UPSC Law Optional, Paper I and II

Constitutional Law UPSC Law Optional PYQs

UPSC Law Optional Constitutional Law previous year questions 1-27 of 194, arranged for doctrine revision, case-law planning, and answer writing.

194 questions1-27 on this page7 pages

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Answer-writing coverage

What this archive covers

constitutional structure, fundamental rights, federalism, institutions, amendment, judicial review, and constitutional remedies.

Paper I source PDF Paper II source PDF Related law MCQs

2023Paper IQ1(a)Section A

Question 1

Preamble of the Indian Constitution is indicative of basic values that the political system is expected to pursue." How far do you agree with the statement? Explain with the reference to values that have been enshrined the Preamble of the Constitution.

Constitutional Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2023, Paper I, Q1(a), source page 149.

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2023Paper IQ1(b)Section A

Question 2

The office of the President under the Indian Constitution has been designed to be largely that of a "figurehead". Explain, with reference to the cases decided on the subject.

Executive and Constitutional Offices

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2023, Paper I, Q1(b), source page 149.

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2023Paper IQ2(a)Section A

Question 3

The Constitution of India has provided for a clear-cut distinction between civil and political rights on the one hand and economic and cultural rights on the other, with a distinct primacy given to civil and political rights." Explain.

Constitutional Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2023, Paper I, Q2(a), source page 149.

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2023Paper IQ2(b)Section A

Question 4

Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies have been accorded constitutional status." Explain the ambit and structure of the authority of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies under the Indian Constitution.

Constitutional Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2023, Paper I, Q2(b), source page 149.

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2023Paper IQ2(c)Section A

Question 5

"The Constitution of India provides constitutional status and protection to civil servants." What protections have been secured for civil servants in India? Explain.

Constitutional Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2023, Paper I, Q2(c), source page 149.

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2023Paper IQ3(b)Section A

Question 6

Legal-Aid" provides a basic tool for access to justice for poor and marginalized sections of society." Discuss and elucidate the Constitutional provisions and the provisions of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.

Constitutional Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2023, Paper I, Q3(b), source page 149.

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2023Paper IQ4(a)Section A

Question 7

What do you understand by breakdown of constitutional machinery in a State? Critically examine the powers of the President in imposing President's Rule under Article 356 of the Constitution, by citing decided cases on the point.

Executive and Constitutional Offices

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2023, Paper I, Q4(a), source page 149.

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2023Paper IQ4(c)Section A

Question 8

If at any time, it appears to the President that a critical question of law and fact has arisen, the President can obtain the opinion of the Supreme Court. Discuss the role of the Supreme Court in this matter, by giving suitable examples.

Executive and Constitutional Offices

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2023, Paper I, Q4(c), source page 149.

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2022Paper IQ1(b)Section A

Question 9

To preserve basic freedoms and dignity of individuals, a Constitution should be permeated with Constitutionalism.' Discuss.

Constitutional Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2022, Paper I, Q1(b), source page 138.

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2022Paper IQ2(a)Section A

Question 10

Amending power does not extend to damaging or destroying the basic structure or framework of our Constitution." Discuss. () LXMV.

Amendment and Basic Structure

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2022, Paper I, Q2(a), source page 138.

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2022Paper IQ2(b)Section A

Question 11

Discuss the application of fundamental rights to parliamentary privilege cases.

Fundamental Rights and Equality

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2022, Paper I, Q2(b), source page 138.

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2022Paper IQ2(c)Section A

Question 12

Do you think that all the Directive Principles of State Policy' are equally fundamental for the governance of the country? Describe with the help of decided case laws.

Constitutional Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2022, Paper I, Q2(c), source page 138.

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2022Paper IQ3(a)Section A

Question 13

Can the constitutional head of the State be truly described as the nerve-centre of the federal system? Explain in the light of powers and duties of the Governor.

Constitutional Structure and FederalismExecutive and Constitutional Offices

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2022, Paper I, Q3(a), source page 138.

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2022Paper IQ3(c)Section A

Question 14

Briefly discuss the impact of Proclamation of Emergency under Article 352 of the Constitution.

Constitutional Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2022, Paper I, Q3(c), source page 138.

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2022Paper IQ4(b)Section A

Question 15

Are administrative tribunals competent to examine the constitutional validity of primary legislations? Discuss in the light of case law.

Constitutional Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2022, Paper I, Q4(b), source page 138.

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2021Paper IQ1(a)Section A

Question 16

'The Fundamental Rights may be said to constitutionalise social values of the existing society.' Explain and illustrate with relevant examples.

Fundamental Rights and Equality

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2021, Paper I, Q1(a), source page 132.

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2021Paper IQ1(b)Section A

Question 17

'Public Interest Litigation in India is judge-led and even to some extent judge-induced.' Explain with relevant case law.

Judicial Process and Remedies

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2021, Paper I, Q1(b), source page 132.

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2021Paper IQ1(c)Section A

Question 18

'Right to Education is the base for the Fundamental Rights and Human Rights.' Discuss the efforts made by the Government with regard to children's right to education.

Fundamental Rights and Equality

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2021, Paper I, Q1(c), source page 132.

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2021Paper IQ1(d)Section A

Question 19

Explain the constitutional relationship between the President and the Council of Ministers. Is the President bound to accept the advice tendered by the Council of Ministers?

Executive and Constitutional Offices

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2021, Paper I, Q1(d), source page 132.

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2021Paper IQ2(a)Section A

Question 20

Critically examine the statement: 'Pluralism is the keystone of Indian culture and religious tolerance is the bedrock of Indian Secularism.' Discuss with the help of constitutional provisions and relevant case laws.

Constitutional Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2021, Paper I, Q2(a), source page 132.

