PolSci Prep 2025

Model Answer:

John Rawls’ theory of justice, presented in his work “A Theory of Justice” (1971), is one of the most influential contemporary approaches to justice. Rawls proposes a theory of “justice as fairness” that seeks to distribute society’s benefits and burdens in a way that is fair to all.

Key elements of Rawls’ theory:

• The Original Position: A hypothetical scenario where individuals choose principles of justice from behind a “veil of ignorance” – without knowing their future position in society.
• Two Principles of Justice:
  1. Equal Basic Liberties: Each person has an equal right to the most extensive basic liberties compatible with similar liberties for others.
  2. Difference Principle: Social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are both:
     • To the greatest benefit of the least advantaged members of society
     • Attached to offices and positions open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity
• Lexical Priority: The first principle has priority over the second, meaning basic liberties cannot be sacrificed for economic gains.

Rawls’ theory represents a significant departure from utilitarianism by prioritizing individual rights and focusing on the position of the least advantaged. His work has profoundly influenced contemporary political philosophy and discussions about distributive justice, equality, and the role of the state.

Model Answer:

Indian political thought represents a rich tradition that combines ancient philosophical systems with modern political ideologies. The contributions of Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar represent two distinct but profoundly influential streams within this tradition.

Mahatma Gandhi’s Political Thought:

• Swaraj: Emphasized self-rule at both individual and collective levels
• Satyagraha: Non-violent resistance as a means of political action
• Trusteeship: Economic theory where wealthy people act as trustees of their wealth for society’s benefit
• Gram Swaraj: Vision of self-sufficient village republics as the foundation of Indian democracy
• Sarvodaya: Concept of welfare for all, not just majority rule

B.R. Ambedkar’s Political Thought:

• Social Democracy: Emphasized social reform as prerequisite for political democracy
• Constitutional Morality: Stressed the importance of following constitutional principles beyond mere legal compliance
• Annihilation of Caste: Called for complete destruction of caste system as essential for true democracy
• Rights-Based Approach: Focused on fundamental rights and safeguards for marginalized communities
• State Socialism: Advocated for state ownership of key industries with constitutional safeguards

While both leaders fought for India’s freedom and social justice, their approaches differed significantly. Gandhi emphasized moral transformation and decentralized governance, while Ambedkar focused on legal-institutional frameworks and rights-based approaches to achieve social equality.

Model Answer:

The basic structure doctrine is a judicial principle that the Constitution of India has certain basic features that cannot be altered or destroyed through amendments by Parliament. This doctrine represents one of the most significant contributions of the Indian judiciary to constitutional law worldwide.

Evolution of the Basic Structure Doctrine:

• Shankari Prasad Case (1951): Court held that Parliament could amend any part of the Constitution including Fundamental Rights
• Sajjan Singh Case (1965): Similar position reaffirmed
• Golaknath Case (1967): Court reversed its position, holding that Parliament could not amend Fundamental Rights
• Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): Landmark case where the Supreme Court propounded the basic structure doctrine – Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution but cannot alter its “basic structure”
• Indira Gandhi vs Raj Narain (1975): Basic structure doctrine reaffirmed and applied
• Minerva Mills Case (1980): Clarified that judicial review is part of basic structure

Elements of Basic Structure (as identified in various cases):

• Supremacy of the Constitution
• Republican and democratic form of government
• Secular character of the Constitution
• Separation of powers between legislature, executive and judiciary
• Federal character of the Constitution
• Unity and integrity of the nation
• Welfare state and social justice
• Judicial review
• Freedom and dignity of the individual
• Parliamentary system
• Rule of law
• Harmony between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles

The basic structure doctrine has served as a crucial check on the amending power of Parliament, ensuring that the fundamental ideals of the Constitution are preserved while allowing for necessary changes and adaptations.

Model Answer:

India’s party system has undergone significant transformation since independence, moving through distinct phases that reflect the changing social and political landscape of the country.

Phases of India’s Party System:

1. One-Party Dominance System (1947-1967)

• Congress party as the dominant force under Nehru’s leadership
• “Congress System” characterized by internal factionalism accommodating diverse interests
• Opposition parties existed but couldn’t challenge Congress hegemony
• Ideological consensus around socialism, secularism, and democracy

2. Era of Congress Decline (1967-1989)

• First significant non-Congress governments in states after 1967 elections
• Emergency period (1975-77) and formation of first non-Congress government at center (1977-79)
• Congress returned to power but with reduced dominance
• Rise of regional parties and identity politics

3. Coalition Era (1989-present)

• End of Congress dominance after 1989 elections
• Era of minority governments and coalition politics begins
• United Front governments (1996-98)
• BJP-led NDA coalition (1998-2004)
• Congress-led UPA coalition (2004-2014)
• Return of BJP with majority (2014) but continuing coalition dynamics

Factors Driving This Transformation:

• Social mobilization of backward classes, Dalits, and tribal communities
• Rise of identity politics and regional aspirations
• Economic liberalization and changing social structure
• Decline of consensus politics and rise of ideological polarization
• Electoral reforms and anti-incumbency factors

The transformation from one-party dominance to coalition politics represents the maturation of Indian democracy, reflecting its diversity and providing greater representation to various social groups. However, it has also brought challenges of stability, governance, and policy consistency.