UPSC Mains 2018 Political Science and International Relations Paper I

Section A

1. 1

   Comment on the following in about 150 words each:

   50marks
   1. 1(a)

      John Stuart Mill is a 'reluctant democrat'. – C. L. Wayper

      10marks
   2. 1(b)

      Decline of Political Theory

      10marks
   3. 1(c)

      Distributive Justice

      10marks
   4. 1(d)

      Substantive Democracy

      10marks
   5. 1(e)

      "Nothing against the State, nothing over it, nothing beyond it." – Mussolini

      10marks
2. 2

   Question 2

   50marks
   1. 2(a)

      Critically examine the neo-liberal theory of State.

      20marks
   2. 2(b)

      Analyse John Rawls justification of discrimination to achieve the goals of Justice.

      15marks
   3. 2(c)

      Equality means fair treatment rather than equal treatment. Comment.

      15marks
3. 3

   Question 3

   50marks
   1. 3(a)

      What do you understand by three generations of Human Rights?

      20marks
   2. 3(b)

      Critically examine Macpherson's views on Democracy.

      15marks
   3. 3(c)

      Explain the relationship between power, authority and legitimacy.

      15marks
4. 4

   Question 4

   50marks
   1. 4(a)

      John Locke is the father of liberalism. Explain.

      20marks
   2. 4(b)

      Discuss Ambedkar's ideas on 'annihilation of caste'.

      15marks
   3. 4(c)

      Critically examine Machiavelli's views on religion and politics.

      15marks

Section B

1. 5

   Comment on the following in about 150 words each:

   50marks
   1. 5(a)

      Revolt of 1857 is a 'Sepoy Mutiny' or 'First War of Independence'.

      10marks
   2. 5(b)

      Indian Constitution is a 'Lawyers' Paradise'. – Ivor Jennings

      10marks
   3. 5(c)

      New Panchayat Raj is an effective instrument for women empowerment.

      10marks
   4. 5(d)

      Implementation of GST and NEET is a major challenge to Indian federalism.

      10marks
   5. 5(e)

      Political personalities are more significant than political parties in India.

      10marks
2. 6

   Question 6

   50marks
   1. 6(a)

      Whether judicial activism has undermined or strengthened Parliamentary Democracy in India? Discuss.

      20marks
   2. 6(b)

      Do the Lieutenant Governors have more powers than the Governors of the States? Explain.

      15marks
   3. 6(c)

      Critically examine the ethnic conflicts in North-East India.

      15marks
3. 7

   Question 7

   50marks
   1. 7(a)

      Examine the provisions of Panchayat Extension Services Act (PESA), 1996.

      20marks
   2. 7(b)

      Analyse the arguments in favour and against the lateral entry into higher civil services in India.

      15marks
   3. 7(c)

      Discuss asymmetrical federalism in India.

      15marks
4. 8

   Question 8

   50marks
   1. 8(a)

      Examine the various causes of agrarian crisis in India.

      20marks
   2. 8(b)

      Explain the increasing role of regional political parties in the national politics.

      15marks
   3. 8(c)

      Critically analyse the environmentalist movement in Tuticorin, Tamilnadu.

      15marks

Typed by UPSC Gurus from the official UPSC question paper. Spotted an error? Tell us on WhatsApp at 81220 02172.