Which one of the following political theories advocates the withering away of the state and ushering in a new society in which there will be no state and no classes ?

1. The Concept of the State and its Elements (basic)

To understand democratic theory, we must first master the concept of the State. In political science, a State is not merely a geographic area or a synonym for 'government'; it is a specific political organization that holds supreme authority over a defined territory. While we often use the terms interchangeably in daily life, the State is the permanent entity, while the government is merely the agency or machinery through which the will of the State is formulated and expressed Democratic Politics-II, Political Science-Class X, Federalism, p.28. For an entity to be recognized as a State, it must possess four essential elements: Population, Territory, Government, and, most importantly, Sovereignty.

Sovereignty is often called the 'soul' of the State. It represents the absolute power to make laws and take decisions without external interference. This distinguishes a 'State' in the international sense (like India) from 'states' in a federal sense (like Rajasthan or Tamil Nadu). While regional units in India have their own legislative powers Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity, Municipalities, p.407, they are not 'Sovereign' because they operate within the framework of the Indian Constitution. External sovereignty means the State is independent of foreign control, while internal sovereignty means it has the final word over all individuals and associations within its borders.

Different political ideologies view the State through various lenses. Liberals generally view the State as a neutral arbiter that protects individual rights and maintains order Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.), Chapter 2: Freedom, p.23. In contrast, Marxist theory views the State as a coercive instrument used by the dominant class to control others, famously predicting that in a truly classless society, the State would eventually 'wither away.' Understanding these foundations helps us appreciate why modern democracies focus so heavily on the 'Rule of Law' to check the State's immense power.

Feature	The State	The Government
Nature	An abstract concept/entity.	The concrete organization/machinery.
Permanence	Relatively permanent and unchanging.	Temporary; changes through elections or transitions.
Membership	Includes all citizens living in the territory.	Consists only of the officials and representatives.

Sources: Democratic Politics-II, Political Science-Class X, Federalism, p.28; Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.), Chapter 2: Freedom, p.23; Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity, Municipalities, p.407

2. Liberalism: From Minimal State to Welfare State (intermediate)

At its heart, Liberalism is a political philosophy that places the individual at the center of the universe. Unlike other ideologies that might prioritize the nation, the church, or the community, liberals believe that social structures like the family or society only have value if they serve the needs and choices of individuals Political Theory, Freedom, p.23. Historically, this idea emerged as a challenge to absolute monarchy and clerical privileges, advocating for government by consent and equality before the law India and the Contemporary World – II, The Rise of Nationalism in Europe, p.9. However, liberalism is not a static concept; it has evolved significantly from its 'classical' roots to its 'modern' welfare form.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Classical Liberalism championed the idea of the Minimal State (or the 'Night Watchman State'). Proponents of this view, such as the later Swatantra Party in India, argued for laissez-faire—a system where the government stays out of the economy, focusing only on protecting private property and maintaining law and order A Brief History of Modern India, Developments under Nehru’s Leadership (1947-64), p.643. This version of liberalism tends to privilege individual rights over demands for social justice, assuming that a free market will naturally lead to the best outcomes for all Indian Constitution at Work, THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION, p.226.

As the industrial revolution led to deep social inequalities, Modern Liberalism emerged, shifting the focus toward the Welfare State. Modern liberals realized that true freedom is impossible if a person is crushed by poverty or lack of education. Therefore, they argued that the state should take a proactive role in providing social security, health, and education. While classical liberalism focused on negative liberty (freedom from interference), the welfare state focuses on positive liberty (the capacity to act and achieve one's potential).

Feature	Classical Liberalism (Minimal State)	Modern Liberalism (Welfare State)
State Role	'Night Watchman' (Law & Order only)	Social provider (Education, Health, Safety nets)
Economy	Laissez-faire (Free market)	Regulated market to ensure fairness
Priority	Individual property rights	Social justice and individual well-being

Sources: Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.), Chapter 2: Freedom, p.23; India and the Contemporary World – II, History-Class X (NCERT 2025 ed.), The Rise of Nationalism in Europe, p.9; A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.), Developments under Nehru’s Leadership (1947-64), p.643; Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.), THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION, p.226

3. Socialism: Evolutionary vs. Revolutionary (intermediate)

To understand socialism, we must first look at the 'how'—the method by which a society moves from inequality to equity. This creates a fundamental divide between Evolutionary and Revolutionary paths. Early thinkers, like Charles Fourier, were known as Utopian Socialists; they didn't want a violent uprising but hoped to build 'model communities' where people worked cooperatively History, Class XII (Tamilnadu state board), Europe in Turmoil, p.178. They believed in the inherent goodness of human nature and thought harmony could be achieved through persuasion and example History, Class XII (Tamilnadu state board), Europe in Turmoil, p.179.

