GS2 · Topic
Constitution and Basic Structure
Historical underpinnings, evolution, salient features, amendments and the basic structure doctrine.
222 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Constitution and Basic Structure that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
What are the significant provisions of the Government of National Capital territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2021? Also explain how Delhi as a Union Territory is different from the normal state of India constitutionally?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitution and Basic StructureFederalism
Critics assert that limitless jurisdiction of basic structure doctrine rests on structural ambiguity of basic structure doctrine made judiciary more powerful than executive. Has elastic nature of judicial authority.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
“The Indian Parliament is not a sovereign legislature; it has vast but not unlimited powers.” Comment on the statement.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Constitution and Basic StructureParliament
The role of the civil service is not limited to the mere welfare of the people but extends to the realm of upholding the spirit of the constitution. Elaborate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Civil ServicesConstitution and Basic Structure
Rule of Law and Judicial Review form the backbone of Indian Democracy. Discuss. Q2. The 69th Constitutional Amendment Act provided for the administration of National Capital Territory of Delhi. Discuss the nature of the power tussle between the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government of Delhi.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
"The constitutionalization of environmental issues by the Supreme Court is among the most transformative developments in contemporary Indian jurisprudence." Discuss the statement with the help of relevant case laws.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
JudiciaryFundamental Rights
"State impunity continues for acts of torture." Examine the statement in the background of India's stand on UN Convention against Torture'. Also, discuss various judicial and legislative steps taken to prevent torture in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
Differentiating between Constitution and Constitutionalism, mention key constitutional provisions in India that uphold the principles of constitutionalism. How has it contributed to the stability and governance in India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
Elaborate on the fundamental aspects in which the Indian Constitution differed from its contemporaries despite being a post-colonial document.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Comparative ConstitutionsConstitution and Basic Structure
"In India, we follow a separation of functions and not of powers". Examine the statement with help of examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Separation of PowersConstitution and Basic Structure
"India has president but not presidential form of government". Critically evaluate the position of president in Indian constitution.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
ExecutiveConstitution and Basic Structure
Analyze the intricate interplay of historical, social, and political factors in the formulation of the Indian Constitution, and critically assess its ongoing relevance and adaptability in a rapidly changing contemporary context.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Constitution and Basic Structure
Our society is a progressive society but Indian criminal laws doesn't reflect the modern reality as per the democratic aspirations of people. In light of the statement, explain the need and the major changes required in the criminal laws.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
How has the Doctrine of Basic Structure settled a conflict between Parliamentary supremacy and judicial supremacy in India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Critically analyze the interplay between 'Rule of Law' and 'Judicial Review' in the Indian context. 2. Discuss the distinct power dynamics of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi vis-a-vis State Governors. 3. How has the Indian Judiciary interpreted 'public order, morality, and health' to balance religious freedom with constitutional morality? Discuss with relevant case laws.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
JudiciaryExecutive
Do you agree that the directive principles function as 'Conscience of Constitution' apart from the fundamental rights? Substantiate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Directive Principles and DutiesFundamental Rights
What is the Doctrine of Severability? Discuss with the help of relevant judicial decisions.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
'Changing to a presidential system is the best way of ensuring a democracy that works' Do you agree? Give suitable arguments in support of your answer.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Comparative ConstitutionsConstitution and Basic Structure
Constitution is the mere skeleton whereas Constitutionalism is the soul of Democracy. Discuss. There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructurePoverty and Hunger
Analyze the challenges posed by hate speech to India's secular fabric and suggest measures to prevent and address such incidents.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureElections and Representation
A key attribute of the Indian Constitution lies in its capacity to harmonize diverse socio-political perspectives. Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic Structure
Enumerate the principles of democracy. Why is it considered a fundamental pillar of modern governance?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic Structure
Assess the impact of Article 244 in accommodating diverse cultural systems in India. What are the challenges in extending the provisions to new areas?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureVulnerable Sections
“Constitutional morality acts as both a restraint and an enabler in a democratic society”. Critically examine this statement in the context of recent judicial interpretations in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Form a critical assessment of the parliamentary form of government adopted by the Indian polity.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureParliament
India's constitution development process started from the 1850s. Explain.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitution and Basic Structure
Discuss how the principles established in the S.R. Bommai case remain essential for preserving the constitutional values of federalism and secularism. (10M)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismJudiciary
"Doctrine of basic structure is both necessary and desirable." Critically analyze the statement.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Indiscriminate use of section 124-A of the IPC is like a saw in the hands of carpenter who cuts the entire forest instead of a tree. Has the Sedition law outlived its utility? Justify your answer.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
The Montague-Chelmsford Reforms became the basis for the Government of India Act, 1935 and ultimately, the Constitution of India. Substantiate giving suitable arguments.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Constitution and Basic Structure