PYQ Vault · Paper 1 · Power, Authority & Legitimacy

Comment on the Tools of legitimation of the State.

How the answer moves

The flow snapshot — the routes in, the body, the counter-view and the routes out.

Flow snapshot — how the answer moves
Intro routes
R1 Legitimacy transforms naked power into rightful authority → obedience from duty, not fear R2 Rousseau: turn strength into right, obedience into duty → state needs definite tools
Body flow
Legitimation = securing popular allegiance ~. internal tools: law & order + peace.. rights + free press.. participation + inclusive state-building → services + welfare → constitutionalism + public accountability as checks → external tool: mutual recognition → distinct political entity → indicators: taxes, national symbols, voting, acceptance → Lipset (Political Man): a condition for stable democracy
Counter-view
Tools not foolproof → Habermas: crisis tendencies when capitalist economy & democratic demands pull apart
Conclusion routes
R1 Tools = bridge converting power into willing obedience R2 Legitimacy must be earned and renewed, not assumed

Model answer

Handwritten, in the form it would be written in the examination hall.

Handwritten model answer — UPSC PSIR 2021, Power, Authority & Legitimacy