PSIR – 20 Advanced 20-Mark Model Answer Series
Model Answer 8
“Political obligation cannot be justified solely on the basis of consent.” Critically examine. (20 Marks)
🔹 Introduction
Political obligation refers to the moral duty of citizens to obey the laws of the state. Social contract theorists justify this obligation through consent. However, critics argue that consent alone provides an insufficient foundation for political obligation.
🔹 Consent Theory of Political Obligation
- Locke: Government based on tacit or explicit consent.
- Legitimacy derives from voluntary agreement.
- Right to rebellion if trust is violated.
Consent establishes a moral bond between citizen and state.
🔹 Problems with Consent Theory
- Most citizens never explicitly consent.
- Tacit consent (residence, voting) is weak justification.
- Historical exclusion of marginalized groups.
Consent may be more hypothetical than real.
🔹 Alternative Justifications
1️⃣ Fair Play Theory
- Obligation arises from benefiting from public goods.
2️⃣ Natural Duty Theory (Rawls)
- Duty to support just institutions regardless of consent.
3️⃣ Utilitarian Justification
- Obedience promotes social stability and collective welfare.
4️⃣ Anarchist Critique
- No state possesses moral authority over individuals.
🔹 Critical Evaluation
Consent strengthens democratic legitimacy but cannot independently ground political obligation. Obligations may also arise from justice, fairness and institutional necessity. However, in unjust regimes, obligation weakens significantly.
🔹 Conclusion
Political obligation cannot rest solely on consent. A comprehensive justification must combine consent with principles of fairness, justice and public good. The debate highlights the conditional nature of obedience in modern democracy.
Shaktimatha Learning – Advanced 20-Mark Model Answer Series
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