Table of contents

  1. GS 2 GOVERNANCE
    1. SALIENT FEATURES OF THE REPRESENTATION OF PEOPLE’S ACT
      1. Representation of People’s Act
      2. Delimitation
      3. Anti-Defection
      4. Elections and Voting Behavior
      5. Electoral Reforms
    2. APPOINTMENT TO VARIOUS CONSTITUTIONAL POSTS, POWERS, FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF VARIOUS CONSTITUTIONAL BODIES
      1. Election Commission of India
      2. Finance Commission
      3. PSC
      4. CAG
      5. Attorney General of India
      6. NCST
    3. STATUTORY, REGULATORY AND VARIOUS QUASI-JUDICIAL BODIES
      1. Regulatory Bodies
      2. Quasi-judicial bodies
      3. Human Rights Commissions: NHRC, NCW etc.

GS 2 GOVERNANCE

SALIENT FEATURES OF THE REPRESENTATION OF PEOPLE’S ACT

Representation of People’s Act

  • Which of the cases regarding disqualifications for Membership of either House of Parliament are decided by the President? (98/3)
  • On what grounds can a member be disqualified from either House of Parliament? (250 words) (06/30)
  • On what grounds can a people’s representative be disqualified under the Representation of People Act, 1951? Also mention the remedies available to such person against his disqualification. (250 words) (2019/15)
  • “There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of peoples Act” Comment. (150 words) (2020/10)
  • Discuss the procedures to decide the disputes arising out of the election of a Member of the Parliament or State Legislature under The Representation of the People Act, 1951. What are the grounds on which the election of any returned candidate may be declared void? What remedy is available to the aggrieved party against the decision? Refer to the case laws. (22/15)
  • Discuss the ‘corrupt practices’ for the purpose of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Analyze whether the increase in the assets of the legislators and/or their associates, disproportionate to their known sources of income, would constitute ‘undue influence’ and consequently a corrupt practice. (2025/10)

Delimitation

  • How are electoral constituencies delimited for Parliamentary elections in India? (96/20)
  • Describe the methods of delimiting constituencies for parliamentary elections in India. (02/15)

Anti-Defection

  • Write short notes on Problems of political defections and possible remedies. (150 words) (79/20)
  • What is ‘floor crossing’? Have Governments legislated on the subject of ‘floor crossing’? (80/3)
  • The phenomenon of political defections in India has assumed large proportions in recent years. Bring out the factors responsible for the growth of this phenomenon. Is it right to say that ban on defection will amount to suppression of freedom of thought and action? (About 250 words) (82/45)
  • Why was it considered necessary to pass the anti-defection bill? In what ways is it likely to improve the political health of the country? (85/15)
  • What are the main features of the Anti-defection legislation of 1985? (150 words) (88/20)
  • Describe the salient features of Anti-Defection Law. (150 words) (95/20)
  • 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? (200 words) (13/10)

Elections and Voting Behavior

  • Differentiate and state the significance of general election, mid-term election and by-election. (150 words) (98/20)
  • Analyze the main factors which influenced the voting patterns in the 1984 Lok Sabha Elections in India. (150 words) (85/20)
  • The recent elections in India seem to necessitate a change in the style of governance. Explain. (50 words) (96/6)
  • What are the main determinants of voting behavior in India? (250 words) (07/30)
  • Are the traditional determinants of voting behavior in India changing? Examine in the context of the last General Elections. (09/15)
  • “The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment. (19/15)
  • 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. (19/15)

Electoral Reforms

  • Identify the nature and methods of parliamentary control over the executive in Indian polity. (250 words) (87/40)

APPOINTMENT TO VARIOUS CONSTITUTIONAL POSTS, POWERS, FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF VARIOUS CONSTITUTIONAL BODIES

Election Commission of India

  • Describe the composition and functions of the Election Commission of India. (150 words) (95/20)
  • Examine the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the recent Assembly elections in Gujarat. (02/15)
  • Discuss the powers, functions and responsibilities of the Election Commission of India. (04/30)

Finance Commission

  • Explain the role of the Finance Commission in Centre-State relations. (02/30)
  • Discuss the mandate of the Finance Commission. (04/15)

UPSC/PSC

  • Explain the constitutional status of the Union Public Service Commission. (02/15)

CAG

  • Discuss the constitutional position of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. (01/15)

Attorney General of India

  • What are the functions of the Attorney General of India? (04/10)

NCSC/NCST

  • Discuss the powers, functions and responsibilities of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. (03/30)

STATUTORY, REGULATORY AND VARIOUS QUASI-JUDICIAL BODIES

Regulatory Bodies

  • Explain the role and functions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). (04/15)

Quasi-judicial bodies

  • Discuss the nature and functions of quasi-judicial bodies in India. (03/15)

Human Rights Commissions: NHRC, NCW etc.

  • Discuss the role and functions of the National Human Rights Commission. (02/15)