Executive

14 UPSC Mains GS II questions on Executive, 2014 to 2026, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Executive toppers answered.

1. 2026 Q11Discuss 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 ?15 marks · 250 words
2. 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
3. 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
4. 2025 Q5“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.10 marks · 150 words
5. 2024 Q3“The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy.” Elucidate.10 marks · 150 words
6. 2022 Q4Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.10 marks · 150 words
7. 2022 Q12Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature.15 marks · 250 words
8. 2022 Q14Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected.15 marks · 250 words
9. 2019 Q14“The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.” Discuss.15 marks · 250 words
10. 2018 Q11Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine.15 marks · 250 words
11. 2016 Q1Discuss 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 ?12.5 marks · 200 words
12. 2015 Q5Resorting 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?12.5 marks · 200 words
13. 2014 Q5Instances 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.12.5 marks · 200 words
14. 2014 Q6The 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 is the efficacy of a government then inversely related to the size of the cabinet ? Discuss.12.5 marks · 200 words

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