The paper on Governance & Public Policies is optional in the CSS competitive examination 2025. Here, you will find the CSS Governance & Public Policies past Paper 2025. I will also provide a summary of the paper, in which you will analyze what topics were given and how difficult they were. This lets you better understand the concept of paper and prepare well for future examinations.
CSS Governance & Public Policies Past Paper 2025
Q1. Mark Bevir examines the concept of “Legitimacy of Administrative State” which arises from the assumptions that governments make about “the people”.
a) What are the threats to the legitimacy of government in modern democracies? Explain these only through the concept of “Biopolitics”.
b) How do you visualize the situation in Pakistan from the perspective of the author?
Q2. a) Describe the evolution and rationale of the discipline of Public Policy, notwithstanding the existence of the disciplines of Political Science and Public Administration. Mention any two of its initial philosophers with their contributions to this discipline.
b) Keeping in view of your understanding above, when and how did it impact public policy-making in Pakistan?
Q3. There has been a growth of judicialization of politics and reliance on the judiciary for dealing with mega-politics globally as well as in Pakistan. What have been the judiciary-specific amendments in the constitution from 1973 to the most recent? Describe how the same undermined/strengthened the judicial organ?
Q4. a) How does economics provide various models of governance as described in the book “Governance”?
b) Which model better explains the present governance landscape of Pakistan?
Q5. Classical theories of Bureaucracies view bureaucrats as neutral and apolitical which has been challenged by modern theorists especially those from the “rationality project”
a) What are the characteristics of the classical theories of bureaucracies? Briefly tabulate the same with their respective philosophers.
b) How do rational theorists, especially from economics, challenge some of the characteristics of classical theories of bureaucracies?
Q6. a) Explain the tenets of Good Governance in Islam and relate these with the Western theories of Governance.
b) How can the education policy in Pakistan be brought in consonance with the tenets of Good Governance in Islam?
Q7. Explain any two of the following in the context of Governance and Public Policies.
- narrative policy framework
- structuralism in Marxist theories
- Any lesson(s) from Kerala (India) that could be usefully adopted in your union council
Critical Analysis of the Paper
The paper is a well-organized analysis of governance, legitimacy, bureaucracy, judicial reforms, and policy-making with an emphasis on Pakistan. Yet, although the questions seek a critical analysis, some may be sharpened for deeper analysis. Here is a brief analysis of major themes.
Legitimacy & Biopolitics
The legitimacy question via biopolitics is pertinent but may be more complex. Contemporary democracies experience legitimacy crises as a result of state surveillance, health policies, and economic regulations managing populations. State legitimacy in Pakistan is challenged because of state-controlled narratives, media censorship, and economic instability, where policies tend to focus on security at the expense of citizens’ well-being. A more empirical case-study-based approach would make the analysis more robust.
Evolution of Public Policy & Pakistan’s Policy Environment
Public Policy was developed as a distinct discipline to offer an applied, problem-solving model, distinct from Political Science and Public Administration. The works of Harold Lasswell (policy sciences) and Woodrow Wilson (politics-administration dichotomy) are correctly emphasized. Policy-making in Pakistan is still reactionary, and highly political, as political instability dictates policy-making. Though certain institutional reforms (such as the Planning Commission) had effects, applications in real life are not effective due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and political meddling.
Judicialization of Politics & Constitutional Amendments
The increasing role of the judiciary in politics is a worldwide trend, and Pakistan is no exception. The 8th, 18th, and 21st Amendments had far-reaching implications:
- The 8th Amendment concentrated executive power.
- The 18th Amendment enhanced judicial independence but gave rise to jurisdictional disputes.
- The 21st Amendment established military courts, which encroached on the judiciary.
The question needs to encourage consideration of whether judicial activism has benefited or hurt governance, not just present a list of amendments.
Economic Models of Governance & Pakistan’s Reality
Economic theories provide governance models like Market Governance (neoliberalism), Hierarchical Governance (state-controlled), and Network Governance (collaborative governance). Pakistan’s highly centralized, bureaucratic system is most aligned with Hierarchical Governance, but its inefficiency and political instability prevent reforms. A comparison with effective governance models (e.g., Malaysia) would enhance policy debate.
Classical vs. Rational Theories of Bureaucracy
Traditional bureaucratic theories (Weber, Taylor, Mayo) stress hierarchy, rules, and efficiency. Rational choice theorists, like William Niskanen (Public Choice Theory), questioned bureaucratic neutrality, proposing that bureaucrats advance their self-interest instead of the public interest. The question appropriately identifies the controversy but can insist on a *policy-based critique* of bureaucracy in Pakistan, where the inefficiency of bureaucracy is a fundamental problem.
Islamic Good Governance & Education Policy
Islamic governance prioritizes justice, accountability, and welfare, which is in line with Western participatory governance models. Pakistan’s education policy is not transparent, equitable, and accountable, which is not in line with Islamic values. Reform must give priority to inclusive access, ethical curricula, and accountability in funding allocation to be in line with good governance principles.
Narrative Policy, Structuralism, & Lessons from Kerala
- Narrative Policy Framework: Political and media discourses determine governance. In Pakistan, political and media discourses of security, economy, and corruption dictate policy changes.
- Structuralism in Marxist Theories: Emphasizes class struggles in governance, which can be applied to Pakistan’s elite capture of institutions.
- Kerala Model: Emphasizes grassroots democracy, literacy, and human development, with lessons for Pakistan’s local governance and community initiatives.
Final Thoughts
The paper adequately addresses governance, bureaucracy, judiciary, and policy-making, but certain aspects require more empirical evidence and case studies. Questions should be more analytical, especially in judiciary and economic governance. Comparative governance analysis (Pakistan vs. other democracies) would be made stronger by critical evaluation.
View the CSS Governance & Public Policies past paper 2025
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