Mains Practice Questions

1. That government is best which governs least.

Quotes to Enrich Your Essay:

• “That government is best, which governs least.” Henry David Thoreau
• Minimum Government Maximum Governance: Indian Proverb
• "Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one." Thomas Paine

Theoretical and Philosophical Dimensions:

• Nature of Governance:
  • The phrase “That government is best which governs least” signifies the minimalist approach to governance, where the state ensures basic law and order but refrains from excessive interference in the lives of its citizens.
  • Classical Liberalism: Advocates the idea of a night-watchman state, where the role of government is limited to protecting individual freedoms, property, and ensuring justice.
  • Libertarian Thought: Libertarian Thought advocates for free markets, individual liberty, and minimal state regulation, especially within the framework of New Public Management, which emphasizes efficiency, economy, and effectiveness.
  • Friedrich Hayek, a leading economist, argued that too much state intervention limits individual freedoms, which leads to inefficient markets and economies.
  • Anarchism: Some political schools of thought, such as anarchism, take this idea further, arguing that the state is inherently coercive and unjust, and its role should be reduced or eliminated altogether.
• Indian Philosophy:
  • The Indian Constitution offers a delicate balance between state intervention and individual freedoms with the idea of decentralized government.
  • The concept of "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance" refers to a governance model where the role of the government is limited in terms of intervention, while at the same time ensuring that the government is highly effective in delivering services and fulfilling its responsibilities.
  • Swaraj (Self-Rule): Gandhi’s ideal state was based on the idea of swaraj or self-rule, where power is decentralized and exists at the local level.
    • He envisioned a village republic model where the smallest units of society, governed by their own people.
    • According to Gandhi, true self-rule could only be achieved when people had control over their own lives and local governance, free from the coercive power of a central government.
• Historical and Policy Examples:
  • Swatantra Party (1959-1974): Founded by C. Rajagopalachari, this party advocated economic freedom and limited government intervention in business and the economy.
  • Economic Liberalization (1991): The liberalization reforms under P.V. Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh focused on reducing state control over markets, encouraging private enterprise, and reducing unnecessary bureaucratic controls.
• Contemporary Examples:
  • Environmental Regulations: Debates on climate change regulation showcase the tension between governing for the public good (e.g., environmental protection) and excessive regulatory frameworks that could harm individual freedoms or hinder economic growth.
  • Minimum Government, Maximum Governance; Digital governance (e-governance, Digital India), reducing red tape and ease of doing business, Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) to eliminate middlemen and leakages in welfare delivery.
  • Startup India and MSME Reforms: Simplified compliance, self-certification in labor laws, and tax incentives. Reflects minimal interference to foster entrepreneurship and innovation.
  • Privatization and Disinvestment Policy: Ongoing efforts to reduce the role of the state in non-strategic sectors (e.g., Air India sale, privatization of PSUs). Encourages market competition and efficiency over bureaucracy.

Conclusion

The idea of "That government is best which governs least" underscores the importance of minimal state interference and maximum individual liberty. It suggests that while a government's role in protecting rights and ensuring justice is vital, it should avoid unnecessary control over citizens' lives.

2. A leader is a dealer in hope.

Quotes to Enrich Your Essay:

• "A leader is a dealer in hope." Napoleon Bonaparte
• "Praja sukhe sukham rajyaha prajanam cha hite hitam” (People's happiness should be King's happiness. Welfare of people is King's welfare). Chanakya Niti
• “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Abraham Lincoln

Philosophical and Psychological Dimensions:

• Nature of Leadership: Leadership is not just about authority or decision-making but about inspiring hope, guiding people through adversity, and creating a vision of a better future.
  • A leader instills confidence in people by showing a way forward even in times of uncertainty, thus acting as a “dealer in hope.”
• Psychological Insights: According to Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, self-actualization, or the realization of personal potential, is the ultimate need for individuals.
  • A leader, through hope, empowers individuals to reach their full potential by providing a sense of purpose, motivation, and direction.
• Indian Philosophy: leadership is often associated with the principle of Dharma, acting with righteousness and setting an example through one’s actions.
  • Bhagavad Gita: "Yad yad ācarati śreṣṭhas tat tad evetaro janaḥ, Whatever action is performed by a great man, common men follow. Whatever standards he sets, the world pursues.
    • Shows how a true leader inspires and uplifts others, becoming a beacon of hope through example.
  • Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita demonstrates the significance of hope and action by urging Arjuna to perform his duty despite adversity, emphasizing hope through faith.
  • Shivaji Maharaj: Faced Mughal dominance and political chaos in the Deccan.
    Offered hope to the Marathas and common people by establishing Hindavi Swarajya (self-rule).
    • Created a strong, just, and resilient kingdom by rallying peasants and warriors alike.

Historical and Policy Examples:

• Mahatma Gandhi’s Leadership: Gandhi’s leadership during India’s freedom struggle was marked by his ability to instill hope in the masses, even in the face of adversity.
  • His slogan "Do or Die" during the Quit India Movement exemplified how hope can galvanize people into action.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Oppressed communities faced deep discrimination. He Championed social justice, education, and wrote the Constitution. Gave marginalised communities hope for dignity and equality in a new India.
• Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: A time when India was still emerging in science and global stature.
  • Through his vision of "Developed India 2020", inspired youth to dream big. Became a symbol of hope and progress, especially among students and scientists.
• Winston Churchill: In World War II, Churchill’s speeches inspired the British public, famously declaring, "We shall never surrender." His ability to communicate hope in the darkest times was key to Britain's resilience.

Conclusion

Leadership is as much about instilling faith as it is about making difficult decisions. While authority and control are part of leadership, it is the ability to provide hope, direction, and inspiration that defines truly transformative leadership.