The Governance System

101. In the context of polity, which one of the following would you accept

In the context of polity, which one of the following would you accept as the most appropriate definition of liberty?

[amp_mcq option1=”Protection against the tyranny of political rulers” option2=”Absence of restraint” option3=”Opportunity to do whatever one likes” option4=”Opportunity to develop oneself fully” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2019
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The correct answer is D) Opportunity to develop oneself fully.
Liberty, in a comprehensive political sense, is not merely the absence of external constraints (negative liberty) or permission to do anything one desires (which would lead to chaos). The most appropriate definition encompasses the positive conception of liberty, which is the provision of conditions and opportunities necessary for individuals to realize their full potential and capabilities.
Option A, protection against tyranny, is a crucial aspect of political liberty but is a means to secure liberty, not the full definition itself. Option B, absence of restraint, aligns with negative liberty but overlooks the societal conditions required for meaningful freedom. Option C, opportunity to do whatever one likes, is an extreme view that is incompatible with a functioning society as it would allow individuals to infringe upon the liberty of others. Positive liberty (Option D) emphasizes self-realization and the ability to act rather than just the absence of restrictions.

102. Which of the following are regarded as the main features of the “Rule

Which of the following are regarded as the main features of the “Rule of Law” ?

  • Limitation of powers
  • Equality before law
  • People’s responsibility to the Government
  • Liberty and civil rights

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 3 only” option2=”2 and 4 only” option3=”1, 2 and 4 only” option4=”1, 2, 3 and 4″ correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2018
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The correct answer is C.
The Rule of Law is a principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated, and which are consistent with international human rights norms and standards. Its main features include:
1. **Limitation of powers:** Government power is limited by law, preventing arbitrary rule.
2. **Equality before law:** All individuals, regardless of position, are subject to the same laws and judged by the same courts.
3. **Supremacy of law:** The law is supreme, not the government or any individual.
4. **Protection of fundamental rights (related to liberty and civil rights):** While not always listed as a core feature in classical definitions (like Dicey’s), modern interpretations widely acknowledge that the Rule of Law is essential for and intrinsically linked to the protection of liberty and civil rights.
Point 3, “People’s responsibility to the Government,” describes the duties of citizens, not a core feature defining the limits and operation of law on the government and its relationship with individuals, which is what the Rule of Law primarily concerns.
A.V. Dicey’s classic formulation of the Rule of Law included three principles: (1) the supremacy of regular law as opposed to the influence of arbitrary power; (2) equality before the law; and (3) the constitution being the result of the ordinary law of the land. Modern conceptions often expand on this to include notions of justice, fundamental rights, and procedural fairness. Based on the options, 1, 2, and 4 best represent the features or outcomes of the Rule of Law among the choices provided.

103. Which one of the following reflects the most appropriate relationship

Which one of the following reflects the most appropriate relationship between law and liberty ?

[amp_mcq option1=”If there are more laws, there is less liberty.” option2=”If there are no laws, there is no liberty.” option3=”If there is liberty, laws have to be made by the people.” option4=”If laws are changed too often, liberty is in danger.” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2018
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The correct answer is B.
The most appropriate relationship between law and liberty is that laws are necessary for the existence and protection of liberty. Without laws, there would be chaos and insecurity, where individuals would be subject to the arbitrary will or force of others, making true liberty impossible. Laws establish order, define rights, and provide a framework within which individuals can exercise their freedoms securely.
Philosophers like John Locke argued that while laws can restrict absolute freedom, they are essential for securing liberty by protecting individuals from harm by others and by the state itself (when the state acts arbitrarily). The concept of “Rule of Law” emphasizes that liberty thrives under a system where everyone, including the government, is subject to and protected by known and stable laws. Option A is partially true in that excessive or unjust laws can curtail liberty, but it doesn’t capture the fundamental necessity of law for liberty’s existence.

104. Out of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the pr

Out of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the principle underlying the Cabinet form of Government:

[amp_mcq option1=”An arrangement for minimizing the criticism against the Government whose responsibilities are complex and hard to carry out to the satisfaction of all.” option2=”A mechanism for speeding up the activities of the Government whose responsibilities are increasing day by day.” option3=”A mechanism of parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective responsibility of the Government to the people.” option4=”A device for strengthening the hands of the head of the Government whose hold over the people is in a state of decline.” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2017
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The correct option is C.
The Cabinet form of Government, also known as the Westminster model or parliamentary democracy, is based on the principle of collective responsibility. This means that the Council of Ministers (Cabinet) is collectively responsible to the popular house of the legislature (Lok Sabha in India). They sink and swim together. If the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion, the entire Council of Ministers must resign. This mechanism ensures that the government is accountable to the elected representatives of the people, and through them, to the people themselves.
Option A is incorrect; while a responsible government might face less arbitrary criticism, minimizing criticism is not the underlying principle. Option B might be a consequence of coordinated government action but not the core principle. Option D is incorrect; the principle is collective responsibility to the legislature, not strengthening the head of government’s individual hold. Collective responsibility is the hallmark distinguishing the Cabinet system from others like the Presidential system.

