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.
15 "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 2024
ParliamentConstitution and Basic Structure
Discuss the role of judiciary in resolving the conflict between the right to freedom of religion and constitutional morality.
Answered by 1 topper
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
The recent Supreme Court judgments on human rights issues mark a remarkable shift in using International law and treaties not just as a source of inspiration but as a source of law. Examine with reference to relevant case laws.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
JudiciaryConstitution and Basic Structure
Briefly explain the concept of separation of powers and checks and balances. Also, discuss how the 6th schedule enables autonomy for tribal areas.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Separation of PowersConstitution and Basic Structure
Discuss the salient features of India's diverse cultural heritage and their significance in shaping the country's social fabric.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic Structure
The Indian Constitution has been successful in providing a framework for liberal democracy to flourish in India. Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
How is the increase in caste consciousness in the present times impacting the collective nature of Indian society?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureElections and Representation
Political democracy cannot last without economic and social democracy. What provisions in the Constitution facilitate the establishment of economic and social democracy in India? How far have they been achieved?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Constitution and Basic StructureDirective Principles and Duties
What are the grounds and process for the proclamation of the emergency? What are its consequences on the centre state relations?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitution and Basic StructureFederalism
“In a constitutional scheme wedded to the concept of ‘Rule of Law,’ it is very difficult to accommodate a concept like preventive detention within its fold”. In light of the above statement examine the relevance of preventive detention with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
FR are not gifts bestowed upon by the state. In this context discuss desirability of reasonable restriction on various individual possessions of FR.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Reasonable balance between individual's liberty and the state's right to impose restrictions is vital for the functioning of a constitutional democracy. Explain with help of suitable illustrations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
What do you understand by the concept of "Rule of law" under Indian constitution? How is it different from that in the UK constitution?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Comparative ConstitutionsConstitution and Basic Structure
Giving a brief comparative analysis of Fifth and Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, examine major issues that render provisions of both the schedules inefficient and less effective. Do you think that Sixth Schedule must now be replaced with Panchayati Raj Institutions? Justify
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
SC, ST and OBCLocal Government
Discuss the rationale behind the introduction and implementation of three new criminal laws. Highlight key features of the laws, and also state the associated concerns.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesConstitution and Basic Structure
"The Basic Structure doctrine, while safeguarding the core principles of the Constitution against majoritarian impulses, is also criticized for enabling judicial overreach and disturbing the balance of power as envisioned by the Constitution." Elaborate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
What do you mean by "Doctrine of Essentiality" and "Doctrine of Principled Distance"? Explain how the Supreme Court has helped in guarding the value of secularism in India with suitable examples. Establishing the National Tribunal Commission could entail a radical restructuring of the present tribunals' system. Discuss the statement in the backdrop of the recent issues facing the functioning of Tribunals in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
Democracy thrives on disagreements; critical and dissenting voices make a society vibrant. In your opinion, do limitations on hate speech infringe right to freedom of speech and expression? Discuss how hate speech impacts the society and ways to restrain it.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
JudiciaryConstitution and Basic Structure
The basic structure doctrine is a judicial innovation. Discuss its significance in the Indian Constitutional context.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
The Ninth Schedule fabricated a constitutional paradox to safeguard laws related to socio-economic justice from being challenged under the fundamental right to property. Does the ninth schedule have any relevance in present times? How did the IR Coelho judgment resolve this paradox?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
“Free and fair election is the ‘basic structure’ of our constitution and it is the ‘heartbeat’ of democracy.” Critically examine the role of the Election commission of India in ensuring free and fair elections in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitutional BodiesElections and Representation
Despite having features borrowed from Constitutions of various other countries, the Constitution of India remains unique. Discuss.
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureComparative Constitutions
Though defamation law is vital to protect one's reputation and dignity in society, weaponization of the same to curb dissent and free speech is antithetical in a constitutional democracy. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Fundamental RightsJudiciary
"Fraternity means a sense of brotherhood of all Indians - a feeling of oneness and commonness - despite the diversities of caste, creed, language or religion." Discuss the significance of the concept of fraternity in the Indian Constitution. How do the various constitutional provisions promote fraternity among all citizens?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
What do you understand by the principle of 'Reasonable Accommodation'? How does it promote equality, positive rights and prevent discrimination? Cite some examples to validate your answer.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh are demanding 6th schedule status. Explain why there is a demand. In this context, discuss the benefits a state gets with the 6th schedule.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitution and Basic StructureVulnerable Sections
A key pillar of Constitutional morality is constitutional punctuality. Illustrate with suitable examples, how a lack of constitutional punctuality not only hinders democratic functioning of the State, but also goes against the spirit of the Constitution.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic Structure
Are there valid arguments for continuing with sedition law in 21st century democratic India? Discuss in light of the debate surrounding it.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights