The Governance System

Total Questions: 80

71. Which one of the following statements best reflects the Chief purpose of the 'Constitution' of a country? [U.P.S.C. (Pre.) 2023]

Correct Answer: (c) It defines and limits the powers of government.
Solution:A nation's Constitution serves primarily to establish the structure and nature of the government, thereby providing a foundation for it. A state's constitution, which is its foundational law, also establishes the roles and duties of the three branches of government: the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. However, its chief purpose is to define and limit the power of government. In fact, the Constitutional government is, by definition, a limited government.

72. Consider the following statements: [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 2014]

A Constitutional Government is one which

1. Places effective restrictions on individual liberty in the interest of the state Authority.

2. Places effective restrictions on the Authority of the State in the interest of individual liberty.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only
Solution:Constitution is the source of power of a Constitutional Government. The Constitution imposes certain limitations upon the Government in the interest of the People. Constitutionalism has evolved to protect public interest and liberty from the Autocratic power of Government. The institutional mechanism remains present in Constitutional Governments to protect citizen's liberties.

73. A constitutional government by definition is a: [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 2020]

Correct Answer: (d) limited government
Solution:The Constitution is the Source of Power of a constitutional government. Constitution imposes certain limitations upon the government in the interest of the People. Hence, a constitutional government, by definition is a limited government. So the correct answer is an option (d).

Significance of Indian Constitution

  • Rule of Law-The Constitution establishes the framework for governance based on the rule of law, ensuring that no individual, including government officials, is above the law.
  • Protection of Rights - It guarantees fundamental rights to citizens, safeguarding their freedoms of speech, expression, religion, and more, while also providing mechanisms for legal redress if these rights are infringed upon.
  • Structure of Government - The Constitution delineates the structure of government, defining the roles, powers, and limitations of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This separation of powers prevents the concentration of authority and promotes checks and balances.
  • Democratic Principles - Through provisions like a universal adult franchise, the constitution upholds democratic principles by ensuring citizens participation in governance through free and fair elections.
  • Stability and Continuity - The constitution provides stability and continuity in governance, serving as a framework for guiding successive governments and preventing abrupt changes in the political system.
  • National Unity - It fosters national unity by recognizing and respecting the diversity of the populace while also promoting a sense of common citizenship and allegiance to the nation.
  • Legal Framework-The constitution serves as the legal foundation upon which all laws and regulations are based, providing consistency and coherence in the legal system.
  • Adaptability - While providing a stable framework, the constitution also allows for necessary amendments to accommodate changing societal needs and values, ensuring its relevance over time.

74. Constitutional government means [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 2021]

Correct Answer: (d) a government limited by the terms of the Constitution.
Solution:Constitutional government or Constitutionalism, means that a government's authority is determined by a body of laws or constitution. Although constitutionalism is sometimes regarded as a synonym for limited government, that is only one interpretation and by no means the most prominent one Thus, option (d) is the correct answer.

Significance of Indian Constitution

  • Rule of Law-The Constitution establishes the framework for governance based on the rule of law, ensuring that no individual, including government officials, is above the law.
  • Protection of Rights - It guarantees fundamental rights to citizens, safeguarding their freedoms of speech, expression, religion, and more, while also providing mechanisms for legal redress if these rights are infringed upon.
  • Structure of Government - The Constitution delineates the structure of government, defining the roles, powers, and limitations of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This separation of powers prevents the concentration of authority and promotes checks and balances.
  • Democratic Principles - Through provisions like a universal adult franchise, the constitution upholds democratic principles by ensuring citizens participation in governance through free and fair elections.
  • Stability and Continuity - The constitution provides stability and continuity in governance, serving as a framework for guiding successive governments and preventing abrupt changes in the political system.
  • National Unity - It fosters national unity by recognizing and respecting the diversity of the populace while also promoting a sense of common citizenship and allegiance to the nation.
  • Legal Framework-The constitution serves as the legal foundation upon which all laws and regulations are based, providing consistency and coherence in the legal system.
  • Adaptability - While providing a stable framework, the constitution also allows for necessary amendments to accommodate changing societal needs and values, ensuring its relevance over time.

