GS2 · Topic
Executive
President, Governors, the council of ministers, ministries and departments.
81 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Executive that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
The Indian Constitution does not embody a strict separation of powers rather it introduces a system of checks and balances, with overlapping functions and interdependencies among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Delegated legislation is a pragmatic response to the limitations of the legislature but poses challenges to the separation of powers in India. Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers
Separation of PowersParliament
Discuss the role of the Vice-President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Also describe the procedure for his/her removal from office.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
ParliamentExecutive
Ordinances deny legislative legitimacy to executive actions and weakens democratic accountability of elected government. Discuss the rationale behind inclusion of ordinance making power in the constitution and various safeguards against its misuse. Has the ordinance making power outlived its utility in present times? Justify.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
ParliamentExecutive
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 tenets of independent judiciary, life-breath of constitutional democracy, stand perpetually undermined by the executive encroachment into the judicial domain. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Is there a need to rationalize the large number of ministries in the Government of India? Discuss with logical arguments.
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Executive
Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential - it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence". To what extent does the Governor actively contribute to governance of a state, and reinforce principles of federalism?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Centre-State RelationsExecutive
Lack of formal associations creates vulnerability to workers in new age companies. Analyze.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Pressure Groups and AssociationsExecutive
What do you understand by the cohabitation form of government? How does it differ from the Westminster system?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Comparative ConstitutionsExecutive
A governor should discharge his duty in accordance with the spirit of the constitution and not just act as an agent of the centre. Discuss the issues associated with the post of governor in this regard and suggest remedies for it.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
ExecutiveCentre-State Relations
Describe the legislative powers of the governor. Do you think the dual role of governor is justified in a federal country? Give arguments in support of your view.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations
The office of Governor needs to be transformed to preserve constitutional governance in India. Discuss in the light of recent controversies surrounding the Governors' office.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
ExecutiveFederalism
Despite multiple judicial pronouncements, police reforms remain elusive in India. Examine the systemic obstacles and suggest a viable roadmap.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
ExecutiveJudiciary
The constitutional position of the governor is that of a lynchpin of federalism, holding together the units of federal polity. Critically examine the functioning of the office of governor in carrying out its envisaged role.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Recent frictions over financial devolution, Governor's powers and inter-state disputes point to emerging stresses in Indian federalism. Analyse
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
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
Under what circumstances can the Governor reserve a state bill for the consideration of the President and why is the provision controversial? Also, discuss the reforms suggested by Punchhi Commission in this regard.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Governor is neither a saboteur nor a sage; he is a constitutional functionary who needs to be solely loyal to the Constitution. Critically examine the statement in the light of recent events.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
ExecutiveFederalism
Highlighting the changes introduced by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Amendment Act, 2021, analyse various issues with the amended Act.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
FederalismCentre-State Relations
"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
"The judiciary has acted as an institutional corrective, redefining and refining the contours of the Governor's office to prevent its misuse and uphold constitutional principles." Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
ExecutiveJudiciary
Despite being a non-constitutional body, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has wielded immense decision-making power in India. Discuss the advantages and issues associated with it.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
ExecutiveSeparation of Powers
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
The principle of collective responsibility requires a strong and transparent Cabinet system. Critically assess how contemporary political practices affect this foundational feature of parliamentary democracy
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
ExecutiveParliament
A governor should discharge his duty in accordance with the spirit of the constitution and no just act as an agent of the Centre. Discuss the issues associated with the post of governor in this regard and suggest remedies for it.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
ExecutiveFederalism
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
The Governor is more than a nominal executive head of the state. Explain
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
ExecutiveCentre-State Relations
A Governor has no executive function to be performed independently under the Indian Constitution. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
ExecutiveFederalism