Systems of Government: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Polity)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Systems of Government (Polity). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 2021Polity · Systems of Government
Q1. Constitutional government means:
Explanation
A constitutional government is one where the powers of the government are limited by a constitution, ensuring rule of law, separation of powers, and the protection of citizens’ rights. It operates within legal limits set by the constitution, preventing arbitrary rule and ensuring accountability. Checks and balances are in place to prevent the misuse of power, while fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens remain safeguarded. Although both democratic and non-democratic states can have a constitution, a true constitutional government ensures that all authorities function within legal constraints, upholding transparency, fairness, and accountability.
Exam tip:
If the question asks ’What is a constitutional government?’, then the correct option must logically involve the Constitution. Only option D does that -- so it’s the most likely correct.
UPSC 2021Polity · Systems of Government
Q2. 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 the Parliament to legislate is limited. 2. In India, matters related to the constitutionality of the Amendment of an Act of the Parliament are referred to the Constitution Bench by the Supreme Court. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Indian Parliamentary system is based on constitutional supremacy, hence power of the Parliament to legislate is limited. Whereas, the British Model is based on Parliamentary sovereignty. So, as regards the legislation, the British Parliament is supreme.
Statement 2 is correct: In India, the Supreme Court has judicial review powers and can examine the constitutionality of parliamentary laws and amendments. Under Article 145(3), Cases involving substantial constitutional questions can be referred to a Constitution Bench. This also ensures that Parliament operates within constitutional limits and cannot amend the Basic Structure (Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973). In Britain, the scenario is different, here Parliament is supreme, and no court can question or strike down its laws. Unlike India, there is no concept of judicial review over parliamentary legislation, making Parliament’s decisions final and legally unchallengeable.
Additional insight:
Difference between INDIAN & BRITISH MODELS INDIAN MODEL BRITISH MODEL Republican system: Head of State (President) is indirectly elected. Monarchical system:
Head of State (King/ Queen) is hereditary.
Constitutional supremacy Parliamentary sovereignty The PM may be a member of any of the houses. The PM should be a member of the Lower House. A person who is not a member of any house can be appointed as minister, but only for six months. Usually members of parliament are appointed as ministers. No system of legal responsibility of ministers. Ministers are not required to countersign the official acts. System of legal responsibility of the minister. Ministers are required to countersign the official acts. No Shadow Cabinet Shadow Cabinet by opposition: to balance the ruling cabinet and prepare its members for future ministerial office.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2021
(d) A government limited by the terms of the Constitution
2
2021
(c) Both 1 and 2
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Systems of Government?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Systems of Government (Polity), asked from 2004 to 2021. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Systems of Government?
Questions on Systems of Government (Polity) are available for 7 years, from 2004 to 2021. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
