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PSIR PAPER I – 50 PYQ STRUCTURED ANSWER BANK

PART 8 (Questions 36–40)

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PYQ 36

Discuss the concept of Sovereignty in the age of Globalization.

🔹 Introduction

Sovereignty traditionally implies supreme authority within a territory. Globalization challenges this classical notion.

🔹 Classical View

• Absolute and indivisible (Bodin, Hobbes).
• Westphalian state system.

🔹 Contemporary Challenges

• International institutions.
• Economic interdependence.
• Human rights regimes.

🔹 Conclusion

Sovereignty today is transformed from absolute to shared and negotiated authority.

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PYQ 37

Examine the relevance of Social Contract theory in modern democracy.

🔹 Introduction

Social contract theory justifies political authority through consent.

🔹 Modern Relevance

• Constitutionalism.
• Democratic legitimacy.
• Rights protection.

🔹 Criticism

• Hypothetical consent.
• Exclusion of marginalized groups historically.

🔹 Conclusion

Despite critiques, contract theory underpins modern constitutional democracy.

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PYQ 38

Analyze the idea of Civil Society in political theory.

🔹 Introduction

Civil society refers to the sphere between state and market where voluntary associations operate.

🔹 Theoretical Perspectives

• Hegel: Ethical mediation.
• Gramsci: Site of ideological struggle.
• Habermas: Public sphere.

🔹 Significance

Strengthens democracy through participation and accountability.

🔹 Conclusion

Civil society is central to democratic consolidation.

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PYQ 39

Is Postmodernism a threat to normative political theory?

🔹 Introduction

Postmodernism challenges universal truths and foundational norms.

🔹 Arguments Supporting the Threat

• Relativism.
• Rejection of grand narratives.

🔹 Counter-Argument

• Encourages plurality and critical reflection.

🔹 Conclusion

Postmodernism critiques but also revitalizes normative theory.

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PYQ 40

Discuss the idea of Justice in contemporary political thought.

🔹 Introduction

Justice remains the central organizing principle of political theory.

🔹 Major Perspectives

• Rawls: Justice as fairness.
• Nozick: Entitlement theory.
• Marx: Class justice.
• Feminism: Care and structural justice.

🔹 Contemporary Concerns

• Global justice.
• Gender justice.
• Environmental justice.

🔹 Conclusion

Justice debates shape modern political institutions and moral frameworks.

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Shaktimatha Learning – PSIR Structured PYQ Answer Bank