INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL OBLIGATION

Political obligation refers to the moral or legal duty of individuals to obey the laws and accept the
authority of the state under which they live. It is fundamental to maintaining social order and ensuring
that societies function effectively. Without the willingness of individuals to adhere to rules and
commands issued by governing authorities, chaos and disorder would prevail.
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MEANING OF POLITICAL OBLIGATION

The term 'obligation' originates from a Latin word 'obligate' implying something that binds men to an
engagement or performing what is enjoined.

Political obligation arises from the relationship between individuals and the state. It is the bond that ties
citizens to their government and requires them to act in accordance with its laws and regulations. This
concept is rooted in the principle of ensuring peace, order, and the common good within a society.
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DEFINITIONS OF POLITICAL OBLIGATION

1. Laski's Perspective: "Obedience is the normal habit of mankind, but marginal cases continually occur
in which the decision to disobey is taken and defended."

2. Benn and Peters: Political obligation is grounded in the recognition of authority for the collective
benefit, with room for rejecting authority when it conflicts with constitutional or moral principles.
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★ CHARACTERISTICS OF POLITICAL OBLIGATION

1. Public Service

Political obligation involves honest and conscientious actions by those in power.

Governance is seen as an art that requires commitment to the general welfare of society.

2. Legitimacy and Efficiency

Legitimacy: The belief that existing political and social systems are appropriate and justifiable.

Efficiency: The actual performance of governmental functions as perceived by the citizens and influential
societal groups.

3. Obedience and Resent

Citizens are obligated to obey lawful authority.

However, they also have the right to express dissent and resist when authority invades their liberties or
violates constitutional norms.

4. Conditional Acceptance of Authority

Political obligation is not absolute; it depends on the legitimacy, constitutionality, and appropriateness of
the authority's actions.

Authority can be resisted if it oversteps its bounds or fails to serve the public good effectively.

In essence, political obligation balances the need for social order with the rights and freedoms of
individuals, emphasizing a dynamic relationship between obedience and accountability.

★ KINDS OF OBLIGATION

1. Moral and Legal Obligation

i. Moral Obligation:
Moral obligations arise from a sense of right and wrong based on societal moral principles, even if they
are not enforceable by law.

Characteristics:

● Actions are guided by personal or societal moral principles.

● No legal punishment for violation; it is left to personal choice.
Examples: Helping injured persons, serving elderly parents, showing kindness to animals.

ii. Legal Obligation:

Legal obligations are duties enforced by the state or law, where failure to comply leads to punishment.

Characteristics:
● Legally mandated and enforceable by the state.
● Violation leads to penalties or legal action.
Examples: Paying taxes, fulfilling contractual obligations.

Differences between Moral and Legal Obligations (according to Dias):

● Moral rules are perceived as essential, while not all legal rules carry the same weight.
● Legal rules can be changed deliberately, but moral rules are more constant.
● Breach of moral rules requires blameworthy conduct, whereas legal rules may be broken without
fault.
● Moral pressure appeals to one's conscience, while legal rules involve coercion.
2. Positive and Negative Obligations

i. Positive Obligations:
Positive obligations require active engagement in fulfilling duties imposed by society or the state.

Types:

● Positive Legal Obligation:

Duties enforced by law, e.g., paying taxes, joining the army in emergencies.
● Positive Moral Obligation:
Duties based on moral principles, e.g., caring for sick and elderly parents.

ii. Negative Obligations:

Negative obligations require refraining from certain actions, following prescribed societal or legal norms.

Types:

● Negative Legal Obligation:

Legal duties that prohibit specific actions, e.g., not committing theft or murder.

● Negative Moral Obligation:

Moral duties that forbid behaviors like harassing the weak or being cruel to animals.

3. Primary and Secondary Obligations

● Primary Obligation:
Exists independently and directly, such as the duty not to harm others.

● Secondary Obligation:
Arises to enforce a primary obligation, e.g., paying damages after causing harm.

4. Universal, General, and Particular Obligations

● i. Universal Obligations:
Duties that apply to all individuals globally, e.g., the duty to respect human rights.
● ii. General Obligations:
Duties specific to certain groups or classes of people, e.g., doctors' duty to provide care.
● iii. Particular Obligations:
Duties voluntarily undertaken by individuals, e.g., contractual agreements.

