Theme T90 · Constitution & Polity

Party system: national vs regional parties

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What UPSC asks

Questions ask whether national parties favour centralisation and regional parties favour state autonomy, and why the party system looks full of contradictions.

Prepare these

• Evolution: one-party dominance → coalitions → new dominance
• Regional parties and federal demands
• Contradictions: ideology vs alliances, dynasty, defection

Answer writing

• Use electoral trends as evidence

Directive words in these PYQs: Comment (1), Discuss (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Syllabus lines covered

• GS2-L2 — Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

All 2 PYQs, newest first

1. GS2202215 marks · 250 wordsGS2-POL-04-M2022-Q13

   “While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of state autonomy.” Comment.

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2. GS22016GS2-POL-04-M2016-S03

   “The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss.

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