PSIR PAPER I – 50 PYQ STRUCTURED ANSWER BANK
PART 2 (Questions 6–10)
PYQ 6
Discuss the Marxist theory of the State.
🔹 Introduction
Marx viewed the state as an instrument of class domination arising from material conditions of production.
🔹 Core Argument
- State reflects economic base.
- Instrument of bourgeois domination.
- Maintains capitalist exploitation.
- Will “wither away” after class abolition.
🔹 Neo-Marxist Extension
Gramsci emphasized ideological hegemony alongside coercion.
🔹 Criticism
- Overly economic determinism.
- Modern state shows welfare characteristics.
🔹 Conclusion
Marxist theory remains a powerful critique of structural inequality and power concentration.
PYQ 7
Examine Rousseau’s concept of General Will.
🔹 Introduction
Rousseau’s General Will represents collective moral will aimed at common good.
🔹 Core Argument
- Distinction between Will of All and General Will.
- Popular sovereignty.
- Direct democracy ideal.
🔹 Critique
- Risk of majoritarian tyranny.
- Ambiguity in defining “common good.”
🔹 Conclusion
Rousseau’s theory inspires participatory democracy but requires safeguards.
PYQ 8
Discuss Bentham’s Utilitarianism.
🔹 Introduction
Bentham proposed that policies should maximize “greatest happiness of the greatest number.”
🔹 Core Argument
- Hedonic calculus.
- Quantitative pleasure assessment.
- Reform-oriented philosophy.
🔹 Criticism
- Ignores minority rights.
- Reduces morality to pleasure.
🔹 Conclusion
Bentham laid foundations for modern welfare policy and cost-benefit reasoning.
PYQ 9
Explain Mill’s concept of Liberty.
🔹 Introduction
J.S. Mill defended individual liberty against state and social tyranny.
🔹 Core Argument
- Harm principle.
- Individual autonomy.
- Protection of minority opinion.
🔹 Relevance
Important in debates on free speech and civil liberties.
🔹 Conclusion
Mill provides a liberal defense of freedom essential for democratic vitality.
PYQ 10
Is democracy merely a procedural mechanism?
🔹 Introduction
Procedural democracy emphasizes elections and majority rule.
🔹 Core Debate
- Schumpeter: Competitive elitism model.
- Participatory democracy: Citizen engagement.
- Deliberative democracy: Rational discourse (Habermas).
🔹 Evaluation
Democracy extends beyond procedure to include rights, participation and accountability.
🔹 Conclusion
Procedures are necessary but insufficient for substantive democracy.
Shaktimatha Learning – PSIR Structured PYQ Answer Bank
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