- Polity Analysis: vs CSAT 2013
- How to approach Polity in CSAT-2015?
- Answers: Polity Executive (2MCQ)
- Answers: Legislature related (3MCQ)
- Answers: Judiciary related (2MCQ)
- Answers: Organizations (2MCQ)
- Answers: Constitution- Basics (2MCQ)
Polity Analysis: vs CSAT 2013
CSAT 2013 | 2014 |
---|---|
18 MCQ from Polity | Only 11. Drastic reduction – to make “space” for environment and agriculture (perhaps for IFoS?) |
no current affairs | same |
majority were easy and could be solved from Laxmikanth | same |
majority MCQs from “executive, legislature and Constitution-basics” | same |
Question involving NDC and Planning commission | Yes |
DPSP list item | Yes |
Governor removal | Governor power |
bodies asked | yes |
Polity: Analysis vs other exam
Among CDS, CAPF and CSAT conducted this year, You can see some continuity and some divergence.
CDS & CAPF 2014 | CSAT-2014 (prelims) |
---|---|
CAPF 2014:Consider the following statements about Constitutional Government:
Then you had to find out correct statements. |
CSAT 2014: Consider the following statements : A Constitutional Government is one which
Then you had to find out correct statements. |
CAPF: asked about functions of governor | Yes they too asked. |
Both CDS and CAPF asked questions about function of parliamentary Committee. | Asked name of Largest Committee. (So in a way, although “ascending-descending” order type MCQs did not come in Economy but that type of question came here in polity. |
Asked current affairs based polity e.g. Expenditure limit in Lok Sabha | Nothing from current based polity- election, representation of people’s act, VVPAT etc. nothing |
Ventured into ULB, PRI | Did not |
Ventured into more details of parliamentary procedures, powers of Dy.Speaker etc. beyond what’s given in Laxmikanth. | Did not. |
Asked questions from Chapters on President and Parliament. | That’s evergreen topic, just like Buddhism, Jainism. Here too, questions came from President and parliament. |
Asked about “Bodies” (e.g. membership in NHRC) | some |
Some questions from NCERT political science (e.g. correct meaning of democracy) | Nope. |
2014 | CDS(I) | CAPF | CSAT |
---|---|---|---|
Polity MCQs | 23 | 20 | 11 |
Total MCQs | 120 | 125 | 100 |
% wise | 19% | 16% | 11% |
Compared tolast yearof the same exam | Drastic Increase | Increased | decreased |
Polity Brief Analysis: CSAT 2014 itself
- Debatable. Depends on preparation level
- 9 out of 11 questions, could be solved DIRECTLY from the book M.Laxmikanth’s book, Therefore putting them under Easy to Moderate level difficulty.
Q | difficulty |
---|---|
President power | Easy |
Gov.power | Easy but prone to silly mistakes. |
no confidence | Easy / debatable depending on how you interpret “only” |
Largest Committee | Moderate. In the pre-CSAT era, Public Administration players used to religiously mugup Committee membership tables for prelims. But in the recent years, players would have stopped bothering with trivial highest-lowest, ascending-descending orders. |
10th Schedule | Ridiculously easy. Some serious players may have even felt this MCQ to be an insult to their intelligence. |
Sc jurisdiction | Same as above |
DPSP international peace | Same as above |
SC no. of judges | Easy. Although some may have got confused about “president” instead of parliament. thinking that President signs and appoints them so he ‘decides’. |
Bodies associated with planning | Easy / debatable depending on how your interpret “planning” |
Detailed explanation scroll down to see individual MCQs
Outside Laxmikanth
Cabinet Secretariat |
|
Constitutional Government | Difficult because multiple interpretations. I could not locate Verbatim answer. |
How to approach Polity in CSAT-2015?
Yes, after all the purpose of doing this answerkey majoori is not cut-off speculation but to fine tune strategy for next year.
- NCERT Political science must be read. Even though no questions came from CSAT-2014), but it has its utilities.
- Indian Polity by M.Laxmikanth (Tata Macgrawhill Publication) must be used as Base-book for polity theory. All chapters, appendix must be prepared in thorough detail, all mock questions must be solved. Although recent exams have been mainly focused President, parliament and DPSP chapters and overall easier nature of question compared to last year. BUT you cannot take anything for granted in UPSC.
- India Yearbook’s Chapter 3 (Polity) must be read.
- Polity Current affairs must be prepared throughout the year, from TheHINDU.
- Because, even though current polity not asked in CSAT-2014, but Mains-2013 GS paper II descriptive questions on polity, had the current flavor.
- Besides Current Polity important for interviews and backup exams (SSC, CAPF) etc. anyways.
Answers: Polity Executive (2MCQ)
President’s Powers
Q1. Consider the following statements:
- The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India, and for the allocation among Ministers of the said business.
- All executive actions of the Government of India shall be expressed to be taken in the name of the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Ref: Laxmikanth 4th edition. Pg 17.7 Topic: Executive Powers of President.
- Statement 1 is correct. (Article 77(3) uses the same wording “Shall”).
