Embarking on the challenging journey of preparing for the UPSC Mains examination, aspirants often find themselves navigating through a sea of study materials and resources. One critical component of this preparation is the careful analysis of previous year questions, especially for optional subjects like Public Administration. In this blog series, we delve into the intricacies of the Public Administration optional paper, focusing on the Philosophical and Constitutional framework of government. Covering the period from 2013 to 2023, we aim to provide aspirants with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving trends, key themes, and essential concepts that have been tested by the UPSC over the years. By dissecting these questions, we not only shed light on the examination patterns but also offer valuable insights into the depth and breadth of knowledge required to excel in this particular optional subject.
The Philosophical and Constitutional framework of government is a pivotal area within Public Administration that demands a nuanced understanding of political philosophy, governance structures, and constitutional principles. Aspirants will find in-depth analyses, strategic insights, and expert tips to navigate this optional paper successfully. Whether you are a seasoned UPSC aspirant or just beginning your journey, this series aims to be your go-to resource for mastering the nuances of Public Administration’s Philosophical and Constitutional framework. Join us as we unravel the intricacies of the subject, providing a roadmap that empowers aspirants to tackle this optional paper with confidence and competence.
Philosophical and Constitutional framework of government – Public Administration – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains Psychology Optional)
Salient features and value premises; Constitutionalism; Political culture; Bureaucracy and democracy; Bureaucracy and development
1. “The Indian federal structure is largely symmetric albeit with some asymmetric features”. Examine the status of States and Union Territories through the principle of weighted and differentiated equality in India. (2022)
2. “The Government of India Act, 1935 is the most important source of Indian constitution”. Identify its features. (2022)
3. The Preamble to the Constitution of India provides a foundational framework of ideals and values for the Indian administration. Discuss. (2021)
4. Examine the extent to which the ideal of Constitutionalism as ‘government by limited powers’ has been a functional reality in India. (2021)
5. There is a constant and continuous collusion between bureaucratic values and democratic values which adversely affects development. Do you agree? Elaborate. (2020)
6. The structural part of the Constitution of India is to a large extent derived from the Government of India Act, 1935, whereas its philosophical part has many other sources. Discuss the sources of the philosophical part. (2020)
7. The economic reforms have significantly infringed the basic values and spirit of the Indian Constitution. Discuss. (2019)
8. Macaulay’s ideas on Indian Civil Service corresponded to the elite theory of bureaucracy, which continue to persist. Do you agree? Justify. (2019)
9. “The philosophy of the Westminster model is at odds with the political culture of India.” Critically analyse. (2018)
10. “Constitutionalism is the foundation of the administrative edifice in India.” Discuss. (2017)
11. “The market reforms have not infringed the basic structure of the Constitution of India, but have largely compromised the realisation of the ideals of social and economic justice.” Comment. (2017)
12. “Bureaucracy has to make a balance between the need for environmental sustainability and developmental imperatives.” Discuss. (2016)
13. Do you think that some of the ideals enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution remain only on paper even today? Critically evaluate. (2015)
14. “Democracy within bureaucracy is likely to reduce its effectiveness.” Do you agree with this view? Argue your case. (2015)
15. To what extent has political culture influenced the administrative culture of India? Explain. (2015)
16. As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar observed, “the text of the Constitution can provide the organs of the State, but the final outcome of the governance process depends on how it has operationalized by the political parties and people”. Elucidate the statement. (2015)
17. Discuss the valuable premise of constitutionalism in India which the bureaucracy cannot violate. (2014)
18. “Beneath the soft outer shell of democratic administrative framework lies unscathed the steel frame of Indian administration which has survived through ages.” In the light of this statement, examine the relationship between bureaucracy and development in the last one decade. (2014)
19. “The liberal-democratic ideology of the West influenced the shaping of value premises of the Indian Constitution.” Discuss. (2013)
20. “Over-dependence on bureaucracy for bring about socio-economic development in India has proved to be dysfunctional.” Comment. (2011)
21. Explain with appropriate illustrations the interface between political culture and bureaucratic culture in contemporary India. (2011)
22. The prevalence of multiple channels for transfer of resources from the Centre to the States is stated to have compounded the problems of federal arrangements. Discuss. (2010)
23. “Values of Indian administration must be rooted in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.” Discuss. (2009)
24.‘ The shift from the Nehruvian to the liberalisation model of development has necessitated reinventing government.’ Comment. (2008)
25. There is constant and continuous collision between bureaucratic values and democratic values which adversely affects development. In the light of this statement examine the role of bureaucracy in development. (2008)
26. “The basic values of the Constitution of India enshrine social, political and economic philosophy symbolising sovereignty of the people, rule of law and basic characteristics of a socialist, secular, democratic, republic.” Comment. (2006)
