Political Theory Research Paper

Running head: POLITICAL THEORY 1

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Abstract

The political theory involves the analysis of social thought or a belief that an individual

or a group believed to have an impact on a political, social and economic framework of a society.

It seeks to challenge or critique the existing believes of other theorist's as well as defining one's

positions regarding the governance, history and leadership style in a society. This paper will

explore various teachings and questions that arise from different theories, political aspects and

institutions, political thoughts, international relations, political culture and civil society as well as

the religious position on matters politics and governance. The paper will lay particular regards to

the biblical analysis of governance and political theory. This analysis provides the learner with a

pool of knowledge and facts that are relevant to understanding the day to day issues surrounding

the leadership, administration, and governance. Besides, this knowledge equips the learners with

necessary skills that allow him to look at the bigger picture when analyzing situations and also

view fundamental political issues from a different point of view.

Just Politics and Governance

Just politics and governance is the acts and behaviors of the political leaders to that seem

morally right and fair before their subjects. Leaders are entrusted with power and leadership

positions by the electorates. The subjects expect service delivery by their leaders, and it is the

responsibility of the elected leaders to perform their mandate with diligence and utmost

commitment. The electorates are tasked with the responsibility of keeping their leaders on toes

by fast-tracking their performance. Leaders need to be accountable to the citizens in service

delivery and utilization of public resources. Leaders are expected to exercise justice, compliance

with law and impartiality while discharging their mandate (Hobbes et al., 1995). They need to

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demonstrate a high level of integrity and professionalism in their conduct and service delivery.

Since leaders are representatives of people who elected them, they should act objectively and

represent the interest of the people. They should not discriminate on particular groups

irrespective of their political affiliations. Leaders are expected to serve all their constituents

equally without any regard of their social status, financial positions, religious affiliation, race,

ethnicity or political inclinations. Additionally, every leader has to protect, respect and uphold

the laws of the land as well as representing the interests of their constituents. On the other hand,

the subject has duties of electing the best leaders to represent them as well as to remove the

leaders from the positions. In democratic leadership, the citizens are obliged to elect their leaders

through secret ballots. The citizens take part in making critical decisions in government through

their elected leaders. The citizens have right to re-elect leaders who perform well and also vote

out leaders who fail to perform to their satisfaction. In order to ensure that justice is served to the

citizen, there should be effective systems to ensure and respect of the law of the land. This

requires the commitment by law enforcement agents, the civil society, members of the public and

political goodwill by the elected leaders (Hobbes et al., 1995).

According to the theory of Forms or theory of ideas by Plato, he argues that non-physical

but substantial ideas represent the most accurate reality. He does not believe in confrontational

approaches of finding the solution to a problem. He considers classical approaches to solving

problems that affect the society. Plato considers the rational approach of finding a solution to the

prevailing problems as the most feasible and effective approach of problem-solving. As such, the

relationship between the political leaders and the subjects should not be a confrontation in the

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quest for justice delivery of service. The relation between the two groups ought to be based on

ideas and facts in order to promote cohesion and integration of the nation.

Responsibility of Citizens

It is the responsibility of citizens to ensure good governance by emphasizing on the

transparency and accountability of the government of the day. This allows citizens to participate

in governance process as they engage in various decision-making processes and forums of the

government. The citizens need to create an environment within the political space that allows

them to express their views openly without fear of intimidation by the ruling class. The

environment should create sufficient mechanism to incorporate citizen participation in matters of

national importance in governance. This endeavor sets a good precedency of leadership and

increases the democratic space for the citizens and future generations as well. Better education

and literacy among the citizens is critical in safeguarding citizen power in any leadership. This is

because, with better education, the voting preferences of people have a better basis and can affect

the policy-making in governance (Hobbes et al., 1995). Citizens have the responsibility of

participating in institutions of public discussions. These institutions can be social forums,

meetings, national televisions and social media platforms. These discussions promote

improvements in good governance and ownership of the programs. The public discussions

increase public awareness on the benefit of various policy measures that seek to increase social

warfare. Additionally, the public debates of government programs tend to increase the

compliance by policymakers. It is quite instrumental in reducing the undue advantage of various

interest groups that negatively influences several processes of good governance. The debates

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increase awareness by the citizens of their active roles and participation in matters of national

interest. This is crucial as it goes a long way in promoting good governance (Hobbes et al.,

1995).

