All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Political Science & IR 2022 Paper I (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2022Year
Paper IPaper
Topics covered
Political theory concepts and approaches (1)Neo-liberalism, equality, and democratic theory (1)Liberal state, human rights, and Hobbes' political philosophy (1)Theories of social justice, Gram Swaraj, and entitlement theory (1)Indian political history, constitution, and environmental movements (1)Electoral behaviour, basic structure doctrine, and Inter-State Council (1)73rd Amendment, Speaker's role, and Finance Commission (1)North-East ethnicity, constitutional making, and regional parties (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsorywrite short notesPolitical theory concepts and approaches
Write on the following in about 150 words each:
(a) Systems Approach (10 marks)
(b) Cultural Relativism (10 marks)
(c) "Revolution in Permanence" (10 marks)
(d) Bases of Power (10 marks)
(e) Locke's Social Contract (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक पर लगभग 150 शब्दों में लिखिए :
(a) व्यवस्था उपागम (10 अंक)
(b) सांस्कृतिक सापेक्षवाद (10 अंक)
(c) "स्थायी रूप से क्रांति" (10 अंक)
(d) शक्ति के आधार (10 अंक)
(e) लॉक का सामाजिक अनुबंध (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (b) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (c) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (d) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (e) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance Full marks: Precise definitions, named theorists, clear distinctions, and relevant examples for each part.
Define system as open/closed with inputs/outputs
Mention key theorists (David Easton’s input-output model, Almond and Powell)
Explain feedback mechanism and homeostasis
Note application to political institutions
Define cultural relativism (Boas, Herskovits context)
Distinguish from ethical relativism
Explain its role in comparative politics
Note the critique of universalism
Trace the phrase to Marx and Engels’s 1850 Address to the Communist League
Explain Trotsky’s permanent revolution: proletariat-led fusion of democratic and socialist tasks
International dimension: the revolution cannot survive in one country
Contrast with Stalin’s Socialism in One Country
List key bases (coercive, reward, legitimate, expert, referent)
50MdiscussNeo-liberalism, equality, and democratic theory
(a) Factors like community, culture and nation weaken the hegemony of neo-liberalism today. Discuss. (20 marks)
(b) "Equality of estates caused equality of power, and equality of power is liberty." Comment. (15 marks)
(c) Elitist theory of democracy denies the possibility of democracy as 'rule of the people'. Elucidate. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) वर्तमान में नव-उदारवाद के आधिपत्य को समुदाय, संस्कृति तथा राष्ट्र जैसे कारक कमजोर करते हैं। विवेचना कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) "संपत्ति की समानता शक्ति की समानता का कारण है तथा शक्ति की समानता स्वतंत्रता है।" टिप्पणी कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) लोकतंत्र का अभिजन सिद्धांत 'लोगों के शासन' के रूप में लोकतंत्र की संभावना को नकारता है। स्पष्ट कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Deep theoretical engagement with named thinkers; clear logical flow; strong critical analysis.
Define neo-liberal hegemony (market primacy, state retreat).
Explain community as a site of resistance (e.g., commons, localism).
Explain culture as a critique of commodification (e.g., identity politics).
Explain nation as a barrier to global capital (e.g., protectionism).
Identify the source: James Harrington, The Commonwealth of Oceana (1656), English republicanism
Explain equality of estates (balance of property, especially land)
Analyze the link: how removing hierarchy leads to power balance.
Evaluate the claim: is power equality sufficient for liberty?
Define Elitist Theory (Mosca, Pareto, Schumpeter).
Explain the 'iron law of oligarchy' or 'minority rule'.
Critique the 'competence' argument (people are too ignorant).
Contrast 'rule of the people' with 'rule by the people' (Schumpeter).
