{Paper} Political Science & IR UPSC Mains 2012

Political Science & International Relations Paper - 1

SECTION - A

1. Comment in the following in approximately 150 words each:

• Difference between normative and empirical theories of politics.
• Difference between equality of opportunity and equality of outcome.
• Difference between Liberal and Radical forms of Feminism.
• Hannah Arendt's conception of the 'political.
• Issues of debate in contemporary democratic theory.

Question 2.

(a) What is meant bu 'relative autonomy' of State in Marxist analysis?
(b) Comment on the Marxist and Radical Humanist phases of M.N. Roy's thought.
(c) Examine the multi-cultural perspectives on rights.

Question 3.

(a) 'Locke is an individualist out and out'. Substantiate this statement.
(b) Distinguish between the concepts of legitimacy and hegemony.
(c) Why is 'affirmative action' important in provision of equal opportunity?

Question 4.

(a) Examine the Gandhian idea of village community as an ideal unit of self-governance.
(b) Draw parallels between Arthashastra tradition and the 'Realist' tradition represented by Machiavelli.
(c) Write a note on the Buddhist tradition in Indian political thought.

SECTION - B

Question 5. Comment in the following in approximately 150 words each:

(a) Efficacy of Satygraha as moral resistance colonial rule.
(b) Judicial activism and social change.
(c) Role of National Commission for Women in India
(d) Demands for the creation of new States in India
(e) Doctrine of Basic Structure of the Indian Constitution.

Question 6.

(a) Discuss the extent to which the Indian Constitution reflects successful reconciliation of alternative perspectives.
(b) Examine the relevance of Directive Principles in the era of liberalisation and globalization.

Question 7.

(a) Examine the impact of coalition-politics on Indian political system.

(b) Critically examine Green Revolution as a strategy for sustainable agriculture development.

Question 8.

(a) Examine the efficacy of available mechanisms for resolving inter-State dispute in India.
(c) Discuss the impact of environmentalist movement on government policies in recent years.