PSIR Optional · PYQ solutions
PSIR Optional PYQ Solutions, topic-wise
Three and a half decades of PSIR Optional questions (1991–2026) solved and filed by syllabus topic, not by year, so you can see how UPSC frames each theme across the years. Thinkers, current examples and a clear answer structure in every solution.
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Solved PYQs
1991–2026
Years covered
Paper I
All 21 units solved
Topic-wise
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Jump to a unit — Paper I · Section A: Political Theory and Indian Political Thought
Political Theory: Meaning and Approaches 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
Jump to a unit — Paper I · Section B: Indian Government and Politics
Indian Nationalism Making of the Indian Constitution Salient Features of the Indian Constitution Principal Organs of Government Grassroots Democracy Statutory Institutions and Commissions Federalism Planning and Economic Development Caste, Religion and Ethnicity in Indian Politics Party System Social Movements
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Paper I · Section A: Political Theory and Indian Political Thought
Political Theory: Meaning and Approaches, 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.
Unit 01
Political Theory: Meaning and Approaches
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.
Unit 02
Theories of the State
PYQ Solutions
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Write on the following in about 150 words: Post-colonial theory of State.
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What is the Marxist and liberal approach towards the state? On what grounds the theoretical differences between them are premised? Explain.
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Write approximately 150 words on Pluralist theory of State.
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Eurocentrism is both the target and the motive force of the post-colonial political theory. Discuss.
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Examine the liberal theory of State in contemporary politics.
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Comment in about 150 words: Feminist critique of the State.
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What is the contemporary relevance of Marxism?
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Critically examine the neo-liberal -theory of State.
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Comment on Neo-liberal perspective of State (150 words)
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Discuss Feminist theory of the State.
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Examine the challenges to sovereignty of the State in the contemporary world.
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Discuss in what sense Marx’s understanding of state can be considered as materialistic.
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What is meant by ‘relative autonomy of State in Marxist analysis?
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Make all assessment of the post-colonial understanding of State.
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Evaluate Marx’s instrumentalist approach to the State.
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Do you think that the modern nation-state has been declining in the wake of globalization? Justify your answer.
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Critically examine Hamza Alavi’s formulation of the overdeveloped State.
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Comment: “State is the result of the irreconcilability of class antagonism”. (Lenin)
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Comment: “Because the society is federal, the authority must also be federal”. (Laski)
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Comment: Impact of Globalisation on State Sovereignty.
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Comment: “The discovery of Sovereign in a federal state is an impossible adventure.” (Laski)
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Comment: “The reason why men enter into civil society is the preservation of their property.” (Locke)
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Comment: “Will, not force, is the basis of the state.” (T. H. Green)
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Critically examine Marxist theory of the state with reference to the dictatorship of the proletariat.
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Comment: “I give the name to every state that is governed by laws, no matter what the form of its administration.” (Rousseau)
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Comment: “As soon as a nation appoints representatives, it is no longer free, it no longer exists.” (Rousseau)
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Examine critically the pluralist arguments against the theory of sovereignty.
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Examine the main issues involved in the Church- State controversy. What were its consequences?
Unit 03
Justice
PYQ Solutions
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Explain how Rawls used the liberal and egalitarian perspective to develop his theory of justice.
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Rawls’ idea of ‘liberal self’ is too individualistic. Explain, in this context, the communitarian critique of Rawls’ theory of justice.
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Examine the entitlement theory of justice.
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Dr. Ambedkar’s idea of social justice leads to ‘egalitarian justice’ as compared to Rawls’ ‘justice as fairness’ which aims at the notion of ‘pure procedural justice’. Comment.
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How has Rawls enriched the idea of justice in liberalism?
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Make a comparative assessment of Greek perspective of Justice with Rawlsian concept of Justice.
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Examine communitarian perspective on justice.
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Comment in 150 words: Distributive Justice.
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Analyse John Rawls justification of discrimination to achieve the goals of justice.
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Rawls’ theory of justice is both contractual and distributive. Examine.
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Critically examine John Rawl’s Argument for democratic equality.
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Comment in 150 words·: ‘Difference Principle’ in Rawls’ Theory of Justice.
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Explicate the conception of justice in the critiques of communitarian theorists.
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Comment in 150 words : “Original position”
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Comment: ‘Veil of ignorance.
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To what extent does the Rawlsian goal of achieving social justice depend on an overarching consensus among cultural, religious and ideological groups?
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Consider: “…………We believe that as a matter of principle each -number of society has an inviolability founded on justice.” (Rawls)
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What is the concept of justice in modern political theory? How is it related to Liberty and Equality?
Unit 04
Equality and Liberty
PYQ Solutions
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Write on the following in about 150 words: The freedom of the pike is death to the minnows.
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What is capability approach? Elaborate the distinctive features of the capability theory of equality.
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Write a note on the relation between equality and liberty from the multi-cultural perspective.
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The nature of relationship between equality of democratic citizenship and liberty of citizens is influenced by economic equality. Comment.
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Affirmative action policies draws as much strong criticism as strong support. Analyze this statement in the context of equality.
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“Equality of estates caused equality of power, and equality of power is liberty.” Comment.
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Comment in about 150 words: Affirmative action.
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Comment in about 150 words : Equality of outcome as a political idea.
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Comment in 150 words: Equality of opportunity.
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Compare negative and positive concepts of liberty.
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Equality means fair treatment rather than equal treatment. Comment.
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Differentiate between Freedom and Liberty. Discuss Marx’s notion of freedom.
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How is liberty a precondition for equality Explicate the rehitionship between equality and liberty.
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Comment on the difference between equality of opportunity and equality of outcome. (150 words)
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Why is ‘affirmative action’ important in provision of equal opportunity?
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Comment: “The end of law is not to abolish or restrain but to preserve and enlarge freedom.” (Locke)
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Comment: ‘Reason teaches all mankind who will but consult it, that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty and possessions’ (Locke)
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Comment: ‘Since liberty is a fruit that does not grow in all climates, it cannot be enjoyed by all people alike’. (Rousseau)
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‘ The existence of Liberty depends upon our willingness to build the foundations of society upon the basis of rational justice and to adjust them to changing conditions in terms of reasoned discussion and not violence.’ (Harold J. Laski). Discuss.
Unit 05
Rights
PYQ Solutions
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“Rights of the man are separate and independent of the State.” Critically analyze the perspective of Laski.
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The debate on human rights is caught between the limitations of both universalism and cultural relativism. Comment.
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Comment on multicultural perspective on rights.
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Human Rights are complex and contested social practice that organises relations between individuals, society and the State. Comment.
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Write on the Cultural Relativism.
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Can there be universal conception of human rights? Give your arguments.
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Assess the significance of right to property in political theory.
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Discuss the doctrine of ‘rights as trumps’.
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What do you understand by three generations of Human Rights?
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What do you understand by Multiculturalism 7 Discuss Bhikhu Parekh’s views on Multiculturalism.
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“The implementation of human rights is regarded as a matter of changing the conduct of States.” Comment.
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Comment in 150 words: Idea of Natural Rights.
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Analyse the relation between natural rights and human rights.
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Explain Berlin’s notion of value pluralism.
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Critically examine the cultural relativist approach to human rights.
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Explain as to why Jeremy Bentham dismisses the theory of natural rights as ‘nonsense upon stilts.’
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“Human rights are basic moral guarantees that people in all countries and cultures possess, simply because they are people”. Explain the statement.
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Discuss the evolution of the theories of human rights from natural rights to collective and environmental rights.
Unit 06
Democracy
PYQ Solutions
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“Representative democracy is not an absolute principle, rather a question of time, place and circumstances.” Analyze the statement. Mention the major challenges to representative democracy.
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Explain briefly the elite theory of democracy.
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Deliberative democracy seeks to promote democratic decision making about public issues among the citizens. Discuss.
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Success of contemporary democracies lies in State limiting its own power. Comment.
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Elitist theory of democracy denies the possibility of democracy as ‘rule of the people’. Elucidate.
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“Free and fair deliberation is key to the foundation of democracy.” Explain.
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Representative democracy ……. means the people as a body must be able to control the general direction of government policy. (J. S. Mill). Comment.
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Comment: Deliberative democracy.
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Comment in 150 words Substantive Democracy.
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Critically examine Macpherson’s views on Democracy.
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Deliberative democracy does not have its salience without participation and participatory democracy does not have its credence without deliberations. Comment.
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Explicate the features of Representative Democracy.
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Comment in 150 words: Difference between Participatory and Deliberative Democracy.
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Comment in 150 words: “India has thrown up a form of judicial democracy that has no parallel anywhere else, and has nurtured a kind of civil society that is uniquely its own.” (Bhikhu Parekh)
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Explicate the features of deliberative democracy.
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Comment on issues of debate in contemporary democratic theory. (150 words)
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Examine the ‘Participatory Model of Democracy’.
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Comment Robert Dahl’s concept of deformed polyarchy.
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Assess the deliberate theories of democracy.
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Comment on the proposition that liberal constitutionalism precedes liberal democracy.
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‘Political process in a country is merely the manifestation of its_ political culture”. Elucidate.
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“Democratic theory presupposes self-determination, human rights and social justice.” Discuss this with particular reference to M.K. Gandhi.
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Comment: Polyarchy.
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The modern pluralist democracies have posed a great threat to the fabric of nation state. Discuss.
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Comment: “Laws are any necessary relations arising from the nature of a thing.” (Montesquieu)
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Examine the nature and limits of the rights of Resistance and Revolution recognised in modern political theory.
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Discuss the philosophical basis of doctrine of popular sovereignty, and its significance for mankind.
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Comment: “Punishment should be preventive and corrective rather than retaliatory.” (Bentham)
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Comment: “Obedience to mere impulse of appetite is slavery.” (Rousseau)
Unit 07
Concept of Power, Hegemony, Ideology and Legitimacy
PYQ Solutions
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Write on the following in about 150 words: Legitimacy is always a ‘social construct’.
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Explain the Macpherson’s view on power.
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Do you think that legitimacy acquired by consent or manufactured by indoctrination is an essential element in maintenance of political rule? Justify your answer with relevant examples.
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Linkage between Power and Hegemony.
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Legitimacy adds positive value to political authority and obligation. Discuss.
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Comment on Foucault’s concept of power.
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Write on the Bases of Power.
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Comment in about 150 words: Tools of legitimation of the State.
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Examine the nature and meaning of power.
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According to Gramsci, ‘hegemony is primarily based on the organisation of consent’. Comment.
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Explain the relationship between power, authority and legitimacy.
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Comment: Gramsci’s concept of Hegemony.
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Discuss Hannah Arendt’s analysis of the role of ideology in modern totalitarian regimes.
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Distinguish between Power and Authority.
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Discuss the ‘crisis of legitimacy’ in capitalist societies. (Habermas)
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Discuss Gramsci’ s notion of ‘organic intellectuals’
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Examine the conditions that are required for the maintenance of legitimacy in modern societies.
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Comment in 150 words: “Power is never the property of an individual; it belongs to a group and remains in existence only so long as the group keeps together.” (Hannah Arendt)
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Explain, as per Gramsci, the distinction between hegemony and domination.
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Distinguish between the concepts of legitimacy and hegemony.
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Comment on Hannah Arendt’s conception of the ‘political’. (150 words)
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Attempt a comparative examination of the view of Marx and Weber on the ‘Power’.
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Comment: “Power flows throughout the system like blood in the capillaries of our body.” (Foucault)
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Comment: Politics as a power concept.
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Critically examine Gramsci’s concept of Hegemony.
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Is Gramsci a theoretician of super-structures? Give reasons in support of your answer.
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Discuss the political philosophy of Hannah Arendt.
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Comment: “In so far as national events are decided, the ‘power elite’ are those who decide them.”
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Comment: Views of Lenin, Mitchels and Duverger on political parties.
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Distinguish power from authority. How does reliance on authority affect the nature of power?
Unit 08
Political Ideologies
PYQ Solutions
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Write on the following in about 150 words: Herbert Marcuse turned Freudianism on its head in his critical theory.
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Wollstonecraft developed first systematic feminist critique. Discuss her main ideas.
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Mention the difference between Italian and German brands of fascism.
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“State ………. does the greatest harm to mankind by destroying individuality, which lies at the root of all progress.” — Mahatma Gandhi. Elucidate.
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Explain how the slogan ‘the personal is political’ addresses the issue of women’s oppression and discrimination?
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Write approximately 150 words on Decline of Liberalism.
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Fascism displays an ambivalent stance towards parliamentary democracy. Explain.
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Factors like community, culture and nation weaken the hegemony of neo-liberalism today. Discuss.
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Write on the “Revolution in Permanence”.
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“Political ideology is primarily concerned with the allocation and utilization of power.” Comment.
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Comment in 150 words Liberalism as a revolutionary idea.
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Comment: End of Ideology debate.
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Distinguish between liberal feminism and radical feminism.
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Comment in 150 words: “Nothing against the State, nothing over it, nothing beyond it.” – Mussolini.
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John Locke is the father of liberalism. Explain.
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Comment on Post-modernism (150 words)
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Define Socialism. Discuss the salient features of Fabian Socialism.
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Comment on Eco-feminism (150 words)
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Write a brief note on “The End of History debate”.
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“The Political ideology of Globalization is Nee-Liberalism.” Comment.
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Discuss the key features of pre-Marxist socialist theory.
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Comment on the view that socialism in the 21st century may be reborn as anti-capitalism.
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Examine the conception of the State in the ideologies of Fascism and Marxism.
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Comment in 150 words: “Personal is political”
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Discuss the communitarian critique of liberalism.
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Distinguish between liberal feminism and socialist feminism in detail.
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Comment: “Woman has always been man’s dependent, if not his slave; the two sexes have never shared the world in equality.” (Simone de Beauvoir)
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Comment: “Socialism is a much used hat, whose original shape no one can define.” (C. E. M. Joad)
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Comment: “Fascism is the destruction of liberal ideas and institutions in the intere$t of those who own the instruments of economic power.” (Laski)
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Do you agree with the view that liberal theories are based on ‘atomism’, whereas communitarians have a ‘social thesis’? Present your line of argument.
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“The root of politics, according to Marx, does not lie in the state; it lies in the social conditions underlying this institution, that is, in the material conditions of life as reflected through the mode of production.” Comment.
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Define ideology. Critically examine the “End of Ideology”. Debate
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Analyse the post-Marxian developments in socialist thought.
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Do you agree with. the view that ‘liberal democracy has won the historic battle of ideologies.
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Comment: ‘The mode of production in material life determines the general character of the social, political and spiritual problems of life’. (Karl Marx).
Unit 09
Indian Political Thought
PYQ Solutions
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Analyze Kautilya’s Saptanga theory. How do you explain its significance in present-day politics?
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Discuss Gandhi’s approach to property in relation to trusteeship.
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Discuss B. R. Ambedkar’s views on democracy and State socialism.
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“State ………. does the greatest harm to mankind by destroying individuality, which lies at the root of all progress.” — Mahatma Gandhi. Elucidate.
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Dharmashastra presents a duty-centric worldview for individuals and communities. Comment.
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Manabendra Nath Roy’s political thought highlighted the humanistic aspects of Marxism. Discuss.
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Buddhist thought on Dhamma facilitates the emancipation of political action. Explain.
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Sri Aurobindo’s idea of Swaraj has deep significance in the Indian social, cultural and political history. Analyze.
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“The Panchayats with Gram Sabhas should be so organised as to identify the resources locally available for the development in agricultural and industrial sectors.” Examine the statement in context of Gram Swaraj.
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Do you think that the Buddhist traditions have lent greater ethical, foundation to the ancient Indian political thought? Give your arguments.
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“When a nation becomes devoid of arts and· learning, it invites poverty.” (Sir Syed Ahmad Khan). In the light of this statement, assess the role of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan as a reformer in modem India.
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Explain the sources of ancient Indian political thought.
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Explicate the ideological components of Gandhism.
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Comment in 150 words: Ambedkar’s ideas on constitutionalism.
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Discuss Kautilya views on the elements of the State.
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Comment: M.K.Gandhi’s concept of Swaraj.
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Discuss Ambedkar’s ideas on ‘annihilation of caste’.
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What do you understand by the notion of Statecraft? Discuss the theory of statecraft as given by Kautilya.
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According to Sri Aurobindo, Swaraj is a necessary condition for India to accomplish its destined goal. Comment.
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Political democracy could not last unless social democracy lay at its base – B. R. Ambedkar. Comment.
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Discuss Shri Aurobindo’s views on Culture Nationalism.
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Examine Gandhi’s critique of ‘Modernisation’.
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Comment: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s idea of state socialism.
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Compare and contrast the views of Kautilya and Machiavelli on Statecraft.
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Comment in 150 words: Gandhi’s Views on State.
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Evaluate the contributions of Buddhist tradition to Indian political thought.
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Comment in 150 words: “Nationalism is not a mere political programme but, a way of life like religion.” (Aurobindo Ghose)
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Examine the significance of Dharma in ancient Indian political thought.
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Analyse, as per Kautilya, the Saptanga theory of the state.
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Comment in 150 words: Sri Aurobindo’s “idea of freedom”
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Examine Ambedkar’s critique of Marxism.
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Comment in 150 words: Syed Ahmed Khan as a modernizer.
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Write a note on the Buddhist tradition in Indian political thought.
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Comment on the Marxist and Radical Humanist phases of M. N. Roy’s thought.
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Examine the Gandhian idea of village community as an ideal unit of self – governance.
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Compare and contrast Dharmasastra and Arthasastra with reference to State power.
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Comment on Radical Humanism.
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Comment: “Real rights are a ·result of performance of duty”. (Mahatma Gandhi)
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Comment: “In the happiness of his subjects lies the king’s happiness; in their welfare his welfare.” (Kautilya)
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Critically examine the ‘Sapta Prakriti’, of state as envisaged by Kautilya.
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Explain Gandhi’s ideas regarding State and highlight their relationship with modern democracy and principles of anarchism.
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Comment: Ambedkar’s Concept of Social Justice.
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Comment: “Of those (officers) the ways of embezzlement are forty.” (Kautilya)
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Comment: Four Purusharthas in Indian tradition.
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Comment: The main political ideas contained in the Manusmriti.
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Comment: Mandal theory.
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Analyse M.N. Roy’s ideational journey from Marxism to Radical Humanism.
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Comment: “The true source of right is duty. If we all discharge our duties, rights will not be far to seek.” (M. K. Gandhi)
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Comment: Validity of the statement that most prominent among Gandhian principles are non-violence, adherence to truth and dignity of labour.
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What are the major components of Modern Indian Political Thought? Examine them with reference to Gandhi and M.N. Roy.
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Comment: “Rulership can be successfully carried out (only) with the help of associates: one wheel alone does not turn.” (Kautilya)
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Comment: “Material well-being alone is supreme. For, spiritual good and sensual pleasures depends upon material well-being.” (Kautilya)
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Comment: Spiritual nationalism of Aurobindo Ghosh.
Unit 10
Western Political Thought
PYQ Solutions
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“Fortune favours the brave.” In the light of this statement, discuss Machiavelli’s concepts of ‘virtue’ and ‘fortune’.
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Mill’s work was crucial to the development of liberalism, because it straddled the divide between classical and modern theories. Analyze.
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Karl Popper presents a defence of the open society against its enemies. Elaborate.
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The foundational base of western democracy has been shaped by Locke’s ideas of constitutionalism, freedom and property. Elucidate.
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Hannah Arendt analysed a few categories of vita activa. Explain.
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Critically examine Plato’s theory of Forms.
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Write approximately 150 words on Locke’s views on Revolution.
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Comment on State of Nature as State of War (Hobbes).
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“The legal subordination of one sex to another is wrong in itself, and now one of the chief hindrances to human development.” (J. S. Mill). Comment.
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Individualism is inherent in Hobbes’ absolutist ideology. Comment.
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Write on the Locke’s Social Contract.
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Explain the Aristotelian view of politics. To what extent do you think it has contributed – to the development of modern-day constitutional democracies?
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Marx’s concept of ‘alienation’ is an essential part of the reality in capitalism.
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Comment in about 150 words: J.S. Mill’s ideas on women suffrage.
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Trace the evolution of Western Political Thought from ancient to contemporary period.
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Comment in 150 words: Machiavelli’s secularism.
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Discuss Karl Marx’s concept of class.
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Explain Aristotle’s critique of Plato’s Idealism.
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Critically examine Hannah Arendt’s conceptual triad of labour, work and action.
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Critically examine Machiavelli’s views on religion and politics.
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Comment in 150 words: John Stuart Mill is a ‘reluctant democrat’. – C. L. Wayper
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Everywhere, inequality is a cause of revolution – Aristotle. Comment.
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Comment on Hobbesian notion of Political Obligation (150 words)
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Comment: “How would and my fellow human beings behave if we were to find ourselves in a state of nature, and what does this behavior tells us about our innate predispositions?” (Thomas Hobbes)
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Explain Marx’s understanding of Human Essence and Alienation.
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“Plato was an enemy of the open society.” (Popper) Comment.
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Comment in 150 words: Aristotle’s Conception of Equality.
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Discuss the relationship between base and superstructure in Marxist theory.
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Central to Aristotle’s political thought is his classification of the different types of political constitutions in the Politics. Evaluate.
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Explain how Machiavelli’s application of empirical method to human affairs marks an important stage in the evolution of political science.
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Comment in 150 words: “All silencing of discussion is an assumption of infallibility.” (J. S’. Mill)
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Comment in 150 words: “Covenants without swords are but words and of no strength to secure a man at all.” (Hobbes)
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Comment on the assertion of Laslett that Filmer and not Hobbes was the main antagonist of Locke.
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Draw parallels between Arthashastra tradition and the ‘Realist’ tradition represented by Machiavelli.
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‘Locke is an individualist out and out.’ Substantiate this statement.
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Comment: “The state is a creation of nature and man is by nature a political animal.” (Aristotle)
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Comment: Hobbes as an individualist.
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It is said where there is no law there is no liberty. Give your view on this statement.
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Comment: “The worth of a State …… is the worth of individuals composing it.” (J. S. Mill)
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Comment: “Western thought, one might say, has been either platonic or anti-platonic but hardly ever non – platonic.” (Popper)
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Examine in detail Marx’s prescription for ending alienation and reaching the stage of de-alienation.
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Comment: “The great and chief aim of men’s uniting, into a Commonwealth and putting themselves under Government is the preservation of property.” (Locke)
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Comment: “Plato’s communism is a supplementary machinery to give effect to and reinforce that spirit which education is to create.” (Nettleship)
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Discuss the importance of Machiavelli in the history of political thought. Is it correct to say that Machiavelli’s theory is ‘narrowly local and narrowly dated’?
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Comment: “State is individual writ _large.” (Plato)
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Attempt a critique of Aristotle’s ideas on slavery.
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Comment: “… that the anatomy of this civil society, however, has to be sought in Political economy.” (Marx)
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Do you agree with the view that Political culture of a society is highly significant aspect of the Political System? Give reasons in support of your answer.
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Comment: “The sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively, in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number is self-protection.” (J.S. Mill)
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Plato’s theory of education ‘is the logical result of his conception of justice’. Discuss.
-
Comment: “Hobbes starts as an individualist but ends as an absolutist”.
-
Explain Hegel’s theory of dialectical idealism.
-
Comment: “Mill was the prophet of an empty liberty and an abstract individual”. (Barker)
-
Explain Plato’s communism and compare it with modern communism.
-
Comment “Machiavelli’s political philosophy was narrowly local and narrowly dated.” (Sabine)
-
“The history of all hitherto existing society is· the history of class struggle.” (Karl Marx) Comment.
-
Comment: “The polis exists by nature and that it is prior to the individual.”
-
Comment: “Until philosophers are kings, or kings and princes of this world have the spirit and power of philosophy, cities will never have rest from evil.”
-
Comment: Power is an end in itself and he (Machiavelli) inquires into the means that are best suited to acquire, retain and expand power, thus separates power from morality, ethics, religion and metaphysics. (Ebenstein on Machiavelli)
-
Comment: “State is a march of God on the Earth.” (Hegel)
-
Comment: “Polity or constitutional government may be described generally as a fusion of oligarchy and democracy.” (Aristotle)
-
Consider: “Liberty or freedom, signifies properly the absence of opposition in external impediments of motion.” (Hobbes)
-
Comment: ” …….all human history is a process whereby ideas· objectify themselves in material reality. (Hegel)
-
Comment: “Marx’s work could be seen as a compound of three elements-Green philosophy, English political economy and French socialism.” (Lenin)
-
Critically examine: “In the first place, it is mostly considered unjust to deprive anyone of his personal liberty, his property or any other thing which belongs to him by law…………………….”. (John Stuart Mill)
-
Write: Impact of modernisation and new communication technologies on political processes of Afro-Asian countries.
-
Comment: “Polity is the best practicable form of government.” (Aristotle)
-
Comment: “The prince must be fox and the lion at the same time.” (Machiavelli)
-
Comment: “Hobbes relieved sovereignty completely from the disabilities which Bodin 4. had inconsistently left standing.” (Sabine)
-
“Rousseau’s theory of Social Contract in Hobbes’s Leviathan with its head chopped off.” Discuss.
-
Comment: “Leninism is Marxism in the epoch of imperialism and proletarian revolution.” (Stalin)
-
Discuss how early radical liberalism was modified by Jolin Stuart Mill.
-
Comment: “Whoever therefore out of a State of Nature united into a Commonwealth _must be understood to give up all the Power necessary to the Ends for which they united into Society, to the majority of the Community.” ·(Locke)
-
Comment: “It is not the consciousness of men that determines their being, but, on the contrary, their social being determines their consciousness.” (Marx)
-
Comment: “Sin, therefore is the mother of servitude, and first cause of men’s subjection to men.” (St. Augustjne)
-
Comment: Process of Political socialization in Afro-Asian societies.
-
Comment: “Slavery is natural and beneficial both for the master and the slave.” (Aristotle)
-
Comment: “No man can be deprived of his property without his consent.” (Locke)
-
“It is hard indeed to turn the Lockean doctrine into any kind of unqualified democratic theory.” (Mcpherson) Discuss.
-
Comment: “Contradiction is the very moving principle of the world.” (Hegel)
-
Comment: “Rule of law is better than rule of men.” (Aristotle)
-
Comment: “The end of every man is continued success in obtaining those things which he from time to time, desires. (Hqbbes)
-
Comment: “The authority of the master and that of the statesman are different from one another.” (Aristotle)
-
Critically examine the Marxian theory of social stratification.
-
Comment: Tribalism in Africa.
-
Comment: “For, no law or ordinance is mightier than knowledge.”. (Plato)
-
Comment: “The end of obedience is protection.” (Thomas Hobbes).
-
Comment: ‘Reality is a shadow of ideas’. (Plato)
-
Marx treats individual primarily as a member of a class.’ Critically examine his views on the ‘economic man.’
-
Comment: ‘The aims persued by revolutionaries, like the origins of revolution, are the same in tyrannies and kingships as they are under regular Constitutions.’
-
Comment: ‘The condition of human life, which requires labour and materials to work on, necessarily introduces private possessions.’ (John Locke).
-
Comment: Lenin’s theory of ‘Democratic Centralism’.
-
Comment: ‘The relation of the state and its parts to tranquility will be seen to be similar to the relation of the animal and its parts to -health.’ (Marsiglio of Padua)
-
Comment: Agents of political socialization.
Syllabus map
Paper I · Section B: Indian Government and Politics
Indian Nationalism, Making of the Indian Constitution, Salient Features of the Indian Constitution, Principal Organs of Government, Grassroots Democracy, Statutory Institutions and Commissions, Federalism, Planning and Economic Development, Caste, Religion and Ethnicity in Indian Politics, Party System, Social Movements.
