Theme T96 · Constitution & Polity

Executive: cabinet, ordinances & pardon

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What UPSC asks

UPSC asks whether ordinances violate separation of powers and SC decisions on them, cabinet size and efficiency, delay in mercy petitions, and pardon powers in India vs the US.

Prepare these

• Art 123, 213; DC Wadhwa, Krishna Kumar Singh
• 91st Amendment cabinet cap
• Art 72 and 161; Shatrughan Chauhan on delay
• US pardon and pre-emptive pardons

Answer writing

• Cite case laws; balance need and misuse

Directive words in these PYQs: Analyse (2), Compare (1), Justify (1), Discuss (1), How far (1).

Linked themes

Comes back later in

Later themes that take this one further.

Syllabus lines covered

• GS2-L4 — Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
• GS2-L6 — Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.

All 4 PYQs, newest first

1. GS2202510 marks · 150 wordsGS2-POL-09-M2025-Q03

   Compare and contrast the President's power to pardon in India and in the USA. Are there any limits to it in both the countries? What are preemptive pardons?

   Also needs: T97 Comparative constitutions: UK, USA, FranceCopyReport a typo
2. GS22015GS2-POL-11-M2015-S01

   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, analyse whether the decisions of the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate the ordinances be repealed?

   CopyReport a typo
3. GS22014GS2-POL-11-M2014-S01

   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.

   CopyReport a typo
4. GS22014GS2-POL-11-M2014-S02

   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.

   CopyReport a typo