The citizens should endeavor to strengthen their relationship with the government. This

can be done through citizens' participation in various sectors including agriculture, education,

health and mass media. This creates close ties between the government and its citizens, and as

such, there is sharing of thoughts and opinion between both parties. According to Thomas

Hobbes theory on modern political philosophy, he talks about the need for liberal thought and the

natural equality of all men. He urges that legitimate powers must be representative and should be

based on the consent of the people or rather the citizens. Hobbes further gives the significance of

the liberal interpretation of the law. The law provides people the freedom to do whatever the law

does not forbid. The law provides for citizens the freedom of liberty in choices they make as well

as in what there freely express. Every citizen should have a voice in policy decisions either

directly or through laid down institutions that represent their interest. This participation is built

on the ability to participate constructively and on the freedom of association. The participation

promotes economic activities which are crucial in the eradication of poverty and promoting

national growth and development (Hobbes et al., 1995).

It is the responsibility of the citizens to observe the rule of law in order to enable

government implements its agenda. The government needs effective support and goodwill by the

members of the public in order to effectively fulfill its promises to the people. The citizens have

the duty of paying taxes timely and promptly to enable government runs its operations smoothly

(Hobbes et al., 1995). Additionally, citizens are charged with the duty of care and protection of

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life and property. They need to protect the environment as well as other government resources

which also serve as a source of revenue to the government. These include natural resources such

as forest, water sources, and wildlife. The government requires the support of citizens and

institution in order to make the best use of resources as well as create an excellent environment

to usher trade and investments. This is important as it goes a long way in providing job

opportunities as well as national development (Hobbes et al., 1995).

Quest for Justice

Many global south economies are faced with problems resulting from misrule as well as

disrespect of independent institutions including the electoral bodies and judicial systems by the

ruling class. This has seen the outright subversion of the will of people during elections,

deprivation of citizens of their rights and fundamental freedoms, police brutality, extra-judicial

killings of activists as well as looting of public resources by the government officials. This is

evidenced by many political leaders retain positions with impunity even when voted out by the

citizens. This amounts to putting the will of people on trial and in most cases leads to ethnic

clashes and violence. This causes massive loss of living, destruction of properties and disruption

of economic activities. There have been cases of citizens deprived their legal rights and freedoms

by the government of the day. Some have had their freedom of expression deprived due to fear of

intimidation by the ruling government. There have been cases of people detained without trial as

well as extra-judicial killing on those who fight with the ruling regime. These are a case of

outright contravention of human rights by the governments. These cases instill fear on the citizen

as their lives are always threatened by the ruling administration. It calls for courage and self-

sacrifice by individuals, human right activists, and civil societies to expose the government

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failures and the quest for justice (Jeremey, 1948). To demand justice in such regimes require a

bold and selfless individual who has other people's interest at heart. Human right activist and the

civil society have been in the front line in the quest for justice and respect of human rights by the

ruling administration. These groups have staged demonstrations to demand the release of

political detainees, demanding the investigations on the killings of political activists and

demanding the amendment on the constitutions. These groups fight for better leadership and

society for not only themselves but also for the future generation. This is an act of selflessness

and self-determination to pursue the noble cause. These groups are motivated by the need to seek

happiness and pleasure in their land. According to theorist Jeremy Bentham, in his book

Introduction to the Principles of Moral and Legislation, he believes that happiness is the only

thing that is good for its sake. He believed that humans by nature are motivated by the desire to

have the pleasure and strive by all means to maximize it. Bentham tries to establish what a

system of law would look if it were constructed on a purely utilitarian basis (Jeremey, 1948). He

also establishes how pleasure and pain need to be measured as well as legally and morally

relevant human actions that contribute to the pleasure. In his book, he also discusses the negative

consequences of the quest for pleasure (Jeremey, 1948). According to Bentham, to attain

pleasure is not a walk in the park. It requires persistent struggle and determination to get

happiness, especially where the systems are not friendly. To achieve the satisfaction, one has to

pay the price which comes with sacrifice, suffering and even taking the risk. In this respect,

individuals, civil societies, and human right activists have paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure

adherence to human right, respect for the rule and restoration of sanity and justice in the

societies.

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Biblical Analysis

In the history of humanity, religion and politics have been perceived to be inseparable.

Christianity being one of the dominant religions in the world is diverse and is constantly

changing with the society. Christianity as a religion has its ideologies, influence and shared

networks across the globe. Since this religion is practiced at the state level as well as globally

must impact the national political systems.

In the Bible, God chose leaders who were bold and courageous to lead his people. The

biblical leaders or king were expected to heed to the guidelines of God failure to which God's

wrath would come before them (Proverbs 16:1). Moses was a bold leader, and thus God chose

him to lead the Israelite out of Egypt. The leadership role God gave to Moses was a sign of trust

and confidence that God had for him. As a leader, one was expected to exhibit utmost confidence

and commitment to the noble responsibility. Similarly, in modern leadership, every political

leader is required to be courageous bold in order to protect the citizen from enemies as well as

protect the throne. There are also the consequences of failing to deliver the promises just the

same way there were consequences of failing to adhere to God's instructions. The political leader

who fails to deliver his mandate loses his thrown, gets embarrassed and loses respect and trust

from the citizens (Proverbs 16:1).

