In the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Indian Polity is considered one of the most crucial subjects. It not only fetches good marks in Prelims and Mains but also lays the foundation for a future administrator to understand the country’s governance system. The unique aspect of this subject is that while its syllabus is static, the questions are often linked to contemporary events and dynamic interpretations.
To provide your preparation with the right direction and to illustrate the kind of analytical questions UPSC asks, we have prepared this list of the 20 most important and probable questions for the 2025 examination. These questions and their detailed answers will enhance your conceptual clarity and master the art of answer writing.
Philosophy of the Constitution & Basic Structure
This section is essential for understanding the soul of the Constitution.
Q1: What do you understand by the doctrine of the ‘Basic Structure’ of the Constitution? Evaluate its significance in safeguarding Indian democracy.
Answer: The ‘Basic Structure’ doctrine is a judicial innovation, propounded by the Supreme Court in the landmark Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).
- The Concept: According to this doctrine, the Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution under Article 368 is not unlimited. It cannot amend or alter those parts of the Constitution that form its ‘basic structure’ or ‘fundamental framework’.
- Elements of Basic Structure: The Court has not explicitly defined it, but through various judgments, elements like democracy, federalism, secularism, judicial review, and the rule of law have been recognized as part of it.
- Significance: It has established the supremacy of the Constitution by placing a limit on Parliament’s amending power. This doctrine prevents authoritarianism by the government and protects the core character of democracy and citizens’ rights. It is a prime example of constitutional balance.
Q2: What is the relationship between Fundamental Rights (FRs) and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)? Are they complementary or contradictory? Discuss.
Answer: Fundamental Rights (Part III) and DPSPs (Part IV) are the conscience of the Indian Constitution.
- Difference in Nature: FRs are justiciable, meaning a person can approach the courts if they are violated. DPSPs are non-justiciable; they are moral obligations on the state.
- From Conflict to Complementarity: Initially, there was a conflict between the two. However, in the Minerva Mills case (1980), the Supreme Court clarified that they are complementary. FRs establish political democracy, while DPSPs aim for social and economic democracy. One is incomplete without the other.
- Conclusion: FRs and DPSPs are two wheels of the same chariot, essential for establishing a Welfare State.
System of Government: Parliamentary & Federal
This section elucidates India’s governing structure.
Q3: While the Indian parliamentary system is based on the ‘Westminster model’, how does it differ from it? Discuss.
Answer: India adopted the British Westminster model, but with some significant differences:
- Written Constitution & Republic: India has a written constitution, and its head of state (President) is elected (a Republic), whereas Britain has an unwritten constitution and a hereditary head of state (Monarchy).
- Sovereignty of Parliament: In Britain, Parliament is sovereign; its laws cannot be challenged in any court. In India, Parliament is not sovereign. The Supreme Court can declare parliamentary laws unconstitutional through ‘Judicial Review’.
- Selection of Prime Minister: In Britain, the Prime Minister must be a member of the lower house (House of Commons). In India, the Prime Minister can be a member of either house of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha).
Q4: What is ‘Cooperative Federalism’? To what extent have the GST Council and NITI Aayog succeeded in strengthening this principle?
Answer: Cooperative federalism is a system where the central and state governments, instead of operating in separate spheres, work together through mutual cooperation and coordination.
- GST Council: It is a prime example of cooperative federalism. It includes the finance ministers of the Centre and all states, and decisions are taken by consensus. It is a revolutionary step in India’s fiscal federal structure.
- NITI Aayog: Unlike the Planning Commission, NITI Aayog promotes a ‘bottom-up’ approach to governance by including Chief Ministers of states, making them key partners in policy-making.
- Evaluation: Although these institutions have strengthened cooperative federalism, challenges like Centre-state tensions, allocation of financial resources, and political differences persist.
Q5: How do controversies related to the discretionary powers of the Governor affect Indian federalism? Analyze with suitable examples.
Answer: The discretionary powers of the Governor, especially under Article 163, often become a source of conflict in Centre-state relations.
- Areas of Conflict:
- Appointment of the Chief Minister: Deciding which party to invite to form the government in case of a hung assembly.
- Recommending President’s Rule (Article 356): Its political misuse has been a major concern.
- Reserving bills for the President’s consideration (Article 200): Withholding bills passed by the state legislature.
- Impact: The alleged misuse of these powers undermines the autonomy of states and hurts the spirit of federalism. It is often alleged that the Governor acts as an agent of the Central government. The Supreme Court in the S.R. Bommai case (1994) laid down significant guidelines to prevent the misuse of Article 356.
The Judiciary and Citizen’s Rights
Q6: Differentiate between ‘Judicial Review’ and ‘Judicial Activism’. Does judicial activism violate the doctrine of separation of powers?
Answer:
- Judicial Review: This is the power of the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions. If a law or action violates the Constitution, the court can declare it null and void. It is an explicit power conferred by the Constitution.
- Judicial Activism: This is a proactive role played by the judiciary to promote social justice, often going beyond its traditional boundaries. The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a product of judicial activism.
- Separation of Powers: Critics argue that in the name of activism, the judiciary sometimes encroaches upon the domain of the legislature and executive (termed ‘judicial overreach’), which goes against the doctrine of separation of powers. However, proponents believe it is a necessary mechanism that arises due to the inaction of the other two organs of the government.