75. In the context of polity, which one of the following would you accept as the most appropriate definition of liberty? [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 2019]

Correct Answer: (d) Opportunity to develop oneself fully.
Solution:Option (a) and (b) give a negative perception of liberty. Option (c) is related to anarchy and lawlessness. Option (d) provides a positive conception of liberty as provided in our constitution. The term liberty means the absence of restraints on the Activities of individuals, and at the same time, providing opportunities for the development of individual personalities. Liberty that our constitution provides for the provision of reservation protection of minority rights, prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth, etc., provide for creating an enabling atmosphere where individuals can develop themselves fully. So, the correct option is (d).

76. One of the implications of equality in society is the absence of [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 2017]

Correct Answer: (a) Privileges
Solution:The Principle of equality is largely confined to the test of eradicating special privileges. This is evident in the fact that the calls for formal equality were first made in the hope of breaking down the hierarchy of ranks and orders that had survived from feudal times. Privileges granted to one class of persons on the grounds of gender, colour, creed or religion are widely regarded as irrational prejudices which fall contrary to the principle of equality.

77. Of the following political features, which is/are common to India and the USA. [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]

1. Residuary powers vested in the Centre.

2. Residuary powers vested in the states.

3. President has the power of pocket veto.

4. The upper house has some nominated members.

Correct Answer: (a) 3 only
Solution:Pocket Veto is an indirect veto of a legislative Bill by an Executive through retention of the Bill unsigned until adjournment of the legislature. The President of India and the American President both possess pocket veto. The American President is bound to return the Bill within 10 days if he refuses his assent, whereas there is no such time limit in the Indian Constitution for the President of India. The residuary the powers are vested in the Centre in India and in the States in USA. All the members are directly elected to the upper House of the USA while in the upper house of the Indian Parliament 12 members are nominated by the President. Thus, option (a) is the correct answer.

78. In which report of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission barriers of Good Governance in India have been identified? [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016 ]

Correct Answer: (b) 'Citizen-Centric Administration': The Heart of Governance'.
Solution:In Report 12 (Citizen-Centric Administration The Heart of Governance) of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission, barriers of good governance in India have been identified. It also describes the pre-conditions for good governance.

Core Principles for Citizen-Centric Governance:

  • Rule of Law: Ensuring a just and fair legal framework with zero tolerance for deviations.
  • Accountability: Making institutions vibrant, responsive, and answerable to the public.
  • Decentralization: Empowering local bodies and communities to make decisions and manage affairs.
  • Transparency: Promoting open and accessible information to foster public trust.
  • Civil Service Reforms: Improving the efficiency, effectiveness, and ethical conduct of civil servants.
  • Ethics in Governance: Upholding high moral standards and integrity in public administration.
  • Process Reforms: Streamlining and simplifying administrative procedures to enhance efficiency.
  • Periodic Evaluation: Regularly assessing the quality of governance to identify areas for improvement.

79. Which of the following institutes are considered. necessary to promote 'Unity among diversity' in the Indian Federalism? [Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]

Correct Answer: (d) All of the above
Solution:Inter-State councils & National Development Council, Finance Commission & Regional Council and Unitary Judicial System & All India Services all these institutes are necessary to promote 'unity among diversity' in the Indian Federalism. These institutes give shape to the Indian federalism. Inter-State council, formed under Article 263 of the constitution aims at discussing or investigating policies, subjects of common interest and disputes among states. The National Development Council is the apex body for decision-making and deliberations on development matters in India. It is presided over by the Prime Minister. The Finance Commission, established under Article 280 of the constitution, was formed to define the financial relations between the central Government of India and the individual state Government. India has adopted a Unitary Judicial system with the Supreme Court at the top. Article 312 of the Constitution of India provides for the constitution of All India Services

80. In which of the following decades the Parliamentary System in India shifted from Centralism to Federalism? [U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008]

Correct Answer: (b) 1970's
Solution:The Parliamentary System in India shifted from Centralism to Federalism during the decade of 1970's (1971-80), when the Congress Party lost power in many Indian States.

Indian federalism is significant for several reasons:

Accommodation of diversity: Federalism in India allows for the accommodation of diversity by giving autonomy to states to govern their own affairs and address their unique needs and concerns.
Effective governance: A robust federal structure needs to be in place to deliver effective governance and to ensure that the diverse needs and interests of the states are represented in the decision-making process.
Promotion of democracy: Federalism promotes democracy by ensuring that power is decentralized and shared between different levels of government. This allows for greater participation and representation of citizens in the decision-making process.
Protection of rights: Federalism allows for more robust protection of individual and minority rights as state governments are better able to address the specific needs and concerns of their diverse populations and can tailor policies and legislation accordingly.