PSIR PAPER I – 50 PYQ STRUCTURED ANSWER BANK
PART 1 (Questions 1–5)
PYQ 1
“Political theory is not mere speculation but a guide to political action.” Discuss.
🔹 Introduction
Political theory studies concepts such as justice, liberty, equality and power. Though abstract in form, it deeply influences institutions, constitutions and public policy.
🔹 Core Argument
- Plato’s ideal state shaped governance philosophy.
- Marx inspired revolutionary movements worldwide.
- Rawls influenced welfare-state frameworks.
- Feminist theory reshaped gender justice laws.
Thus, political theory informs constitutional design and normative direction of governance.
🔹 Critique
- Excessive abstraction may detach from reality.
- Ideological misuse may justify authoritarianism.
🔹 Conclusion
Political theory is both analytical and normative — guiding reform and challenging unjust power structures.
PYQ 2
Distinguish between Positive and Negative Liberty.
🔹 Introduction
Isaiah Berlin classified liberty into negative (freedom from interference) and positive (freedom to realize one’s potential).
🔹 Core Distinction
| Negative Liberty | Positive Liberty |
|---|---|
| Freedom from interference | Freedom to achieve self-realization |
| Limited state | Enabling state |
| Locke, Mill | Rousseau, T.H. Green |
🔹 Critique
Excessive positive liberty may justify paternalism and state overreach.
🔹 Conclusion
Modern democracies balance both forms to ensure meaningful freedom.
PYQ 3
Is Equality compatible with Liberty?
🔹 Introduction
Liberty and equality are foundational democratic values but often appear in tension within distributive debates.
🔹 Core Debate
- Rawls: Inequality allowed if benefiting least advantaged.
- Nozick: Redistribution violates liberty.
- Marx: True liberty requires material equality.
🔹 Critique
Absolute equality may reduce incentives; absolute liberty may produce structural inequality.
🔹 Conclusion
A regulated balance between liberty and equality sustains modern welfare democracies.
PYQ 4
Examine Gramsci’s concept of Hegemony.
🔹 Introduction
Antonio Gramsci conceptualized hegemony as dominance achieved through consent rather than coercion.
🔹 Core Argument
- Civil society shapes ideology.
- Cultural institutions normalize ruling-class values.
- State combines coercion and consent.
🔹 Contemporary Relevance
Media narratives, digital algorithms, and corporate culture shape public consciousness.
🔹 Conclusion
Hegemony explains subtle and cultural dimensions of modern political power.
PYQ 5
Discuss Rawls’ Difference Principle.
🔹 Introduction
Rawls’ Difference Principle argues that social and economic inequalities are justified only if they benefit the least advantaged.
🔹 Core Argument
- Original Position and Veil of Ignorance
- Equal Basic Liberties
- Redistribution for fairness
🔹 Criticism
- Nozick: Violates entitlement rights.
- Communitarians: Overly individualistic.
🔹 Conclusion
Rawls provides a moral foundation for welfare democracy and distributive justice.
Shaktimatha Learning – PSIR Structured PYQ Answer Bank
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