political science
### **NIOS Political Science (317) - Tutor Marked Assignment (2025-26)**
#### **Question 1: Answer any one of the following questions in about 40-60 words.**
**Opted: (b) How does the concept of nation differ from nationality? Give Examples.**
**Answer:**
The concepts of nation and nationality are closely related but differ in political and cultural dimensions:
* **Nationality** is primarily a socio-cultural concept based on common shared bonds like language, common race, religion, history, or traditions, without necessarily possessing political independence (e.g., Scots or Kurds).
* A **Nation** is a nationality that has achieved political independence or aspires to have its own sovereign state (e.g., India or France). Thus, a nation is a politically organized nationality.
#### **Question 2: Answer any one of the following questions in about 40-60 words.**
**Opted: (b) How does the Governor act as a link between the State Government and the Central Government? Give examples.**
**Answer:**
The Governor acts as a vital constitutional link between the Centre and the State in the following ways:
* **Appointment and Reporting:** The Governor is appointed by the President of India and sends regular fortnightly reports to the Central Government regarding the political and administrative affairs of the state.
* **Constitutional Crisis:** If the state machinery breaks down, the Governor recommends the imposition of President’s Rule (Article 356) to the Centre.
* **Bills Reservation:** The Governor can reserve certain bills passed by the State Legislature for the assent of the President.
#### **Question 3: Answer any one of the following questions in about 40-60 words.**
**Opted: (b) Analyze the significance of Universal Adult Franchise in the democratic system.**
**Answer:**
Universal Adult Franchise (the right of all adult citizens to vote regardless of wealth, gender, social status, or race) is vital for democracy because:
* It establishes **political equality** and upholds the principle of "one person, one vote, one value."
* It enhances the self-respect and dignity of common citizens by giving them power in decision-making.
* It ensures that the government is based on the consent of the people, making it highly representative and accountable.
#### **Question 4: Answer any one of the following questions in about 100-150 words.**
**Opted: (b) 'Caste appears as a major factor in Indian politics'. Answer with reasons.**
**Answer:**
Yes, caste plays a decisive and pervasive role in Indian politics. The major reasons for this are:
1. **Ticket Allocation:** Political parties heavily consider the caste composition of a constituency when choosing candidates to maximize their chances of winning.
2. **Voting Behaviour:** Many voters feel a sense of caste solidarity and tend to vote for candidates belonging to their own caste, considering them as representatives of their socio-economic interests.
3. **Caste-Based Parties and Alliances:** Several political regional parties are formed around specific caste combinations (e.g., SP, BSP) to mobilize support and bargain for political power.
4. **Government Policies and Recruitment:** Demands for reservation in education and government jobs have kept caste at the center of political debates, shaping policy formulation and legislative agendas.
Thus, caste acts as both a source of political mobilization and a divisive factor in democratic processes.
#### **Question 5: Answer any one of the following questions in about 100-150 words.**
**Opted: (a) Examine the impact of globalization on the contemporary world order. Has it strengthened or weakened multipolarity?**
**Answer:**
Globalization has significantly transformed the contemporary world order by increasing economic interdependence, rapid technological exchange, and cross-border cultural interactions.
Regarding its impact on multipolarity, globalization has **strengthened multipolarity** rather than weakening it.
* **Rise of New Economic Centers:** It has allowed developing nations like India, China, and Brazil to integrate into the global market, experience rapid economic growth, and challenge the traditional economic hegemony of Western nations.
* **Decline of Unipolar Hegemony:** The diffusion of technology and capital has decentralized power. No single nation can unilaterally control global trade, supply chains, or financial networks.
* **Strengthening of Regional Blocks:** Globalization has facilitated the growth of powerful multilateral forums and regional alliances like BRICS, ASEAN, and the G20, which play crucial roles in global governance.
While globalization creates some uniformity, it has fundamentally decentralized power, thereby consolidating a multipolar world order.
#### **Question 6: Prepare any one project out of the given options:**
**Opted: (b) Survey and Report on Voting Behaviour.**
**PROJECT REPORT ON PUBLIC OPINION ON VOTING BEHAVIOUR**
**1. Introduction:**
Voting behaviour is a crucial aspect of democratic systems. This survey was conducted among 25 households in my locality to understand the patterns, awareness, and deciding factors that influence the voters during elections.
**2. Questionnaire and Data Consolidated Matrix:**
Below is the summary of the responses gathered from 25 respondents (Ages 18-65, balanced gender mix):
| S.N. | Questions | Responses (Out of 25) | Remarks / Insights |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 1 | Are you registered to vote? | Yes: 24, No: 1 | High registration awareness. |
| 2 | Have you voted in the last election? | Yes: 22, No: 2 | High political participation. |
| 3 | If no to question 2, what were the primary reasons you did not vote? | Out of station / Name missing from voter list | Administrative issues or personal absence. |
| 4 | What are the reasons you vote for a candidate? | Development work: 15, Candidate's background: 7, Party: 3 | Local development is the primary factor. |
| 5 | Whose opinion mattered the most while deciding which candidate to vote for? | Self-judgment: 18, Family: 5, Media/Peer: 2 | Voters prefer independent decision-making. |
| 6 | What are the issues that are important to you in an election? | Unemployment, inflation, road/water infrastructure | Economic and basic infrastructure issues dominate. |
| 7 | Do you believe that your vote makes a difference? | Yes: 23, No: 2 | Strong faith in democratic processes. |
**3. Key Findings & Conclusion:**
* **High Political Awareness:** Over 90% of respondents are active voters who believe in the power of democracy.
* **Development-Oriented Mindset:** Modern voters prioritize local infrastructure, employment, and public welfare over blind political party allegiance.
* **Independent Choices:** Peer and family pressures are decreasing; the majority of citizens make self-evaluated voting choices based on candidate performance.