27. “Culturally sanctioned values and symbols have acted as important influencing catalyst in administration.” – Elaborate. (2002)
28. “Indian federalism is described as federal in form but unitary in spirit.” Comment. (2002)
29. “The value premises of our Constitution in the era of global constitutionalism.” Comment. (2002)
30.“The use of the word ‘Socialist’ in the Indian Constitution has become redundant in the context of the liberalization of economy.” Comment. (2001)
31. “Reservation policy and its implementation has had some positive impact in relation to terms on the socio-economic development of the SCs and STs but it is very meagre in absolute terms.” Comment. (2000)
32. “Indian Constitution considerably influences the nature, role and structure of Indian administration.” Elucidate. (1998)
33.“The Directive Principles of State Policy are socialistic in their direction and content.” Comment. (1997)
34.“The Preamble to the Constitution is a key to open the mind of the markers.” Comment. (1997)
35. Examine the motives and intentions of the framers of the Indian Constitution as they opted for the system of parliamentary democracy in India. (1997)
36.“The constitutional provisions for the appointment of a special officer for the Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes are more investigative than executive in orientation.” Comment. (1996)
37. “The first Article of the Draft Constitution of India provided that India shall be a federation.” Comment. (1996)
38. “The Indian Constitution is a bag to borrowed materials.” Comment. (1995)
39. “The purists have criticized the Indian Constitution as not conforming to the conception of a federation and so being unduly rigid.” Examine the statement. (1995)
40. “The word ‘socialist’ in the Preamble to our Constitution requires to be defined.” Comment. (1994)
41. “In framing a Federal Constitution the Constituent Assembly had many models to draw upon, but it wisely decided to take the Government of India Act, 1935 as the basis on which the new Constitution was to be framed.” Critically examine this statement. (1994)
42.‘ Reservation Policy in Public Services as a mandate from the Constitution has been conducive to the promotion of Social Justice.’ Discuss and illustrate. (1992)
43. ‘The Indian Constitution provides a mere environmental setting for our politics and administration but the state of conflict arises from the mass base and the elitist orientations of the two respectively.’ Comment. (1992)
44. ‘The fine art of deception which the British Practised in the name of “Dyarchy” was too crude for it to pass the test of self- government. It hastened “Provincial Autonomy” but this too did not promote parliamentary democracy of federalism.” Comment. (1991)
45. ‘As the Fundamental Law of Administration of the land, the Indian Constitution lacks teeth in its institutional package in the Constitution.’ Comment. (1991)
46. ‘Welfare and development administration calls for qualities different from law and order administration.’ Examine, in the light of this statement, the crucial issues in tribal welfare and development administration, highlighting the role of the Government agencies involved in it. (1991)
47. ‘The Preamble to the Constitution of India contains the ideals to be achieved by the administration; the progress in regard to their realisation has however been halting and patchy, the libertarian ideal on the whole gaining an upper hand over the egalitarian.’ Comment. (1990)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the significance of the Philosophical and Constitutional framework of government in the UPSC Public Administration optional paper?
Understanding the philosophical and constitutional underpinnings of government is crucial for Public Administration aspirants. This section assesses candidates’ comprehension of fundamental political ideas, governance philosophies, and constitutional principles. Mastery of this framework is essential for addressing questions related to governance, political thought, and constitutional provisions.
Q: How can I effectively prepare for the Philosophical and Constitutional framework questions in Public Administration?
To excel in this area, aspirants should focus on mastering key political philosophies, theories of governance, and constitutional provisions. Comprehensive reading of relevant texts, including political philosophy classics and the Indian Constitution, is essential. Additionally, analyzing previous year questions and understanding the evolving trends will provide valuable insights into the examination’s expectations.
Q: Which philosophers and political thinkers are frequently referenced in questions related to the Philosophical and Constitutional framework of government?
Questions in this domain often draw from a diverse array of political thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, John Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Ambedkar, and others. Aspirants should be well-versed in the ideas of these thinkers and their relevance to the governance structures and constitutional principles.
Q: How has the pattern of questions on the Philosophical and Constitutional framework evolved over the years in UPSC Mains?
Understanding the historical progression of questions is crucial for effective preparation. By analyzing the pattern over the past decade, aspirants can identify recurring themes, anticipate the emphasis on specific topics, and tailor their preparation strategies accordingly.
Q: What is the weightage of the Philosophical and Constitutional framework section in the Public Administration optional paper?
While the weightage may vary from year to year, this section typically holds significant importance in the Public Administration optional paper. Aspirants should allocate sufficient time and resources to ensure a strong grasp of the Philosophical and Constitutional framework, as it forms the bedrock of understanding governance and administration in the Indian context.
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