5. Relative and Absolute Obligations

i. Relative Obligations:
Duties corresponding to the rights of specific persons, e.g., paying a debt to a creditor.
 ii. Absolute Obligations:
Duties with no corresponding rights, often related to the state or society, e.g., not committing suicide or
cruelty towards animals.

Each of these categories helps clarify the nature of obligations that bind individuals in both moral and
legal contexts, indicating how society and legal systems expect individuals to behave responsibly toward
others and the community.

★ GROUNDS OF POLITICAL OBLIGATIONS

Political obligations refer to the duty of citizens to obey the authority and laws of the state. The following
are the primary grounds or reasons why citizens feel obligated to follow the laws and authority of the
state:

1. Respect for the Might of the State:

Citizens often obey the laws because they respect the power and authority of the state. The state, being
omnipotent, has the capacity to enforce laws and maintain order, making citizens realize that challenging
its authority is futile.

2. Rationality and Usefulness of Laws:

People are more likely to obey laws if they perceive them as rational and beneficial to society. When laws
serve as effective means to achieve social welfare, individuals will comply because they see their utility
and fairness.

3. Fear of Punishment:
Some citizens comply with laws to avoid the negative consequences of disobedience, such as punishment.
This fear of coercion and penalties motivates individuals to follow the rules, even if they find the duty of
obedience unpleasant.

4. Habit and Tradition:

In many societies, obedience to laws becomes a habitual behavior. Just as family members are expected
to follow rules within the household, citizens develop the habit of abiding by societal laws, which are
passed down through tradition.

5. Need for a State:

Citizens understand the importance of the state in maintaining order, protecting rights, and providing
services. The state’s role in safeguarding the population from internal disorder and external aggression
creates a sense of obligation for citizens to cooperate and obey its laws.

6. Fear of Disorder and Anarchy:

A key reason for citizens’ law-abiding behavior is the fear of societal collapse into disorder and chaos.
Without the authority of the state, individuals fear a breakdown in social order that could threaten their
safety and property.
7. Religion:
Many religions advocate moral values, encouraging people to live harmoniously and obey higher
authorities. Historically, rulers have been seen as representatives of divine authority, and religion has
played a significant role in reinforcing the moral duty to obey state authority.

8. Legitimacy of Laws:
Citizens are more inclined to obey laws that are seen as legitimate, which means they are created by a
constitutional and legal government. If a government is viewed as tyrannical or unconstitutional, people
may resist or disobey laws. Legitimacy ensures that laws are respected and followed voluntarily by the
majority.
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Conclusion
Political obligations are grounded in several factors ranging from respect for the state’s power, rationality
and usefulness of laws, fear of punishment, habits, the necessity of order, religious teachings, and the
legitimacy of the state. These grounds collectively form the basis for the authority of the state and the
duty of citizens to obey its laws.

★ Obligations of a Sovereign King (According to Plato and Aristotle)

Plato's View on the Obligations of a Philosopher-King:

1. Regulation of Property and Wealth:

The philosopher-king must ensure that there is no excessive accumulation of property and wealth in the
state. He should maintain economic balance to prevent inequality and corruption.

2. Maintain State Size:

The king must ensure that the size of the state is appropriate for its unity and self-sufficiency. A state that
is too large or too small may face problems of governance and sustainability.

3. Ensure Duty Performance:

It is the responsibility of the philosopher-king to see that each citizen performs their assigned duties
according to their abilities and roles in society. This helps in maintaining order and efficiency.

4. Preserve the Education System:

The king should ensure that the education system remains unchanged and consistent. According to Plato,
education shapes the soul, and any alteration could disrupt the foundation of the state's moral and
intellectual structure.

5.Subordination to Social Order:

The philosopher-king is not above the law or the social order; rather, he is subordinate to the fundamental,
unchanging principles of the state and must govern accordingly.
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Aristotle's View on the Obligations of a State:
1. Promote a Virtuous and Self-Sufficient Life:
The state has an obligation to ensure that its members live a virtuous and self-sufficient life, focusing on
the overall well-being and moral excellence of its citizens.

2. Satisfy Natural Needs:

It is the duty of the state to provide for the basic, natural needs of its people, ensuring that they can lead
comfortable and sustainable lives.

3. Develop Good Habits:

The state must foster an environment that helps individuals cultivate good faculties, which can be
transformed into habits of good action, promoting a moral and ethical way of life.

4. Enable Attainment of Excellence:

The state should provide opportunities and means for individuals to attain intellectual, moral, and
physical excellence, allowing them to enrich their lives and contribute to the common good.