- All executive actions of the Government of India shall be expressed to be taken in the name of the PRESIDENT (not prime minister). Therefore, statement 2 is wrong.
Therefore, Answer: (a) 1 only
Governor’s discretionary power
Q2. Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State?
- Sending a report to the President of India for imposing the President’s rule
- Appointing the Ministers
- Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India
- Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 only.
- 2, 3 and 4 only.
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
We must use elimination method, otherwise there is good chance of making silly mistakes.
Ref. Laxmikanth Page26.10, bottom lines: The governor has Constitutional discretion in following cases:
- Reservation of bill for consideration of the President.
- Recommendation of the imposition of President’s rule.
Therefore, statement 1 and 3 are definitely right. Eliminate all choices, that donot have (1 and 3) together.
- 1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 only.
- 2, 3 and 4 only.
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Now we are left with B and D. Let’s focus attention to statement 2. Appointing the Ministers
As per Laxmikanth Chapter chief minister, Page 27.2, last section.
“The chief minister enjoys following powers….Governor only appoints those persons as ministers who are recommended by the Chief Minister.”
In other words Governor doesn’t have “Discretion” in appointment of the minister.
Therefore, #2 is wrong. Eliminate choices involving number 2.
- 1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 only.
- 2, 3 and 4 only.
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Therefore, B is the final answer.
Answers: Legislature related (3MCQ)
No Confidence motion
1. Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in India:
- There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India.
- A Motion of No-Confidence can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only.
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) both 1 and 2
Ref: Laxmikanth chapter on parliament, Page 22.15
- Art 75 says that the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to Loksabha. In other words, Lok Sabha can remove them by passing a no-confidence motion. But the word “no confidence motion” itself is not given in Constitution itself, it comes from Rule 198 of LokSabha Rules. Therefore statement 1 is right, NCM not in Constitution.
- Same chapter page 22.29. Rajya Sabha cannot pass cannot remove council of ministers by passing no-confidence motion. Meaning- statement 2 also correct- no confidence motion can be introduced, only in Lok Sabha.
- Therefore, Answer C Both 1 and 2 correct.
Counter view:
No confidence motion can be introduced in Vidhan Sabha therefore statement #2 is wrong. because it uses the word “only” Therefore, answer is (B) only 2.
Final Answer? UPSC’s official answerkey. sometimes they drag the “only” logic, sometimes they don’t. (as i’ve observed in some of the economy questions in past exam, so pendulum can swing either way.)
Parliament Committees
Q2. Which one of the following is the largest Committee of the Parliament?
- The Committee on Public Accounts
- The Committee on Estimates
- The Committee on Public Undertakings
- The Committee on Petitions
Ref: Laxmikanth Chapter on Parliament. Page 22.30 to 22.33
Committee on | No. of members |
---|---|
Public Accounts | 22 |
Estimates | 30 |
Public Undertakings | 22 |
Petitions. | LS(15) , RS(10) |
Therefore, largest Committee is Estimates, given its 30 members. Hence answer is (b)
10th Sch. Anti-defection
1. Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding anti-defection?
- Second Schedule
- Fifth Schedule
- Eighth Schedule
- Tenth Schedule
Ans: (d) Tenth Schedule
Ref: Laxmikanth ch.67, opening paragraph
The 52nd Amendment act of 1985, added 10th schedule to the Constitution. This is often referred to as anti-defection law.
Answers: Judiciary related (2MCQ)
SC jurisdiction
Q1. The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its
- advisory jurisdiction
- appellate jurisdiction.
- original jurisdiction
- writ jurisdiction
Laxmikanth Chapter on Supreme court. Page 25.5. Topic “original jurisdiction”.
“…As a federal court, the supreme court decides the disputes between centre and one or more states….”
Therefore, Answer (C)Original Jurisdiction
SC No. of Judges
Q2. The power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India is vested in
- the President of India
- the Parliament
- the Chief Justice of India
- The Law Commission
Laxmikanth Chapter on Supreme court. Page 25.1 Topic “organization of Supreme court”:- …Parliament has increased number of judges from 10 in 1956 to…..”
Therefore, answer: (b) Parliament.
Answers: Organizations (2MCQ)
Five year Planning
Q1. Which of the following are associated with ‘Planning’ in India?
- The Finance Commission
- The National Development Council
- The Union Ministry of Rural Development
- The Union Ministry of Urban Development
- The Parliament
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1, 2 and 5 only
- 1, 3 and 4 only
- 2 and 5 only
- 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Approach 1:
Finance commission is involved in distribution of taxes and grants. It is not involved in planning. So by just eliminating all options involving statement 1, we get answer [C] only 2 and 5 correct.
Approach 2 (just to cross check)
Laxmikanth chapter on National development council, Page 49.1
The draft five-year plan, prepared by the planning commission ‘s first submitted to the union Cabinet. After its approval, it is placed before the National development Council, for its acceptance. Then, the plan is presented to Parliament, with its approval, it emerges as the official plan and published in the official Gazette.
