Constitution and Polity PYQ | UPSC GS II

2026

1. · Paper Q1 · 2026 · 10 marks · Solution

Right to privacy relating to self-identity is very dear to every human being and well protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. In this context, examine the effect of the amendment in 2026 to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

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2. · Paper Q2 · 2026 · 10 marks · Solution

"Women as a class neither belong to a minority group nor are they regarded as forming a backward class." In the light of this statement, discuss the evolution of women's reservation from local bodies to Parliament.

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3. · Paper Q3 · 2026 · 10 marks · Solution

Examine whether the constitutional office of the Lok Sabha Speaker has become vulnerable to partisan politics under the current anti-defection regime. What institutional changes are required to ensure the neutrality of the Lok Sabha Speaker in managing a polarised House?

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4. · Paper Q4 · 2026 · 10 marks · Solution

Is the right to vote a fundamental right? Discuss the position of the Election Commission of India while undertaking the revision of electoral rolls. Can it also examine the question of citizenship of voters?

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5. · Paper Q5 · 2026 · 10 marks · Solution

Do constitutional bodies like the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) possess adequate enforcement powers to secure substantive social equality? Suggest measures to enhance their institutional effectiveness.

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6. · Paper Q11 · 2026 · 15 marks · Solution

Discuss the position of the Governor in the federal polity of India. What is the nature of his power while giving assent to a bill passed by the State Legislature? Is he bound by the aid and advice of his Council of Ministers in all his functions?

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7. · Paper Q13 · 2026 · 15 marks · Solution

How far has the Indian federal framework been successful in accommodating regional and cultural diversities? Highlight the role of asymmetric federalism and suggest measures to make dispute resolution mechanisms more effective.

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8. · Paper Q14 · 2026 · 15 marks · Solution

Examine how the separation of powers is practised in India compared to the rigid presidential model of the United States of America. In this context, compare the actual authority of the Indian Prime Minister with that of the President of the USA.

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9. · Paper Q17 · 2026 · 15 marks · Solution

Can the constitutional mandate of rights-based welfare be effectively realised in the context of non-integrated governance and minimal public investment? Examine.

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2025

10. · Paper Q1 · 2025 · 10 marks · Solution

Discuss the 'corrupt practices' for the purpose of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Analyze whether the increase in the assets of the legislators and/or their associates, disproportionate to their known sources of income, would constitute 'undue influence' and consequently a corrupt practice.

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11. · Paper Q3 · 2025 · 10 marks · Solution

Compare and contrast the President's power to pardon in India and in the USA. Are there any limits to it in both the countries? What are 'preemptive pardons'?

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12. · Paper Q5 · 2025 · 10 marks · Solution

"The Attorney General of India plays a crucial role in guiding the legal framework of the Union Government and ensuring sound governance through legal counsel." Discuss his responsibilities, rights and limitations in this regard.

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13. · Paper Q11 · 2025 · 15 marks · Solution

"Constitutional morality is the fulcrum which acts as an essential check upon the high functionaries and citizens alike…"In view of the above observation of the Supreme Court, explain the concept of constitutional morality and its application to ensure balance between judicial independence and judicial accountability in India.

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14. · Paper Q12 · 2025 · 15 marks · Solution

Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution.

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15. · Paper Q13 · 2025 · 15 marks · Solution

Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.

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16. · Paper Q14 · 2025 · 15 marks · Solution

Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted the fiscal federalism in India?

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2024

17. · Paper Q1 · 2024 · 10 marks · Solution

Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees, with particular reference to "one nation - one election" principle.

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18. · Paper Q2 · 2024 · 10 marks · Solution

Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases?

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19. · Paper Q3 · 2024 · 10 marks · Solution

"The growth of cabinet system has practkally resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy." Elucidate.

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20. · Paper Q12 · 2024 · 15 marks · Solution

Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the constitution. Explain. In this reference discuss the law relating to D.N.A. testing of child in the womb to establish its paternity.

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21. · Paper Q13 · 2024 · 15 marks · Solution

What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism.

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22. · Paper Q14 · 2024 · 15 marks · Solution

Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world's most powerful judiciary ?

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23. · Paper Q15 · 2024 · 15 marks · Solution

Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US constitution.

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2023

24. · Paper Q1 · 2023 · 10 marks · Solution

"Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy". Comment.

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25. · Paper Q4 · 2023 · 10 marks · Solution

Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty.

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26. · Paper Q11 · 2023 · 15 marks · Solution

" The Construction of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society". Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty.

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27. · Paper Q12 · 2023 · 15 marks · Solution

Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws.

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28. · Paper Q13 · 2023 · 15 marks · Solution

Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s.

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29. · Paper Q15 · 2023 · 15 marks · Solution

Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism?

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30. · Paper Q16 · 2023 · 15 marks · Solution

Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalization of Indian Parliament?

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2022

31. · Paper Q1 · 2022 · 10 marks · Solution

"The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court." Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.

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32. · Paper Q4 · 2022 · 10 marks · Solution

Discuss the role of the Vice -Presidents of India as the chairman of the Rajyasabha.

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33. · Paper Q5 · 2022 · 10 marks · Solution

Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body.

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34. · Paper Q11 · 2022 · 15 marks · Solution

Discuss the procedures to decide the disputes arising out of the election of a Member of the Parliament or State Legislature under The Representation of the People Act, 1951. What are the grounds on which the election of any returned candidate may be declared void? What remedy is available to the aggrieved party against the decision ? Refer to the case laws.

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35. · Paper Q12 · 2022 · 15 marks · Solution

Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by ne Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature.

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36. · Paper Q14 · 2022 · 15 marks · Solution

Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected.

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37. · Paper Q15 · 2022 · 15 marks · Solution

Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct.

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2021

38. · Paper Q1 · 2021 · 10 marks · Solution

'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.

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39. · Paper Q2 · 2021 · 10 marks · Solution

Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness.

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40. · Paper Q4 · 2021 · 10 marks · Solution

To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India?

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41. · Paper Q11 · 2021 · 15 marks · Solution

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.

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42. · Paper Q13 · 2021 · 15 marks · Solution

Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India.

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43. · Paper Q14 · 2021 · 15 marks · Solution

Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations.

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44. · Paper Q15 · 2021 · 15 marks · Solution

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.

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2020

45. · Paper Q2 · 2020 · 10 marks · Solution

"Recent amendments to the Right to information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission". Discuss.

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46. · Paper Q5 · 2020 · 10 marks · Solution

"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.

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47. · Paper Q11 · 2020 · 15 marks · Solution

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.

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48. · Paper Q12 · 2020 · 15 marks · Solution

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.

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49. · Paper Q15 · 2020 · 15 marks · Solution

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.

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2019

50. · Paper Q1 · 2019 · 10 marks · Solution

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.

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51. · Paper Q4 · 2019 · 10 marks · Solution

From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, 'Principle of Federal Supremacy' and 'Harmonious Construction' have emerged. Explain.

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52. · Paper Q5 · 2019 · 10 marks · Solution

What can France learn from the Indian Constitution's approach to secularism?

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53. · Paper Q12 · 2019 · 15 marks · Solution

"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?(15).

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54. · Paper Q15 · 2019 · 15 marks · Solution

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.(15).

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2018

55. · Paper Q1 · 2018 · 10 marks · Solution

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?

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56. · Paper Q2 · 2018 · 10 marks · Solution

Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine.

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57. · Paper Q3 · 2018 · 10 marks · Solution

Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force?

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58. · Paper Q4 · 2018 · 10 marks · Solution

Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee.

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59. · Paper Q5 · 2018 · 10 marks · Solution

"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.

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60. · Paper Q11 · 2018 · 15 marks · Solution

Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine. (15).

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61. · Paper Q12 · 2018 · 15 marks · Solution

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. (15).

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2017

62. · Paper Q2 · 2017 · 10 marks · Solution

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.

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63. · Paper Q3 · 2017 · 10 marks · Solution

'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.

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64. · Paper Q11 · 2017 · 15 marks · Solution

Explain the salient features of the constitution(One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016. Do you think it is efficacious enough 'to remove cascading effect of taxes and provide for common national market for goods and services'? (250 words).

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65. · Paper Q13 · 2017 · 15 marks · Solution

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. (250 words).

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66. · Paper Q14 · 2017 · 15 marks · Solution

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? (250 words).

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2016

67. · Paper Q1 · 2016 · 12 marks · Solution

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?

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68. · Paper Q2 · 2016 · 12 marks · Solution

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.

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69. · Paper Q4 · 2016 · 12 marks · Solution

Exercise of CAG'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.

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70. · Paper Q6 · 2016 · 12 marks · Solution

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?

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71. · Paper Q7 · 2016 · 12 marks · Solution

Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss.

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2015

72. · Paper Q2 · 2015 · 12 marks · Solution

The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasised in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings.

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73. · Paper Q4 · 2015 · 12 marks · Solution

Khap panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra - constitutional authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human right violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and judiciary to set the things right in this regard.

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74. · Paper Q5 · 2015 · 12 marks · Solution

Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of separation of power doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate, analyse whether the decision of the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated to resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate the ordinances be repealed?

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75. · Paper Q6 · 2015 · 12 marks · Solution

What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1966 through the recent ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India's dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss.

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76. · Paper Q7 · 2015 · 12 marks · Solution

Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discus in the light of Article 21 of Indian Constitution and judgements of the apex in this regard.

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77. · Paper Q15 · 2015 · 12 marks · Solution

If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2011 tabled in the Parliament is passed, there maybe no on left to protect. Critically Evaluate.

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