GS2 · Topic
Elections and Representation
The Representation of People's Act, electoral reform and political funding.
93 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Elections and Representation that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
How do the provisions of the recently passed Election Laws Amendment Act, 2021 helpful in addressing the issue of duplicate voting? Also, highlight the concerns associated with the Act.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
Elections and RepresentationTransparency and Accountability
What is delimitation; and why is it important? What challenges are associated with the delimitation exercise in India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Elections and RepresentationParliament
Discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions governing the disqualification of Members of Parliament in India. How effective are they in upholding the integrity of the legislature?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
ParliamentElections and Representation
The role of Election Commission of India has evolved beyond conducting elections to becoming a guardian of electoral democracy. Critically evaluate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
Constitutional BodiesElections and Representation
Discuss the role of Bureaucracy in the conduct of free and fair elections under the guidance of the Election commission of India
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Civil ServicesElections and Representation
Unless the factors that prevent effective and full participation of persons with disability in political and public life are addressed, the goal of inclusiveness and empowerment will remain elusive. Analyze.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Vulnerable SectionsWelfare Schemes
The Election Commission is one of the three institutions whose independence is critical for the functioning of democracy. Discuss the evolution of office of the Election Commission of India (ECI) since its inception.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Constitutional BodiesElections and Representation
"The anti-defection law has fallen short of achieving its intended objective." Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
ParliamentElections and Representation
To what extent has the anti-defection law been able to address the issue of political instability in India? Discuss with suitable arguments.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
ParliamentElections and Representation
While the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has played a crucial role in regulating electoral conduct, discussions regarding its legal backing have surfaced over the years. Do you agree with the perspective that providing statutory backing to the MCC will give the Election Commission the much-needed legal teeth in conduct of free and fair election?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Elections and RepresentationConstitutional Bodies
Discuss the effectiveness of Representation of People's Acts for the smooth conduct of elections and in creating a meaningful democracy.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Elections and Representation
Delineate the grounds of disqualifications under the Representation of People Act, 1951. Also discuss the remedial measures available to the disqualified representatives. Highlight the various challenges in ensuring cooperative federalism in India. Also, suggest measures to foster cooperative federalism. Is there a need to rationalize the large number of ministries in the Govt. of India? Discuss with logical arguments.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Elections and Representation
Do you think the electoral bond scheme disrupts the basic principles of India's democracy by infringing upon the citizen's "right to know"? What significant changes should be made to reform electoral finance in India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Elections and RepresentationTransparency and Accountability
"Electoral bonds are a double edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns around transparency." To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Elections and RepresentationTransparency and Accountability
How Far do you agree with the view that Election Commission of India (ECI) needs to be granted more rule making power to enable better conduct of elections? Give reasons in support of your answer.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitutional BodiesElections and Representation
How has the ADL impacted relationship b/w political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of recent incidents, also discuss unintended consequences it has on functioning of democracy.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
ParliamentElections and Representation
How far do you agree with the view that the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system has polarized Indian politics? Assess the need of bringing Proportional Representation System in India's Lok Sabha elections.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Elections and Representation
The electoral bond scheme is part of what appears to be a growing trend away from transparency and accountability in electoral funding. Critically analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Elections and RepresentationTransparency and Accountability
Discuss the relevance and challenges of holding simultaneous elections in India. Would it strengthen federalism or undermine it?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
ParliamentFederalism
What do you understand by the First Past the Post System (FPPS)? Why was FPPS preferred over the Proportional Representation (PR) system for elections to the Lok Sabha/Vidhan Sabha? Also, critically examine the consequences of this preference.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Elections and RepresentationParliament
How far do you agree that the FPTP (First Past the Post) system has run its course in India and it is time that the country adopted PR (Proportional Representation) system? Substantiate your answer giving suitable arguments.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Elections and Representation
A robust and fair electoral system in India is hinged upon few key reforms in the Representation of People's Act. Discuss in the context of contemporary issues.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Elections and Representation
Electoral bonds are double edged swords providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding. To what extent EB further legitimised opacity in funding?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Elections and RepresentationTransparency and Accountability
With the recent rise in digital platforms during election campaigns, discuss the challenges posed by existing electoral laws in curbing hate speech and suggest necessary legislative reforms.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Elections and RepresentationTransparency and Accountability
Highlighting the issues in India's electoral system, discuss the reforms needed in the Representation of People's Act to overcome them.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Elections and Representation
Why is Election Commission termed as the watchdog of democracy? What institutional reforms in the EC can make it an effective institution to strengthen democracy in India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitutional BodiesElections and Representation
Explain the synergistic relationship between Article 326 of the Indian Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and 1951, in ensuring the integrity and inclusivity of the Indian electoral process, considering historical evolution and contemporary challenges.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Elections and Representation
"What role should institutions like the Election Commission play in ensuring a level playing field in India's increasingly competitive electoral environment? Evaluate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitutional BodiesElections and Representation
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
Do you agree with the view that there should be simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies in India? Discuss with suitable arguments.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Elections and RepresentationParliament