AIR 19 · CSE 2021 · GS2 · 53 pages

Diksha Joshi: GS2 answer copy

20 answers by Diksha Joshi, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1What do you understand by the concept of "Rule of law" under Indian constitution? How is it different from that in the UK constitution?10 marks
  2. Q2All constitutions are heirs of the past and testators of the future. How far is this true in case of Indian Constitution?10 marks
  3. Q3Discuss the key tension areas in centre state relations.10 marks
  4. Q4What are the parliamentary privileges enshrined in the constitution for protecting the authority and dignity of the house and its members?10 marks
  5. Q5What is the importance of Local Self Governments in a Democracy such as India? Why do you think did the makers of the Constitution not give adequate importance to this subject in the original constitutional document?10 marks
  6. Q6What do you understand by basic structure doctrine? Highlight the elements which constitute the basic structure as decided in various judgements.10 marks
  7. Q7Rajya Sabha is not as powerful as Lok Sabha, but powerful enough in comparison to state legislative councils. Examine.10 marks
  8. Q8What do you understand by 'The doctrine of separation of powers'? Do you think this doctrine is absolutely rigid as per our constitution? Justify.10 marks
  9. Q9"India has president but not presidential form of government". Critically evaluate the position of president in Indian constitution.10 marks
  10. Q10Discuss the effectiveness of Representation of People's Acts for the smooth conduct of elections and in creating a meaningful democracy.10 marks
  11. Q11A democracy is just as credible as the strength of the institutions fundamental to its legitimacy. Assess the role of the Central Bureau of the Investigation (CBI) in this context.15 marks
  12. Q12Do you think whether the remnants of various colonial laws have undermined the true meaning of Freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 of Indian Constitution? Justify.15 marks
  13. Q13Discuss the role of parliamentary committees in ensuring financial accountability of the executive.15 marks
  14. Q14Discuss the various issues in the effective functioning of the anti-defection law. Does the law, while deterring defections, also lead to suppression of healthy intra party debates and dissent?15 marks
  15. Q15How 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
  16. Q16Critically analyze the role of pressure groups in Indian political process? Do you think that in recent years, they have emerged as an important actor on Indian political landscape?15 marks
  17. Q17Debate on the suitability of the idea of “one nation, one election” to Indian polity.15 marks
  18. Q18Explain the contingencies under which the president may promulgate ordinances. Does the use of ordinance making power subvert the democratic process? Argue your case.15 marks
  19. Q19Any 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
  20. Q20Discuss the constitutionally enshrined role of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). What are the safeguards provided in the constitution for the effective functioning of CAG?15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 138 words written

What do you understand by the concept of "Rule of law" under Indian constitution? How is it different from that in the UK constitution?

Opening · a definition

"Rule of law" inherent under Article 14 of the constitution implies supremacy of law (Lex Rex) over the matters of governance thus promoting equality.

According to British jurist A.V. Dicey "Rule of law" can be understood as:-

Body · points and prose

(1) Equal subjugation of all citizens to the law of land.

(2) No one is above the law implying law is king (Lex Rex) not king is law (Rex law).

(3) Constitution serves as a supreme authority from which the law of land is derived.

Close · a summary

This is a modification from the British concept.

In Britain Parliament serves as the supreme law making body and has power to modify any law as per need in the absence of a written constitution.

Rule of law under Article 14 has thus truly helped propagate spirit of equality, which is a necessity for peaceful co-existence.