Political Theory: Meaning and Approaches (PSIR PYQs)
| Year | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Write on the following in about 150 words: Resurgence of political theory. (10 marks) | View answer |
| 2025 | Explain the Philosophical approach to the study of Political theory. | View answer |
| 2025 | Provide a comparative analysis of behavioural and institutional approach to the study of Political theory. | View answer |
| 2024 | Write approximately 150 words on Behavioural approach to Political Science. | View answer |
| 2024 | Elucidate the meanings inherent in the term ‘political’ with appropriate illustrations. | View answer |
| 2023 | ‘Credo of Relevance’ in post behavioralism advocates the importance of action science. Analyze. | View answer |
| 2023 | Comment on decline of political theory. | View answer |
| 2023 | Comment on normative approach in political science. | View answer |
| 2022 | Write on the Systems Approach. | View answer |
| 2021 | Examine the importance of behavioural approach in political theory. What led to its decline? | View answer |
| 2020 | Discuss the significance of normative approach to Political theory. | View answer |
| 2019 | Comment: Resurgence of the political theory (150 words) | View answer |
| 2018 | Comment in 150 words: Decline of Political Theory. | View answer |
| 2016 | Comment: The Post-Behavioural Approach. | View answer |
| 2015 | Discuss David Easton's model of systems analysis. | View answer |
| 2014 | Comment in 150 words: " … Political theory is not an escape mechanism but an arduous calling." John Plamanetz) | View answer |
| 2012 | Comment on difference between normative and empirical theories of politics. (150 words) | View answer |
| 2011 | Examine the significance of the behavioural revolution in politics. | View answer |
| 2009 | Comment: "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). | View answer |
| 2008 | Explain the changing analytical perspectives in the development of political theory. | View answer |
| 2002 | Examine the arguments in 'the Normative vs. Empirical debate' in the study of political theory. | View answer |
| 2001 | Comment: Relevance of contextualist approach to the study of political theory. | View answer |
| 2000 | "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? | View answer |
| 1999 | "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. | View answer |
| 1999 | 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? | View answer |
| 1998 | 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. | View answer |
| 1997 | Discuss the importance of the Systems Theory in modern political analysis. | View answer |
| 1996 | Discuss the basic assumptions of behaviouralism. In what way post behaviouralism differs from behavioural theory? | View answer |
| 1995 | Examine the fact-value dichotomy in political science. To what extent has post behaviouralism resolved the conflict in the dichotomy? | View answer |
| 1995 | Examine the place of 'obligation' in political theory. | View answer |
| 1994 | What is the nature of the crisis in political theory? Suggest remedies to overcome it. | View answer |
| 1993 | Estimate the utility of the systems theory in social sciences. | View answer |
| 1992 | Examine the limitations of Behaviouralism as an approach to the study of politits. | View answer |
| 1991 | 'Political Science is a master-science, "architectonic" in its character, from which all other practical sciences take their cue' (Ernest Barker). Discuss. | View answer |
| 1991 | Discuss the Normative and Behavioural Approaches to the study of political science and examine the limitations of Behavioural Approach. | View answer |
Syllabus unit: Political Theory: Meaning and Approaches
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 |
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