forces shaping political and social life.
Conclusion
In this article we provide BPSC 105 Solved Assignment 2024-25 (Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics). All the assignment question’s answers are covered in this article. If you faced any problem or need any other assignment which not found, leave a comment below.
