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Q1Polity & Governance·Political Theory and Comparative ConceptsPYQ 2023
Which one of the following statements best reflects the chief purpose of the Constitution of a country?
- AIt determines the objective for the making of necessary laws.
- BIt enables the creation of political offices and a government.
- CIt defines and limits the powers of government.Correct
- DIt secures social justice, social equality and social security.
Explanation
Correct. The most fundamental purpose of a constitution is to define and limit the powers of government. Constitutionalism is built on the principle that governmental authority must be legally bounded to prevent tyranny.
Q2Polity & Governance·Political Theory and Comparative ConceptsPYQ 2023
In essence, what does 'Due Process of Law' mean?
- AThe principle of natural justiceCorrect
- BThe procedure established by law
- CFair application of law
- DEquality before law
Explanation
Correct. Due process of law goes beyond the mere existence of a procedure and requires fairness, reasonableness, and adherence to natural justice principles. It is conceptually broader than 'procedure established by law' as it includes substantive and procedural safeguards.
Q3Polity & Governance·Political Theory and Comparative ConceptsPYQ 2021
Which one of the following best defines the term 'State'?
- AA community of persons permanently occupying a definite territory, independent of external control and possessing an organized governmentCorrect
- BA politically organized people of a definite territory and possessing an authority to govern them, maintain law and order, protect natural rights and safeguard sustenance
- CA number of persons living in a definite territory for a very long time with their own culture, tradition and government
- DA society permanently living in a definite territory with a central authority, an executive responsible to the central authority and an independent judiciary
Explanation
Correct. In political theory, a State is classically defined by four core elements: population, territory, government, and sovereignty (independence from external control). Option (a) captures all four essential features most accurately.
Q4Polity & Governance·Political Theory and Comparative ConceptsPYQ 2021
Constitutional government means:
- AA representative government of a nation with federal structure
- BA government whose Head enjoys nominal powers
- CA government whose Head enjoys real powers
- DA government limited by the terms of the ConstitutionCorrect
Explanation
Correct. A constitutional government is one in which power is limited and regulated by a constitution. The defining element is legal restraint on government authority, regardless of whether the system is parliamentary, presidential, federal, or unitary.
Q5Polity & Governance·Political Theory and Comparative ConceptsPYQ 2021
Which one of the following factors constitutes the best safeguard of liberty in a liberal democracy?
- AA committed judiciary
- BCentralization of powers
- CElected government
- DSeparation of powersCorrect
Explanation
Correct. Separation of powers, along with checks and balances, is the structural safeguard that best protects liberty in a liberal democracy by preventing the concentration of power in any single organ of government.
Q6Polity & Governance·Political Theory and Comparative ConceptsPYQ 2021
We adopted parliamentary democracy based on the British model, but how does our model differ from that model?
1. As regards legislation, the British Parliament is supreme or sovereign, but in India the power of Parliament to legislate is limited.
2. In India, matters related to constitutionality of amendment of an Act of Parliament are referred to a Constitution Bench by the Supreme Court.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2Correct
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Correct. Statement 1 is correct because the UK Parliament is sovereign (no judicial review of legislation), while India's Parliament is constrained by the Constitution and subject to judicial review. Statement 2 is correct because substantial constitutional questions, including validity of amendments, are heard by Constitution Benches under Article 145(3).
Q7Polity & Governance·Political Theory and Comparative ConceptsPYQ 2020
A constitutional government by definition is a:
- AGovernment by legislature
- BPopular government
- CMulti-party government
- DLimited governmentCorrect
Explanation
Correct. Constitutional government means government limited by law and restrained by a higher legal framework. The core idea is the limitation of public power through constitutional provisions.
Q8Polity & Governance·Political Theory and Comparative ConceptsPYQ 2020
In the context of India, which one of the following is the characteristic appropriate for bureaucracy?
- AAn agency for widening the scope of parliamentary democracy
- BAn agency for strengthening the structure of federalism
- CAn agency for facilitating political stability and economic growth
- DAn agency for implementation of public policyCorrect
Explanation
Correct. Bureaucracy is the permanent executive responsible for implementing laws, policies, and administrative decisions made by the political executive. Policy implementation is its primary and defining role.
Q9Polity & Governance·Political Theory and Comparative ConceptsPYQ 2020
One common agreement between Gandhism and Marxism is:
- AThe final goal of a stateless societyCorrect
- BClass struggle
- CAbolition of private property
- DEconomic determinism
Explanation
Correct. Both Gandhism and Marxism envision an eventual social order where coercive state power withers away. Gandhi imagined decentralized self-governing communities (Gram Swaraj), while Marx envisioned the withering away of the state after the proletarian revolution.
Q10Polity & Governance·Political Theory and Comparative ConceptsPYQ 2020
A Parliamentary System of Government is one in which:
- AAll political parties in Parliament are represented in the Government
- BThe Government is responsible to Parliament and can be removed by itCorrect
- CThe Government is elected by the people and can be removed by them
- DThe Government is chosen by Parliament but cannot be removed by it before completion of a fixed term
Explanation
Correct. The defining feature of a parliamentary system is that the executive is drawn from and remains responsible to the legislature. The government can be removed through a vote of no confidence.
Q11Polity & Governance·Political Theory and Comparative ConceptsPYQ 2019
In the context of polity, which one of the following would you accept as the most appropriate definition of liberty?
- AProtection against the tyranny of political rulers
- BAbsence of restraint
- COpportunity to do whatever one likes
- DOpportunity to develop oneself fullyCorrect
Explanation
Correct. Liberty in constitutional and political theory is best understood as the condition in which individuals can fully develop their personality and potential within a framework of just laws. This reflects the positive conception of liberty.
Q12Polity & Governance·Political Theory and Comparative ConceptsPYQ 2018
Which of the following are regarded as the main features of the 'Rule of Law'?
1. Limitation of powers
2. Equality before law
3. People's responsibility to the Government
4. Liberty and civil rights
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A1 and 3 only
- B2 and 4 only
- C1, 2 and 4 onlyCorrect
- D1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
Correct. A.V. Dicey's formulation of the rule of law includes: supremacy of law (limiting arbitrary power), equality before law (no one is above the law), and protection of individual rights and civil liberties through judicial decisions.