State and Sovereignty (VSAQs)
Political Science-1 | 2. State and Sovereignty – VSAQs:
Welcome to VSAQs in Chapter 2: State and Sovereignty. This page features the key FAQs for Very Short Answer Questions. Answers are given in simple English and follow the exam format. This approach helps you focus on important topics and aim for top marks in your final exams.
VSAQ-1: What is a State?
A state is like a big, organized community that has its own rules, land, and people. Imagine it as a large neighborhood where everyone follows the same laws, has a government to make decisions, and interacts with other neighborhoods (or countries) around the world. The state is responsible for maintaining order, creating laws, and representing its people when dealing with other states or countries. Think of it as the backbone of how countries function, ensuring that everything runs smoothly within its borders.
VSAQ-2: What is Government? (OR) What do you mean by Government?
The government is the group of people who make decisions and run the state. They are like the managers of a company, but instead of managing a business, they manage a whole country. The government creates laws, decides how to spend money, and makes sure that everyone in the country is safe and treated fairly. For example, when a new road is built or a new school is opened, it’s the government that makes those decisions and ensures they happen. They play a key role in organizing society and making sure everyone can live together peacefully.
VSAQ-3: What is Society? (OR) What do you mean by Society? (OR) What do you understand by Society?
Society is like a big family or community where people live together, share traditions, and follow common rules. It’s not just about the people; it’s also about how they interact with each other, like going to work, attending school, celebrating festivals, or helping neighbors. Society shapes who we are, what we believe, and how we behave. For instance, when people gather to celebrate a festival or when they come together to help someone in need, that’s society in action. It’s all about how we live together and support each other.
VSAQ-4: Monistic Theory of Sovereignty
The monistic theory of sovereignty is a way of thinking about power in a state. It suggests that there is only one supreme authority that has the final say in everything within the country. Imagine a classroom where the teacher has complete control over all decisions—what to teach, when to have recess, and how to manage the class. In a similar way, the monistic theory says that a state has one ultimate power, usually the central government, which makes all the important decisions without needing permission from anyone else.
VSAQ-5: Internal Sovereignty
Internal sovereignty means that a government has full control over everything that happens within its borders. It’s like being the boss of your own home—you decide what rules to follow, how to arrange things, and what to do without anyone else telling you what to do. In a country, internal sovereignty gives the government the power to make and enforce laws, keep peace, and make decisions that affect its people, all without interference from other countries.
VSAQ-6: ‘De-jure’ Sovereignty
De-jure sovereignty refers to the legal right of a government or state to rule over its land and people. It’s like having an official certificate that says, “You are the rightful leader of this place.” This means the government’s authority is recognized by international law and by other countries around the world. For example, when a country joins the United Nations, it’s recognized as having de-jure sovereignty, meaning it has the legal authority to govern its people and territory.