UPSC CSE Mains 2018 · GS2

India and USA are the two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based.

Theme

T97 Comparative constitutions: UK, USA, France

What UPSC asks in this theme

Questions compare India with the UK, US and France: separation of powers and PM vs US President, parliamentary sovereignty, presidential elections in India and France, right to equality, judicial systems, and democratic tenets.

What to cover

UK: parliamentary sovereignty, uncodified constitution
US: presidential system, rigid separation, judicial review
France: semi-presidential, direct election
Equality: US equal protection vs Indian Art 14–18 with affirmative action

Writing the answer

Use comparison tables

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 6 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.

More PYQs from this theme

GS2202615 marks
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
GS2202310 marks
Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty.
GS2202215 marks
Critically examine the procedures through which the presidents of India and France are elected.
GS22021
Analyse the distinguishing features of the notion of Right to Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India.
GS22020
The judicial systems in India and the UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices.

All 20 GS2 2018 questions · Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations · Report a typo