In contrast, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels introduced Scientific Socialism (Marxism). They argued that history is a series of class struggles and that the state is not a neutral referee, but a coercive instrument used by the dominant class to keep others down Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT), Freedom, p. 23. Because the powerful would never give up control voluntarily, Marxists believe a Revolutionary upheaval is necessary to seize the means of production History, Class XII (Tamilnadu state board), Europe in Turmoil, p.180. A unique feature of this theory is the 'withering away of the state'—the idea that once class distinctions vanish, the state loses its purpose and eventually disappears Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu, Directive Principles of State Policy, p. 177.

Evolutionary Socialism, which includes Fabian Socialism and Democratic Socialism, takes a different route. Instead of overthrowing the state, these thinkers believe in using democratic institutions—like parliaments and elections—to bring about gradual, 'piecemeal' change. They view the state as a tool that can be reformed to provide welfare and justice without needing a total collapse of the existing system Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth, Directive Principles of State Policy, p. 109. In the Indian context, leaders like Gandhi and Jayaprakash Narayan also sought socialistic ends but often through non-violent, moral, and decentralized means rather than the industrial, state-heavy model of the West Rajiv Ahir, A Brief History of Modern India, Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II, p.421.

Feature	Evolutionary Socialism	Revolutionary Socialism
Method	Gradual reform, ballot box, legislation.	Sudden upheaval, class struggle, overthrow.
View of the State	A neutral tool to be captured and used for welfare.	An instrument of oppression to be dismantled.
End Goal	Social welfare within a democratic state.	A classless, stateless society (Communism).

Sources: History, Class XII (Tamilnadu state board), Europe in Turmoil, p.178-180; Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT), Freedom, p.23; Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu, Directive Principles of State Policy, p.177; Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth, Directive Principles of State Policy, p.109; Rajiv Ahir, A Brief History of Modern India, Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II, p.421

4. Indian Brand of Socialism and DPSPs (exam-level)

To understand the Indian brand of socialism, we must first distinguish it from the classical Marxist variety. While Marxists envision the 'withering away of the state' once class distinctions disappear, Indian socialism is Democratic Socialism. It does not seek to abolish the state; instead, it uses the state as an instrument to establish a 'Welfare State'. This philosophy was famously solidified during the Avadi Session of the Congress in 1955, which aimed for a 'socialistic pattern of society' D.D. Basu, Introduction to the Constitution of India, The Philosophy of the Constitution, p.27. Unlike 'State Socialism' (which involves nationalizing all means of production), Indian socialism is a 'mixed economy' where the public and private sectors co-exist side-by-side to achieve socio-economic justice M. Laxmikanth, Indian Polity, Preamble of the Constitution, p.48.

The Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) are the practical blueprints of this socialist vision. They provide a framework for social and economic democracy. Specifically, Article 38 directs the State to secure a social order permeated by justice—social, economic, and political—and to minimize inequalities in income and status M. Laxmikanth, Indian Polity, Directive Principles of State Policy, p.109. The most 'revolutionary' socialist principles are found in Article 39(b) and (c). These clauses mandate that the ownership and control of material resources be distributed for the common good and that the economic system should not result in the concentration of wealth to the common detriment M. Laxmikanth, Indian Polity, Directive Principles of State Policy, p.114.

While the word 'Socialist' was added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment Act (1976), the Supreme Court and constitutional experts have noted that the spirit of socialism was already inherent in the DPSPs. As Mrs. Gandhi noted at the time, Indian socialism does not mean 'collectivism' or the total abolition of private property, but rather the offering of equal opportunities and the removal of poverty through reform D.D. Basu, Introduction to the Constitution of India, Directive Principles of State Policy, p.178.

Feature	Marxist Socialism	Indian Democratic Socialism
Role of State	State 'withers away' eventually.	State expands to provide welfare.
Economy	State ownership of all means of production.	Mixed economy (Public + Private).
Method	Revolution/Class struggle.	Evolutionary/Democratic reforms.
Focus	Abolition of private property.	Reducing inequality & concentration of wealth.

