IAS Mains Political Science 2005
Paper I

Time Allowed: Three Hours Maximum Marks: 300

Candidates should attempt Questions 1 and 5 which are compulsory, and any THREE of the remaining questions selecting at least ONE question from each Section.
Section-A

Comment on any three of the following in about 200 words each: 20 × 3 60

The State is Individual Writ Large (Plato).

Of those (officers) the ways of embezzlement are forty (Kautilya).

The discovery of Sovereign in a federal state is an impossible adventure (Laski).

The sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively, in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number is self protection S Mill).

Do you agree with the view that liberal theories are based on atomism, whereas communitarians have a social thesis? Present your line of argument. 60

Democratic theory presupposes self-determination, human rights and social justice. Discuss this with particular reference to M K Gandhi. 60

The root of politics, according to Marx, does not lie in the state; it lies in the social conditions underlying this institution, that is, in the material conditions of life as reflected through the mode of production. Comment. 60

Section-B

Comment on any three of the following in about 200 words each: 20 × 3 60

Views of Jaya Prakash Narayan on Total Revolution

Fundamental Duties under Article 51A of the Constitution of India.

Coalition Governments in India at the Centre since 1998

Role of Gram Sabha under the Constitution (Seventy third-Amendment) Act, 1992

Explain the federal scheme under the Government of India Act, 1935. Why could this scheme not be implemented? 60

Do you agree with the view that Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy Constitute the Core and Conscience of the Indian Constitution? Comment on the emerging trends in their interrelationship. 60

Make an assessment of the composition, functioning and the role of the Election Commission of India in the conduct of free and fair elections. 60