Concept and Characteristics of Ideology

Concept of Ideology

• The term "ideology" was coined by Antoine De Tracy in 1796.
• Ideology from a social-scientific perspective, is a coherent set of ideas forming a basis for organised political action.
• Political action aims to preserve, modify, or overthrow existing power structures.
• Ideology is the science that addresses beliefs, notions, and theories, either naturally or consciously acquired.
• Ideology is described as ideas to perpetuate power, according to Karl Marx.
• Ideology comprises an organized set of beliefs about life, society, culture, history, moral codes, and rituals.
• Ideology offers a way of perceiving the world or any specific phenomenon.

Characteristics of Ideology

• Ideologies account for the existing order, often as a worldview.
• Ideologies present a model for a desired future and a vision of the "Good Society".
• Ideology outlines the process and means for political change.
• Ideologies are fluid sets of interconnected ideas, not hermetically sealed systems.
• Ideologies drive actions, linking political and social events to underlying ideas.
• Ideologies can be suppressive or emancipatory.
• Ideologies evolve and adapt to changing human conditions.
• Oppressed groups may adopt ideologies that seek liberation from oppression.

Islamic Ideology and Basis of Pakistan

• Islamic ideology aims to order behaviors based on Islamic principles of justice, morality, human rights, and tolerance.
• The French Revolution's ideology, for example, included "equality, fraternity, and liberty".
• Ideologies are expressed in absolute, rather than relative, terms.
• Pakistan's ideology, if based on the two-nation theory, encountered issues post-Independence.
• After the independence, the Hindus got their own state hence it doesn't apply to Pakistan now.
• The ideology of Pakistan reflects the historical experience of Muslims in India centered around core values.
• Muslims are considered a distinct nation in India due to their unique history, culture, and religion.
• Muslims were entitled to a separate state to protect their cultural and religious values.

Constitution

• A constitution consists of rules and principles that govern a state which forms the framework for governmental decisions, including those of the legislature, executive, and courts.
• A constitution defines the rights of individuals that the state must respect.
• It establishes the relationship between the government and the people.

Importance of a Constitution

• Constitutions ensure that decisions made on behalf of the public reflect public opinion.
• A constitution defines the accountability of those in power to the people they serve.
• It limits government power by protecting individual rights and freedoms.
• These rights promote human dignity, equality, and liberty.
• Constitutions may divide powers between central and regional governments.
• Constitutions should be agreed upon, not imposed, to provide an acceptable framework for resolving political differences.
• Constitutions foster a stable society by ensuring the system of choosing governments is legitimate.

Basic Components of a Constitution

• A constitution is the supreme law of the land.
• It outlines the structure of the government, and the relationship between the government and its citizens.
• Often a constitution contains a preamble, bill of rights, and provisions for elections.
• A preamble sets the constitution's context and outlines fundamental values and objectives including the identity of the state.
• The identity of the state includes language, flag, citizenship eligibility, and position in the world.
• A bill of rights outlines individual rights and specifies conditions for their limitation.
• Constitutions protect individual rights, guarantee freedoms, and define citizen's rights and duties.
• Constitutions endorse the rule of law, ensuring laws are clear, accessible, and equally enforced.
• People have the right to assert their rights in courts with fair trials by independent judges.
• The role and composition of the legislature is that the constitution defines the legislature's structure and member selection.
• The constitution defines the executive branch, including the selection and powers of the president/prime minister.
• The head of state's role varies; some have great power, others are mainly symbolic representatives.
• The constitution outlines how the executive branch is accountable to the legislature, courts, and people.
• The structure and appointment of the judiciary involves the constitution defining judicial selection criteria, independence, and court levels.
• It covers the appointment of the Attorney General and public prosecutors.
• Provisions of elections is that the constitution sets election requirements.
• Election requirements include the voting system and rules for political parties, eligibility, and fair conduct.
• A constitution may establish bodies such as a central bank, electoral commission, or anti-corruption commission.
• The structure of the state's power is allocated nationally, regionally, and locally.
• The economy and distribution of resources is that some constitutions define the state's economic system, while others leave the choice to the people.
• It may determine how to allocate natural resources/wealth between government levels.
• The role and control of armed forces/police is when the constitution may define their duties, supervision, control, and accountability.
• The constitution addresses who can declare emergencies, under what conditions, and what powers are granted.
• Amendment provisions usually require a majority vote (often >50%) in the legislature and sometimes a popular referendum.