The Normative School in political theory emphasizes ideals, values, and ethical considerations in political analysis. It focuses on what ought to be, rather than merely what is, and often engages with questions of justice, morality, and the principles that should guide political behavior and institutions.

Mahatma Gandhi is a significant figure within the Normative School due to his philosophical and ethical approach to politics, particularly his commitment to non-violence, truth, and social justice.

Key Features of Gandhi's Normative Approach:

1. Ahimsa (Non-Violence):
   • Central to Gandhi's philosophy is the principle of ahimsa, or non-violence. He believed that non-violent resistance (Satyagraha) was not only a political strategy but also a moral imperative. This principle guided his actions against colonial rule in India and remains influential in political thought.
2. Satyagraha (Truth Force):
   • Gandhi’s concept of Satyagraha embodies the idea that one should stand firm in truth and justice. He believed that individuals have a moral duty to resist oppression non-violently and that true power comes from adherence to ethical principles.
3. Social Justice and Equality:
   • Gandhi advocated for social justice and equality, emphasizing the need to uplift marginalized communities. He addressed issues like caste discrimination and promoted the idea of Sarvodaya (the welfare of all), aiming for a society where everyone has equal rights and opportunities.
4. Self-Rule and Swadeshi:
   • Gandhi championed self-rule (Swaraj), not just in a political sense but also in terms of economic independence. His promotion of Swadeshi (self-sufficiency) encouraged Indians to rely on local goods and industries, fostering a sense of national identity and self-reliance.
5. Moral Politics:
   • Gandhi’s approach to politics was deeply moral. He believed that political leaders should embody ethical values and act in the service of the people, prioritizing morality over power. He argued that legitimate political authority stems from the moral character of leaders and the ethical foundations of their actions.

Key Works by Mahatma Gandhi:

1. "Hind Swaraj" (1909):
   • In this seminal work, Gandhi outlines his vision for Indian self-rule and critiques modern civilization. He emphasizes the importance of ethical principles in governance and advocates for non-violent resistance.
2. "The Story of My Experiments with Truth" (1927):
   • Gandhi's autobiography discusses his personal journey and the development of his philosophy, including his commitment to truth and non-violence.
3. "Constructive Program: Its Meaning and Place" (1941):
   • This work outlines Gandhi's vision for social and economic reconstruction in India, emphasizing grassroots efforts and moral development alongside political struggle.

Impact of Gandhi's Normative Approach:

Gandhi’s contributions to the Normative School have profoundly influenced political thought, particularly in the realms of non-violent resistance, ethical leadership, and social justice. His ideas continue to resonate in contemporary discussions on civil rights, democracy, and ethical governance. By prioritizing moral values in political action, Gandhi challenged the notion that politics is a realm separate from ethics and demonstrated how normative ideals can shape political movements and societal change.

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The Structural School in political science, particularly associated with Gabriel Almond, emphasizes the importance of political structures and their functions in shaping political behavior, systems, and outcomes. Almond’s work has significantly influenced the study of comparative politics and the application of a structural-functional approach to understanding political systems.

Key Features of the Structural School:

1. Political Structures:
   • The Structural School focuses on the various political institutions and organizations (such as legislatures, executives, courts, and political parties) and how they interact within a political system. Almond argued that these structures play crucial roles in shaping political behavior and the functioning of the political system as a whole.
2. Functions of Political Systems:
   • Almond and his collaborators emphasized that different political structures fulfill specific functions within a system, such as interest articulation, political socialization, and policy-making. Understanding these functions helps analysts assess how political systems operate and adapt to changes.
3. Comparative Analysis:
   • A central tenet of the Structural School is the comparative analysis of political systems. Almond sought to identify similarities and differences among various political structures across different cultures and historical contexts, allowing for a more profound understanding of political dynamics globally.
4. Interdependence of Structures:
   • Almond emphasized that political structures do not operate in isolation; they are interdependent. Changes in one structure can affect others, and analyzing these relationships is essential for understanding political stability and change.
5. Integration of Culture and Structure:
   • Although primarily focused on structures, Almond recognized the importance of political culture in shaping and being shaped by political institutions. He advocated for an integrated approach that considers both structural and cultural dimensions.

Key Works by Gabriel Almond:

1. "The Civic Culture: Political Attitudes and Democracy in Five Nations" (1963):
   • Co-authored with Sidney Verba, this seminal work examines the relationship between political culture and democracy. It analyzes how different civic cultures influence democratic stability and the functioning of political systems in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Italy, and Mexico.
2. "Comparative Politics: A Developmental Approach" (1966):
   • Co-authored with G. Bingham Powell, this book applies the structural-functional approach to the study of political systems, highlighting how different structures perform essential functions in various political contexts.
3. "The Politics of the Developing Areas" (1960):
   • Co-edited with James S. Coleman, this work focuses on the political dynamics of developing countries and explores how structural factors influence political behavior and development.
4. "A Discipline Divided: Schools and Sects in Political Science" (1990):
   • In this book, Almond discusses the fragmentation within political science, reflecting on the various schools of thought, including the structural-functional approach and its implications for the discipline.

Impact of Almond's Structural Approach:

Gabriel Almond’s contributions to the Structural School have significantly shaped the field of political science, particularly in comparative politics. His emphasis on the importance of political structures and their functions provides a systematic framework for analyzing political systems and understanding the dynamics of governance, participation, and change. By integrating structural analysis with cultural considerations, Almond’s work continues to inform contemporary political research and theory.