GS2 · Topic
Parliament
Structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers, privileges and committees.
129 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Parliament that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
There are arguments that bills of national importance should be placed before the Inter-State Council prior to their introduction in the Parliament. Discuss in light of the issues that have been observed in the passage of bills in the Parliament in recent times.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
The office of the Speaker is not only a referee, but also an active player in the politics of government formation and survival, leading to controversies and criticisms. In this context, examine the need to bring reforms in the office of the speaker.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Parliament
It has been argued that over the years there has been a steady decline in the efficacy of Parliament as an institution of accountability. Analyse and also suggest appropriate measures to address the relevant concerns.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability
The importance of parliamentary functioning in India is undeniable, yet its effectiveness has noticeably reduced in recent years. Critically analyse. (15M)
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Parliament
Discuss the role of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) for the effective functioning of democracy in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Parliament
The divergence between intent and impact of the tenth schedule necessitates calling into question its relevance in the present times. Analyze.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Constitution and Basic StructureParliament
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
There seems to be no end to the debate surrounding the nature and extent of parliamentary privileges. In this regard, assess the need for their codification. Also, highlight the judicial pronouncement in the direction of bringing clarity to parliamentary privileges.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
ParliamentJudiciary
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
52nd Constitutional Amendment, 1985 introduced Xth schedule, thereby paving way for an Anti-defection Law in the backdrop of "Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram" politics.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Parliament
Identifying the designated role of Parliament, discuss the consequences of inefficiency in parliamentary functioning in India. Also, suggest some measures for improving the functioning of Parliament.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Parliament
What is the significance of Parliamentary committees? Highlighting their major limitations, suggest measures to make them more meaningful, citing recent examples.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability
Parliamentary Standing Committees are deliberative bodies where legislations are discussed in depth and scrutinised for better governance outcomes.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Parliament
Enumerate the functions of Parliament as the legislative organ. Do you agree that reforms and urgent remedial action seem imperative for making parliamentary institutions and processes effective?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability
“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 2023
Constitution and Basic StructureParliament
Discuss the need for codification of parliamentary privileges in India, in light of the uncertainty and ambiguity around them.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
ParliamentFundamental Rights
What are the parliamentary privileges enshrined in the constitution for protecting the authority and dignity of the house and its members?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Parliament
Recently, PRS Legislative Research highlighted that over 19% of MPs faced suspension in the 17th Lok Sabha, the maximum in history on ethical grounds. Discuss the differences and the complementary role between the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Parliament
How has the Doctrine of Basic Structure settled a conflict between Parliamentary supremacy and judicial supremacy in India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
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
The importance of parliamentary functioning in India is undeniable, yet its effectiveness has noticeably reduced in recent years. Critically analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Parliament
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
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
"Parliamentary democracy would be incomplete without Parliamentary committees." In light of the statement, examine the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing financial accountability of the executive.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability
A dysfunctional criminal justice system, absence of well-considered legislation and need for domain expertise, are being seen as the new challenges for the Indian judiciary. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
Rajya Sabha is not as powerful as Lok Sabha, but powerful enough in comparison to state legislative councils. Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
ParliamentState Legislatures
What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Parliament
Is there a need for a balance between Fundamental Rights and Parliamentary Privileges to be re-examined? Discuss giving suitable arguments in support of your answer.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
ParliamentFundamental Rights
Discuss the role of parliamentary committees in ensuring financial accountability of the executive.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability