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PSIR PAPER I – 50 PYQ STRUCTURED ANSWER BANK

PART 9 (Questions 41–45)

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PYQ 41

Critically analyze the concept of Nation and Nationalism.

🔹 Introduction

Nation refers to a culturally unified community, while nationalism is the political assertion of that identity.

🔹 Theoretical Perspectives

• Primordialism.
• Modernism (Anderson: Imagined Communities).
• Ethno-symbolism.

🔹 Contemporary Issues

• Civic vs Ethnic nationalism.
• Globalization and identity politics.

🔹 Conclusion

Nationalism remains a powerful force shaping modern political orders.

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PYQ 42

Discuss the Marxist critique of Liberal Democracy.

🔹 Introduction

Marxists view liberal democracy as a façade masking capitalist domination.

🔹 Core Critique

• Formal equality hides economic inequality.
• State serves bourgeois interests.
• Ideological control through civil society.

🔹 Counter-Argument

• Liberal democracy enables reform and welfare expansion.

🔹 Conclusion

The debate reveals tensions between political rights and economic justice.

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PYQ 43

Examine the idea of Authority in modern bureaucratic states.

🔹 Introduction

Modern states rely on legal-rational authority.

🔹 Weberian Framework

• Rule-bound administration.
• Impersonality.
• Hierarchy.

🔹 Contemporary Concerns

• Bureaucratic rigidity.
• Technocracy vs democracy debate.

🔹 Conclusion

Authority ensures stability but must remain accountable.

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PYQ 44

Analyze the relationship between Rights and Duties.

🔹 Introduction

Rights imply corresponding duties within a political community.

🔹 Theoretical Debate

• Liberal emphasis on rights.
• Communitarian emphasis on duties.
• Constitutional balance.

🔹 Contemporary Relevance

• Fundamental duties debates.
• Civic responsibility in democracy.

🔹 Conclusion

Rights and duties are mutually reinforcing pillars of democracy.

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PYQ 45

Is Feminism transforming political theory?

🔹 Introduction

Feminism challenges male-centric assumptions in political philosophy.

🔹 Transformative Contributions

• Public-private critique.
• Care ethics.
• Intersectionality.

🔹 Evaluation

Feminism reshapes concepts of justice, equality and citizenship.

🔹 Conclusion

It broadens political theory to include gendered experiences and structures.

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Shaktimatha Learning – PSIR Structured PYQ Answer Bank