A topper · GS2 · 50 pages

Sudipa Dutta: GS2 answer copy

18 answers by Sudipa Dutta, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1Explain the importance of a Constitution in the context of a democratic country like India.
  2. Q2Bring out the differences between 'coming together federations' and 'holding together federations' with examples.
  3. Q3Compare the powers of the Lok Sabha with that of the Rajya Sabha.
  4. Q4What do you understand by Judicial activism and overreach? Also discuss the associated concerns.
  5. Q5What do you understand by rule of law? Explain how this idea is reflected in the Constitution of India.10 marks
  6. Q6Explain the concept of separation of powers. What are the provisions in the Indian Constitution, which reflect separation of powers?
  7. Q7Discuss the veto powers of the President of India.15 marks
  8. Q8Discuss the role of the Departmentally Related Standing Committees in strengthening parliamentary democracy in India.
  9. Q9What do you understand by pressure groups? Citing examples, state the different types of techniques used by pressure groups.20 marks
  10. Q10Enumerate the composition and functions of the National Commission for Women (NCW). Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the Commission to give an impetus to women empowerment.
  11. Q11Highlight the devolution of powers under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts. Do you think the process of devolution has been less than satisfactory so far?
  12. Q12Although quasi-judicial bodies have powers resembling those of the judicial bodies, there are important points of distinction between the two. Elaborate.
  13. Q13Delineate the grounds of disqualifications under the Representation of People Act, 1951. Also discuss the remedial measures available to the disqualified representatives. Highlight the various challenges in ensuring cooperative federalism in India. Also, suggest measures to foster cooperative federalism. Is there a need to rationalize the large number of ministries in the Govt. of India? Discuss with logical arguments.15 marks
  14. Q14The basic structure doctrine of the Indian Constitution is a judicial innovation. Analyse.
  15. Q16Despite having features borrowed from Constitution of various other countries, the Constitution of India remains unique. Discuss.
  16. Q18Provide an account of the role of UPSC. Also, enumerate the Constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independence and impartial functioning of the UPSC.
  17. Q19What are tribunals? How is Article 323 A different from Article 323 B of the Indian Constitution?
  18. Q20On what grounds can President's Rule be imposed in a state? Also, mention the procedure of its imposition and its effects.

The answers

Question 1 · 229 words written

Explain the importance of a Constitution in the context of a democratic country like India.

Opening · a date or context

None written.

Body · points

→ Constitution of India, adopted on 26 January, 1950 is rightly called a 'living document' for it keeps alive the principles that has shaped our country.

Features of a 'Democratic country':-

  1. Liberty - of individual and group
  2. Equality - social, economic and political
  3. Justice - social, economic and political
  4. Fraternity - between citizens
  5. Unity - of citizens and states

Importance of a Constitution in the context of a democratic country like India

  1. Constitution upholds the various principles of a democratic country, Eg: (a) Unity - provided for in Article 1 of our constitution. (b) Fraternity - provided in fundamental duties of our constitution. (c) Equality - provided for in Article 14-18 of our constitution. (d) Justice - described in directive principles of state policy. (e) Liberty - provided for in fundamental rights.
  2. Constitution prescribes the limit of various organs of the government, ie Executive, legislature and Judiciary.
  3. Constitution has also provides for division of power between Centre and states.
  4. Constitution is important to prevent a country from turning into an autocracy.
  5. It is an important tool that people can use while enjoying various rights in a country.

Conclusion

Close · a summary

The constitution of India is the lengthiest written constitution, from which we can infer its importance in the functioning of our country. Vision of our founding fathers' is embedded in it.