All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Political Science & IR 2021 Paper I (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2021Year
Paper IPaper
Topics covered
Political theory concepts (1)Liberalism, behaviouralism and human rights (1)Aristotle, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and political ideology (1)Buddhist traditions, Marx's alienation and deliberative democracy (1)Indian Constitution and national movement (1)Constitutional institutions and democratic decentralization (1)Party system, federalism and social development (1)Election Commission, Supreme Court and caste in politics (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsorycommentPolitical theory concepts
Comment on the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50
(a) Feminist critique of the State
(b) Affirmative action
(c) Equality of outcome as a political idea
(d) Tools of legitimation of the State
(e) J. S. Mill's ideas on women suffrage
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक पर लगभग 150 शब्दों में टिप्पणी कीजिए : 10×5=50
(a) राज्य की नारीवादी आलोचना
(b) स्वीकारात्मक कार्यवाही
(c) राजनीतिक विचार के रूप में परिणाम की समानता
(d) राज्य की वैधता के उपकरण
(e) महिला मताधिकार पर जे एस मिल के विचार
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (d) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (e) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Precise theoretical grounding, named theorists, balanced judgment, specific examples.
50MexamineLiberalism, behaviouralism and human rights
(a) How has Rawls enriched the idea of justice in liberalism? 20
(b) Examine the importance of behavioural approach in political theory. What led to its decline? 15
(c) Can there be universal conception of human rights? Give your arguments. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) रॉल्स ने उदारवाद में न्याय के विचार को कैसे समृद्ध किया है? 20
(b) राजनीतिक सिद्धांत में व्यवहारवादी उपागम के महत्व का परीक्षण कीजिए। इसका पतन कैसे हुआ? 15
(c) क्या मानव अधिकारों की सार्वभौमिक अवधारणा हो सकती है? अपने तर्क दीजिए। 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Precise theoretical engagement with named concepts and balanced critique.
Define Rawls' 'Justice as Fairness' and 'Original Position'
Explain the 'Veil of Ignorance' as a methodological tool
Detail the 'Difference Principle' and 'Liberty Principle'
Contrast Rawls with utilitarianism or classical liberalism
Define the behavioural approach (empirical, scientific method)
Explain its importance: objectivity, value-freedom, quantification
Identify causes of decline: 'post-behavioural' critique, complexity
Mention the shift towards 'post-behaviouralism' (relevance)
Define 'universal conception' of human rights
Present arguments FOR universality (inherent dignity)
50MexplainAristotle, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and political ideology
(a) Explain the Aristotelian view of politics. To what extent do you think it has contributed to the development of modern-day constitutional democracies? 20
(b) "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 modern India. 15
(c) "Political ideology is primarily concerned with the allocation and utilization of power." Comment. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) राजनीति के अरस्तुवादी दृष्टिकोण की व्याख्या कीजिए। आपके विचार में इसने आधुनिक संवैधानिक लोकतंत्रों के विकास में किस सीमा तक योगदान दिया है? 20
(b) "जब एक राष्ट्र कला और शिक्षा विहीन हो जाता है, तब वह निर्धनता को आमंत्रित करता है।" (सर सैयद अहमद खान)। इस कथन के संदर्भ में एक आधुनिक भारत के सुधारक के रूप में सर सैयद अहमद खान की भूमिका का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। 15
(c) "राजनीतिक विचारधारा मुख्यतः सत्ता के आवंटन और उपयोग से संबंधित है।" टिप्पणी कीजिए। 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Precise definitions, strong theoretical engagement, balanced judgment, specific examples.
