Comprehensive Practice Set — Polity & Governance: Union Government

Examine whether the constitutional office of the Lok Sabha Speaker has become vulnerable to partisan politics under the current anti-defection regime. What institutional changes are required to ensure the neutrality of the Lok Sabha Speaker in managing a polarised House?

Examine how the separation of powers is practised in India compared to the rigid presidential model of the United States of America. In this context, compare the actual authority of the Indian Prime Minister with that of the President of the USA.

Discuss the nature and problems of coalition Governments in India. Analyse the challenges of coalition politics in Indian federal system.

"The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy." Elucidate.

To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India?

Do Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples.

'Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker'! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India?

Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a 'useless stepney tyre' to the most useful supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible.

"The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India." Discuss.

Individual Parliamentarian's role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss.

Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force?

Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee.

'The President of India has a right to warn, encourage and be consulted' - Explain.

State briefly the procedure of election of the President of India. Can it be truly called a Proportional Representation System? Give reasons.

What is Cut Motion? What purposes does it serve? What are the different types of Cut Motions?

Comment on 91st Amendment Act of 2002.

Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people.

The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint session of the two houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof.

Evaluate the position of the President of India.

The President of India is the fountain of "Mercy and Justice" - Comment.

Explain the procedure and grounds of impeachment of the President of India. Are the grounds justifiable in the Court of Law?

State briefly what happens to the Bill when it reaches the President of India after being passed in the Parliament for his assent? Does our President enjoy the Pocket Veto Power? If so, how?

Write a brief note on the Speaker Pro Tem.

Explain the relation of our President with the Union Council of Ministers in the context of 'Doctrine of Pleasure' as stated in Article 75(1) of our Constitution.

Write a brief note on Caretaker Government.

Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of separation of powers doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate ordinances, analyze whether the decisions of the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate ordinances be repealed?

The 'Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and its Members' as envisaged in Article 105 of the Constitution leave room for a large number of un-codified and un-enumerated privileges to continue. Assess the reasons for the absence of legal codification of the 'parliamentary privileges'. How can this problem be addressed?

Instances of President's delay in commuting death sentences has come under public debate as denial of justice. Should there be a time limit specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyse.

The size of the cabinet should be as big as governmental work justifies and as big as the Prime Minister can manage as a team. How far is the efficacy of a government then inversely related to the size of the cabinet? Discuss.

The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law which was legislated but with a different intention?

"The position of Indian President is that of influence but not power." Explain.

Assess the impact of coalition government compulsions on the role of Prime Minister.

The 106th Constitutional Amendment makes women's reservation contingent on a census and delimitation exercise. Examine the constitutional and political implications of this conditionality.

"The Tenth Schedule has curbed defection but created a new problem — the unreviewable delay of the Speaker." Examine, with reference to recent Supreme Court observations on deciding disqualification petitions within a reasonable period.

Discuss the constitutional position of the Vice-President of India as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and the procedure prescribed for filling a mid-term vacancy in that office.

Examine the growing practice of passing legislation with limited committee scrutiny. What institutional reforms would strengthen pre-legislative consultation in India?

Discuss the position of the President of India as defined by the Constitution. Is the President merely a ceremonial head, or does the office hold real powers? Explain with constitutional provisions and judicial interpretations.

Analyse the role and responsibilities of the Speaker of Lok Sabha in ensuring effective functioning of the House. What measures can be taken to strengthen the impartiality and autonomy of the Speaker?

In recent times, the Indian polity has witnessed a growing trend of using ordinances to bypass the legislative process. Critically analyse the impact of this trend on the governance of the country.

Discuss the challenges faced by the Indian Parliament in fulfilling its role as a representative and legislative body, and the measures taken to address them.

How does the doctrine of separation of powers reduce the possibility of arbitrary actions by the government in India? Give examples to illustrate your answer.