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2021Paper IQ2(b)Section A

Question 21

Discuss the procedure for the appointment of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts and transfer of judges of the High Courts in the light of the decisions of the Supreme Court of India. Also refer to the constitutional provisions.

Constitutional Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2021, Paper I, Q2(b), source page 132.

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2021Paper IQ2(c)Section A

Question 22

Discuss the purpose, function and use of Articles 256 and 257 of the Constitution of India. Should these provisions be restructured? What are the consequences of a State's defiance of the directives issued under these Articles by the Union?

Executive and Constitutional OfficesAmendment and Basic StructureDemocracy, Elections and Accountability

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2021, Paper I, Q2(c), source page 132.

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2021Paper IQ3(a)Section A

Question 23

'Free and fair election is the basic structure and the heartbeat of democracy.' Discuss the efforts of the Election Commission to ensure the integrity of elections in India in the face of rising corruption and criminalization of politics.

Democracy, Elections and Accountability

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2021, Paper I, Q3(a), source page 132.

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2021Paper IQ3(b)Section A

Question 24

Article 356 of the Constitution contains provisions relating to President's Rule in the States. Explain the consequences of the proclamation of Emergency in a State under this Article.

Executive and Constitutional Offices

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2021, Paper I, Q3(b), source page 132.

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2021Paper IQ4(a)Section A

Question 25

Critically examine the statement: 'The Directive Principles of State Policy are non-enforceable but are fundamental in the governance of the country.' Analyze the role of the government in fulfilling the objectives laid down in Part IV of the Constitution.

Constitutional Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2021, Paper I, Q4(a), source page 132.

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2021Paper IQ4(b)Section A

Question 26

Examine the role of the State Legal Services Authority in promoting legal literacy and ensuring access to justice for women and children.

Judicial Process and Remedies

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2021, Paper I, Q4(b), source page 132.

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2021Paper IQ4(c)Section A

Question 27

What is the Doctrine of Separation of Powers? Is strict adherence to this doctrine possible in a parliamentary system of government? Discuss with the help of relevant case law.

Constitutional Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2021, Paper I, Q4(c), source page 132.

Direct link to this question

What this archive covers

Preamble of the Indian Constitution is indicative of basic values that the political system is expected to pursue." How far do you agree with the statement? Explain with the reference to values that have been enshrined the Preamble of the Constitution.

The office of the President under the Indian Constitution has been designed to be largely that of a "figurehead". Explain, with reference to the cases decided on the subject.

The Constitution of India has provided for a clear-cut distinction between civil and political rights on the one hand and economic and cultural rights on the other, with a distinct primacy given to civil and political rights." Explain.

Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies have been accorded constitutional status." Explain the ambit and structure of the authority of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies under the Indian Constitution.

"The Constitution of India provides constitutional status and protection to civil servants." What protections have been secured for civil servants in India? Explain.

Legal-Aid" provides a basic tool for access to justice for poor and marginalized sections of society." Discuss and elucidate the Constitutional provisions and the provisions of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.

What do you understand by breakdown of constitutional machinery in a State? Critically examine the powers of the President in imposing President's Rule under Article 356 of the Constitution, by citing decided cases on the point.

If at any time, it appears to the President that a critical question of law and fact has arisen, the President can obtain the opinion of the Supreme Court. Discuss the role of the Supreme Court in this matter, by giving suitable examples.

To preserve basic freedoms and dignity of individuals, a Constitution should be permeated with Constitutionalism.' Discuss.

Amending power does not extend to damaging or destroying the basic structure or framework of our Constitution." Discuss. () LXMV.

Discuss the application of fundamental rights to parliamentary privilege cases.

Do you think that all the Directive Principles of State Policy' are equally fundamental for the governance of the country? Describe with the help of decided case laws.

Can the constitutional head of the State be truly described as the nerve-centre of the federal system? Explain in the light of powers and duties of the Governor.

Briefly discuss the impact of Proclamation of Emergency under Article 352 of the Constitution.

Are administrative tribunals competent to examine the constitutional validity of primary legislations? Discuss in the light of case law.

'The Fundamental Rights may be said to constitutionalise social values of the existing society.' Explain and illustrate with relevant examples.

'Public Interest Litigation in India is judge-led and even to some extent judge-induced.' Explain with relevant case law.

'Right to Education is the base for the Fundamental Rights and Human Rights.' Discuss the efforts made by the Government with regard to children's right to education.

Explain the constitutional relationship between the President and the Council of Ministers. Is the President bound to accept the advice tendered by the Council of Ministers?

Critically examine the statement: 'Pluralism is the keystone of Indian culture and religious tolerance is the bedrock of Indian Secularism.' Discuss with the help of constitutional provisions and relevant case laws.

Discuss the procedure for the appointment of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts and transfer of judges of the High Courts in the light of the decisions of the Supreme Court of India. Also refer to the constitutional provisions.

Discuss the purpose, function and use of Articles 256 and 257 of the Constitution of India. Should these provisions be restructured? What are the consequences of a State's defiance of the directives issued under these Articles by the Union?

'Free and fair election is the basic structure and the heartbeat of democracy.' Discuss the efforts of the Election Commission to ensure the integrity of elections in India in the face of rising corruption and criminalization of politics.

Article 356 of the Constitution contains provisions relating to President's Rule in the States. Explain the consequences of the proclamation of Emergency in a State under this Article.

Critically examine the statement: 'The Directive Principles of State Policy are non-enforceable but are fundamental in the governance of the country.' Analyze the role of the government in fulfilling the objectives laid down in Part IV of the Constitution.

Examine the role of the State Legal Services Authority in promoting legal literacy and ensuring access to justice for women and children.

What is the Doctrine of Separation of Powers? Is strict adherence to this doctrine possible in a parliamentary system of government? Discuss with the help of relevant case law.

Other Law Optional subjects