IGNOU BPSM-163 Assignment 2026-27
Comparative Government and Politics
Last updated by IGNOU: 05 Oct 2026. Guide written from the official PDF on 19 Oct 2026, 01:36 pm.
| Course code | BPSM-163 |
|---|---|
| Course title | Comparative Government and Politics |
About the BPSM-163 assignment
The BPSM-163 assignment covers methods of comparative political analysis, electoral and party systems, federalism, military rule, and the state in developed and developing countries. It also examines authoritarianism, pressure groups, civil society, and the effects of globalisation on state sovereignty.
The tutor-marked assignment has ten compulsory questions across three parts, totalling 100 marks. Assignment I has two 20-mark questions requiring about 500 words each. Assignment II has three 10-mark questions requiring about 250 words each. Assignment III has five 6-mark questions requiring about 100 words each. All three parts must be submitted together.
What the assignment asks
| Question | Marks | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 20 | Assess experimental, case-study, statistical, focused-comparison and historical methods of comparative political analysis, including their strengths and limitations. |
| Q2 | 20 | Analyse how majoritarian and proportional electoral systems shape party systems, political representation and government formation. |
| Q3 | 10 | Explain federalism as a response to diversity, comparing federal and unitary power arrangements and the conditions for a successful federation. |
| Q4 | 10 | Discuss the causes of military intervention in politics and the main characteristics and consequences of military regimes. |
| Q5 | 10 | Compare the nature and functions of the state in developed and developing countries. |
| Q6 | 6 | Explain the distinction between comparative politics and comparative government. |
| Q7 | 6 | Define authoritarian rule and outline its main characteristics. |
| Q8 | 6 | Identify the differences between pressure groups and political parties. |
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