UPSC Prelims 2018 · GS Paper I
Question 45: Polity and Governance
Which of the following are regarded as the main features of the “Rule of Law” ?
- 1.Limitation of powers
- 2.Equality before law
- 3.People’s responsibility to the Government
- 4.Liberty and civil rights
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
The Rule of Law, as expounded by A.V. Dicey, rests on the absence of arbitrary power (limits on those who govern), equality before the law, and protection of liberty and civil rights through ordinary law and courts. It runs from the law to the government: the government answers to the law and to the people, not the other way round. People's responsibility to the government is not a feature of the Rule of Law.
- 1. The Rule of Law rejects arbitrary power: authorities act within legal limits.
- 2. Everyone is equal before the law.
- 3. It is the government that is answerable to law and people, not the reverse.
- 4. Liberty and civil rights are protected by law.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) goes: it leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: The Rule of Law rejects arbitrary power: authorities act within legal limits.
- Then, if you were sure statement 3 is not correct, (a) and (d) go: each of them includes 3.
What you needed to know: It is the government that is answerable to law and people, not the reverse.
Only (c) is left. You didn’t need statements 2 or 4.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: statement 3 is not a feature.
- (b) Incomplete: limitation of powers is also a feature.
- (c) Right: limitation of powers, equality before law, and liberty and civil rights.
- (d) Wrong: statement 3 is not a feature.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.