Paper II — Q1
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (a) What are the crucial functions of empirical political theory in…
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (a) What are the crucial functions of empirical political theory in Comparative Politics ? 10 (b) What are the difficulties faced by a political theorist in comparing the States ? 10 (c) How does democratic politics construct citizenship ? 10 (d) What is the structure and functions of International Court of Justice ? 10 (e) Discuss the structure and functions of UN Security Council. 10
हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए : (a) तुलनात्मक राजनीति में अनुभवजन्य राजनीतिक सिद्धांत के कौन-से महत्वपूर्ण कार्य हैं ? 10 (b) एक राजनीतिक सिद्धांतकार को राज्यों की तुलना करने में किन कठिनाइयों का सामना करना पड़ता है ? 10 (c) लोकतांत्रिक राजनीति नागरिकता का निर्माण कैसे करती है ? 10 (d) अंतर्राष्ट्रीय न्यायालय की संरचना और कार्य क्या हैं ? 10 (e) संयुक्त राष्ट्र सुरक्षा परिषद की संरचना एवं कार्यों की विवेचना कीजिए । 10
Directive word: Discuss
This question asks you to discuss. 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 'discuss' requires balanced exposition and critical engagement across all five sub-parts. Allocate approximately 30 words (20% time) per sub-part given equal 10-mark weighting, ensuring each part receives substantive treatment. Structure as five compact paragraphs: for (a) define empirical theory and its functions; for (b) identify methodological and conceptual difficulties; for (c) explain the construction process; for (d) outline ICJ structure and functions; for (e) discuss UNSC structure and functions. No elaborate introduction or conclusion needed; maximize content density within word limits.
Key points expected
- (a) Empirical political theory: functions include hypothesis testing, theory-building, causal inference, and bridging normative theory with observable political behaviour; mention behavioural revolution (Easton, Almond)
- (b) Difficulties in comparing states: conceptual stretching (Sartori), level-of-analysis problem, cultural relativism, data comparability, and selection bias in case studies
- (c) Democratic citizenship construction: through constitutional provisions, electoral participation, civil society engagement, rights-based discourse, and inclusive institutions (Marshall's citizenship typology)
- (d) ICJ structure: 15 judges elected by UNGA and UNSC, 9-year terms, representation of principal legal systems; functions: contentious jurisdiction (states only), advisory opinions, enforcement dependent on UNSC
- (e) UNSC structure: 5 permanent members with veto, 10 non-permanent members, presidency rotates monthly; functions: maintenance of international peace and security, peacekeeping mandates, sanctions, use of force under Chapter VII
Evaluation rubric
| Dimension | Weight | Max marks | Excellent | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demand-directive understanding | 20% | 10 | Correctly interprets 'discuss' for (e) while adapting to 'what' for (a), (b), (d) and 'how' for (c); provides analytical depth where required and descriptive precision where demanded; maintains appropriate balance between exposition and critical engagement across all five parts | Treats all sub-parts uniformly without adjusting to directive variations; either over-analyses descriptive parts or under-analyses (e); some confusion between empirical and normative theory in (a) | Misinterprets directives (e.g., evaluates where description needed); conflates distinct sub-parts; fails to recognize that (a)-(d) require primarily descriptive-explanatory responses while (e) invites critical discussion |
| Content depth & accuracy | 20% | 10 | Demonstrates precise knowledge: for (a) cites behaviouralists and post-behavioural critique; for (b) names Sartori's conceptual stretching; for (c) references Marshall's civil-political-social rights; for (d) specifies Article 93-96 of UN Charter; for (e) details veto power under Article 27 | Covers all sub-parts with generally accurate but generic content; mentions key terms without elaboration; conflates ICJ jurisdiction with ICC or confuses UNSC functions with UNGA; misses specific articles or theorists | Significant factual errors (e.g., states ICJ has criminal jurisdiction, claims UNSC has 15 permanent members, confuses empirical with normative theory); omits entire sub-parts or provides irrelevant content |
| Structure & flow | 20% | 10 | Clear demarcation of five sub-parts with explicit labelling (a)-(e); each part self-contained with logical internal structure; smooth transitions between parts; maintains approximately equal length per part; no wasted words on elaborate framing | Labels present but some parts disproportionately long or short; (e) may be underdeveloped due to time pressure; internal organization within parts inconsistent; some repetition across sub-parts | Unlabelled or mislabelled parts; severe imbalance (e.g., 100 words on (a), 10 words on (e)); rambling structure with no clear part boundaries; illegible or disorganized presentation |
| Examples / case-law / data | 20% | 10 | For (a): cites Easton's systems theory or Almond's structural-functionalism; for (b): mentions India's federal comparison challenges; for (c): references Indian constitutional citizenship (Articles 5-11); for (d): names specific cases (Nicaragua v. USA, Kulbhushan Jadhav); for (e): cites specific resolutions (Resolution 1373 post-9/11) or peacekeeping missions | Generic or imprecise examples; mentions 'various peacekeeping missions' without naming any; refers to 'important ICJ cases' without specificity; Indian examples absent where relevant | No examples, case-law, or data provided; factually incorrect examples (e.g., citing ICJ criminal trials); irrelevant examples that do not illustrate the specific point |
| Conclusion & analytical edge | 20% | 10 | Brief but incisive concluding observation for (e) on UNSC reform necessity; for other parts, ends with synthetic insight (e.g., empirical theory's limitations for (a), way forward for comparative methods for (b), challenges to inclusive citizenship for (c), ICJ's legitimacy crisis for (d)); demonstrates awareness of contemporary relevance | Mechanical summaries or no conclusion for individual parts; generic statements about 'need for reform' without specificity; fails to connect historical institutions to contemporary challenges | No concluding element in any part; ends mid-argument; introduces entirely new information in final lines; conclusion contradicts body content |
Practice this exact question
Write your answer, then get a detailed evaluation from our AI trained on UPSC's answer-writing standards. Free first evaluation — no signup needed to start.
Evaluate my answer →More from Political Science & IR 2023 Paper II
- Q1 Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (a) What are the crucial function…
- Q2 (a) Discuss the relevance of the normative ethos of the Non-Aligned Movement in magnifyin…
- Q3 (a) "During the Cold War, the Non-Aligned Movement tried to become a 'Third force' in Wor…
- Q4 (a) Critically examine the impact of Globalisation on the developing countries of the wor…