5. Education in Virtue:
Educating citizens in virtue is a core obligation of the state. Education should help individuals understand
and pursue moral and intellectual development.

6. Ensure Security:
The state has the duty to protect its citizens from external and internal threats, providing security and
stability to ensure the flourishing of the community.
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Conclusion : Both Plato and Aristotle emphasize the moral and functional responsibilities of the
sovereign or the state. Plato's philosopher-king is charged with maintaining the state’s economic balance,
unity, and education system, while Aristotle emphasizes the state's role in promoting virtue, self-
sufficiency, education, and security. Both thinkers underline the importance of ethical governance in
ensuring the well-being of the state and its citizens.

★ Obligations of the State According to Individualism

In the framework of Individualism, the primary belief is that the individual should enjoy maximum
freedom with minimal interference from the state. The state's role should be limited, focusing only on
essential functions that protect individual rights and freedoms. Individualists advocate for self-reliance,
opposing excessive state control or intervention. The key obligations of the state, according to
Individualism, are as follows:

1. Protection of the Individual:

The state must protect the rights and safety of individuals. This includes ensuring that citizens are
safeguarded from crimes, detecting crimes when they occur, and punishing those responsible.

2. Maintenance of Law and Order:

The state has the duty to maintain peace and order in society. This ensures that individuals can exercise
their freedoms without interference from others.

3. Arbitration and Administration of Justice:

The state should act as an impartial arbiter in disputes between individuals or groups. It is responsible for
administering justice by enforcing laws and ensuring fairness.

4. Application of Laws:
The state must ensure that laws are applied fairly and equally to all citizens. Laws should protect
individual rights and prevent injustice.

5. Oversight of Social and Economic Activities:

While individualism advocates for minimal interference, the state still has a role in overseeing that social
and economic activities are conducted fairly and lawfully, without disrupting the rights of others

6. Taxation for Maintenance of the State:

The state has the right to impose and collect taxes, but only for the basic purpose of maintaining its
machinery and performing its minimal duties like protection, justice, and administration.

7. Protection from External Aggression and Internal Disorders:

The state must protect its citizens from external threats and prevent internal conflicts that might harm the
security of individuals.
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Conclusion:
Under Individualism, the state's role is strictly limited to regulatory and protective functions. The state’s
primary obligations are to ensure the protection and security of individuals, enforce laws, maintain
justice, and protect the nation from external and internal threats. Social welfare and extensive government
intervention in individual lives are rejected by individualist philosophy, with a preference for personal
responsibility and freedom from state interference.

★ Political Obligations of the Socialist State

Socialism emphasizes collective welfare, aiming to address the flaws of capitalism, such as inequality,
exploitation, and unchecked private competition. Under a socialist framework, the state's obligations
include:

1. Rejection of Capitalism:
The state opposes capitalism, advocating for collective welfare over individual profit.

2. Ending Exploitation:
It ensures fair treatment and protects the rights of workers and the underprivileged.

3. Wealth Redistribution:
Prevents the concentration of wealth among a select few by implementing policies for equitable
distribution.

4. Combating Economic Malpractices:

Regulates against hoarding, black marketing, and artificial scarcity to stabilize essential goods' supply.

5. Economic Stability:
Works to prevent economic disruptions like booms and depressions that harm societal harmony.

6. Equality and Harmony:

Promotes social and economic equality, ensuring peace and balance within society.

7. Collective Ownership:
Advocates public ownership and management of production and distribution resources.

8. Planned Economic Development:

Implements systematic plans for development, focusing on economic justice and sustainability

9. Promotion of Social Services:

Prioritizes healthcare, education, and other social services to enhance citizens' quality of life.

In essence, the socialist state is obligated to create a just and equitable society through state intervention,
regulation, and collective responsibility, ensuring that individual rights align with societal welfare.

★ Obligations or Functions of the Welfare State

A welfare state is dedicated to promoting the general welfare and happiness of its citizens by intervening
in the economic and social spheres to ensure a more equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities.
The welfare state modifies the free play of market forces to ensure social security and reduce inequalities,
providing citizens with essential services and a safety net. According to Richard M. Briggs, a welfare
state modifies market forces in three significant ways: guaranteeing a minimum income, reducing social
insecurity (through programs for sickness, old age, unemployment), and offering high standards in social
services to all citizens.

main obligations of the welfare state:

1. Beyond Traditional Functions:

The welfare state extends beyond basic duties like tax collection and maintaining law and order. It
actively promotes the well-being and interests of society as a whole.

2. Material Welfare Within Democracy:

The state is responsible for ensuring the material welfare of its citizens, but it does so within the
framework of democratic political institutions, respecting the principles of liberty and equality.
3. Health and Economic Security:
The welfare state takes a proactive role in safeguarding the health of its people and securing their
economic welfare. It provides healthcare services, insurance, and support for those in need.

4. Eradication of Poverty, Illiteracy, and Unemployment:

The state focuses on eliminating poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment through education, job creation,
and social programs. Schools, hospitals, and welfare institutions are established to address these needs.
Programs like unemployment relief, maternity benefits, and old-age pensions are provided to ensure
social security.

5. Reasonable Working Conditions:

The welfare state ensures fair labor practices, including minimum wages, reasonable working hours, safe
working conditions, and adequate leisure time. Workers are also provided with benefits like subsidized
food, housing, medical care, and bonuses.

6. Non-Discrimination and Human Rights:

The state upholds the rights of all citizens, without discrimination based on status, class, or other
distinctions. It respects the dignity of every individual and ensures justice for all.

7. Social Services and Welfare Programs:

The welfare state undertakes various social services to support vulnerable groups such as children, the
elderly, orphans, and the physically or mentally disabled. It establishes child homes, old-age homes,
orphanages, and rehabilitation centers, and provides for the welfare of women and children.

8. Support for the Poor and Weak:

The state actively supports those who are unable to support themselves, offering welfare programs that
aim to raise the standard of living of the poor and marginalized. Programs such as 'Food for Work', fair-
price shops, and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) are
examples of such initiatives.

9. Regulation of Economic Activities:

In the interest of societal welfare, the state regulates the economic and business activities of its citizens,
ensuring fair practices and preventing exploitation.

10. Balancing Capitalism and Collectivism:

A welfare state strikes a balance between capitalist free enterprise and collective state control. It supports
a mixed economy, combining elements of both economic planning and free market systems to maintain
social harmony and economic fairness.
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Conclusion;
The welfare state ensures that the government goes beyond just maintaining law and order, actively
working to enhance the material and social well-being of its citizens. Its responsibilities include providing
social security, ensuring access to healthcare and education, promoting fair working conditions, and
supporting vulnerable populations. It strives to maintain a balance between individual freedom, economic
regulation, and social welfare, ensuring that no one is left behind.

★ Political Obligations of the Individual towards the State

Citizens and residents within a state are required to fulfill both positive and negative obligations: doing
what is prescribed by law and avoiding what is prohibited. These obligations are vital for the functioning
of the state and the welfare of all its members. Here are the key political obligations of individuals toward
the state:

1. Obeying Laws:
The most fundamental obligation is to follow the laws enacted by the state. Law-abiding citizens
contribute to the stability and harmony of the state, while those who break laws become liabilities.
Compliance with laws ensures the safety and progress of society.

2. Resisting Bad Laws:

In situations where unjust or harmful laws are passed, resisting them becomes an equally important
obligation. Thinkers like Mahatma Gandhi and T.H. Green argue that citizens have a moral duty to resist
bad laws, particularly those that undermine justice and democracy. However, legally, violating any law is
still considered a crime.

3. Showing Full Loyalty to the State:

Citizens are expected to be loyal and patriotic, supporting and protecting the state. Loyalty includes
safeguarding the property of the state and ensuring that one's actions do not harm the state. A citizen who
shows allegiance to a foreign power against their state is considered a traitor.

4. Paying Taxes:
Taxes are essential for the functioning of the state, as they fund public services, defense, infrastructure,
and welfare programs. Paying taxes is a fundamental obligation that supports the overall well-being and
security of the country.

5. Casting a Vote:
In a democracy, voting is a crucial political obligation. By participating in elections, citizens have a say in
who governs and what policies are implemented. Failing to vote means failing to fulfill one's
responsibility toward the democratic process and the state.

6. Holding Public Office:

Citizens have the right and obligation to participate in governance, either by holding public office or
engaging in public service. This could include running for elected positions or working within
government structures. Holding office enables individuals to contribute directly to the law-making and
administrative processes.

7. Cooperating with the Government:

Citizens should cooperate with the government to maintain law and order and promote public welfare.
Constructive criticism is allowed, but it should be aimed at improving the state, not damaging it.
Cooperation ensures that governance is effective and that the state can fulfill its duties.

8. Rendering Services in Emergency:

In times of national crises such as war or natural disasters, citizens are expected to offer their services,
either by joining the military, contributing financially, or assisting in other ways. This obligation
reinforces the collective responsibility to protect and support the nation during difficult times.

Conclusion:
political obligations such as obeying laws, paying taxes, voting, and defending the state during
emergencies are essential for the survival and flourishing of the state and its citizens. These obligations
ensure the functioning of democracy, the rule of law, and the collective well-being of society.

★ LIMITATIONS OF POLITICAL OBLIGATION:

Political obligation refers to the moral duty of individuals to obey the laws and support the government.
However, this obligation is not absolute and is subject to several limitations. These include:

1. Strong and Stable Government:

For political obligation to be effective, the government must be strong, stable, and capable of enforcing its
authority both internally and externally. A weak government cannot protect people's rights or promote
general welfare, which weakens the people's sense of obligation to obey its laws.

2. Public Opinion:
The laws and policies of the government must reflect the will of the people. If the government does not
take public opinion into account, or if the laws are perceived as unjust or unrepresentative, people may
express their dissatisfaction through agitation, protests, or revolts, weakening political obligation.

3. Unjust Laws:
When the government enacts unjust laws, either due to pressure from interest groups or by using its
majority in the legislature, people may feel compelled to disobey such laws. Political thinkers have
argued that citizens have a moral right to resist bad laws, which limits their obligation to obey.

4. Discriminatory Laws:
Political obligation is undermined when the government enacts laws that discriminate against certain
groups of people. If the state favors one section of the population over another, people may resist such
unequal treatment, leading to disobedience or revolt.

5. Treatment of Minorities:
A government's obligation to protect minorities is crucial. If minorities feel marginalized, insecure, or
neglected, they may lose their sense of loyalty to the state and resist its authority. Discriminatory policies
toward minorities act as a limitation on political obligation.
6. Violation of Fundamental Rights:
Fundamental rights are essential in a democracy, and people expect their rights to be protected. If the
government violates these rights, citizens may feel justified in revolting or disobeying laws, as rights and
duties are interconnected.

7. Excessive Taxes:
Taxation should follow the principle of fairness and be within the capacity of the people to bear.
Unbearably high taxes can cause discontent, reducing people's willingness to support the government.
Excessive taxation without proper justification acts as a barrier to political obligation.

Conclusion:
These limitations indicate that political obligation is conditional, depending on the government's ability to
maintain justice, fairness, and respect for citizens' rights. When these conditions are violated, the sense of
duty to obey the state weakens

★ Duties or Obligations of Indian Citizens According to the Constitution of India

The original Indian Constitution, when adopted in 1950, did not include a section on the duties of
citizens. However, the Forty-Second Amendment Act of 1976 introduced Article 51-A, which outlines
the Fundamental Duties of every citizen of India. These duties serve as a moral code for the citizens to
uphold, ensuring that the rights granted by the Constitution are balanced with responsibilities.

According to Article 51-A, the duties of Indian citizens are as follows:

1. Abide by the Constitution:

Citizens must respect the Constitution of India, as well as its ideals and institutions, including the
National Flag and the National Anthem.

2. Cherish the Freedom Struggle:

Every citizen should cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the Indian struggle for
independence.

3. Uphold the Sovereignty of India:

It is the duty of every citizen to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.

4. Defend the Nation:

Citizens are required to defend the country and, when necessary, render national service as called upon.

5. Promote Harmony:
Citizens must strive to promote harmony and foster a spirit of common brotherhood among all Indians,
transcending religious, linguistic, regional, or sectional differences. They are also required to renounce
practices that are derogatory to the dignity of women.
6. Preserve Heritage:
Citizens should value and preserve the rich heritage of India's composite culture.

7. Protect the Environment:

It is the duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes,
rivers, and wildlife, and to show compassion for living creatures.

8. Develop Scientific Temper:

Citizens should work towards developing a scientific temper, humanism, and a spirit of inquiry and
reform.

9. Safeguard Public Property:

Citizens are expected to safeguard public property and to avoid any form of violence.

10. Strive for Excellence:

Every citizen should strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activities to help
the nation rise to higher levels of achievement and success.

By sincerely following these duties, citizens can help eliminate the problems of indiscipline, casteism,
communalism, regionalism, and other divisive tendencies that hinder the nation's progress. These duties
also emphasize the importance of national unity, environmental conservation, and respect for human
dignity.