Comparative Constitutions

10 UPSC Mains GS II questions on Comparative Constitutions, 2018 to 2026, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Comparative Constitutions toppers answered.

1. 2026 Q14Examine 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.15 marks · 250 words
2. 2025 Q3Compare 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’?10 marks · 150 words
3. 2025 Q13Discuss 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.15 marks · 250 words
4. 2024 Q15Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US constitution.15 marks · 250 words
5. 2023 Q4Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty.10 marks · 150 words
6. 2022 Q14Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected.15 marks · 250 words
7. 2021 Q13Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Right to Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India.15 marks · 250 words
8. 2020 Q4The judicial systems in India and UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices.10 marks · 150 words
9. 2019 Q5What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism ?10 marks · 150 words
10. 2018 Q13India and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based.15 marks · 250 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination question papers, upsc.gov.in. Topics are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.