Q7: How has the Supreme Court expanded the scope of the ‘Right to Life and Personal Liberty’ under Article 21 over time?
Answer: Article 21, which states that “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to a procedure established by law,” has become the most dynamic article of the Indian Constitution.
- Early Interpretation: In the A.K. Gopalan case (1950), the court gave it a narrow interpretation.
- The Expansion Begins: In the Maneka Gandhi case (1978), the court held that the ‘procedure established by law’ must be fair, just, and reasonable. This marked the beginning of a new era of expansion.
- New Rights Included: Subsequently, the court has read several rights into Article 21, such as:
- The right to live with human dignity.
- The right to a clean environment.
- The right to privacy (Puttaswamy case, 2017).
- The right to shelter and the right to health.
Thus, the Supreme Court has transformed Article 21 from a mere right to exist into the foundation of a dignified life.
Expert Tip: While studying Polity, merely memorizing articles is not enough. It is mandatory to understand the spirit behind each provision, the landmark case laws associated with it, and its contemporary relevance. Read a standard book like ‘M. Laxmikanth’ along with a national newspaper like ‘The Hindu’ or ‘The Indian Express’ regularly.
Additional Important Questions (Brief Format)
Q8: How is the procedure for amending the Indian Constitution (Article 368) a mix of rigidity and flexibility?
Answer: It is a mix because some provisions can be amended by a simple majority (flexible), some by a special majority of Parliament, and provisions related to the federal structure require a special majority plus ratification by half of the states (rigid).
Q9: Critically examine the role and powers of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Answer: The Speaker presides over the House, ensures quorum, and certifies Money Bills. Impartiality is key to the role, but the power to decide on disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law (10th Schedule) often embroils the office in political controversy.
Q10: What are the constitutional provisions to ensure the autonomy and impartiality of the Election Commission of India? What further reforms are needed?
Answer: Provisions: Security of tenure, difficult removal process (like a Supreme Court judge). Needed Reforms: A collegium system for the appointment of commissioners and a ban on post-retirement political appointments.
Q11: The 73rd and 74th Amendments strengthened local self-government, but why does the lack of devolution of ‘Funds, Functions, and Functionaries’ remain a major challenge?
Answer: While these amendments granted constitutional status to local bodies, state governments have not yet devolved adequate financial powers and administrative staff to them, making them unable to function effectively.
Q12: What are Parliamentary Privileges? How do they secure the independence of individual MPs and the Parliament?
Answer: These are special rights granted to MPs so they can perform their duties without fear. They include freedom of speech in the House and freedom from arrest in civil cases.
Q13: What is the concept of ‘Office of Profit’ and how does it maintain the separation of powers?
Answer: It is an office that yields a financial gain. The Constitution prohibits legislators from holding an office of profit to ensure they can function independently, free from the influence of the executive.
Q14: How effective has the Anti-Defection Law (10th Schedule) been in curbing defections? What are its major issues?
Answer: It has curbed individual defections but has not been able to solve the problem of mass defections or address the issue of the partisan role of the Speaker.
Q15: What is the nature of the relationship between the President and the Prime Minister? Analyze the binding nature of the ‘aid and advice’ of the Council of Ministers.
Answer: The President is the head of state, while the PM is the head of government. As per Article 74, the President must act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. He can return the advice for reconsideration once, but is bound to accept the reconsidered advice.
Q16: How does the Indian concept of secularism differ from the Western concept?
Answer: Western secularism implies a complete separation between the state and religion (a negative concept). Indian secularism is based on ‘Sarva Dharma Samabhava’ (a positive concept), where the state respects all religions equally and does not discriminate against any.
Q17: Why is the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) called the ‘Guardian of the Public Purse’?
Answer: The CAG audits all expenditures of the Central and state governments. It ensures that public money is spent legally and for the purpose for which it was sanctioned, thus ensuring the executive’s accountability to the Parliament in financial administration.
Q18: Present the arguments for and against ‘One Nation, One Election’.
Answer: For: Reduction in election expenditure, less frequent use of administrative machinery, and continuity in development work. Against: Against federal principles, disadvantageous for regional parties, and national issues overshadowing local issues.
Q19: Why is the ‘Collegium System’ for the appointment of Supreme Court judges often criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability?
Answer: Because it is a closed system where judges appoint judges. It lacks clarity in the selection process and criteria, leading to allegations of nepotism. This debate intensified after the NJAC was struck down as unconstitutional.
Q20: What is the difference between the writ jurisdiction of the Supreme Court under Article 32 and that of the High Courts under Article 226?
Answer: Article 32 is itself a Fundamental Right, and the Supreme Court can issue writs only for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. The jurisdiction of High Courts under Article 226 is wider; they can issue writs for the enforcement of FRs as well as for any other legal right.
Conclusion and Final Strategy
Polity is a subject that demands conceptual clarity and contemporary awareness. These 20 questions provide a roadmap on how to think and how to organize your knowledge.
While studying each topic, connect its constitutional provisions, historical background, relevant judicial pronouncements, and current relevance. This is the key to success in UPSC.
We wish you the very best on your journey to UPSC 2025!