Saturday, 28 February 2026

 

PSIR PAPER I – 50 PYQ STRUCTURED ANSWER BANK

PART 3 (Questions 11–15)


PYQ 11

Examine Hobbes’ concept of Sovereignty.

🔹 Introduction

Thomas Hobbes, in Leviathan, argued for absolute sovereignty as necessary to prevent chaos in the state of nature.

🔹 Core Argument

  • State of nature: war of all against all.
  • Social contract establishes sovereign.
  • Absolute and indivisible authority.

🔹 Criticism

  • Justifies authoritarianism.
  • Ignores individual rights safeguards.

🔹 Conclusion

Hobbes prioritizes security over liberty, shaping modern debates on state authority.


PYQ 12

Discuss Locke’s theory of Limited Government.

🔹 Introduction

John Locke defended natural rights and constitutional government.

🔹 Core Argument

  • Natural rights: life, liberty, property.
  • Government by consent.
  • Right to rebellion.

🔹 Significance

Foundation of liberal constitutionalism and modern democracy.

🔹 Conclusion

Locke balances authority with rights protection.


PYQ 13

Analyze Hegel’s idea of the Ethical State.

🔹 Introduction

Hegel viewed the state as the highest realization of ethical life (Sittlichkeit).

🔹 Core Argument

  • Dialectical progression.
  • State as embodiment of universal interest.
  • Reconciliation of individual and collective freedom.

🔹 Critique

  • May justify state supremacy.
  • Influenced both liberal and authoritarian interpretations.

🔹 Conclusion

Hegel integrates morality and politics within state authority.


PYQ 14

Evaluate the Feminist critique of Social Contract theory.

🔹 Introduction

Feminist theorists argue that classical social contract theory excludes women.

🔹 Core Argument

  • Carole Pateman: “Sexual Contract.”
  • Public-private divide marginalizes women.
  • Contract theory assumes male citizen.

🔹 Significance

Highlights gendered foundations of political authority.

🔹 Conclusion

Feminism expands democratic theory beyond male-centric assumptions.


PYQ 15

Discuss Weber’s concept of Authority.

🔹 Introduction

Max Weber classified authority into traditional, charismatic, and legal-rational types.

🔹 Core Types

  • Traditional authority
  • Charismatic authority
  • Legal-rational authority

🔹 Relevance

Modern bureaucratic states operate on legal-rational authority.

🔹 Conclusion

Weber’s typology explains legitimacy and institutional stability.


Shaktimatha Learning – PSIR Structured PYQ Answer Bank

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