Political Science Mains 2012: Paper 1

SECTION – A

Sub questions (150 words each)
Difference between normative and empirical theories of politics.
Difference between equality of opportunity and equality of outcome.
Difference between Liberal and Radical forms of Feminism.
Hannah Arendt’s conception of the ‘political.
Issues of debate in contemporary democratic theory.
Sub questions
What is meant bu ‘relative autonomy’ of State in Marxist analysis?
Comment on the Marxist and Radical Humanist phases of M.N.

Roy’s thought.
Examine the multi-cultural perspectives on rights.
Sub questions
‘Locke is an individualist out and out’. Substantiate this statement.
Distinguish between the concepts of legitimacy and hegemony.
Why is ‘affirmative action’ important in provision of equal

opportunity?
Sub questions
Examine the Gandhian idea of village community as an ideal unit of

self-governance.
Draw parallels between Arthashastra tradition and the ‘Realist’

tradition represented by Machiavelli.
Write a note on the Buddhist tradition in Indian political thought.

SECTION – B

Sub Questions: 150 words each:

Efficacy of Satygraha as moral resistance colonial rule.
Judicial activism and social change.
Role of National Commission for Women in India
Demands for the creation of new States in India
Doctrine of Basic Structure of the Indian Constitution.

7. sub questions

Discuss the extent to which the Indian Constitution reflects successful

reconciliation of alternative perspectives.
Examine the relevance of Directive Principles in the era of

liberalisation and globalization.

8. sub questions

Examine the impact of coalition-politics on Indian political system.
Critically examine Green Revolution as a strategy for sustainable

agriculture development.

9. sub questions

Examine the efficacy of available mechanisms for resolving inter-State

dispute in India.
Discuss the impact of environmentalist movement on government

policies in recent years.