Define 'Politics' as the 'master science' or 'crown of sciences'
Explain the concept of 'Zoon Politikon' (man as a political animal)
Discuss the classification of constitutions (good vs. bad forms)
Link Aristotelian concepts to modern constitutional features (e.g., rule of law)
Interpret the quote: link 'arts and learning' to modern education
Detail the establishment of the MAO College (later Aligarh Muslim University)
Discuss the 'Aligarh Movement' and its focus on scientific temper
Assess the impact on the socio-economic status of the community
Define 'Political Ideology' and 'Power' in this context
Argue for the statement: Ideologies as tools for power (e.g., Fascism, Communism)
Argue against the statement: Ideologies as moral/ethical frameworks (e.g., Liberalism)
Provide a balanced judgment on the 'primarily' aspect
50MevaluateBuddhist traditions, Marx's alienation and deliberative democracy
(a) Do you think that the Buddhist traditions have lent greater ethical foundation to the ancient Indian political thought? Give your arguments. 20
(b) Marx's concept of 'alienation' is an essential part of the reality in capitalism. Explain. 15
(c) "Free and fair deliberation is key to the foundation of democracy." Explain. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) क्या आपके विचार में बौद्ध परंपराओं ने प्राचीन भारतीय राजनीतिक चिंतन को अधिक नैतिक आधार प्रदान किया है? अपने तर्क दीजिए। 20
(b) मार्क्स के 'अलगाव' की अवधारणा पूंजीवाद की वास्तविकता का एक अनिवार्य भाग है। व्याख्या कीजिए। 15
(c) "स्वतंत्र एवं निष्पक्ष विमर्श लोकतंत्र की नींव की कुंजी है।" व्याख्या कीजिए। 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise theoretical definitions, strong application to the specific context, balanced judgment, and named theorists.
Define 'Dhamma' and 'Dhammaraja' as political concepts
Contrast Buddhist ethics with Vedic or Brahmanical political thought
Reference specific Buddhist texts (e.g., Dhammapada, Jataka)
Present a balanced judgment on the 'greater' claim
Define 'alienation' (Entfremdung) in Marxist terms
Explain the four dimensions of alienation (labour, product, species, others)
Link alienation to the 'reality' of capitalism (wage labour)
Explain why it is 'essential' to the system
Define 'deliberation' in a democratic context
Explain the link between deliberation and 'foundation' (legitimacy)
Discuss 'free' (absence of coercion) and 'fair' (equality) aspects
Explain the role of deliberation in decision-making
50M150wCompulsorycommentIndian Constitution and national movement
Answer the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50
(a) "The Constitution of India is a product of a historical process, rich with constitutional antecedents." Comment.
(b) "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.
(c) Mention the founding principles that define India's Constitution.
(d) Analyze the Marxist perspective of the nature of Indian National Movement.
(e) Underline the significance of the first constitutional amendment.
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक का लगभग 150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए : 10×5=50
(a) "भारत का संविधान एक ऐतिहासिक प्रक्रिया का परिणाम है, जो संवैधानिक पूर्ववृत्तों से समृद्ध है।" टिप्पणी कीजिए।
(b) "संविधान निर्माताओं को भारत में अद्वितीय सामाजिक और सांस्कृतिक विविधता के समक्ष एकसमान राष्ट्रीय अस्मिता को स्थापित करने का असाधारण कार्य करना पड़ा।" टिप्पणी कीजिए।
(c) भारतीय संविधान को परिभाषित करने वाले मूल सिद्धांतों को उल्लिखित कीजिए।
(d) भारतीय राष्ट्रीय आंदोलन की प्रकृति के मार्क्सवादी परिप्रेक्ष्य की विवेचना कीजिए।
(e) प्रथम संवैधानिक संशोधन के महत्व को रेखांकित कीजिए।
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (d) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward | (e) highlight: name the salient points > one line of substance each > close Full marks: Precise application of theory to the specific constitutional context with named examples.
Reference to Government of India Act 1935
Mention of Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms 1919
Influence of the Indian National Movement
Balanced judgment on the 'historical process' claim
Reference to the 'Unity in Diversity' concept
Mention of the Preamble's role in identity
Discussion of secularism as a unifying tool
Balanced judgment on the success of this task
Definition of sovereignty and the Preamble's sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic character
Explanation of the Democratic-Republic structure
Mention of the Rule of Law
Reference to the Preamble as the source of principles
Reference to the 'Bourgeois' character of the movement
Mention of the 'Class Struggle' perspective
Critique of the 'Hindu-Muslim' divide as a tool
Reference to the 'Peasant' and 'Worker' movements
Reference to the 'Agrarian Reforms' (Abolition of Zamindari)
Mention of the new Articles 31A/31B and the curbs on land-reform challenges
50McommentConstitutional institutions and democratic decentralization
(a) "Constitutionally reconciling the Fundamental Rights with the Directive Principles of State Policy has led to frequent amendments of the Constitution and judicial interventions." Comment. 20
(b) The role of the President of India becomes more significant during a minority government and a coalition government. Explain. 15
(c) Do you think that despite having significant limitations the Panchayati Raj Institutions have strengthened the process of democratic decentralization? Give your views. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) "राज्य के नीति-निर्देशक सिद्धांतों के साथ मौलिक अधिकारों के संवैधानिक रूप से सामंजस्य स्थापित करने के लिए संविधान में निरंतर संशोधन और न्यायिक हस्तक्षेप की आवश्यकता पड़ी।" टिप्पणी कीजिए। 20
(b) अल्पमत सरकार और गठबंधन सरकार के समय भारत के राष्ट्रपति की भूमिका अधिक महत्त्वपूर्ण हो जाती है। व्याख्या कीजिए। 15
(c) क्या आपके विचार में महत्त्वपूर्ण सीमाओं के परचात भी पंचायती राज संस्थाओं ने लोकतांत्रिक विकेंद्रीकरण की प्रक्रिया को सुदृढ़ किया है? अपने मत प्रकट कीजिए। 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific examples and a clear, balanced judgment.
