UPSC GS-2: Polity Previous Years Questions (Topic wise)

Polity Topicwise PYQs

Syllabus Topic: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

• ‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions. [UPSC-2021]
• Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force? [UPSC-2018]
• Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. [UPSC-2017]
• What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution? [UPSC-2016]
• Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the preamble. Are they defendable in the present circumstances stances? [UPSC-2016]
• Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizens a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy. [UPSC-2015]
• Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulations on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and Judgement(s) of the Apex Court in this regard. [UPSC-2015]
• What do you understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. [UPSC-2014] ©crackingcivilservices.com
• Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution. [UPSC-2013]

Syllabus Topic: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

• The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular state is being questioned by various States. However, the power of States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India. [UPSC-2021]
• How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the states to improve their fiscal position? [UPSC-2021]
• The strength sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funs’ to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. [UPSC-2020]
• Indian constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts. [UPSC-2020]
• How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer. [UPSC-2020]
• From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy’ and ‘Harmonious Construction’ have emerged. Explain. (न्यायालयों के द्वारा विधायी शक्तियों के वितरण से सम्बंधित मुद्दों को सुलझाने से, ‘परिसंघीय सर्वोच्चता का सिध्दान्त’ और ‘समरस अर्थान्वयन’ उभर कर आए हैं | स्पष्ट कीजिए | ) [UPSC-2019]
• “The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self- government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment. (“स्थानीय स्वशासन की संस्थाओं में महिलाओं के लिए सीटों के आरक्षण का भारत के राजनितिक पराक्रम के पितृतंत्रात्मक अभिलक्षण पर एक सिमित प्रभाव पड़ा है |” टिपण्णी कीजिए | ) [UPSC-2019]
• Assess the importance of Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing developmental projects. [UPSC-2018]
• Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine. [UPSC-2018]
• “The local self-government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance”. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation. [UPSC-2017]
• Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies, if any that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected representatives and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi. Do you think that this will give rise to a new trend in the functioning of the Indian federal politics? [UPSC-2016] ©crackingcivilservices.com
• To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity.[UPSC-2016]
• Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss. [UPSC-2016]
• The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings. [UPSC-2015]
• In absence of a well-educated and organized local level government system, `Panchayats’ and ‘Samitis’ have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instruments of governance. Critically discuss. [UPSC-2015]
• Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle is one of its basic features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. Discuss. [UPSC-2014]
• Recent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by the `Nagas’ as a threat to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the State. Discuss in light of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution. [UPSC-2013]
• Many State Governments further bifurcate geographical administrative areas like Districts and Talukas for better governance. In light of the above, can it also be justified that more number of smaller States would bring in effective governance at State level? Discuss. [UPSC- 2013]
• Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss. [UPSC- 2013]

Syllabus Topic: Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.

• Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. [UPSC-2020]
• Do you think that constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’? Explain. (क्या आपके विचार में भारत का संविधान शक्तियों के कठोर पृथक्करण के सिध्दान्त को स्वीकार नहीं करता है, बल्कि यह ‘नियंत्रण एवं संतुलन’ के सिध्दान्त पर आधारित है ? व्याख्या कीजिए | ) [UPSC- 2019]
• Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of separation of powers doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate ordinances, analyze whether the decisions of the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate ordinances be repealed?[UPSC-2015]
• The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution. Discuss critically. [UPSC-2015]

Syllabus Topic: Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.

• Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India. [UPSC-2021]
• The judicial systems in India and UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in the recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices. [UPSC-2020]
• What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism?(धर्मनिरपेक्षता को भारत के संविधान के उपागम से फ्रांस क्या सिख सकता है ? [UPSC-2019] ©crackingcivilservices.com
• India and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenants on which the two political systems are based. [UPSC-2018]

Syllabus Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

• Do Department -related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples. [UPSC-2021]
• Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations. [UPSC-2021]
• To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? [UPSC-2021]
• Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless stepney tyre’ to the most useful supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible. [UPSC-2020]
• “Once a speaker, Always a speaker’! Do you think the practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India. [UPSC-2020]
• “Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution is a limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power.” In the light of this statement explain whether Parliament under Article 368 of the Constitution can destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution by expanding its amending power? (“संविधान का संशोधन करने की संसद की शक्ति एक परिसीमित शक्ति है और इसे आत्यंतिक शक्ति के रूप में विस्तृत नहीं किया जा सकता है |” इस कथन के आलोक में व्याख्या कीजिए की क्या संसद संविधान के अनुछेद 368 के अंतर्गत अपनी संशोधन की शक्ति का विशदीकरण करके संविधान के मूल ढांचे को नष्ट कर सकती है ?) [UPSC-2019]
• Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss. (राष्ट्रीय विधि निर्माता के रूप में अकेले एक संसद-सदस्य की भूमिका अवनति की और है, जिसके फलस्वरूप वादविवादों की गुणता और उनके परिणामों पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव पड़ भी चूका है | चर्चा कीजिए | ) [UPSC-2019]
• Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role or the Estimates Committee. [UPSC-2018] ©crackingcivilservices.com
• The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint session of the two houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof. [UPSC-2017]
• The ‘Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and its Members’ as envisaged in Article 105 of the Constitution leave room for a large number of un-codified and un-enumerated privileges to continue. Assess the reasons for the absence of legal codification of the ‘parliamentary privileges’. How can this problem be addressed? [UPSC-2014]
• The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law, which was legislated but with a different intention? [UPSC-2014]

