UPSC Questions on Indian Polity (General Studies—Mains 2000-2009)

The primary feature of the Parliamentary System in India is that the executive is responsible to the legislature.

The Preamble of the Constitution is significant because it sets out the objectives and philosophy of the Constitution and is considered a part of the Constitution.

Fundamental Rights are enforceable by the courts and place limitations on the power of the State, while Directive Principles of State Policy are non-justiciable and provide guidelines for the State to achieve welfare goals.

<p>The President is the ceremonial head of the State and exercises powers on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The concept of 'Basic Structure' implies that certain fundamental features of the Constitution cannot be amended or changed by the Parliament.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Cabinet is the supreme decision-making body in the Indian political system, responsible for implementing the policies and decisions of the Government.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The purpose of the Parliamentary Committees is to scrutinize and control the executive, and to facilitate the working of the Parliament.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal and has the power of judicial review, ensuring that the Constitution is upheld and protected.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Judicial Activism refers to the proactive role of the judiciary in interpreting the Constitution and upholding the fundamental rights of citizens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Indian Parliament is a blend of the British and American systems, with a President as the head of the State, whereas the British Parliament is a purely parliamentary system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fundamental Rights are enforceable by the courts, whereas the Directive Principles of State Policy are non-justiciable and are meant to guide the state in policymaking.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Constituent Assembly of India consisted of 389 members, with representatives from the provinces, princely states, and the Indian National Congress.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Union and its Territory refer to the Indian territory, which is divided into states and union territories, with the Union government having powers to make laws and policies for the entire territory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Indian system is a parliamentary system, whereas the American system is a presidential system, with the President having more executive powers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The President is the head of state, with ceremonial and symbolic functions, while the Prime Minister is the head of government, responsible for executing the day-to-day governance of the country.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Interim Government was formed in 1946, with Jawaharlal Nehru as the Vice President, and played a crucial role in the transition from British colonial rule to independence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>National Emergency is declared during times of war, external aggression, or internal disturbance, whereas President's Rule is imposed when the state government fails to function according to the Constitution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Governor is the head of state in a state, representing the Union government, and has ceremonial and symbolic functions, similar to the President at the Union level.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Indian parliamentary system is characterized by a Westminster model, with a bicameral legislature, a Prime Minister as the head of government, and a system of checks and balances between the legislature, executive, and judiciary.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Centre-State relations refer to the distribution of powers and responsibilities between the Union government and the state governments, with a focus on cooperation and coordination.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Governor's role is to ensure that the administration is carried out in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the land. The Governor's office is a constitutional position and is the head of the state.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The State Council of Ministers is composed of the Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A person should be a citizen of India, have been a judge of a High Court or of the Supreme Court for at least five years, or have been an advocate of a High Court for at least ten years.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Panchayati Raj is a system of rural governance that provides for the decentralization of power and resources to the local level, enabling people to participate in the development process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Municipalities are constituted by an elected body of councillors, a Mayor, and a Municipal Commissioner.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Election Commission is responsible for the conduct of free and fair elections, ensuring that the electoral process is transparent and impartial.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Union Public Service Commission is responsible for the recruitment and selection of candidates for the All India Services and the Central Services.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Finance Commission is responsible for the distribution of resources between the Centre and the States, and among the States themselves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The National Commission for Scheduled Castes is responsible for the protection of the rights of the Scheduled Castes and the promotion of their social and economic empowerment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Comptroller and Auditor General of India is responsible for the audit of the accounts of the Central and State Governments, and the report of the audit findings to the Parliament.</p> Signup and view all the answers