50MexamineLiberal state, human rights, and Hobbes' political philosophy
(a) Examine the liberal theory of State in contemporary politics. (20 marks)
(b) Human Rights are complex and contested social practice that organises relations between individuals, society and the State. Comment. (15 marks)
(c) Individualism is inherent in Hobbes' absolutist ideology. Comment. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) समकालीन राजनीति में राज्य के उदारवादी सिद्धांत का परीक्षण कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) मानवाधिकार जटिल और विवादित सामाजिक प्रथा है जो व्यक्तियों, समाज और राज्य के बीच संबंधों को सुव्यवस्थित करता है। टिप्पणी कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) हॉब्स की सर्वाधिकारवादी विचारधारा में व्यक्तिवाद अंतर्निहित है। टिप्पणी कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Deep theoretical engagement with specific contemporary examples and critical analysis.
Define core tenets of liberal state theory
Identify key theorists (e.g., Locke, Mill, Rawls)
Link theory to contemporary political mechanisms
Provide reasoned evidence of application or failure
Define human rights as a social practice
Analyze the relationship between individual and society
Analyze the relationship between society and the State
Present arguments for and against the 'contested' nature
50McommentTheories of social justice, Gram Swaraj, and entitlement theory
(a) 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. (20 marks)
(b) "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 the context of Gram Swaraj. (15 marks)
(c) Examine the entitlement theory of justice. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) डॉ० अम्बेडकर के सामाजिक न्याय की अवधारणा 'समतावादी न्याय' की ओर ले जाती है, इसकी तुलना में रॉल्स के 'निष्पक्षता के रूप में न्याय (जस्टिस एज़ फेयरनेस)' का उद्देश्य 'शुद्ध प्रक्रियात्मक न्याय' है। टिप्पणी कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) "ग्राम सभा के साथ पंचायतें इस प्रकार संगठित हों कि कृषि तथा औद्योगिक क्षेत्रों में विकास के लिए स्थानीय स्तर पर उपलब्ध संसाधनों की पहचान कर सकें।" ग्राम स्वराज के संदर्भ में इस कथन का परीक्षण कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) न्याय के पात्रता सिद्धांत का परीक्षण कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Precise theoretical definitions, clear comparative logic, and specific references to theorists/concepts.
Define Ambedkar's 'social justice' as substantive equality
Define Rawls' 'justice as fairness' and 'pure procedural justice'
Contrast 'end-state' vs 'process-based' justice
Provide a reasoned judgment on the comparison
Define 'Gram Swaraj' as local self-governance
Explain the mechanism of resource identification by Gram Sabhas
Link to agricultural and industrial development
Assess the practicality of local resource mobilization
Identify the theorist (Nozick) and the theory's origin
Explain the 'entitlement' principle (justice in holdings)
Contrast with 'patterned' or 'end-state' principles
50M150wCompulsoryanalyseIndian political history, constitution, and environmental movements
Answer the following in about 150 words each:
(a) Analyse the workers' movement in India in the pre-Independence period. (10 marks)
(b) The Preamble of the Indian Constitution reflects itself as a 'social contract'. Elucidate. (10 marks)
(c) Legislative Council is a house without any effective powers. Comment. (10 marks)
(d) 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. (10 marks)
(e) High concentration of economic activities and consumption patterns in post-liberalisation period has led to the failure of environmental movements in India. Elucidate. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए :
(a) स्वतंत्रता-पूर्व काल में भारत में श्रमिक आंदोलन का विश्लेषण कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(b) भारतीय संविधान की उद्देशिका अपने में 'सामाजिक समझौते' को दर्शाती है। व्याख्या कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(c) विधान परिषद बिना प्रभावशाली शक्तियों वाला सदन है। टिप्पणी कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(d) राष्ट्रीय पिछड़ा वर्ग आयोग कितनी सशक्त संस्था है? प्रभावशाली समुदायों में पिछड़ेपन की बढ़ती मांग के संदर्भ में इसकी भूमिका का आकलन कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(e) उत्तर-उदारीकरण काल में उपभोग पद्धतियों और आर्थिक गतिविधियों के प्रति उच्च समर्पण ने भारत में पर्यावरणीय आंदोलनों को असफलता की ओर प्रसारित किया है। व्याख्या कीजिए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (d) evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment | (e) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Demonstrates deep conceptual understanding, applies theory to specific Indian context, and offers a nuanced, well-argued judgment.