Unit 01
Indian Nationalism
PYQ Solutions
-
Answer in about 150 words: How did Swadeshi grow into a demand for Swaraj?
-
From passive resistors to armed revolutionaries, the Indian Freedom Struggle has a strong imprint of women freedom fighters. Elucidate.
-
Explain briefly the role of Peasant Movements after 1857 and before independence.
-
Write a note on the Dalit perspective of Indian National Movement.
-
Discuss the contribution of the Dalit struggle to establish egalitarianism in Indian society during freedom movement.
-
Comment on Satyagraha and Indian Nationalism.
-
Analyse the workers’ movement in India in the pre-Independence period.
-
Analyze the Marxist perspective of the nature of Indian National Movement. (150 words)
-
Trace the role of militant and revolutionary movements in Indian national movement.
-
Answer in 150 words: Role of Socialists in Indian National Movement.
-
National movement in India was anti-imperialist and increasingly radical ·in its socio-economic and political programmes. Discuss.
-
Comment in 150 words: Revolt of 1857 is a ‘Sepoy Mutiny’ or ‘First War of Independence’.
-
The success of Mahatma Gandhi lay in transforming both political and non-political movements into a unified nationalist movement. Comment.
-
Differentiate Moderate Nationalism from Extremist/Militant Nationalism in terms of their objectives and means.
-
Critically examine the Radical Humanist perspective on Indian National Movement.
-
Comment in 150 words: Satyagraha as a Strategy in the Indian National Movement.
-
Explain how peasant movements promoted nationalist ideas during the struggle for Indian independence.
-
Comment on the efficacy of Satyagraha as moral resistance to colonial rule.
-
Comment on views of Gandhi and Ambedkar on ‘social justice’.
-
Comment: Significance of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
-
Comment: Indian nationalism as depicted in S.N. Banerjea’s ‘A Nation in the Making’.
-
Comment: “Swaraj is the culmination of Swadeshi and Sarvodaya”.
-
Comment: Views of Jaya Prakash Narayan on ‘Total Revolution’.
-
Explain the ‘federal scheme’ under the Government of India Act, 1935. Why could this scheme not be implemented?
-
Comment: Surat Split (1907).
-
Comment: The Government of India Act, 1919.
-
Highlight Mahatma Gandhi’s role in the Indian National Movement.
-
Comment: Simon Commission.
-
Comment: Gandhi’s concept of Truth and Non-violence. Why was he opposed to modern civilisation?
-
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru comes before us as a great Nationalist, Internationalist and Humanist. Piscuss.
-
Comment: ‘Dyarchy’ under Montague-Chelmsford Reforms.
-
Examine the salient features of the Indian Independence Act (1947) relating to the transfer of power. What specific provisions did this Act make for the lapse of paramountcy?
-
Comment: Ideas of Gokhale and Tilak and their impact on the Indian struggle for freedom.
-
Comment: Raja Ram Mohan Roy as a social reformer.
-
Comment: Jinnah’s two-nation theory.
-
Comment: Swadeshi movement.
-
Comment: Anarchism in Gandhi’s philosophy.
Unit 02
Making of the Indian Constitution
PYQ Solutions
-
Write approximately 150 words on Objective Resolution of the Constituent Assembly.
-
The Constitution of India is the ‘cornerstone of a nation’ (Granville Austin). Analyze.
-
Comment on imprint of the British Constitution on the Indian Constitution.
-
The making of the Indian Constitution is described as an attempt towards ‘social revolution’. Comment.
-
“The Constitution of India is a product of a historical process, rich with constitutional antecedents.” Comment. (150 words)
-
“The Constitution makers faced the great task of forging a common national identity in the face of unparalleled social and cultural diversity in India.” Comment. (150 words)
-
Answer in 150 words: Indian Constitution makers’ concerns on social inequality.
-
Unity and integrity of India was perhaps the single uppermost factor in the minds of the Constitution makers. Comment.
-
Critically examine and comment: “The Constituent Assembly was a one-party body in an essentially one-party country. The Assembly was the Congress and the Congress was India.” (Granville Austin)
-
Discuss the dominant external and internal influences in the framing of the Indian Constitution.
-
Critically examine the impact of the national movement on the making of the constitution of India.
-
Comment: Influence of Gandhi, Nehru and Ambedkar in the framing of the Indian Constitution.
-
“The origins of the Indian political system are rooted in the history of British India.” Comment.
Unit 03
Salient Features of the Indian Constitution
PYQ Solutions
-
Answer in about 150 words: The Constitution of India was secular even before the word was included in the Preamble. Comment.
-
Land Reforms programmes led to some constitutional amendments. Comment.
-
Parliamentary Committees are a strong tool of Parliamentary Democracy. It provides for the opportunity for cross-pollination of ideas among members of the Parliament. Discuss.
-
Write approximately 150 words on Constitutional morality in the Indian Constitution.
-
Write approximately 150 words on Legal remedies in Part III of the Constitution of India.
-
How far do you agree that the Directive Principles of State Policy are more fundamental than the Fundamental Rights in meeting socio-economic justice as mentioned in the Preamble of the Constitution?
-
The main goal of the fundamental duties in the Indian Constitution is to generate civic responsibility among the citizen. Explain.
-
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution reflects itself as a ‘social contract’. Elucidate.
-
The Doctrine of Basic Structure of the Constitution has enhanced the power of judicial review of the Supreme Court. Examine.
-
Mention the founding principles that define India’s Constitution. (150 words)
-
“Constitutionally reconciling the Fundamental Rights with the Directive Principles of State Policy has led to frequent amendments of the· Constitution and judicial interventions.” Comment.
-
Underline the significance of the first constitutional amendment. (150 words)
-
Answer in 150 words: Right to Constitutional remedies in India.
-
Comment on the relevance of the Directive Principles of State Policy in an era of liberalization and globalization.
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“The basic structure doctrine is implicit in the Indian Constitution; the Supreme Court has only given it an explicit for.” Comment.
-
Comment in 150 words: Indian Constitution is a ‘Lawyers’ Paradise’. – Ivor Jennings.
-
Right to privacy is an intrinsic part of the right to life. Comment.
-
Differentiate parliamentary supremacy from parliamentary sovereignty. Would you consider the Indian Parliament as a Sovereign Parliament, Examine.
-
Critically examine the provisions made in the Constitution for the protection of Environment.
-
Comment: ‘Article 368 does not enable Parliament to alter the basic structure or framework of the Constitution’.
-
Comment: The purpose of the 42nd Constitutional Amendment was to make the economic and social democracy explicitly visible.
-
Comment in 150 words: Secularism in the Indian Constitution.
-
In the light of neo-economic policies adopted since 1991, examine the relevance of the term ‘socialist’ in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.
-
Discuss the ‘Right to Education’ and the concerns raised by it.
-
Comment in 150 words: 99th Amendment of the Indian Constitution.
-
Discuss the efficacy of judicial review in India.
-
Comment in 150 words: Increasingly higher focus on Directive Principles of State Policy.
-
What are the provisions for constitutional protection of right to freedom of religion and how far have they succeeded in promoting secularism in India?