According to the biblical teachings, leaders were expected to assume a high level of

responsibility in their duties. There were also respected and trusted by their subjects as they were

chosen by God. These leaders were chosen and anointed by God, therefore, exercised authority

over their subjects. The Bible gives the account of King David whom God trusted very much that

he chose him to be the king right at a very tender age. He was anointed by God while youth and

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even was made several achievements during his regime as a king. God bestowed upon him

several responsibilities including killing Goliath despite his tender age. Similarly, in modern

politics, a leader starts positioning herself or himself for the leadership positions right from

school. These leaders assume a certain level of responsibility right from childhood and make

several achievements during their tenure. The political leaders are, however, expected to put their

trust in God, trust in their ability to execute their mandate and protects and safeguard the interest

of their constituents (Proverbs 16:16).

In the Bible, God used to send his Angels to warn leaders and people against the

repercussions of the sins and the punishment that would befall them if they did not repent of their

sins and desist from evil ways. God further sent Messiah on earth, to die so that people can be

forgiven their sins and to end poor leadership. God did so during the time of crises or when

people turned their ways against God. Similarly, during regime crises, religion has played a key

role in condemning political repression and social marginalization. The religion also takes part in

correcting government failures as well as preaching peace and national cohesion. This is a

reflection of the biblical teachings on the need for harmony, unity, and peace while coexisting as

a group of people who share similar qualities just as the man was created in the image and

likeness of God (Proverbs 16:7).

Political Violence

Political violence is a serious threat to the national security, political stability and

economic development of a country. In this state, there is ethnic clashes, war, breach of rights of

citizens, the suffering of people as well as massive deaths. Since this is a state of insecurity, there

is massive destruction of properties as well as economic activities disrupted. Poverty strikes

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which lead to starvation and diseases. People live in fear as their movements are restricted by the

security forces. Such a situation in a country can be caused by coup, civil war or perhaps ethnic

conflicts.

The coup in a political leadership occurs when civilians or security forces overthrow an

elected leader in a country. During his time the country becomes highly polarized, and there is

always insecurity in the country due to war. These situations occur when individuals conspire to

commit the crime due to their selfish gains at the expense of the stability of the nation.

Alternatively, individual may be compelled by public demand to overthrow the government of

the day for misrule and dictatorship leadership style of the ruling regime. In both cases, there is

always the high probability of violence and political instability. To combat the incidence, leaders

should exercise their powers over the citizens within the confine of the constitution, respect the

rule of law and engage the citizens in the decision-making process (Hobbes et al., 1995).

A civil war is a war between citizens of the same country that involves organized groups

with the aim to control the county by a particular group or a particular region of the country or to

achieve independence for the region. The civil war causes the massive death of people and even

destruction of properties. Many people are left landless will others flee their country and become

a refugee in foreign nations. Most of the incidences of civil are caused by power-hungry and

selfish political leaders who incite a group of people against other groups. In addition, it is

caused by the deprivation of social justice and unfair distribution of national resources. In order

to ensure national cohesion, there should be an equitable distribution of resources across the

board. There should also be a proper engagement of all the leaders in order to ensure inclusivity

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in sharing of the national cake. Again, leaders need to be role model and to preach peace and

harmony of the nation (Hobbes et al., 1995).

Ethic conflict occurs when war erupts between two or more ethnic groupings in a

country. It causes death and destruction of property as well. It also breeds hostility between the

feuding ethnic groups. The incidences are caused by raids or cattle rustling, inequitable

distribution of national resource and issues of land settlement. One of the ethnic groups may feel

shortchanged during in sharing of the resources, and this causes hatred on other groups.

Additionally, the hostility may result from one of the groups being marginalized by the

government and therefore turn against other groups in an attempt to recover what they may term

as rightfully theirs. In such instances, ethnic conflict occurs and can affect the whole country if

effective measures are not put in place. The political leaders have to be crusaders of peace,

ensuring equality in the distribution of resources and compliance with the law in discharging

their mandate. The government of the day is more especially, charged with the responsibility of

ensuring cohesion and integration across various ethnic groupings of the country. In order to

reconcile the feuding groups, the government needs to bring all the political leaders on board,

especially those from the warring groups, identify the causes and find the long-term solutions

going forward (Hobbes et al., 1995).

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References

The Bible, Revision of the American Standard Version, Essential Qualities of a Godly Leader:

Book of Proverbs 16:1-24.

Hobbes, Thomas (1995). Reynolds, Noel; Saxonhouse, Arlene, Eds. Three Discourses: A

Critical Modern Edition of Newly Identified Work of the Young Hobbes.

University of Chicago Press.

Jeremey Bentham, An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation. New York:

Hafner Publishing Co., 1948, p. 1.

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Political Theory Research Paper

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