Political Science & IR 2022 Paper I 50 marks 150 words Compulsory Write short notes

Paper I — Q1

Write on the following in about 150 words each: (a) Systems Approach (10 marks) (b) Cultural Relativism (10 marks) (c)…

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 प्रश्न 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)

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Directive word: Write short notes

This question asks you to write short notes. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'Write on the following' requires concise yet substantive coverage of five distinct theoretical concepts, allocating approximately 30 words per mark (150 words × 5 parts). Structure each sub-part as: definition (25%), core components/arguments (50%), and critical significance/contemporary relevance (25%). Spend roughly 6-7 minutes per part, ensuring no single concept dominates at the expense of others. Prioritize conceptual clarity over exhaustive detail given the severe word constraint.

Key points expected

(a) Systems Approach: David Easton's input-output-feedback model; structural-functional analysis; criticism by behavioralists for being static/apolitical
(b) Cultural Relativism: Herskovits/Montesquieu lineage; rejection of universal human rights; tension with Article 1 of UDHR; Indian context (personal laws debate)
(c) 'Revolution in Permanence': Trotsky's theory of permanent revolution; contrast with Stalin's 'socialism in one country'; relevance to post-colonial revolutionary movements
(d) Bases of Power: French & Raven's five bases (legitimate, reward, coercive, expert, referent); Weber's three sources; distinction between power and authority
(e) Locke's Social Contract: State of nature as pre-political not pre-social; tacit consent; right to rebellion; limited government; natural rights (life, liberty, property)

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	15%	7.5	Demonstrates precise grasp of 'write short notes' as demanding definitional precision plus analytical bite within 150 words; for (a) distinguishes systems from structural-functionalism; for (c) captures Trotsky's internationalism vs. Stalin; for (e) contrasts Locke with Hobbes/Rousseau explicitly	Provides adequate definitions for each concept but treats directive as mere listing; misses comparative or critical dimensions; conflates similar thinkers (e.g., Locke with Hobbes)	Misinterprets directive as invitation for long essays on selected parts; ignores word limit discipline; fundamentally misunderstands one or more concepts (e.g., confuses 'permanent revolution' with Mao's 'continuous revolution')
Content depth & accuracy	25%	12.5	Accurately names Easton, Herskovits, Trotsky, French & Raven, Locke with correct theoretical attributions; for (b) specifies moral vs. descriptive relativism; for (d) distinguishes power bases from sources of authority; no factual errors across all five parts	Generally accurate but vague on specific theorists (e.g., 'some systems theorist' for Easton); conflates power bases with power resources; minor errors in dating or attribution	Significant factual errors: attributes systems approach to Almond alone without Easton; confuses cultural relativism with moral absolutism; misrepresents Locke's state of nature as 'nasty, brutish, short'; garbled understanding of Trotsky
Structure & flow	20%	10	Each 150-word segment follows identical tripartite micro-structure: concept identification → elaboration of mechanism → critical significance; clear visual separation between (a)-(e); no overlap or repetition across parts; disciplined word economy	Uneven structure across parts—some well-organized, others rambling; occasional repetition of definitional elements; word count imbalances (some parts 100 words, others 200)	No discernible structure within or across parts; single continuous prose without sub-part labelling; severe imbalance (one part 300+ words, others neglected); illegible handwriting compounds structural failure
Examples / case-law / data	20%	10	For (b) cites Shah Bano case or Goa's uniform civil code as cultural relativism tension; for (d) applies power bases to Indian bureaucracy/politics; for (e) references 44th Amendment's property right deletion showing Lockean limits; contemporary illustrations where theory permits	Generic examples only (e.g., 'in India' without specificity); misses opportunity to connect (b) to human rights debates or (d) to coalition politics; no case-law references	No examples whatsoever; or irrelevant/invented examples (e.g., citing 'Gandhi's support for permanent revolution'); anachronistic applications (Locke influencing Indian Constitution's emergency provisions)
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	10	Each sub-part closes with 1-2 sentences of critical evaluation: for (a) notes post-behavioral critique; for (b) balances relativism against constitutional morality (Kesavananda); for (c) assesses relevance to 21st century revolutionary movements; demonstrates independent political judgment	Descriptive conclusions merely summarizing what was stated; no genuine critical engagement; or critical comment confined to only 2-3 parts while others end abruptly	No conclusion in any part; or entirely misdirected critique (criticizing Locke for supporting absolute monarchy); concludes with empty rhetoric ('thus these concepts are important')

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