UPSC Polity Previous Year Questions

Discuss the ‘corrupt practices’ for the purpose of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Analyze whether the increase in the assets of the legislators and/or their associates, disproportionate to their known sources of income, would constitute ‘undue influence’ and consequently a corrupt practice. (Answer in 150 words)

Comment on the need of administrative tribunals as compared to the court system. Assess the impact of the recent tribunal reforms through rationalization of tribunals made in 2021. (Answer in 150 words)

Compare and contrast the President’s power to pardon in India and in the USA. Are there any limits to it in both the countries? What are ‘preemptive pardons’? (Answer in 150 words)

Discuss the nature of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Briefly describe the powers and functions of the Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. (Answer in 150 words)

“The Attorney General of India plays a crucial role in guiding the legal framework of the Union Government and ensuring sound governance through legal counsel.” Discuss his responsibilities, rights and limitations in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)

“Constitutional morality is the fulcrum which acts as an essential check upon the high functionaries and citizens alike…” In view of the above observation of the Supreme Court, explain the concept of constitutional morality and its application to ensure balance between judicial independence and judicial accountability in India. (Answer in 250 words)

Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution. (Answer in 250 words)

Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA. (Answer in 250 words)

Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted the fiscal federalism in India? (Answer in 250 words)

With reference to the Government of India, consider the following information (Organization / Some of its functions / It works under): I. Directorate of Enforcement – Enforcement of Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 – Internal Security Division-I, Ministry of Home Affairs. II. Directorate of Revenue Intelligence – Enforces provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 – Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. III. Directorate General of Systems and Data Management – Carrying out big data analytics to assist tax officers for better policy and nabbing tax evaders – Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. In how many of the above rows is the information correctly matched?

1. AOnly one
2. BOnly two
3. CAll the three
4. DNone

With reference to the Indian polity, consider the following statements: I. An Ordinance can amend any Central Act. II. An Ordinance can abridge a Fundamental Right. III. An Ordinance can come into effect from a back date. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. AI and II only
2. BII and III only
3. CI and III only
4. DI, II and III

Consider the following pairs (State : Description): I. Arunachal Pradesh : The capital is named after a fort, and the State has two National Parks. II. Nagaland : The State came into existence on the basis of a Constitutional Amendment Act. III. Tripura : Initially it was Part 'C' State; it became a centrally-administered territory on the reorganization of States in 1956 and later attained the status of a full-fledged State. How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

1. AOnly one
2. BOnly two
3. CAll the three
4. DNone

With reference to India, consider the following: I. The Inter-State Council II. The National Security Council III. Zonal Councils. How many of the above were established as per the provisions of the Constitution of India?

1. AOnly one
2. BOnly two
3. CAll the three
4. DNone

Consider the following statements: I. The Constitution of India explicitly mentions that in certain spheres, the Governor of a State acts as per his/her own discretion. II. The President of India can, of his/her own, reserve a bill passed by a State Legislature for his/her consideration, even if it has not been forwarded by the Governor of the State concerned. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. AOnly I
2. BOnly II
3. CI and II both
4. DNeither I nor II

Consider the following pairs (Provision in the Constitution of India : Stated under): I. Separation of Judiciary from the Executive in the public services of the State : Directive Principles of State Policy. II. Valuing and preserving the rich heritage of our composite culture : Fundamental Duties. III. Prohibition of employment of children below 14 years of age in factories : Fundamental Rights. How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

1. AOnly one
2. BOnly two
3. CAll the three
4. DNone

Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, if the Fifth Schedule area in a State is declared as a Scheduled Area, then I. In such areas, the State Government loses its executive power and a local body assumes total administration. II. The Government of the Union can, under certain circumstances, take over the total administration of such areas on the recommendations of the Governor. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. AOnly I
2. BOnly II
3. CI and II both
4. DNeither I nor II

With reference to India, consider the following pairs (Organization : Union Ministry): I. The National Automotive Board : Ministry of Commerce and Industry. II. The Coir Board : Ministry of Heavy Industries. III. The National Centre for Trade Information : Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

1. AOnly one
2. BOnly two
3. CAll the three
4. DNone

Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India: I. List I - Union List, in the Seventh Schedule. II. Extent of the executive power of a State. III. Conditions of the Governor's office. For a constitutional amendment with respect to which of the above, ratification by the Legislatures of not less than one-half of the States is required before presenting the bill to the President of India for assent?

1. AI and II only
2. BII and III only
3. CI and III only
4. DI, II and III

With reference to the Indian polity, consider the following statements: I. A Governor of a State is not answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of his/her office. II. No criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against the Governor during his/her term of office. III. No Member of a State Legislature is liable to any proceedings in any court for anything said in the House. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. AI and II only
2. BII and III only
3. CI and III only
4. DI, II and III

Consider the following statements with regard to the pardoning power of the President of India: I. The exercise of this power by the President can be subjected to limited judicial review. II. The President can exercise this power without the advice of the Central Government. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. AOnly I
2. BOnly II
3. CI and II both
4. DNeither I nor II