PSIR Paper 1 2021 with Solutions

In this article, all questions of PSIR Optional Paper 1 are answered. Click on the question links to view tha answers.

This article is part of Synopsis IAS Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) Optional Course.

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PSIR Paper 1 UPSC 2021 - Question Paper with Solutions 

Click on the links for the solutions

SECTION-A

1. Comment on the following in about 150 words each:

PSIR 1a Feminist critique of the State. UPSC 2021, 10 Marks

PSIR 1b Affirmative action. UPSC 2021, 10 Marks

PSIR 1c Equality of outcome as a political idea. UPSC 2021, 10 Marks

PSIR 1d Tools of legitimation of the State. UPSC 2021, 10 Marks

PSIR 1e J. S. Mill's ideas on women suffrage. UPSC 2021, 10 Marks


PSIR 2a How has Rawls enriched the idea of justice in liberalism? UPSC 2021, 20 Marks

PSIR 2b Examine the importance of behavioural approach in political theory. What led to its decline? UPSC 2021, 15 Marks

PSIR 2c Can there be universal conception of human rights? Give your arguments. UPSC 2021, 15 Marks


PSIR 3a Explain the Aristotelian view of politics. To what extent do you think it has contributed to the development of modern-day constitutional democracies? UPSC 2021, 20 Marks

PSIR 3b "When a nation becomes devoid of arts and learning, it invites poverty." (Sir Syed Ahmad Khan). In the light of this statement, assess the role of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan as a reformer in modern India. UPSC 2021, 15 Marks

PSIR 3c Political ideology is primarily concerned with the allocation and utilization of power." Comment. UPSC 2021, 15 Marks


PSIR 4a Do you think that the Buddhist traditions have lent greater ethical foundation to the ancient Indian political thought? Give your arguments. UPSC 2021, 20 Marks

PSIR 4b Marx's concept of 'alienation' is an essential part of the reality in capitalism. Explain. UPSC 2021, 15 Marks

PSIR 4c "Free and fair deliberation is key to the foundation of democracy." Explain. UPSC 2021, 15 Marks

SECTON-B

5. Answer the following in about 150 words each:

PSIR 5a "The Constitution of India is a product of a historical process, rich with constitutional antecedents." Comment. UPSC 2021, 10 Marks

PSIR 5b "The Constitution makers faced the great task of forging a common national identity in the face of unparalleled social and cultural diversity in India." Comment. UPSC 2021, 10 Marks

PSIR 5c Mention the founding principles that define India's Constitution. UPSC 2021, 10 Marks

PSIR 5d Analyze the Marxist perspective of the nature of Indian National Movement. UPSC 2021, 10 Marks

PSIR 5e Underline the significance of the first constitutional amendment. UPSC 2021, 10 Marks


PSIR 6a "Constitutionally reconciling the Fundamental Rights with the Directive Principles of State Policy has led to frequent amendments of the Constitution and judicial interventions." Comment. UPSC 2021, 20 Marks

PSIR 6b The role of the President of India becomes more significant during a minority government and a coalition government. Explain. UPSC 2021, 15 Marks

PSIR 6c Do you think that despite having significant limitations the Panchayati Raj Institutions have strengthened the process of democratic decentralization? Give your views. UPSC 2021, 15 Marks


PSIR 7a "The Indian party system is shaped by a complex interaction of the country's federal structure, electoral system and social cleavages." Explain. UPSC 2021, 20 Marks

PSIR 7b Do you think that there has been a gradual shift in the basis on which the demands for the creation of new States have been raised in different regions of India? Explain. UPSC 2021, 15 Marks

PSIR 7c What explains India's modest improvements in social development outcomes even as the rate of growth has accelerated since the initiation of economic reforms? UPSC 2021, 15 Marks


PSIR 8a "The success of electoral democracy can partly be attributed to the status and role of the Election Commission of India." Explain. UPSC 2021, 20 Marks

PSIR 8b Examine the evolution of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India as a constitutional court. UPSC 2021, 15 Marks

PSIR 8c Explain how caste as a social category is also becoming a political category in the democratic politics of India. UPSC 2021, 15 Marks