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.
Delimitation upholds the idea of 'one citizen, one vote', but its implications go against the principles of federalism. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
FederalismElections and Representation
Analyze the significance of the office of the speaker in improving the legislative quality of the Parliament.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Parliament
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
Compare the powers of the Lok Sabha with that of the Rajya Sabha.
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Parliament
Parliamentary privileges are fundamental for lawmakers to discharge their duties without undue influence. However, ensuring the responsible exercise of these privileges is crucial for fostering public trust and ensuring the accountability of public institutions. Analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability
"Repromulgation of Ordinance is a fraud on the constitution and a subversion of democratic legislative process". Substantiate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
ExecutiveParliament
There seems to be no end to the debate surrounding the nature and extent of parliamentary privileges. In this regard, assess the need for codification of Parliamentary Privileges. Also, highlight the judicial pronouncement in the direction of bringing clarity to parliamentary privileges.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
ParliamentJudiciary
An Independent Parliamentary Secretariat is the backbone of a robust democracy, ensuring non-partisan support to Parliament in carrying out its core functions. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Parliament
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
The federal character of a nation comprising elective bodies at different levels is best secured through a bicameral legislature. In this context, discuss how a bicameral legislature supports federalism in India. What additional measures can be taken to strengthen the federal structure and ensure effective representation of states in national governance?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
FederalismParliament
Despite being an important instrument of legislative initiative, Private Member's Bills rarely become laws in India. Examine the factors responsible for this trend. Also, suggest measures to strengthen the role of Private Members in the legislative process.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers
Parliament
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
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
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
The impartiality of the Speaker of Lok Sabha is central to the integrity of the legislative process. Explain with relevant examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Parliament
Throw light on the role of Parliamentary committees and give a contemporary evaluation of their functioning so far.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability
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
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
Discuss the role of the Departmentally Related Standing Committees in strengthening parliamentary democracy in India.
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability
Discuss the importance of involving civil society in pre-legislative scrutiny and mention the steps that can be taken by the government to increase public engagement in it.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2020
Transparency and AccountabilityParliament
How does the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 aim to reshape the patriarchal dynamics of Indian politics? Do you think it might encounter similar limitations as those seen in local self-government institutions?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Women and GenderParliament
Private Member's Bills (PMBs) seldom become law in India, yet they are an important aspect of parliamentary democracy. Bring out their significance and suggest steps to strengthen the PMB process.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
Parliament
The Rajya Sabha is not only a House for second thoughts but is also a guardian of a state's interests. In this context, critically examine if Rajya Sabha has lived up to its expectations.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
ParliamentFederalism
Any democracy needs thriving and coherent opposition. How can the role of the opposition be made more effective for the better functioning of the democracy?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability
"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
In light of increasing defections and political instability, do you think the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution needs a relook? Suggest reforms for strengthening anti-defection law.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
ParliamentState Legislatures
The working of legislatures of states and parliament has been hit during the Pandemic. Discuss the reasons and suggest reforms.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
ParliamentState Legislatures
Parliamentary committees serve as vital tools for legislative oversight, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance processes. In light of the statement, examine the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing financial accountability of the executive.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability