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 evolution of property rights in India reflects an intricate relationship that exists between individual rights and public welfare. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Socialistic ideals and secularism are core features of the Basic Structure doctrine in India. In this context, discuss how judicial decisions have cemented these principles as the cornerstone of constitutional identity.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
ParliamentConstitution and Basic Structure
The proposed multi-state cooperative societies (Amendment) Bill 2022 seeks to revamp the operation of cooperative societies in India. Discuss the key provisions of the Bill, emphasizing the importance of this amendment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesPolicy Design and Implementation
To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic Structure
'When the right to freedom of speech and expression corrodes, the institutions of democracy crumble'. Analyze.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
India does not follow a watertight model of separation of powers; rather a system of salutary checks and balances. Discuss. Also, explain the rationale behind the same.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022
Separation of PowersConstitution and Basic Structure
The presence of Vigilant Opposition is necessary not just for a vibrant democracy but for its very survival. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability
"An independent judiciary is essential for upholding constitutional values, but it must also remain accountable to preserve public trust." Discuss in the context of recent issues.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
"President's Rule is a constitutional mechanism to deal with governance failure, not political convenience." Under what circumstances can President's Rule be imposed in a State? Discuss the constitutional safeguards and judicial verdicts associated with it.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Centre-State RelationsConstitution and Basic Structure
Is the growing demand for stricter regulation of online content justified, or does it pose a threat to the right to freedom of speech and expression? Examine in light of recent judicial pronouncements.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Fundamental RightsJudiciary
Article 143 of the Constitution confers advisory jurisdiction upon the Supreme Court through a presidential reference mechanism. Examine the significance and scope of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under this provision.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
JudiciaryConstitution and Basic Structure
Decriminalization of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2024
Vulnerable SectionsConstitution and Basic Structure
In a rights-based democracy, institutions like the NHRC must evolve beyond symbolic presence to real-time impact. In this context, discuss the structural and functional issues within India's human rights framework.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesVulnerable Sections
The ‘third gender’ has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Vulnerable SectionsWelfare Schemes
Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureSeparation of Powers
The principle of checks and balances in the Indian Constitution is often challenged by the judiciary's expanding role in legislative and executive domains. Highlighting the reasons, assess its impact on the functional separation between various organs.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Analyse the distinguishing perspectives on equality as reflected in the constitutional frameworks of India and France.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Comparative ConstitutionsConstitution and Basic Structure
"Delay in disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law weakens governance and undermines democratic stability." Discuss the provisions of the Anti-Defection Law and the role of the Speaker in its implementation. How does the delay in disqualification affect governance? Suggest reforms needed to strengthen the law.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
ParliamentJudiciary
"Citizenship is the legal foundation of constitutional rights and responsibilities." Discuss how India's approach to citizenship reflects its commitment to constitutional values.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
What is constitutional morality? How far does the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) align with the vision of constitutional morality as encompassed in the Indian Constitution?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureDirective Principles and Duties
The Right to be Forgotten is an integral part of individual autonomy and forms a basic pillar of the right to privacy. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Explain the importance of a Constitution in the context of a democratic country like India.
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic Structure
Why are State Legislative Assemblies involved in the election of the President but excluded from the process of impeachment?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureParliament
Despite being part of the Directive Principles, the Uniform Civil Code remains unrealised at the national level. Examine the factors behind the delay and suggest potential measure for its national implementation.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Directive Principles and DutiesConstitution and Basic Structure
The foundational strength of the Indian Constitution stems from its ability to integrate diverse socio-political perspectives. Elucidate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic Structure
How does the Sixth Schedule balance tribal autonomy with national integration? Evaluate its success and limitations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureFederalism
Judicial recognition of intra-caste inequality within Scheduled Castes opens new debates in affirmative action policies. Examine the challenges and opportunities this poses for social justice in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
SC, ST and OBCVulnerable Sections