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PSIR PAPER I – 50 PYQ STRUCTURED ANSWER BANK

PART 7 (Questions 31–35)

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PYQ 31

Critically examine the concept of Political Obligation.

🔹 Introduction

Political obligation refers to the moral duty of citizens to obey the state.

🔹 Major Theories

• Consent theory (Locke).
• Fair play theory.
• Utilitarian justification.
• Anarchist critique.

🔹 Evaluation

Obligation depends on legitimacy and justice of authority.

🔹 Conclusion

Political obligation is conditional, not absolute.

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PYQ 32

Discuss the relationship between Power and Legitimacy.

🔹 Introduction

Power becomes stable when it is perceived as legitimate.

🔹 Theoretical Insights

• Weber’s typology of authority.
• Gramsci’s consent-based hegemony.
• Habermas’ communicative legitimacy.

🔹 Analysis

Coercive power without legitimacy breeds instability.

🔹 Conclusion

Legitimacy transforms power into authority.

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PYQ 33

Is Equality compatible with Liberty?

🔹 Introduction

The liberty-equality tension is central to political philosophy.

🔹 Classical Liberal View

• Liberty prioritized.
• Equality of opportunity.

🔹 Socialist View

• Economic equality enhances real liberty.

🔹 Rawlsian Synthesis

• Liberty principle with difference principle.

🔹 Conclusion

Balanced constitutional design can harmonize both.

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PYQ 34

Examine the concept of Secularism in political theory.

🔹 Introduction

Secularism separates religious authority from political authority.

🔹 Western Model

• Strict separation (France).

🔹 Indian Model

• Principled distance.
• Equal respect for all religions.

🔹 Debate

Balancing neutrality with religious freedom remains challenging.

🔹 Conclusion

Secularism safeguards plural democracy.

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PYQ 35

Discuss Conservatism as a political ideology.

🔹 Introduction

Conservatism emphasizes tradition, order and gradual change.

🔹 Core Thinkers

• Edmund Burke.
• Michael Oakeshott.

🔹 Key Features

• Skepticism of radical reform.
• Value of institutions and customs.

🔹 Conclusion

Conservatism defends continuity in rapidly changing societies.

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Shaktimatha Learning – PSIR Structured PYQ Answer Bank