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.
"The right to internet access is integral to the realization and exercise of other fundamental rights in India." In this context examine how the recognition of internet access as a fundamental right in India reconciles with the state's authority to impose restrictions.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Just because a person is offended by someone's speech or word; it does not mean that an offence has been committed. In this context, discuss the issues surrounding the use of the section 295A and 153A of IPC.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Explain how the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble embody specific meanings in the Indian context.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic Structure
In light of recent developments, the Collegium system and the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014 have once again come under scrutiny. Do you think that a NJAC-like body can make judicial appointments more transparent, broad-based, and accountable? Justify your answer.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
It is argued that unchecked and rampant exercise of the power to insert laws in the Ninth Schedule results in undermining of constitutional supremacy and creation of parliamentary hegemony. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Do you think that the Preamble is just a preface to the Indian Constitution and serves no other significant purpose?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
Constitution and Basic Structure
How did the 44th Constitutional Amendment impact the emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Constitution and Basic Structure
The basic structure doctrine of the Indian Constitution is a judicial innovation. Analyse.
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Fundamental rights chapter of the constitution is the "north star" of the universe of constitutionalism. Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
"Extraordinary powers must be exercised with extraordinary care." Discuss in the context of Article 142 of the Indian Constitution.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
"Parliament is a creature of the constitution, not its master". Highlighting relevant case laws discuss how judicial intervention has shaped the balance between the Constitution and parliamentary sovereignty.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
The founders of the Constitution had "hoped and expected" a Uniform Civil Code for India but there has been no attempt at framing one. In this regard discuss the need for a Uniform Civil Code in India and examine the challenges in its implementation. What steps can be taken by the government to overcome these challenges?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Directive Principles and DutiesFundamental Rights
'Constitutional morality' is not a natural sentiment in India but has to be cultivated. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with relevant examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic Structure
The basic structure doctrine acts as a constitutional compass in balancing Parliament's legislative authority and constitutional supremacy. Comment.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
What do you understand by rule of law? Explain how this idea is reflected in the Constitution of India.
10 marks · 200 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
How do the citizenship laws and policies of India and the United States differ within their constitutional frameworks? Comment on the ongoing debate on citizenship laws and policies in India and the US.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Comparative ConstitutionsConstitution and Basic Structure
Comment on the constitutional validity of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act 2019 which aims to bring the economically weaker section to the mainstream of development, in the light of recent Supreme Court judgements
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureSC, ST and OBC
Compare and contrast ‘procedure established by law’ and ‘due process of law’ with reference to their implications on personal liberty in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
Examine the scope and significance of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under Article 143 of the Constitution.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
JudiciaryConstitution and Basic Structure
Explain the concept of separation of powers. What are the provisions in the Indian Constitution, which reflect separation of powers?
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Separation of PowersJudiciary
The amendment to the Citizenship Act reshapes the path to Indian citizenship, intensifying the debate over secularism in India. Comment.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureMinorities
Discuss the reasons behind the multiplicity of amendments to the Indian Constitution. Has it served its intended purpose? Critically examine.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Constitution and Basic Structure
Does a top-down approach in the implementation of Uniform Civil Code augur well for the Indian version of Secularism? Critically Examine
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitution and Basic Structure
A distinctive feature of the Indian Constitution is that it seeks to impart flexibility to a written federal Constitution. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureFederalism
What is the importance of Local Self Governments in a Democracy such as India? Why do you think did the makers of the Constitution not give adequate importance to this subject in the original constitutional document?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Local GovernmentFederalism
FRs are not gifts bestowed upon by the state, rather an individual possesses them independent of the state. In this context, discuss desirability of reasonable restrictions on various FRs.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
All constitutions are heirs of the past and testators of the future. How far is this true in case of Indian Constitution?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitution and Basic Structure
Do you believe that as of late, giving citizenship in India is moving from Jus Soli to Jus Sanguine? Examine the statement with respect to Citizenship Amendment Act 2019? Recently the govt extended reservation to the EWS section through 103rd Amendt. In this context, examine the tool of reservation as a measure towards social justice.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitution and Basic StructureVulnerable Sections
How can a 'rule of law culture' contribute towards promoting individual liberty and democratic governance in a society like India? What are the challenges in fostering such a culture?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
"The purpose of having a Constitution is to transform the society for the better and this objective is the fundamental pillar of transformative constitutionalism." Discuss with the help of recent case laws.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary