A topper · CSE 2024 · GS2 · 29 pages

Alfred Thomas: GS2 answer copy

10 answers by Alfred Thomas, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1The issues of local self-governance are primarily the issues of autonomy, authority, and accountability. Analyze.10 marks
  2. Q2Describe 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
  3. Q3What is the process for amending the Constitution of India? Discuss the significance of the Kesavananda Bharati case in relation to the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution.10 marks
  4. Q4Enumerate the challenges to cooperative federalism and critically examine the efficacy of various constitutional mechanisms for redressal of federal disputes.10 marks
  5. Q5"The Indian Independence Act 1947 changed the existing constitutional position, root and branch." Discuss the changes introduced by the Indian Independence Act 1947 and the immediate challenges that emerged as a result.10 marks
  6. Q6What are the key differences between a federal and a unitary system of government? Can the Indian constitution be considered federal in nature despite its unitary features? Critically examine.15 marks
  7. Q7"Judicial activism is an effective way to promote democratic values and social justice, especially when the other two branches of the government fail to act." Critically examine.15 marks
  8. Q8"Fraternity means a sense of brotherhood of all Indians - a feeling of oneness and commonness - despite the diversities of caste, creed, language or religion." Discuss the significance of the concept of fraternity in the Indian Constitution. How do the various constitutional provisions promote fraternity among all citizens?15 marks
  9. Q9"The Indian Constitution is not a mere lawyer's document, it is a vehicle of life, and its spirit is always the spirit of the age." How has the constitution of India adapted to changing socio-economic and political circumstances over the decades?15 marks
  10. Q10In a democratic society, individual rights and freedoms are always balanced against the larger interests of society and the state. To what extent do the constitutional restrictions on fundamental rights strike a balance between individual liberty and societal interests? What factors are considered in evaluating the reasonableness of such restrictions? Refer to the case laws.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 142 words written

The issues of local self-governance are primarily the issues of autonomy, authority, and accountability. Analyze.

Opening · a constitutional or legal provision

The 73rd and 74th constitutional Amendments have sought to bring about Gram Swaraj by institutionalising Local Self Government.

However, the decentralisation has faced multiple issues.

Body · points

Issues of Local self governance:

(A) Autonomy: → Financial independence not established [states don't demarcate enough funds; Internal Revenue Mobilisation is weak] → Executive officers often supersede elected officials

(B) Authority: → Not enough powers devolved (No state has devolved all 29 powers under XIth schedule)

(C) Accountability: → Issue of Sarpanch Patis [elected women accountable to their male relatives and not people] → Panchayats working on caste/religion basis; avoiding accountability for developmental work.

Way forward → Demarcate more funds [e.g. Kerala demarcates 40% of state budget for LSG] → Conduct activity mapping for functional devolution [2nd ARC] → Introduce mechanisms like Citizen charter [Implement Model Charter]

Close · a way forward

Initiatives like Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan must be built upon.