PLC1501
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 9 April 2026
This document includes:
Helpful answers and guidelines
Detailed explanations and/ or calculations
References
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+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1
Rationalistic theory explains the origin of politics as a result of human reasoning and
conscious decision making rather than divine or natural forces. According to this
view, individuals deliberately create political systems because it is in their own
interests to do so. The most well known examples of this theory are the social
contract theories developed by thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and
Jean Jacques Rousseau (Study Guide 2002:31).
A key idea in rationalistic theory is that human beings originally lived in a prepolitical
condition, often referred to as the state of nature. In this condition, there were no
formal authorities or organised political structures. However, people realised that
living without authority created challenges such as insecurity, uncertainty or danger.
As a result, they used reason to form agreements with one another and establish
political authority through a social contract (Study Guide 2002:31).
Hobbes argued that life in the state of nature was characterised by conflict and
insecurity, which led individuals to create a strong authority to maintain order. Locke,
on the other hand, believed that life could be peaceful but uncertain, especially in
terms of law enforcement, which made authority necessary. Rousseau viewed the
state of nature as simple and relatively happy but still risky, leading people to unite
for protection and stability (Study Guide 2002:31–32).
Rationalistic theory therefore emphasises that political systems are not accidental
but are deliberately created through human reasoning to promote order, security and
cooperation.
QUESTION 2
The chieftainship level marked an important turning point in the development of
traditional authorities. It introduced a new form of leadership that moved away from
the earlier egalitarian systems found in families and tribes. In those earlier systems,
there was no central authority. Families operated independently and were equal to
one another, with no formal hierarchy or permanent leadership structure. This meant
© Study Shack 2026. All rights Reserved +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 9 April 2026
This document includes:
Helpful answers and guidelines
Detailed explanations and/ or calculations
References
Connect with the tutor on
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1
Rationalistic theory explains the origin of politics as a result of human reasoning and
conscious decision making rather than divine or natural forces. According to this
view, individuals deliberately create political systems because it is in their own
interests to do so. The most well known examples of this theory are the social
contract theories developed by thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and
Jean Jacques Rousseau (Study Guide 2002:31).
A key idea in rationalistic theory is that human beings originally lived in a prepolitical
condition, often referred to as the state of nature. In this condition, there were no
formal authorities or organised political structures. However, people realised that
living without authority created challenges such as insecurity, uncertainty or danger.
As a result, they used reason to form agreements with one another and establish
political authority through a social contract (Study Guide 2002:31).
Hobbes argued that life in the state of nature was characterised by conflict and
insecurity, which led individuals to create a strong authority to maintain order. Locke,
on the other hand, believed that life could be peaceful but uncertain, especially in
terms of law enforcement, which made authority necessary. Rousseau viewed the
state of nature as simple and relatively happy but still risky, leading people to unite
for protection and stability (Study Guide 2002:31–32).
Rationalistic theory therefore emphasises that political systems are not accidental
but are deliberately created through human reasoning to promote order, security and
cooperation.
QUESTION 2
The chieftainship level marked an important turning point in the development of
traditional authorities. It introduced a new form of leadership that moved away from
the earlier egalitarian systems found in families and tribes. In those earlier systems,
there was no central authority. Families operated independently and were equal to
one another, with no formal hierarchy or permanent leadership structure. This meant
© Study Shack 2026. All rights Reserved +27 81 278 3372
