Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Course
Politics as Social Activity (PLC1501)
PLC1501 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester
1 2026 - DUE 10 April 2026; 100% TRUSTED Complete,
trusted solutions and explanations.
, Question 1 “Various theories have been developed to explain the origin of politics and why the
individual finds him/herself in a political environment” (Study guide 2002:31-32). In light of the
above, discuss rationalistic theory as an explanation for the origin of politics. [10]
The rationalistic theory explains the origin of politics as a result of human reason and conscious
decision-making, rather than divine will or natural instinct. It is closely associated with social
contract thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
According to this theory, politics emerged when individuals realized that living without rules (in
a “state of nature”) led to insecurity and conflict. People therefore rationally agreed to form
political institutions to ensure order, protection, and cooperation.
Firstly, Thomas Hobbes argued that life in the state of nature was chaotic and dangerous,
describing it as “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” To escape this condition, individuals
voluntarily surrendered their rights to a strong authority (the state), creating political order.
Secondly, John Locke presented a more optimistic view. He argued that people are naturally
rational and possess rights such as life, liberty, and property. Politics arose to protect these
natural rights, and government authority is based on the consent of the governed.
Thirdly, Jean-Jacques Rousseau emphasized the general will, arguing that individuals collectively
create political authority to reflect the common good.
Question 2 Discuss the chieftainship level of traditional authorities and explain why the
chieftainship system led to a watershed in the development of traditional authorities .
The chieftainship level represents a significant stage in the development of traditional political
systems, particularly in African societies. It is characterized by centralized leadership under a
chief, who exercises authority over a defined community.
At this level, political organization becomes more structured compared to earlier kinship-based
systems. The chief performs multiple roles, including:
Political leader (decision-making and governance)
Judicial authority (settling disputes)
Religious leader (performing rituals and communicating with ancestors)
Custodian of land and resources
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Course
Politics as Social Activity (PLC1501)
PLC1501 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester
1 2026 - DUE 10 April 2026; 100% TRUSTED Complete,
trusted solutions and explanations.
, Question 1 “Various theories have been developed to explain the origin of politics and why the
individual finds him/herself in a political environment” (Study guide 2002:31-32). In light of the
above, discuss rationalistic theory as an explanation for the origin of politics. [10]
The rationalistic theory explains the origin of politics as a result of human reason and conscious
decision-making, rather than divine will or natural instinct. It is closely associated with social
contract thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
According to this theory, politics emerged when individuals realized that living without rules (in
a “state of nature”) led to insecurity and conflict. People therefore rationally agreed to form
political institutions to ensure order, protection, and cooperation.
Firstly, Thomas Hobbes argued that life in the state of nature was chaotic and dangerous,
describing it as “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” To escape this condition, individuals
voluntarily surrendered their rights to a strong authority (the state), creating political order.
Secondly, John Locke presented a more optimistic view. He argued that people are naturally
rational and possess rights such as life, liberty, and property. Politics arose to protect these
natural rights, and government authority is based on the consent of the governed.
Thirdly, Jean-Jacques Rousseau emphasized the general will, arguing that individuals collectively
create political authority to reflect the common good.
Question 2 Discuss the chieftainship level of traditional authorities and explain why the
chieftainship system led to a watershed in the development of traditional authorities .
The chieftainship level represents a significant stage in the development of traditional political
systems, particularly in African societies. It is characterized by centralized leadership under a
chief, who exercises authority over a defined community.
At this level, political organization becomes more structured compared to earlier kinship-based
systems. The chief performs multiple roles, including:
Political leader (decision-making and governance)
Judicial authority (settling disputes)
Religious leader (performing rituals and communicating with ancestors)
Custodian of land and resources
