Embarking on the challenging journey of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination requires a meticulous strategy and a deep understanding of the optional subjects. Among the array of choices, Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) has emerged as a popular choice for aspirants seeking a comprehensive understanding of governance, politics, and international affairs. In this blog series, we delve into the core of the PSIR optional syllabus, focusing on the Principal Organs of the Union Government. Examining the period from 2013 to 2023, we meticulously analyze the previous year questions to provide invaluable insights into the examination pattern, key concepts, and the evolving nature of the questions posed by UPSC. Aspirants and enthusiasts alike can glean valuable information to enhance their preparation and refine their approach to mastering this critical component of the PSIR syllabus.
The Principal Organs of the Union Government constitute the backbone of India’s administrative machinery. Understanding their functions, interplay, and significance is not only vital for answering questions in the UPSC mains but also essential for crafting informed perspectives on India’s governance structure. This blog series aims to unravel the intricacies of this topic, offering a roadmap for aspirants to navigate through the nuances of the Principal Organs and glean insights from the wealth of knowledge encapsulated in the previous years’ questions. As we journey through the years, from 2013 to 2023, aspirants will gain a panoramic view of the evolving trends in UPSC questioning, equipping them with the tools needed to navigate this challenging and prestigious examination successfully.
Principal Organs of the Union Government – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains PSIR Optional)
Envisaged role and actual working of the Executive
1. The role of Indian Prime Ministers in the federal system was always controversial. Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer with apt examples. (2000)
2. Analyse the position of Prime Minister of India in a coalition regime. (2013)
3. How is the President of India: elected? Outline the salient· characteristics of the electoral college of the Indian President. (2017)
4. Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has emerged as the most powerful institution in India. Discuss. (2019)
5. Has the thrust of government tilted towards executive in contemporary Indian Politics? Give your arguments. (2020)
6. The role of the President of India becomes more significant during a minority government and a coalition government. Explain. (2021)
- The Bureaucracy/ Weber’s theory of bureaucracy
1. Comment: Representative bureaucracies. (1995)
2. “The roots of India’s growing problems of governability are more political than socioeconomic, that is, they are located in India’s political structure.” Discuss. (1996)
3. Comment: Corruption in Administration in India and its impact on socio-economic reconstruction. (2000)
4. Critically evaluate Weber’s ideas on Bureaucracy and highlight the significance of the Weberian model from India’s point of view. (2000)
5. Comment Concept of committed bureaucracy. (2001)
6. Critically examine the role and contribution of India’s bureaucracy in nation building. (2006)
7. Analyse the arguments in favour and against the lateral entry into higher civil services in India. (2018)
- Legislature Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Parliamentary Committees
1. The function of a legislature is not merely making of laws. What other functions are expected of a modern legislature? (1995)
2. Discuss the role and limits of the Indians Parliament in checkmating political corruption, with special reference to the Bofors payoff and the Securities scams. (1997)
3. Comment: Parliamentary Committees in India. (2004)
4. Comment in 150 words: Decline of Indian Parliament (2013)
5. The Speaker represents the freedom and dignity of the House. Examine.(2022)
Principal Organs of the State Government
1. In normal conditions, the Governor is a constitutional executive but in case of constitutional crisis, he can become a powerful and effective executive. Discuss. (2011)
2. Critically analyze the discretionary powers granted to the Governor by the Indian Constitution. (2015)
3. Critically examine the role of Governor in recent times. (2016)
4. Do the lieutenant Governors have more powers than the Governors of the States? Explain.(2018)
5. Legislative Council is a house without any effective powers. Comment.(2022)
Supreme Courts, High Courts; Judicial Activism; PIL
1. ‘The role of the Indian Judiciary in recent years has been one of dynamic judicial activism.’ Elucidate. (1991)
2. Comment: Judicial behaviour. (1993)
3. Comment: Public interest litigation. (1994)
4. “The recent spate of judicial activities has created problems for the operation of parliamentary democracy in India.” Discuss. (1998)
5. Write: Public Interest Litigation and Judicial Activism. (1999)
6. Comment: The debate over judicial activism in India. (2001)
7. How does the Supreme Court of India function as the “Guardian of the Constitution” and “protector of the rights of the citizens”? (2004)
8. Comment: Judicial Activism. (2006)
9. Explain the concept of Judicial activism, and examine its impact on the relationship between executive and judiciary in India. (2007)
10. Critically examine the arguments being advanced for review of the present system of appointment of judges to the higher judiciary of the country. (2009)
11. Comment on judicial activism and social change. (150 words) (2012)
12. Examine the role of Supreme Court as the final interpreter of the Indian Constitution. (2013)
13. Examine the debates on the appointment procedure of judges to the higher judiciary in India. (2014)
14. Judiciary has acquired the role of both, a legislature and an executive in recent years. Examine with suitable examples. (2017)
15. Whether judicical activism has undermined or strengthened Parliamentary Democracy in India? Discuss. (2018)
16. Answer in 150 words: Judicial overreach in India. (2020)
17. Examine the evolution of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India as a constitutional court. (2021)
18. The Doctrine of Basic Structure of the Constitution has enhanced the power of judicial review of the Supreme Court. Examine.(2022)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the Principal Organs of the Union Government in India?
The Principal Organs of the Union Government refer to the key institutions and bodies that constitute the core administrative structure of India. These include the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary. The Executive comprises the President, Prime Minister, and the Council of Ministers. The Legislature consists of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, while the Judiciary includes the Supreme Court.
Q: How does the interaction between the Principal Organs contribute to the functioning of the Indian government?
The interaction between the Principal Organs is crucial for the checks and balances inherent in India’s democratic system. The Executive proposes laws, the Legislature debates and enacts them, and the Judiciary ensures their constitutionality. This interplay ensures a separation of powers, preventing any single organ from gaining unchecked authority.
Q: What role does the President play among the Principal Organs of the Union Government?
The President, as the ceremonial head of state, plays a crucial role in the Executive branch. While the President’s powers are largely symbolic, they include the appointment of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, as well as the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha in certain circumstances.
Q: How do the Principal Organs contribute to policymaking in India?
Policymaking in India involves a collaborative effort among the Executive, Legislature, and to some extent, the Judiciary. The Executive formulates policies, which are then subject to debate and approval by the Legislature. The Judiciary ensures that these policies adhere to constitutional principles.
Q: Can you provide examples of recent developments or changes within the Principal Organs of the Union Government?
Recent years have witnessed various developments, such as changes in the Council of Ministers, amendments in laws by the Legislature, and landmark judgments by the Judiciary. Keeping abreast of these changes is essential for understanding the dynamic nature of the Principal Organs and their impact on governance in India.
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