-
Comment in 150 words: Significance of the Preamble.
-
Analyse the significance of Article 32 of the Indian Constitution.
-
Examine the significance of the verdicts of the Supreme Court in the Golaknath and Kashavananda Bharati cases for an understanding of the scope of Article 368 in regard to Fundamental Rights.
-
Discuss the extent to which the Indian Constitution reflects successful reconciliation of alternative perspectives.
-
Comment on Doctrine of Basic Structure of the Indian Constitution. (150 words)
-
Examine the significance of the Directive Principles of State Policy in achieving the goal of socio-economic justice.
-
Critically examine and comment on the assertion in about 200 words: Secularism in Indian politics is a myth.
-
“Minorities are the natural custodians of the secular state [ D.E. Smith] Discuss.
-
In what ways do civil liberties and human rights movements influence the working of Indian democracy? Give your answer with suitable examples.
-
Comment: The type of Government enshrined in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.
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Comment: The Directive Principles of State Policy are not mere pious declarations but clear directions for the guidance of state policy.
-
Comment: Fundamental Duties under Article 51A of the Constitution of India.
-
Do you agree with the view that Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Polity constitute the ‘Core and Conscience’ of the Indian Constitution? Comment on the emerging trends in their interrelationship.
-
Explain the main principles embodied in the Preamble to the Constitution of India. What is their significance? Do you think that they are the political horoscope of the country? Discuss.
-
Comment: ‘Right against exploitation’ under the Indian Constitution.
-
Comment: Right to Constitutional Remedies under Article 32 of the Indian Constitution and application of the principle of Res Judicata.
-
Discuss the patterns of legislative-executive relationship prevalent in the world today What factors and forces have enabled the executive to overpower the legislature, in most countries?
-
Comment: Kesavananda Bharathi Case.
-
Comment: Reverse discrimination.
-
Examine the case for formation of small states in India.
-
Majority in legislatures does not necessarily contribute to the stability of the state Government in India. Discuss.
-
Comment: The 42nd amendment to the Constitution of India.
Unit 04
Principal Organs of Government
PYQ Solutions
-
Highlight any five constitutional provisions that restrain the powers of the executive, and evaluate their effectiveness in current times.
-
Critically comment on the shifts in the functioning of the Indian Parliament in the last two decades.
-
Delineate the key factors that have shaped the evolving political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir post 2019.
-
Examine the constitutional provisions and nature of advisory jurisdiction of Supreme Court of India. Evaluate your answer with relevant examples.
-
Write approximately 150 words on Relevance of the Legislative Council.
-
Do you agree that over the years the Supreme Court has become a forum for policy evolution? Justify your answer.
-
Legislative Council is a house without any effective powers. Comment.
-
The Speaker represents the freedom and dignity of the House. Examine.
-
The role of the President of India becomes more significant during a minority government and a coalition government. Explain.
-
Examine the evolution of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India as a constitutional court.
-
Has the thrust of government tilted towards executive in contemporary Indian Politics? Give your arguments.
-
Answer in 150 words: Judicial overreach in India.
-
Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has emerged as the most powerful institution in India. Discuss.
-
Analyse the arguments in favour and against the lateral entry into higher civil services in India.
-
Do the lieutenant Governors have more powers than the Governors of the States? Explain.
-
Whether judicical activism has undermined or strengthened Parliamentary Democracy in India? Discuss.
-
How is the President of India: elected? Outline the salient· characteristics of the electoral college of the Indian President.
-
Judiciary has acquired the role of both, a legislature and an executive in recent years. Examine with suitable examples.
-
Critically examine the role of Governor in recent times.
-
Critically analyze the discretionary powers granted to the Governor by the Indian Constitution.
-
Examine the debates on the appointment procedure of judges to the higher judiciary in India.
-
Analyse the position of Prime Minister of India in a coalition regime.
-
Comment in 150 words: Decline of Indian Parliament
-
Examine the role of Supreme Court as the final interpreter of the Indian Constitution.
-
Comment on judicial activism and social change. (150 words)
-
In normal conditions, the Governor is a constitutional executive but in case of constitutional crisis, he can become a powerful and effective executive. Discuss.
-
Critically examine the arguments being advanced for review of the present system of appointment of judges to the higher judiciary of the country.
-
Explain the concept of Judicial activism, and examine its impact on the relationship between executive and judiciary in India.
-
Critically examine the role and contribution of India’s bureaucracy in nation building.
-
Comment: Judicial Activism.
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Comment: Parliamentary Committees in India.
-
How does the Supreme Court of India function as the “Guardian of the Constitution” and “protector of the rights of the citizens”?
-
Comment Concept of committed bureaucracy.
-
The role of Indian Prime Ministers in the federal system was always controversial. Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer with apt examples.
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Comment: Corruption in Administration in India and its impact on socio-economic reconstruction.
-
Critically evaluate Weber’s ideas on Bureaucracy and highlight the significance of the Weberian model from India’s point of view.
-
Write: Public Interest Litigation and Judicial Activism.
-
“The recent spate of judicial activities has created problems for the operation of parliamentary democracy in India.” Discuss.
-
Discuss the role and limits of the Indians Parliament in checkmating political corruption, with special reference to the Bofors payoff and the Securities scams.
-
“The roots of India’s growing problems of governability are more political than socioeconomic, that is, they are located in India’s political structure.” Discuss.
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Comment: Representative bureaucracies.
-
The function of a legislature is not merely making of laws. What other functions are expected of a modern legislature?
-
Comment: Public interest litigation.
-
Comment: Judicial behaviour.
-
‘The role of the Indian Judiciary in recent years has been one of dynamic judicial activism.’ Elucidate.
Unit 05
Grassroots Democracy
PYQ Solutions
-
Answer in about 150 words: Ending proxy leadership in Panchayati Raj is a necessary step towards true grassroots democracy. Comment.
-
Enunciate the impediments to women’s participation in local governance in the process of political decentralisation.
-
Gram Sabha in the Panchayati Raj system is a forum which gives expression to the collective wisdom, aspirations and the will of the people. Comment.
-
Discuss the major provisions of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act. Do you think that the Act remains an ‘unfulfilled dream’? Argue your case.
-
Comment on functions of District Planning Committee.
-
Examine the unique features of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. Do you think this Amendment would contribute in achieving the goal of empowerment of marginalised sections of the society?
-
Do you think that despite having significant limitations the Panchayati Raj Institutions have strengthened the process of democratic decentralization? Give your views.
-
To what extent has 73rd and 74th amendments of the Indian Constitution enhanced women’s empowerment?
-
Political decentralization has not been matched by administrative decentralization at the grass roots level. Explain.
-
Comment in 150 words: New Panchayat Raj is an effective instrument for women empowerment.
-
Examine the provisions of Panchayat Extension Services Act (PESA), 1996.
-
Has the 73rd Constitutional Amendment empowered women in panchayats in India? Discuss.
-
The goal of Good governance will be achieved only by strengthening the grass root level democracy.
-
Examine the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies in deepening of democracy in India.
-
Explain how the participation of women impacted the functioning of rural local bodies in India.
