Political Theory: An Introduction

Step 1: Law guides behaviour in society. Step 2: Political theory asks whether laws are fair and just. Step 3: In law based questions focus on both rules and justice.

Step 1: Legitimacy is connected with acceptance of authority. Step 2: When people see rule as rightful it gains legitimacy. Step 3: Link legitimacy with rightful authority.

Step 1: Liberty is important but it has limits. Step 2: One persons liberty should not harm another persons rights. Step 3: In liberty questions remember responsibility too.

Step 1: Equality connects people with respect and opportunity. Step 2: Justice checks whether treatment is fair. Step 3: Understand both as bases of a fair society.

Step 1: Political ideas are not only for reading. Step 2: They can influence decisions in society and government. Step 3: Study theory by linking it with real situations.

Step 1: Political decisions affect peoples lives. Step 2: So questions of right and wrong become important. Step 3: Link moral questions with the value side of politics.

Step 1: Society is made of people and groups. Step 2: Institutions organise their relations. Step 3: In society based questions remember both relations and institutions.

Step 1: The state is a wider and more permanent political institution. Step 2: Government is the arrangement that runs state functions. Step 3: Link state with wider institution and government with running it.

Step 1: Different ideas explain society in different ways. Step 2: Comparison helps us understand their strengths and limits. Step 3: In exams write both similarities and differences.

Step 1: Public participation is an important base of democracy. Step 2: People give opinions and take part in public matters. Step 3: Link participation with active citizenship.

Step 1: Reasoning makes ideas clear. Step 2: It helps us examine a claim on the basis of reasons. Step 3: Do not forget to give reasons in answers.

Step 1: Every group needs respect and protection. Step 2: Minority rights strengthen equality and justice. Step 3: In such questions focus on protection and respect.

Step 1: Independent thinking prevents blind copying. Step 2: It helps students support their views with reasons. Step 3: In answers write reasons with your opinion.

Step 1: Public policy is linked with government decisions. Step 2: These decisions affect citizens lives and opportunities. Step 3: Connect policy with its effect on society.

Step 1: Human dignity means respect for every person. Step 2: It is linked with ideas like rights and equality. Step 3: Remember dignity with respect and rights.

Step 1: Consent is related to acceptance. Step 2: Peoples consent matters for the strength of a political arrangement. Step 3: Link consent with acceptance.

Step 1: Many political ideas are linked with a particular time and problem. Step 2: Knowing context helps us understand their meaning better. Step 3: While studying ideas notice time and circumstances.

Step 1: Debate brings out different viewpoints. Step 2: It helps students improve their arguments. Step 3: In debate give reasons with your view.

Step 1: Political values guide society and governance. Step 2: Justice is a value linked with a fair order. Step 3: Identify the difference between an object and a value.

Step 1: Institutions organise functioning in society. Step 2: Political institutions are connected with power and decisions. Step 3: Understand institutions through rules and roles.

Step 1: Social inequality can reduce peoples opportunities. Step 2: Political theory studies it through justice and equality. Step 3: Link inequality with opportunity and justice.

Step 1: Rights show a persons protections and claims. Step 2: Duties show responsibility towards society. Step 3: Understand both as part of balanced civic life.

Step 1: A balanced view does not mean being silent without thought. Step 2: It means understanding different sides and judging with reasons. Step 3: In answers show balance by mentioning both sides.

Step 1: Public discussion is part of democratic life. Step 2: People express views and listen to others on common issues. Step 3: Link public discussion with dialogue and participation.

Step 1: Political theory helps us understand questions connected with life. Step 2: It helps citizens view society and politics with reason. Step 3: In preparation link each idea with an everyday example.