PLC1501
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 10 April 2026
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).
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +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
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 10 April 2026
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).
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +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