-
Examine the changing structures of Panchayati Raj institutions with special reference to 73rd Constitution Amendment Act.
-
Comment: The Panchayati Raj institutions and district administration should develop a new relationship for achieving the goal of good governance.
-
Discuss how far the grass root democratic institutions have remained successful in accelerating the process of rural development after 73rd constitutional amendment.
-
Highlight the impact of 73rd Constitutional Amendment on the working of the Panchayati Raj institutions in India.
-
Comment: Role of Gram Sabha under the Constitution (Seventy-third-Amendment) Act, 1992.
-
Bring out the common and unique features of the 73rd and the 74th amendments to the Constitution of India. Do you think that these amendments would contribute to the achievement of ‘gender’ and ‘social’ justice at the grassroot level?
-
Comment: Political Modernization in India.
Unit 06
Statutory Institutions and Commissions
PYQ Solutions
-
There is a debate on the procedure for appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners to the Election Commission of India. Analyse its various aspects.
-
How far has the National Human Rights Commission been successful in achieving its objectives? Comment.
-
Explain the structure and functions of the National Commission for Women.
-
Comment on National Commission for Minorities.
-
How far is the National Commission for Backward Classes an empowered body? Assess its role in the context of rising demand for backwardness among dominant communities.
-
“The success of electoral democracy can partly be attributed to the status and role of the Election Commission of India.” Explain.
-
Examine the role and functioning of the Election Commission of India and the Comptroller and Auditor General in the last two decades.
-
The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India enhances the accountability of the Government and serves as the watchdog of the finances of the Government. Explain.
-
Discuss, in brief, the role of the National Commission for Women. Do you think it is a toothless organization?
-
Examine the role of the National Commission for Minorities in preserving, promoting and protecting the rights of minorities in India.
-
Examine the objective and role of the National Human Rights Commission.
-
Comment in 150 words: The role of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in promoting good governance.
-
Discuss the working of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes to curb violence against Dalits.
-
Comment on Role of National Commission for Women in India.
-
Comment: Role of National Commission for Scheduled Castes.
-
Make an assessment of the role of the Election Commission of India in the conduct of free and fair elections.
-
Assess the effectiveness of the National Human Rights Commission in redressing grievances pertaining to human rights violations in India.
-
Comment on the functions, duties and powers of the appropriate National Commission as laid down in Clauses (5), (8) and (9) of Article-338 of the Constitution.
-
Make an assessment of the composition, functioning and the role of the Election Commission of India in the conduct of free and fair elections.
-
Comment: Union Public Service Commission.
-
Comment: Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
-
Can modern democratic institutions be insulated from inter oriented politics? Discuss.
Unit 07
Federalism
PYQ Solutions
-
Evaluate the Centre-State relation with reference to Article 293 and analyze its implications for the Indian federal structure.
-
Discuss the causes and consequences of inter-State water disputes in India.
-
The recent developments in Indian Politics has not eroded the true spirit of federalism in India. Critically examine this statement with the help of appropriate illustrations.
-
Does the actual working of Indian federalism conform to the centralizing tendencies in Indian polity? Give reasons for your answer.
-
Discuss the composition and functions of the Inter-State Council. To what extent has this body been successful in achieving its objectives?
-
Do you think that there has been a gradual shift in the basis on which the demands for the creation of new States have been raised in different regions of India? Explain.
-
Answer in 150 words: Mechanism for settling inter-state disputes.
-
Does the functioning of the federalism in India tend to make it appear as a unitary state in practice?
-
Despite constitutional mandate, the Inter-State Council has not come of age. Discuss.
-
Comment in 150 words: Implementation of GST and NEET is a major challenge to Indian federalism.
-
Discuss asymmetrical federalism in India.
-
Indian federation has moved from cooperative federation to competitive federation. Comment.
-
Comment: The philosophy and Comment: Economic liberalisation in India administration of the distribution of powers between Centre and state is required to be re-assessed.
-
Comment in 150 words: Cooperative Federalism in India.
-
Identify the contested areas in Centre-State relations in India.
-
“Cooperative federalism produces a strong central, or general government, yet it does not necessarily result in weak provincial governments that are largely administrative agencies for central policies. Indian federation has demonstrated this.” (Granville Austin). Examine the uniqueness of Indian federalism in the light of the above statement.
-
Comment on Demands for the creation of new States in India. (150 words)
-
Examine the efficacy of available mechanisms for resolving Inter-State disputes in India.
-
Critically examine and comment on the assertion in about 200 words: It is not constitutional law but political factors that ultimately determine Centre-States relations in India.
-
Comment: Inter – state water disputes.
-
Critically examine and comment: “Articles 2 and 3 of the Indian Constitution are inconsistent with the spirit of federalism.”
-
Comment on Inter State Committees.
-
Discuss whether coalitional politics has led to a different pattern of federalism in India.
-
Comment: Factors for the growth of regionalism in India.
-
Comment: ‘Shared rule’ to be as important as ‘self-rule’ in explaining the possibility of federal power sharing.
-
What are the salient features of Sarkaria Commission Report as regard to federal restructuring in India with special reference to autonomy demand by states?
-
Comment: Cooperative federalism in India-its problems and prospects.
-
Trace and analyse the co-operative trends in Indian federalism.
Unit 08
Planning and Economic Development
PYQ Solutions
-
Answer in about 150 words: Discuss the impact of liberalization on agriculture sector in India.
-
With reference to Peruvian experience of planning and economic development, examine how the early phase of economic planning in India has laid the foundation for future development.
-
The decision to conduct Population Census-2027 has reopened the debate on delimitation in India. Discuss its various aspects.
-
The legacy of the Planning Commission still has a bearing on India’s development policies. Discuss.
-
The blueprint of Gram Swaraj is the key to understand the Gandhian perspective on planning. Discuss.
-
How does NITI Aayog as a ‘policy think tank with a shared vision’ visualize the reorganization of planning in India? Justify your answer.
-
Discuss the policy initiatives of the Fourteenth Finance Commission aimed towards promising and strengthening agricultural development in India.
-
What explains India’s modest improvements in social development outcomes even as the rate of growth has accelerated since the initiation of economic reforms?
-
‘Liberalisation of Indian Economy has not been accompanied with adequate reforms’. Comment.
-
What has been the political fallout of the Green Revolution in India? Explain.
-
Exmine the various causes of agrarian crisis in India.
-
In the post-liberalization era, Indian politics is moving from ascriptive politics to developmental politics. Comment.
-
What do you understand by Green Revolution? Do you think that a Second Green Revolution is needed to adequately address the agrarian challenge in contemporary India? Examine.
-
Critically examine the politics of Economic growth in India.
-
Land reforms have failed in the eradication of rural poverty. Comment.
-
Comment in 150 words: Structure and Function of NITI Aayog.
-
Compare the Nehruvian and Gandhian models of development.
-
Comment in 150 words: Gandhian perspective of development and its contemporary relevance.
-
Critically examine Green Revolution as a strategy for sustainable agricultural development.
-
Comment: Economic liberalisation and uneven development among Indian States.
