Paper I — Q1
Write approximately 150 words on each one of the following : 10×5=50 (a) Behavioural approach to Political Science (b)…
Write approximately 150 words on each one of the following : 10×5=50 (a) Behavioural approach to Political Science (b) Pluralist theory of State (c) Locke's views on Revolution (d) Decline of Liberalism (e) Linkage between Power and Hegemony
हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक पर लगभग 150 शब्द लिखिए : 10×5=50 (a) राजनीति-विज्ञान का व्यवहारवादी उपागम (b) राज्य का बहुलवादी सिद्धान्त (c) क्रान्ति पर लॉक के विचार (d) उदारवाद का पतन (e) शक्ति तथा आधिपत्य के बीच संबंध
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 short notes' demands concise, information-dense responses of ~150 words per sub-part without elaborate introductions. Allocate approximately 3 minutes per sub-part (15 minutes total), devoting 20-25 words to defining the core concept, 100-110 words to elaborating key features/critiques/linkages, and 15-20 words to a crisp evaluative conclusion. Maintain strict word discipline across all five parts to ensure none remains incomplete.
Key points expected
- (a) Behavioural approach: Post-WWII shift from normative to empirical study; key figures (Easton, Dahl, Almond); methods (quantitative, survey, systems analysis); 'behaviouralism revolution'; critique by traditionalists (Strauss, Voegelin)
- (b) Pluralist theory: State as neutral arbiter among competing groups; Dahl's polyarchy; dispersal of power across multiple centers; critique by elitists (Mills, Domhoff) and Marxists; relevance to Indian coalition politics
- (c) Locke's revolution: Right to revolution when government violates trust; property and consent as basis; distinction from Hobbes; limited resistance vs. absolute overthrow; influence on American/French revolutions
- (d) Decline of Liberalism: Economic crisis (1929), rise of fascism/communism, welfare state emergence; Keynesian challenge to laissez-faire; contemporary revival (neoliberalism) and persistent critique
- (e) Power-Hegemony linkage: Power as capability/resource; hegemony as consensual leadership (Gramsci) or structural dominance (realists); Gramsci's distinction between domination and hegemony; US hegemony post-Cold War as illustration
Evaluation rubric
| Dimension | Weight | Max marks | Excellent | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demand-directive understanding | 15% | 7.5 | Demonstrates precise grasp of 'short notes' format—each part opens with crisp definition, develops exactly 2-3 analytical dimensions, and closes with evaluative punch within 150 words; no part drifts into essay-style narration | Generally understands brevity requirement but some parts exceed word limit or under-develop; occasional definitional vagueness in 1-2 sub-parts | Misinterprets format as mini-essay with elaborate introductions; severe imbalance across parts; multiple sub-parts incomplete or missing |
| Content depth & accuracy | 30% | 15 | For (a): correctly identifies behaviouralism's scientific aspirations and post-behavioural critique; for (b): distinguishes classical pluralism from neo-pluralism; for (c): accurately captures Locke's conditional right to revolution; for (d): traces decline and partial revival; for (e): distinguishes Gramscian from realist hegemony—no factual errors | Covers main concepts adequately but conflates key distinctions (e.g., behaviouralism vs. behaviourism, hegemony vs. empire); minor chronological errors in (d); Locke's limitations underdeveloped | Fundamental conceptual confusion—treats behaviouralism as purely psychological; conflates pluralism with federalism; misrepresents Locke as justifying any rebellion; presents hegemony as mere synonym for power |
| Structure & flow | 20% | 10 | Each sub-part follows identical micro-structure: concept-definition → 2-3 elaborative points → critical evaluation; clear visual separation between (a)-(e); seamless logical progression within severe word constraint | Generally organized but inconsistent internal structure across parts; some parts lack evaluative closure; transitions between points occasionally abrupt | Disorganized heap of facts without definitional anchors; poor demarcation between sub-parts; stream-of-consciousness writing with no logical sequencing |
| Examples / case-law / data | 20% | 10 | For (a): cites Easton's 'political system' framework; for (b): references Indian experience of coalition politics or CSDS survey data; for (c): mentions 1688 Glorious Revolution or American Declaration; for (d): references 2008 crisis impact on neoliberalism; for (e): illustrates with US cultural hegemony or China's economic hegemony | Provides 2-3 relevant examples across five parts but misses Indian context; generic illustrations without specificity (e.g., 'some countries' for hegemony) | Virtually example-free or uses inappropriate illustrations; confuses historical periods; no contemporary application |
| Conclusion & analytical edge | 15% | 7.5 | Each part ends with critical insight—(a) notes behaviouralism's lasting methodological legacy despite decline; (b) assesses pluralism's diminished explanatory power for corporate dominance; (c) evaluates Locke's relevance to contemporary resistance movements; (d) acknowledges liberalism's adaptive resilience; (e) synthesizes power-hegemony as continuum | Descriptive closures without critical evaluation; some parts lack conclusion entirely; generic summative statements ('thus we see') | Abrupt termination without conclusion; or repetitive restatement of introduction; no evidence of independent analytical engagement |
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