As the name suggests, the book is specifically written for students preparing to take the civil services exam on political science. It provides comprehensive coverage of topics relevant to the main, as well as, the state civil services examinations. The book would also be found useful for those interested in an introductory text on political theory.
The book begins with an introduction to political theory, discussing the various approaches, debates, and trends in its context. It familiarizes the students with fundamental issues to politics such as justice, equality, human rights, and democracy. It then enters into a detailed discussion on various aspects of Indian and western political thought, focusing mainly on key thinkers in these areas. Thereafter, the foundations and framework of the Indian political system are discussed. Topics in this section include the Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles and Fundamental Duties, Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, Federalism, and the Party System in India.
After such extensive examination of the nation's political framework, the book takes up the international scenario relevant to the country's politics. Key international bodies and associations such as the United Nations, WTO, EU, ASEAN, and SAARC are introduced. India's international relations are discussed in relation to its immediate neighbours, South Asia, and the global centres of powers- USA, EU, Japan, China, and Russia. Significant recent developments in India's foreign policy are taken up at the end.