-
Do you think that the post-1991 reforms in India mark a significant shift from the Nehruvian model of economic development? Justify your answer.
-
Comment: The correlation between democracy and development in India.
-
Comment: Nehru’s views on socialism.
-
Comment: Decentralized Planning.
-
Comment: New Economic Policy 1991.
-
It is generally believed that federalism suffers in a system of centralized planning. Do you agree with this point of view? Would you advocate ‘decentralized governance’ for India in the context of liberalization since 1991.
-
Comment: Impact of disinvestment and privatization on planning in India.
-
Comment: Political Dimensions of Development Administration.
-
Comment: Economic liberalisation in India.
-
Comment: Jawaharlal Nehru on Socialism and Secularism.
-
‘Planning has superseded the federation and our country is functioning almost like a unitary system in many respects.’ In the light of the statement, examine the recent trends in Indian Federalism.
Unit 09
Caste, Religion and Ethnicity in Indian Politics
PYQ Solutions
-
Answer in about 150 words: Identity has become an important phenomenon in the modern politics in India. Discuss.
-
Map the different types of ethnic conflicts that have emerged in 21st century India.
-
Caste remains a vital axis for political mobilisation in India. How would the caste census address the aspirations of people? Discuss.
-
“Relative deprivation is a major source of ethnic conflict.” Elaborate the statement with relevant examples.
-
The rise of caste politics is to be attributed to both regional aspirations and electoral manifestations. Comment.
-
Ethnicity is the underlying cause which poses a great challenge in the resolution of the problems in the North-East region of India. Comment.
-
Explain how caste as a social category is also becoming a political category in the democratic politics of India.
-
Examine the role of religion in Indian Electoral Politics in the contemporary times.
-
Development has overshadowed the influence of caste in electoral behaviour in recent elections. Discuss.
-
Critically examine the ethnic conflicts in North-East India.
-
Religion is still an important factor in Indian politics. Discuss.
-
Comment: Cultural and Regional differences are the enduring bases on which politics is played out in India.
-
Comment on the emergence of Backward classes in the Indian politics.
-
Comment in 150 words: Relation between ethnicity and democracy in India.
-
Explain the phenomenon of ethnic politics in India in recent times.
-
Point out and comment on the historic importance of the document “Towards Equality (1974)”, for women’s movement in India.
-
Critically examine and comment on the assertion in about 200 words: Indian politics has influenced caste and caste has influenced Indian politics.
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“The OBC politics has challenged the nature of dominant caste politics in the states.” Critically examine this statement and bring out your conclusions.
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Examine the effect of caste and community in Indian politics. Do you foresee their continued relevance in the country’s politics?
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Comment: The instability of national politics is due to rising influence of regional politics.
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Comment: Tribal peoples’ movement in the North-East.
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Comment: Caste and religion as operative factors with Indian polity.
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“The electoral behaviour of Indian votes is more or less caste-ridden, including the selection process of party candidates.” In the light of the above statements, critically examine the positive or the negative role of caste in the Indian political system.
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Discuss how far the politics of regionalism and communalism have affected nation building in India.
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Analyse the problems of nation building in India.
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Comment: Ethnic separatism.
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Comment: Creamy Layer and social justice.
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Illustrate from contemporary Indian experience the theory of circulation of elites.
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Comment: Cultural secularization.
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How far do regional groupings pose a threat to the stability of Indian political system?
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How do caste and class interact with each other in Indian politics?
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Comment: Theory of circulation of elites.
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‘Community and Caste still threaten social harmony and political peace in India.’ Discuss.
Unit 10
Party System
PYQ Solutions
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When there are multiple stakeholders of power, conversation and consensus become the natural ingredients of governance. Analyze with respect to coalition politics.
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Elucidate the prominent trends in voting behaviour in contemporary India, and discuss how astroturfing affects the scenario.
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Illustrate with examples how regional parties in India have played a crucial role in drawing the historically disadvantaged groups into the mainstream political system.
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Critically assess the role of pressure groups in the decision-making process of the government.
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The decade 1989-1999 has created an epochal shift in the Indian party system at the national level. Identify the major national trends in the party system during this era.
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How far is it correct that the regional parties have strengthened Indian democracy and federal system? Substantiate your answer with suitable examples.
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Electoral behaviour of voters is governed more by the social and economic factors than the political factors. Explain.
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“The Indian party system is shaped by a complex interaction of the country’s federal structure, electoral system and social cleavages.” Explain.
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To what extent has the inadequate intraparty democracy affected the functioning of Indian Democracy?
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The changing socio-economic profile of of legislators does not augur well for the health of Indian democracy. Comment.
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Comment in150 words: Political personalities are more significant than political parties in India.
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Explain the increasing role of regional political parties in the national politics.
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State subvention/funding may be an effective instrument in strengthening electoral democracy in India. Comment.
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India has moved from ‘one-party dominant system’ to ‘one-party led coalition’. Discuss.
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Discuss the pattern of Political Parties from one dominant party system to coalition politics in national politics.
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“Identity politics has trumped development politics in India.” Comment.
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Account for the rise of regional political parties and assess their role in contemporary India.
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Comment in 150 words: Marginalization of the left ideology in India.
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Discuss the nature of reforms of the electoral process in India and explain the further scope for reforms.
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Explain how pressure groups have been influencing public policy-making with suitable illustrations.
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Account for the changes in the socio-economic profile of legislators during last one decade in India.
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Explain to what extent the concept of “oneparty dominance” (W.H. Morris-Jones) model is relevant in Indian politics today.
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Examine the impact of coalition-politics on Indian political system.
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Comment: Trade unions as pressure group in Indian politics.
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Examine the changing pattern of electoral behaviour in India.
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Comment: Upsurge in political participation among the marginalised communities in the Indian General Elections during the last two decades.
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Critically examine and comment: “The principle of collective responsibility, a la the Cabinet system of government, has eroded in the context of the emergence of coalition governments in India.”
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Comment: Implications of the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) on electoral politics.
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Comment: Revision in the Election Code of Conduct.
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In what ways do pressure groups and movements exert influence in politics? In the Indian political context, discuss the implications of such influence being exerted.
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“Political reform must precede and not follow social reforms”. (Tilak). Elucidate.
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Comment: Coalition Governments in India at the Centre since 1998.
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Identify the major pressure-groups in Indian Politics and examine their role in it.
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Indian democracy began with the unique advantages of an efficient civil service and a well-organized political party yet its record is dismal. What are the causes for such poor performance?
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Differentiate a political party from a pressure group. Explain the role of R.S.S. and Bajrang Dal-units of Sangh-Parivar as pressure-groups in the Indian political system.
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Write: “Divisionism” in Indian political parties with special reference to Janta Dal, Congress, CPI and Akali Dal.
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Comment: Politics of terrorism in India.
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Comment: Minority Governments in India.
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Comment: Proportional representation.
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Comment: Politics of terrorism.
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Comment: Personality factor and party system in India.
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‘Tradition is not always incompatible with Modernity’. Comment on the statement with reference to the modernisation trends in Indian policy.
Unit 11
Social Movements
PYQ Solutions
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