"The use of money bills to pass contentious legislation undermines the bicameral nature of India's parliamentary system." Analyse this statement in the context of recent legislative practices and their impact on the role of the Rajya Sabha.

Critically examine the role and relevance of the Rajya Sabha in the Indian parliamentary system. In what ways does it contribute to federalism and legislative scrutiny? Suggest reforms to enhance its effectiveness and accountability.

"The Chairman of Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in maintaining federal balance through their constitutional powers." Discuss.

Discuss the rationale behind the nomination of members to the Rajya Sabha. Why has the nomination process faced criticism, and how can it be made more transparent and effective?

Since independence, only a few private member bills have been passed. Does it imply that a discourse dominated by a majority restricts individual voices? Critically examine.

The role of individual MPs has diminished over the years, which in turn has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss.

What are the anti-defection provisions under the Constitution? What are the recommendations of the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution in this regard?

What is a "cut motion"? What are its different kinds? What is its significance?

What is the 'Office of Profit' under the Indian Constitution? Discuss the constitutional provisions and controversies surrounding it, with examples from recent cases.

Examine the current status of women's representation in the Indian Parliament. How far has the Women's Reservation Bill progressed, and what are the challenges in its implementation?

Frequent disruptions in Parliament have raised concerns over legislative efficiency. Analyse the causes of such disruptions and suggest measures to ensure productive parliamentary proceedings.

Parliamentary committees play an important role in exercising effective control over the executive. How far do you agree with the argument that their role has been declining in Indian parliamentary functioning? Suggest measures to enhance their effectiveness.

To what extent have financial committees institutionalised accountability and transparency in parliamentary proceedings?

Examine the role of the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs in facilitating the functioning of Parliament.

Parliamentary control over the executive is only on paper. Discuss the challenges in effective control and the measures that can improve the effectiveness of Parliament in this regard.

Highlight the constitutional standing of the Rajya Sabha in comparison to the Lok Sabha, and enumerate its exclusive powers.

Explain the President’s veto powers in India and discuss their significance in the context of Indian polity.

Critically assess the discretion vested in the executive branch under the Constitution. How does judicial oversight function as a check on this discretion?

“A powerful PMO with centralised decision-making undermines the ideals and objectives of democratic governance in India.” Discuss.

Discuss how ministerial accountability to the legislature strengthens democratic governance. In what ways can structural reforms in executive departments enhance transparency and reduce bureaucratic delays?

Elucidate the conflicts between parliamentary privileges and fundamental rights in India. How has the judiciary balanced these conflicts?

Analyse the similarities and differences in the functions and duties of the Attorney General of India and the Advocate Generals of the States.

Elucidate the hurdles hindering Parliament’s efficacy in holding the executive accountable, and explain the role a ‘Digital Sansad’ could play in enhancing this accountability.

Examine the significance of the e-Vidhan (NeVA) system in promoting transparency, efficiency and public engagement in legislation, and the challenges in its implementation.

How does the parliament exercise control over the Union Executive? How can it be made more effective?

Critically examine the emergency powers of the Indian President.

Describe the relative roles of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha in the Indian Political System.

What is a coalition government? What has been its experience in India at the central level?

Explain the procedure for the impeachment of the President.

What are the functions of the Vice-President of India? How does he differ from the American Vice-President?

What are the special powers enjoyed by the Rajya Sabha? What is its utility?

Describe the powers and functions of the Speaker of Lok Sabha.

What is meant by 'Martial Law'? What are the constitutional provisions in this regard?

What is 'Sovereignty of Parliament'? Is Indian Parliament a sovereign body?

What are the constitutional provisions with respect to the joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament?

Describe the ordinance-making power of the President of India.

How is the Vice-President of India elected? How is it different from the election of the President of India?

What are the changes made in the constitution by the 42nd and 44th Amendment Acts with respect to the powers of the President in relation to the Central Council of Ministers?

Distinguish between Public Bill and Private Bill.