Syllabus Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary, Ministries and Departments of the Government;

• Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. [UPSC-2021]
• Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. [UPSC-2017] ©crackingcivilservices.com
• Khap Panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra-constitutional authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human rights violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and the judiciary to set the things right in this regard. [UPSC-2015]
• Instances of President’s delay in commuting death sentences has come under public debate as denial of justice. Should there be a time limit specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyse. [UPSC-2014] ©crackingcivilservices.com
• The size of the cabinet should be as big as governmental work justifies and as big as the Prime Minister can manage as a team. How far the efficacy of a government then is inversely related to the size of the cabinet? Discuss. [UPSC-2014]
• Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy. [UPSC-2014]

Syllabus Topic: Pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.

• “Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies. [UPSC-2021]
• How do pressure groups influence Indian political process? Do you agree with this view that informal pressure groups have emerged as powerful than formal pressure groups in recent years? [UPSC- 2017] ©crackingcivilservices.com
• Pressure group politics is sometimes seen as the informal face of politics. With regards to the above, assess the structure and functioning of pressure groups in India. [UPSC- 2013]

Syllabus Topic: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

• “There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of peoples Act” Comment. [UPSC-2020]
• On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the Representation of People Act, 1951? Also mention the remedies available to such person against his disqualification. (किन आधारों पर किसी लोक प्रतिनिधि को, लोक प्रतिनिधित्व अधिनियम, 1951 के अधीन निरर्हित किया जा सकता है ? उन उपचारों का भी उल्लेख कीजिए जो ऐसे निरर्हित व्यक्ति को अपनी निरर्हिता के विरुद्ध उपलब्ध हैं | ) [UPSC- 2019]
• ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. [UPSC-2017] ©crackingcivilservices.com
• To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? [UPSC-2017]
• The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss. [UPSC-2016]

Syllabus Topic: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies, Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

• Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures. [UPSC-2021]
• Which steps are required for constitutionalization of a commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons. [UPSC-2020]
• “Recent amendments to the Right to information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss. [UPSC-2020]
• In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India? [UPSC-2018]
• How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss. [UPSC-2018] ©crackingcivilservices.com
• “The Central Administration Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees, nowadays is exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority.” Explain. (केन्द्रीय प्रशासनिक अधिकरण जिसकी स्थापना केन्द्रीय सरकार के कर्मचारियों द्वारा या उनके विरुद्ध शिकायतों एवं परिवादों के निवारण हेतु की गई थी, आजकल एक स्वतंत्र न्यायिक प्राधिकरण के रूप में अपनी शक्तियों का प्रयोग कर रहा है |” व्याख्या कीजिए | ) [UPSC-2019]
• “The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.” Discuss. (“महान्यायवादी भारत की सरकार का मुख्या विधि सलहाकार और वकील होता है |” चर्चा कीजिए | ) [UPSC-2019] ©crackingcivilservices.com
• “The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.” Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise. [UPSC-2018]
  • Exercise of CAC’s powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States is derived from Article 149 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the Government’s Policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own (CAG) jurisdiction. [UPSC-2016]
• How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India. [UPSC-2018]
• Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. [UPSC-2018]
• What is a quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples. [UPSC-2016]
• What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 through the recent Ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India’s dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss.[UPSC-2015]
• “For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous.” Discuss in the light of the experiences in recent past. [UPSC- 2015] ©crackingcivilservices.com
• National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of the above observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards. [UPSC- 2014]
• The setting up of a Rail Tariff Authority to regulate fares will subject the cash strapped Indian Railways to demand subsidy for obligation to operate non-profitable routes and services. Taking into account the experience in the power sector, discuss if the proposed reform is expected to benefit the consumers, the Indian Railways or the private container operators. [UPSC- 2014]
• Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances. [UPSC- 2013] ©crackingcivilservices.com
• The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping of products and services strengthens the case for the merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify. [UPSC- 2013]