Political Theory: An Introduction

Step 1: Justification means understanding the proper basis of a claim. Step 2: Political theory examines ideas through reasons values and consequences. Step 3: In exams always mention the basis before accepting an idea.

Step 1: Disagreement does not only mean opposition. Step 2: Reasoned disagreement shows the strengths and weaknesses of ideas. Step 3: In exams connect disagreement with debate and learning.

Step 1: Public interest is larger than private gain. Step 2: It includes social welfare justice and protection of vulnerable people. Step 3: In exams link public interest with common welfare.

Step 1: The value of an institution is not decided by its outer appearance. Step 2: Political theory looks at how it serves justice rights and accountability. Step 3: In exams evaluate institutions by both function and values.

Step 1: Negative freedom mainly focuses on absence of restrictions. Step 2: It means a person should not face unnecessary external interference. Step 3: In exams remember negative freedom as absence of obstacles.

Step 1: Positive freedom is not merely absence of restraint. Step 2: It is linked with enabling people to develop abilities and make meaningful choices. Step 3: In exams connect it with capacity opportunity and development.

Step 1: Equal opportunity means reducing unfair barriers at the starting point. Step 2: Special advantage based on birth or family weakens fair opportunity. Step 3: In exams connect equal opportunity with a fair start.

Step 1: Rights protect individuals. Step 2: Duties ensure that we respect the safety and dignity of others. Step 3: In exams present rights and duties as complementary not opposite.

Step 1: Procedural justice gives importance to the method. Step 2: A fair decision making process increases trust. Step 3: In exams connect procedural justice with fair rules and hearing.

Step 1: Outcome based justice looks at the effect of a decision. Step 2: It asks how benefits and burdens are distributed. Step 3: In exams connect outcome justice with impact and distribution.

Step 1: The idea of the state is linked with order and public life. Step 2: Without rules and security rights may be difficult to enjoy. Step 3: In exams connect the need for the state with order and protection of rights.

Step 1: The state has significant power. Step 2: Without limits power can become arbitrary and harm rights. Step 3: In exams link limited power with rights and accountability.

Step 1: Legitimacy is not merely having power. Step 2: Power is legitimate when it has proper grounds and acceptance. Step 3: In exams connect legitimacy with justification and acceptance.

Step 1: Rights may be linked with moral and legal claims. Step 2: Privilege may be an extra benefit given to a particular person or group. Step 3: In exams distinguish rights as equal claims and privileges as special benefits.

Step 1: Secularism is not simply opposition to religion. Step 2: Its purpose is to understand fair treatment by the state toward all citizens. Step 3: In exams link it with equal respect and an impartial state.

Step 1: Tolerance does not mean blind acceptance. Step 2: It means respecting others' rights and dignity even during disagreement. Step 3: In exams connect tolerance with democratic dialogue.

Step 1: Political equality is linked with equal dignity of citizens. Step 2: Equal recognition in public decisions is important. Step 3: In exams connect political equality with voting rights and participation.

Step 1: Social justice looks at real social conditions. Step 2: Fair access to opportunities respect and resources is important. Step 3: In exams connect social justice not only with law but also with life conditions.

Step 1: Political ideas do not arise in a vacuum. Step 2: They are shaped by the problems and experiences of their time. Step 3: In exams connecting thinkers and ideas with context improves answers.

Step 1: The meaning of political concepts must be clear. Step 2: Unclear language can make reasoning weak and confusing. Step 3: In exams explain concepts in simple and accurate words.

Step 1: Moral reasoning thinks about good bad right and wrong. Step 2: Political theory uses it to evaluate public decisions. Step 3: In exams connect moral reasoning with justice and justification.

Step 1: In democracy citizens are not mere spectators. Step 2: Their participation makes decisions more accountable and public. Step 3: In exams connect participation with voting discussion and accountability.

Step 1: Ideals are not merely dreams. Step 2: They reveal weaknesses in existing arrangements and guide improvement. Step 3: In exams present ideals and practice as connected.

Step 1: A constitution is not only a list of rules. Step 2: It reflects state power citizens' rights and basic political values. Step 3: In exams connect the constitution with both law and values.

Step 1: A good answer is written in a clear structure. Step 2: Definition reason and example make the idea easy to understand. Step 3: A short conclusion makes the exam answer stronger.