Sources: Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.), THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION, p.27; Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth (7th ed.), Preamble of the Constitution, p.48; Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth (7th ed.), Directive Principles of State Policy, p.109, 114; Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.), Directive Principles of State Policy, p.178

5. Democratic Socialism and Fabianism (exam-level)

To understand Democratic Socialism, we must first distinguish it from its radical cousin, Communistic Socialism. While the latter often advocates for the revolutionary overthrow of the state and total nationalisation of the means of production, Democratic Socialism is far more evolutionary. It holds faith in a 'mixed economy' where both the public and private sectors co-exist side-by-side Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.), Preamble of the Constitution, p.43. The Indian brand of socialism, particularly championed by Jawaharlal Nehru, aims to end poverty, disease, and inequality of opportunity through democratic institutions rather than through the 'withering away' of the state or violent class struggle. Fabianism is a specific, British school of thought that deeply influenced India's constitutional philosophy. Founded by the Fabian Society (with key figures like Sydney and Beatrice Webb), it advocates for the 'inevitability of gradualness.' Fabians believe that socialism should be achieved through incremental legal reforms, education, and parliamentary action rather than sudden revolution. This is why the eminent constitutional jurist Sir Ivor Jennings remarked that the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV of our Constitution) represent 'Fabian Socialism without the socialism', as they set out socialistic goals to be achieved within a democratic framework Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.), Directive Principles of State Policy, p.112. In the Indian context, this resulted in a 'Socialistic pattern of society'. This was a deliberate compromise; the Constitution-makers sought to eliminate the vices of unbridled private interest through social control and welfare measures, without adhering to any rigid or dogmatic 'ism' Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.), Directive Principles of State Policy, p.177. This flexible approach allowed India to pursue social justice while maintaining democratic freedoms, though the credentials of this model have evolved since the 1991 era of liberalisation.

Feature	Democratic/Fabian Socialism	Communistic (State) Socialism
Method	Evolutionary, Gradual, Parliamentary	Revolutionary, Radical, Sudden
Economy	Mixed Economy (Public + Private)	Nationalisation of all means of production
Private Property	Regulated but exists	Abolished

Sources: Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.), Preamble of the Constitution, p.43; Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.), Directive Principles of State Policy, p.112; Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.), Directive Principles of State Policy, p.177

6. Marxism: State as an Instrument of Oppression (exam-level)

Concept: Marxism: State as an Instrument of Oppression

7. The 'Withering Away of the State' and Communism (exam-level)

In Marxist theory, the 'withering away of the state' is a revolutionary concept that describes the transition from a class-based society to a fully communist one. Unlike liberals, who see the state as a necessary arbiter or a provider of welfare, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels viewed the state as a coercive instrument. They argued that the state exists solely because of class conflict; it is a tool used by the dominant class (the bourgeoisie) to maintain control over the subject class (the proletariat) India and the Contemporary World - I, Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution, p.28.

The process begins when the working class overthrows the capitalist system. Following this revolution, Marx envisioned a transitional phase known as the 'dictatorship of the proletariat'. In this stage, the workers seize the means of production and use the power of the state to dismantle the remnants of the old class system Themes in world history, Paths to Modernisation, p.172. However, Marxists argue that once private property is abolished and society becomes truly classless, the state loses its primary function. Because there is no longer a class to be suppressed, the state does not need to be 'abolished' by force; instead, it simply withers away as it becomes redundant.

Ideology	View on the State	Ultimate Goal
Communism (Marxism)	A tool of class oppression that eventually becomes obsolete.	A stateless, classless society.
Liberalism	A necessary framework to protect individual liberty and property.	A minimal or welfare state.
Democratic Socialism	An instrument for social reform and equality.	A democratic state with high social welfare.

In the final stage of Communism, the "government of persons" is replaced by the "administration of things." This means that instead of a political body exercising power over people through laws and police, society becomes a self-regulating community focused on managing resources and production to meet human needs.

Sources: India and the Contemporary World - I, Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution, p.28; Themes in world history, Paths to Modernisation, p.172

8. Solving the Original PYQ (exam-level)

This question brings together your understanding of the nature of the state and its relationship with class struggle. You’ve learned that different ideologies view the state either as a "necessary evil," a "neutral mediator," or a "tool of oppression." In this case, the concept hinges on the radical idea that the state is not a permanent fixture of human society but a coercive apparatus created by the ruling class to maintain dominance. When you see the phrase "withering away of the state," your mind should immediately connect it to the transition from the dictatorship of the proletariat to the ultimate stage of Marxism, where the abolition of private property leads to a classless and stateless society.

To arrive at the correct answer, follow the internal logic of the theorist: if the state only exists to manage class conflict, then once the proletariat seizes the means of production and class distinctions vanish, the state loses its raison d'être. As highlighted in Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT), this transition marks the shift from the "government of persons" to the "administration of things." Therefore, the correct answer is (C) Marxism. It is the only ideology among the choices that envisions the total disappearance of the state as its final historical destination.

UPSC often uses the other options as traps because they also advocate for social equality but differ fundamentally on the permanence of the state. Liberalism (A) seeks to limit or reform the state but considers it essential for protecting individual liberty. Democratic Socialism (B) and Fabian Socialism (D) — which you'll find discussed in Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth regarding the Indian brand of socialism — aim to use the state's democratic machinery to achieve equity through gradualism. Unlike Marxism, these ideologies believe in reforming the state to work for the people, rather than its total abolition or eventual decay.