Therefore, 2(NDC) and 5(Parliament) correct. Answer [C]
Counter-argument:
all those are “stakeholders” and therefore involved. Hence answer (D) 1 to 5. Anyways, UPSC’s official answerkey=final judge.
Sidenote: there was also an MCQ on “theme” of five year plan but I classify it under economy.
Cabinet Secretariat, Functions of
Q2. Which of the following is / are the function/functions of the Cabinet Secretariat?
- Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings
- Secretarial assistance to Cabinet Committees
- Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Statement number 1 and 2 are correct. As per following resources
- M.Laxmikanth’s Public Administration book, Chapter on Union Government page 427. Both functions given verbatim.
- Cabinet Secretariat Website :- http://cabsec.nic.in/about_functions.php
- India yearbook 2014, Chapter 3 Polity, page 40. Accordingly statement #2 is correct. (Although its silent on 1 and 3).
Statement #3 outside the realms of cabinet Secretariat. Financial resources are allotted to ministries, as per the provisions in budget prepared by finance ministry. Therefore, answer C only 1 and 2.
Answers: Constitution- Basics (2MCQ)
DPSP
Q1. In the Constitution of India, promotion of international peace and security is included in the
- Preamble to the Constitution
- Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
- Fundamental Duties
- Ninth Schedule
Ref: Laxmikanth Chapter 8 on Directive principles of State Policy, page 8.3
Article 51: to promote international peace and security and maintain just an honorable relations between nations between nations; to foster respect for international law and treaty obligations, and to encourage settlements of international disputes by arbitration.
Therefore, answer (B) DPSP
Constitutional Government
Q2. Consider the following statements : A Constitutional Government is one which
- Places effective restrictions on individual liberty in the interest of State Authority
- Places effective restrictions on the Authority of the State in the interest of individual liberty
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only.
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
While both statements are correct as such. But are both necessary to explain “what is a Constitutional government?
Viewpoint1 | Viewpoint2 |
---|---|
Answer C, both correct | Answer B, only 2 |
|
|
Final answer: official UPSC answerkey.
Any corrections, do post in comments but with reference source.
Hi, can anyone suggest me which edition of Indian Polity by Lakshmikant will be better – 3rd edition or 4th edition?
3rd edition is best becoz in 4rth edition there are some mistakes
laxmikanth polity 4th edition is too good…
Thank you sir for you valuable information.
which topic important and how revised prelim point of view in gs 1 paper give me idea sir how compared last year question paper to co related in 2015 upcoming exam
why this pages are updated?? i want old pages.. how to prepare from NCERTs and Lakshmikanth..
analysis of upsc prelim csat paper1 and 2 till 2014, changing trends and strategy for 2015, for which subject to give more time n less time accordingly.
analysis of upsc prelim csat paper1 and 2 till 2014, changing trends and strategy for 2015, for which subject to give more time n less time accordingly. please notify
Hi Mrunal,
Had a question on the political executive in India. In the NCERT textbook it says that the council of ministers is collectively responsible to the legislature. So if a vote of no confidence is passed against a single minister, the entire council of ministers has to resign. What happens to the Leader of the council of the ministers i.e. the PM? I am presuming that the PM doesn’t have to resign but what are the implications? And does this vote of no confidence have be of the special majority type?
Thanks
vishal
If the Lok Sabha passes a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers, the term of the Government comes to an end. As the leader of the majority, the Prime Minister is also the Leader of the Lok Sabha. He has to perform certain parliamentary functions like proposing dates of calling the House in session to the Speaker and drawing up the programme of official business.
source: http://www.prsindia.org/parliamenttrack/about-parliament/the-indian-parliament-198/
all d best
dear sir /mam i’m a engineering final year student ,,i hav a desire to become an IAS officer,, bt as all others told dat ,preparation shud start during progress of our academics bt i hd a desire nd im interested in dat ,,will it still gud tym to prepare nd to take a decision ??? nd i want to know d complete details about upsc exam so i request u to give clarification to me,,,,,,,
I like all of politi sub chapters
sir is baar pre m csat k marks include hoge ya nhi
i am beginner of upsc preparation i dont know that which books are essential.plz message me the recommended books right from ncert’s
just read all blogs mrunal carefully – csat analysis
Namaskar Mrunal Sir ji. PRELIMS 2016 ka Tips dijiye please..
Sir plz give an overview for prelims2016…like wt to read and how toread???
shri man ji
mai dusri bar upsc pre.exams mai baithne ja raha hun mujhe kuch books ke bare mai batae.Aur mare graduatin mai 45.75% marks hai,maine economisc se P.G kiya hai.
Rattling nice pattern and good subject matter, hardly anything else we need D. adggcbcfeaffgcdc
It is ok ? fr 2015 csat preparation but what ,how fr 2016 csat reply me . Is this pattern same also fr 2016 csat?
On the no-confidence motion in India question
It can be passed in state legislative assemblies also.\, since there is no specific mention of ‘Parliament’ in the question. Therefore the option (b) should be incorrect.
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