PSIR Optional · Paper I · Section A: Political Theory and Indian Political Thought
Political Theory: Meaning and Approaches Notes · PYQs · Solved Answers
Free notes, every previous year question and the solved answers for Political Theory: Meaning and Approaches (Paper I, Section A: Political Theory and Indian Political Thought), arranged so you can read a topic and immediately see how UPSC has asked it. Syllabus: Meaning and approaches to political theory; normative, behavioural and post-behavioural debates.
32
Solved answers
1991–2026
Years covered
35
Questions listed
1
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Free notes Previous year questions Solved answers All PSIR Optional units
Paper I · Unit 01
Political Theory: Meaning and Approaches notes
Topic-wise notes for this unit in syllabus order. Read a topic, then open its previous year questions below.
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Previous year questions: Political Theory: Meaning and Approaches
Every question UPSC has asked from this unit, year-wise, with a link to its solved answer.
Topic-wise question list
Year-wise question papers
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UPSC PSIR Optional Question Paper 2026
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2025
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2024
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2023
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2022
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2021
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2020
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2019
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2018
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2017
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2016
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2015
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2014
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2013
Solved answers
Solved PYQ answers: Political Theory: Meaning and Approaches
Model answers to the previous year questions of this unit, newest exam year first.
PYQ Solutions
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Resurgence of political theory.
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Explain the Philosophical approach to the study of Political theory.
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Provide a comparative analysis of behavioural and institutional approach to the study of Political theory.
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Behavioural approach to Political Science.
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Elucidate the meanings inherent in the term ‘political’ with appropriate illustrations.
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Decline of political theory.
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Normative approach in political science.
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‘Credo of Relevance’ in post-behaviouralism advocates the importance of action science. Analyze.
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Write on the Systems Approach.
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Examine the importance of behavioural approach in political theory. What led to its decline?
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Discuss the significance of a normative approach to Political theory.
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The Post-Behavioural Approach.
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Discuss David Easton’s model of systems analysis.
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“… political theory is not an escape mechanism but an arduous calling.” (John Plamenatz)
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Difference between normative and empirical theories of politics.
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Examine the significance of the behavioural revolution in politics.
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“Political Theory is, quite simply, man’s attempts to consciously understand and solve the problems of his group life and organization……. It is the disciplined investigation of political problems….. not only to show what a political practice is, but also to show what it means. In showing what a practice means, or what it ought to mean, political theory can alter what it is.” (Sabine). Comment.
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Explain the changing analytical perspectives in the development of political theory.
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Examine the arguments in ‘the Normative vs. Empirical debate’ in the study of political theory.
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Relevance of contextualist approach to the study of political theory.
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“Post-behaviouralism is not a negation of the behavioural revolution but only its corrective.” How does it seek to raise the status of the discipline of Political Science?
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“A scientific politics can develop only if the materials of politics are treated in terms of systems of actions.” In the light of this statement of Kaplan with regard to application of systems theory to political science, critically examine the drawbacks of its application.
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Critically evaluate and bring out the weakest aspects of behavioural and post-behavioural approaches to the analysis of political system. What measurable and quantifiable criteria are available in political science to evaluate political behaviour?
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What is meant by “behavioural approach” to politics? Is it a fool-proof approach? How far is it correct to say that the behavioural approach to political analysis appeared in order to counteract the Marxist approach.
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Discuss the importance of the Systems Theory in modern political analysis.
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Discuss the basic assumptions of behaviouralism. In what way post behaviouralism differs from behavioural theory?
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Examine the fact-value dichotomy in political science. To what extent has post behaviouralism resolved the conflict in the dichotomy?
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Examine the place of ‘obligation’ in political theory.
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What is the nature of the crisis in political theory? Suggest remedies to overcome it.
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Examine the limitations of Behaviouralism as an approach to the study of politics.
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Discuss the Normative and Behavioural Approaches to the study of political science and examine the limitations of Behavioural Approach.
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‘Political Science is a master-science, “architectonic” in its character, from which all other practical sciences take their cue’ (Ernest Barker). Discuss.
PSIR Optional study material from LotusArise IAS
Two ways to prepare with us — the full self-study system, or just the notes you need right now.
| What you get | PSIR Mains Master Kit 2027 | PSIR Complete Notes (Store) |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 notes — Political Theory + Indian Government and Politics | Included | Included — Section A and Section B |
| Paper 2 notes — Comparative Politics and India and the World | Included | Included — Section A and Section B |
| Topic-wise PYQ bank | 1986–2026, with trend analysis and probables by Dec 2026 | 1991–2025 question papers, free with every notes pack |
| Practice question set for timed answer writing | ✅ Available now | ❌ |
| Answer toolkit — intros, conclusions, frameworks, thinker and example banks | By Dec 2026 | ❌ |
| Revision booklets for the last 60 days | ✅ Available now | ❌ |
| Format | Online articles + PDF | PDF download |
| Access | Valid until UPSC CSE Mains 2027 | Instant download after payment |
| Price | ₹1,770 (regular ₹5,000) | ₹1,180 for all four sections · ₹599 a paper · ₹354 a section |
| Best for | Aspirants who want the whole system in one place | Aspirants who want the notes now, in the parts they need |
Other units in Paper I · Section A: Political Theory and Indian Political Thought
- Theories of the State
- Justice
- Equality and Liberty
- Rights
- Democracy
- Concept of Power, Hegemony, Ideology and Legitimacy
- Political Ideologies
- Indian Political Thought
- Western Political Thought
Paper I · Section A: Political Theory and Indian Political Thought — section overview · All PSIR Optional units