105. The main advantage of the parliamentary form of government is that

The main advantage of the parliamentary form of government is that

[amp_mcq option1=”the executive and legislature work independently” option2=”it provides continuity of policy and is more efficient” option3=”the executive remains responsible to the legislature” option4=”the head of the government cannot be changed without election” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2017
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The correct answer is C) the executive remains responsible to the legislature.
The main advantage of the parliamentary form of government is the principle of executive accountability to the legislature. The government (executive) is formed by members of the legislature and remains in power as long as it retains the confidence of the legislature. This direct responsibility ensures that the executive is continuously answerable to the elected representatives of the people, facilitating closer coordination and potential checks on executive power.
Option A is incorrect; the executive and legislature are closely intertwined in a parliamentary system, unlike the separation of powers in a presidential system. Option B is not universally true; political instability can lead to frequent changes in government, disrupting policy continuity, and efficiency depends on various factors. Option D is incorrect; the head of government (Prime Minister) can be changed without a general election through mechanisms like a vote of no confidence or a change in party leadership.

106. Democracy’s superior virtue lies in the fact that it calls into

Democracy’s superior virtue lies in the fact that it calls into activity

[amp_mcq option1=”the intelligence and character of ordinary men and women.” option2=”the methods for strengthening executive leadership.” option3=”a superior individual with dynamism and vision.” option4=”a band of dedicated party workers.” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2017
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The correct answer is A) the intelligence and character of ordinary men and women.
Democracy is fundamentally based on the principle of self-governance by the people. Its core strength and virtue lie in engaging the broader population in the political process. By giving every citizen the right to vote, participate in discussions, and form opinions, democracy necessitates and encourages the exercise of intelligence and character among ordinary individuals. It relies on the collective wisdom and civic virtue of the populace for its functioning and legitimacy.
Options B, C, and D describe elements that might exist within a political system but do not represent the superior virtue of democracy itself. Strengthening executive leadership (B) can be a goal but is not unique to democracy and can be found in authoritarian systems. Relying on a “superior individual” (C) is characteristic of autocratic or benevolent dictatorship models, antithetical to democracy’s emphasis on popular sovereignty. Dedicated party workers (D) are important for political parties, which are components of democracy, but the virtue of democracy is its foundation on the will and participation of *all* citizens, not just party cadres.

107. With reference to ‘Quality Council of India (QCI)’, consider the follo

With reference to ‘Quality Council of India (QCI)’, consider the following statements:

  • QCI was set up jointly by the Government of India and the Indian Industry.
  • Chairman of QCI is appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendations of the industry to the Government.

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2017
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Both statements 1 and 2 are correct.
– Statement 1 is correct. Quality Council of India (QCI) was established in 1997 as an autonomous body, a non-profit organization jointly by the Government of India and the Indian Industry, represented by ASSOCHAM, CII, and FICCI.
– Statement 2 is correct. As per the mechanism for appointing the Chairman of QCI, the Chairman is appointed by the Prime Minister of India on the recommendations of the industry to the government.
QCI is the national accreditation body for quality, environmental, and other management systems. It plays a crucial role in promoting quality standards across various sectors in India.

108. With reference to the ‘National Intellectual Property Rights Policy’,

With reference to the ‘National Intellectual Property Rights Policy’, consider the following statements :

  • It reiterates India’s commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS Agreement.
  • Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is the nodal agency for regulating intellectual property rights in India.

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2017
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Both statements 1 and 2 are correct.
– Statement 1 is correct. India’s National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy 2016 explicitly states that India will continue to be fully compliant with the TRIPS Agreement and reaffirms its commitment to the Doha Development Agenda.
– Statement 2 is correct. The Policy designates the erstwhile Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), now known as the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, as the nodal department for the overall coordination and implementation of the National IPR Policy.
The National IPR Policy 2016 aims to create a future-ready IP system in India by fostering innovation and creativity, promoting IP awareness, administration, enforcement, and commercialization.

109. Consider the following statements: 1. The Chief Secretary in a State

Consider the following statements:

  • 1. The Chief Secretary in a State is appointed by the Governor of that State.
  • 2. The Chief Secretary in a State has a fixed tenure.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
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Statement 1 is correct, while Statement 2 is incorrect.
– The Chief Secretary in a State is appointed by the Governor of that State, based on the recommendation of the Chief Minister (Statement 1). The appointment order is formally issued in the name of the Governor.
– The Chief Secretary does not have a fixed tenure (Statement 2). They hold office at the pleasure of the Chief Minister/Governor and can be transferred or removed. Their tenure is typically not fixed by statute but depends on the political executive’s decision.
The Chief Secretary is the administrative head of the State Secretariat, the head of the State Civil Services, and the chief advisor to the Chief Minister. Their position is of crucial importance in state administration. While appointed by the Governor, their selection is entirely the prerogative of the Chief Minister.

110. There is a Parliamentary System of Government in India because the

There is a Parliamentary System of Government in India because the

[amp_mcq option1=”Lok Sabha is elected directly by the people” option2=”Parliament can amend the Constitution” option3=”Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved” option4=”Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2015
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The correct option is D (Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha). This is the defining characteristic of the Parliamentary System of Government in India.
– In a parliamentary system, the executive (Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister) is part of the legislature and is collectively responsible to the lower house of the legislature (Lok Sabha in India).
– This means the government remains in power only as long as it enjoys the confidence of the majority in the Lok Sabha. If the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion, the government must resign.
– Option A (Lok Sabha is elected directly) is a feature of a democratic system with a representative legislature, but not exclusive to a parliamentary system.
– Option B (Parliament can amend the Constitution) describes a legislative power, common to many systems.
– Option C (Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved) describes the permanent nature of the upper house, which is a feature of India’s bicameral legislature, but not the core principle of parliamentary executive responsibility.
Article 75(3) of the Indian Constitution explicitly states: “The Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the House of the People (Lok Sabha).” This establishes the fundamental link between the executive and the legislature that defines India’s parliamentary system, in contrast to a presidential system where the executive (President) is elected independently and is not directly responsible to the legislature.
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