Contextualize the inherent tension between FRs and DPSPs
Cite specific constitutional amendments (e.g., 42nd, 44th)
50MexplainParty system, federalism and social development
(a) "The Indian party system is shaped by a complex interaction of the country's federal structure, electoral system and social cleavages." Explain. 20
(b) 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. 15
(c) What explains India's modest improvements in social development outcomes even as the rate of growth has accelerated since the initiation of economic reforms? 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) "भारतीय दलीय व्यवस्था, देश की संघीय संरचना, चुनाव प्रणाली एवं सामाजिक विभेदों की जटिल अंतःक्रिया से निर्मित होती है।" विवेचना कीजिए। 20
(b) क्या आपके विचार में भारत के विभिन्न क्षेत्रों में जिस आधार पर नए राज्यों के निर्माण की माँग उठाई गई है, उसमें अनुक्रमिक परिवर्तन हुआ है? व्याख्या कीजिए। 15
(c) आर्थिक सुधारों की पहल से, विकास दर में गतिवृद्धि होने के परचात भी, भारत के सामाजिक विकास परिणामों में आया औसिक सुधार क्या प्रतिपादित करता है? 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) account for: state the phenomenon > the causes in order of weight > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with strong theoretical framework, specific examples, and clear analysis.
Define the three shaping factors: federal structure, electoral system, social cleavages.
Explain the interaction of these factors in shaping party organization.
Provide specific examples of parties or regions illustrating these interactions.
Offer a balanced judgment on how the three factors interact.
Identify the traditional basis for state creation (e.g., linguistic).
Identify the newer bases (e.g., economic, administrative, identity).
Provide examples of states created on different bases.
Offer a judgment on the nature of this shift.
State the phenomenon: modest social development vs. accelerated growth.
Identify the causes for this disparity (e.g., inequality, policy gaps).
Explain the mechanisms linking economic growth to social outcomes.
Offer a balanced judgment on the relative weight of the factors.
50MexplainElection Commission, Supreme Court and caste in politics
(a) "The success of electoral democracy can partly be attributed to the status and role of the Election Commission of India." Explain. 20
(b) Examine the evolution of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India as a constitutional court. 15
(c) Explain how caste as a social category is also becoming a political category in the democratic politics of India. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) "चुनावी लोकतंत्र की सफलता का श्रेय आंशिक रूप से भारत के चुनाव आयोग की स्थिति और भूमिका को दिया जा सकता है।" व्याख्या कीजिए। 20
(b) एक संवैधानिक न्यायालय के रूप में भारत के सर्वोच्च न्यायालय की अधिकारिता के विकास का परीक्षण कीजिए। 15
(c) व्याख्या कीजिए कि भारत की लोकतांत्रिक राजनीति में कैसे एक सामाजिक कोटि के रूप में जाति भी एक राजनीतिक कोटि में परिवर्तित हो रही है। 15
Answer approach & key points
(a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific examples and theoretical depth.
Define the constitutional status of the Election Commission of India.
Detail the administrative and regulatory powers of the Commission.
Explain the role of the Commission in ensuring free and fair elections.
Connect the Commission's independence to the stability of electoral democracy.
Define the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court under the Constitution.
Explain the appellate jurisdiction in constitutional matters.
Discuss the evolution of the writ jurisdiction (Article 32).
Analyze the role of judicial review in expanding constitutional interpretation.
Define caste as a social category (hierarchy, endogamy).
Explain the process of caste politicization (vote banks, mobilization).
Discuss the role of reservation policies in political mobilization.
Analyze the impact of caste on party formation and electoral outcomes.