50MexplainElectoral behaviour, basic structure doctrine, and Inter-State Council
(a) Electoral behaviour of voters is governed more by the social and economic factors than the political factors. Explain. (20 marks)
(b) The Doctrine of Basic Structure of the Constitution has enhanced the power of judicial review of the Supreme Court. Examine. (15 marks)
(c) Discuss the composition and functions of the Inter-State Council. To what extent has this body been successful in achieving its objectives? (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) मतदाताओं का मतदान व्यवहार राजनीतिक कारकों की तुलना में सामाजिक एवं आर्थिक कारकों से ज्यादा प्रभावित होता है। स्पष्ट कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) संविधान के आधारभूत ढांचे के सिद्धांत ने उच्चतम न्यायालय की न्यायिक पुनर्विलोकन की शक्ति को विस्तारित किया है। परीक्षण कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) अन्तर-राज्य परिषद् के गठन तथा कार्यों का वर्णन कीजिए। यह संस्था कहाँ तक अपने उद्देश्यों को प्राप्त करने में सफल हुई है? (15 अंक)
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) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific examples and theoretical depth.
Define electoral behaviour and its determinants
Identify key social factors (caste, religion, gender)
50Mexamine73rd Amendment, Speaker's role, and Finance Commission
(a) 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? (20 marks)
(b) The Speaker represents the freedom and dignity of the House. Examine. (15 marks)
(c) Discuss the policy initiatives of the Fourteenth Finance Commission aimed towards promoting and strengthening agricultural development in India. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) 73वें संवैधानिक संशोधन की मुख्य विशेषताओं का परीक्षण कीजिए। क्या आप मानते हैं कि यह संशोधन समाज के वंचित वर्गों के सशक्तिकरण के उद्देश्य को प्राप्त करने में सहायक होगा? (20 अंक)
(b) स्पीकर सदन की स्वतंत्रता और गरिमा का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है। परीक्षण कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) भारत में कृषि विकास को बढ़ावा देने और मजबूत करने के उद्देश्य से चौदहवें वित्त आयोग के अन्तर्गत नीतिगत पहलों की विवेचना कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive analysis with specific examples, clear reasoning, and critical evaluation.
Identify unique features of 73rd Amendment (e.g., 11th Schedule, reservation).
Explain how these features contribute to empowerment of marginalized sections.
Provide evidence or examples of empowerment (e.g., Panchayati Raj institutions).
Conclude with a reasoned judgment on the Amendment's effectiveness.
Define the role of the Speaker in maintaining order and decorum.
Explain the Speaker's role in protecting members' freedom of speech.
Discuss the Speaker's impartiality and independence.
Conclude with the significance of the Speaker's role in parliamentary democracy.
50McommentNorth-East ethnicity, constitutional making, and regional parties
(a) Ethnicity is the underlying cause which poses a great challenge in the resolution of the problems in the North-East region of India. Comment. (20 marks)
(b) The making of the Indian Constitution is described as an attempt towards 'social revolution'. Comment. (15 marks)
(c) How far is it correct that the regional parties have strengthened Indian democracy and federal system? Substantiate your answer with suitable examples. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) नृजातियता एक अन्तर्निहित कारण है जिसने भारत के उत्तर-पूर्व क्षेत्र में समस्याओं के समाधान में एक बड़ी चुनौती पेश की है। टिप्पणी कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) भारतीय संविधान के निर्माण को 'सामाजिक क्रांति' की ओर एक प्रयास के परिप्रेक्ष्य में वर्णित किया जाता है। टिप्पणी कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) यह कहना कहाँ तक सही है कि क्षेत्रीय दलों ने भारतीय लोकतंत्र तथा संघीय व्यवस्था को मजबूत किया है? उपयुक्त उदाहरणों के साथ अपने उत्तर की पुष्टि कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
(a) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific examples and a clear, balanced judgment.
Define ethnicity and its role in NE politics
Cite specific ethnic conflicts (e.g., Naga, Mizo, Bodo)