AIR 14 · CSE 2025 · GS2 · 51 pages

Surabhi Yadav: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle.10 marks
  2. Q2Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation.10 marks
  3. Q3Illiteracy and poverty are hindrances in the formation of healthy public opinion on public policies. Discuss with suitable examples.10 marks
  4. Q4Why did Dr. B.R. Ambedkar see the CAG as "probably the most important officer in the Constitution of India"? Discuss the issues faced in the functioning of CAG.10 marks
  5. Q5Bring out the similarities and differences in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States and Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India.10 marks
  6. Q6There are various issues related to appointments in higher judiciary in India that need urgent attention. Discuss in context of the recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee for the Ministry of Law and Justice.10 marks
  7. Q7The Competition Commission of India (CCI) effectively reflects a shift from the era of Licence Raj to a conducive regulatory ambience for enhancing consumer welfare by encouraging competition in the market. Discuss.10 marks
  8. Q8Enumerate the various kinds of writs in the Indian judicial framework and state the remedial significance of writs.10 marks
  9. Q9Giving the rationale behind the formation of a separate Ministry of Cooperation, discuss the ways to deepen Co-operatives as a true people centric movement in India.10 marks
  10. Q10Highlighting the key provisions of The Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2021, discuss whether it can help in addressing the issues pertaining to tribunals in India.10 marks
  11. Q11Asymmetry is not only an important characteristic of federalism in India, it has also helped in the accommodation of diverse demands inherent in our democracy. Discuss.15 marks
  12. Q12Identifying 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
  13. Q13Despite awarding constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes, there still remain issues with regard to inclusion/exclusion of communities in the OBC list. Discuss.15 marks
  14. Q14A critical appraisal of the outcomes of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act underlines the need for second generation reforms to strengthen decentralisation of Urban Local Governance in India. Discuss.15 marks
  15. Q15Checks and balances as well as separation of powers are not mere intellectual ideas, but principles which strengthen a democracy in real ways. Discuss in the context of India.15 marks
  16. Q16In the Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabhas, the Speaker has vast powers and extensive functions. Elaborating on it, highlight the grounds on which the Office of the Speaker has been criticised and the reforms required in this regard.15 marks
  17. Q17In India, the Finance Commissions are established pursuant to the constitutional mandate. In this context, do you think the State Finance Commissions have been effective in promoting fiscal federalism? Substantiate with arguments.15 marks
  18. Q18It is argued that unchecked and rampant exercise of the power to insert laws in the Ninth Schedule results in undermining of constitutional supremacy and creation of parliamentary hegemony. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.15 marks
  19. Q19Though the antecedents of the Indian Constitution can be traced to a series of British colonial legislation and other constitutions of the world, in spirit and practice it has been completely Indian. Discuss.15 marks
  20. Q20Providing greater flexibility to states in relation to subjects in the state list and 'transferred items' in the concurrent list can pave the way for better Centre-State relations in India. Examine.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 192 words written

What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle.

Opening · a constitutional or legal provision

Supreme Court defined 'constitutionalism' in Rameshwar vs Union of India Case as "a government system that abhors absolutism."

The idea was further elaborated in IR Coelho vs State of Tamil Nadu, Constitutionalism is a legal principle that keeps a check on excess of government measures and ensures it runs on the democratic principles.

Body · points

Ways in which Indian Constitution underscore Constitutionalism

(1) Separation of power: Indian constitution ensures separation of power between executive, legislative and judiciary.

(2) System of checks and balance

(3) Independent Judiciary appointment of judges and delivering justice is independent of the government.

(4) Fundamental Rights guaranteed to citizens, the basic structure cannot be amended by the parliament.

(5) Universal Adult Franchise All citizens above 18 are entitled to vote without discrimination.

(6) Responsible and Accountable government controlled through question hour, no confidence motion etc by parliament

(7) Rule of law Dicey states three components - • no one is above law • cannot be punished except breach of law.

Close · a summary

These two applicable in India.

Thus, we see that Indian constitution upholds the principle of constitutionalism. Various organs are further strengthening the concept by keeping a check on each other.