2021 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2021 · GS Paper I

Question 77: Polity and Governance

We adopted parliamentary democracy based on the British model, but how does our model differ from that model?

  1. 1.As regards legislation, the British Parliament is supreme or sovereign but in India, the power of the Parliament to legislate is limited.
  2. 2.In India, matters related to the constitutionality of the Amendment of an Act of the Parliament are referred to the Constitution Bench by the Supreme Court.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

a1 only
b2 only
cBoth 1 and 2
dNeither 1 nor 2

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

In Britain Parliament is sovereign: no court can strike down an Act of Parliament. In India Parliament's power to legislate is limited by the written Constitution, the division of powers between the Centre and the States, the Fundamental Rights and judicial review, so courts can strike down unconstitutional laws. Substantial questions about interpreting the Constitution, including the validity of an Act or its amendment, are heard by a Constitution Bench of at least five judges under Article 145(3).

  • 1. British Parliament is sovereign; India's Parliament is limited by the Constitution and judicial review.
  • 2. Constitutional questions go to a Constitution Bench of at least five judges under Article 145(3).

How you could have got this

  1. If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) and (d) go: each of them leaves 1 out.

    What you needed to know: British Parliament is sovereign; India's Parliament is limited by the Constitution and judicial review.

  2. Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 2 out.

    What you needed to know: Constitutional questions go to a Constitution Bench of at least five judges under Article 145(3).

Only (c) is left. This one needs every statement.

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 2 is also correct.
  • (b) Wrong: statement 1 is also correct.
  • (c) Right: both statements describe real differences.
  • (d) Wrong: both statements are correct.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.