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State PSC (e.g. BPSC / UPPSC / MPSC) Indian Polity, Constitution and Governance Syllabus

The Indian Polity, Constitution and Governance syllabus for State PSC (e.g. BPSC / UPPSC / MPSC) in full: 5 chapters, 20 topics and 11 sub-topics, every one listed below, plus 51 Indian Polity, Constitution and Governance flashcards with answers.

5Chapters
20Topics
11Sub-topics
51Flashcards

Indian Polity, Constitution and Governance syllabus: all 5 chapters

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics.

  1. Constitutional Framework

     4 topics
    • Making of the Constitution
      • Constituent Assembly and sources
      • Salient features
    • Preamble and Its Significance
    • Union and Its Territory; Citizenship
    • Fundamental Rights, Duties and DPSP
      • Writs and enforcement
      • Relationship between Rights and Directive Principles

  2. Union and State Government

     4 topics
    • President, Vice President and Council of Ministers
    • Parliament: Composition and Functioning
      • Law-making and budget process
      • Parliamentary committees
    • Governor, Chief Minister and State Legislature
    • Centre-State Relations
      • Legislative, administrative and financial relations

  3. Judiciary and Constitutional Bodies

     4 topics
    • Supreme Court and High Courts
      • Jurisdiction and judicial review
      • Judicial activism and PIL
    • Election Commission and UPSC/State PSC
    • CAG, Finance Commission and Attorney General
    • NHRC, CIC, Lokpal and Lokayukta

  4. Local Government and Federalism

     4 topics
    • Panchayati Raj Institutions
      • 73rd Constitutional Amendment
    • Urban Local Bodies
      • 74th Constitutional Amendment
    • Emergency Provisions
    • Amendment of the Constitution and Basic Structure Doctrine

  5. Governance and Public Administration

     4 topics
    • Role of Civil Services in a Democracy
    • E-Governance and Citizen Charters
    • Right to Information and Transparency
    • Welfare Schemes and Their Implementation

State PSC (e.g. BPSC / UPPSC / MPSC) Indian Polity, Constitution and Governance flashcards — 51 questions with answers

  1. Which body was responsible for framing the Indian Constitution, and on whose proposal was it set up?

    The Constituent Assembly framed the Constitution. It was set up based on the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946.

  2. When did the Constituent Assembly hold its first meeting and who was its temporary (provisional) chairman?

    First meeting was on 9 December 1946; Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha was the temporary/provisional chairman.

  3. Who was the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly, and who chaired the Drafting Committee?

    Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly; Dr. B. R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee.

  4. How long did it take to frame the Indian Constitution, and when was it adopted and when did it come into force?

    It took 2 years, 11 months and 18 days. Adopted on 26 November 1949; came into force on 26 January 1950.

  5. Why was 26 January chosen as the date for the Constitution to come into force?

    To commemorate the Purna Swaraj (complete independence) declaration of 26 January 1930 by the Indian National Congress at the Lahore session.

  6. What are the key words/ideals declared in the Preamble describing the nature of the Indian state?

    Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic (with Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity as objectives).

  7. Which two words were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976?

    'Socialist' and 'Secular' (and 'Integrity' to the phrase 'unity and integrity of the Nation').

  8. In which landmark case did the Supreme Court hold that the Preamble is part of the Constitution and can be amended?

    Kesavananda Bharati case (1973). It overruled the earlier Berubari Union (1960) view that the Preamble is not a part of the Constitution.

  9. What does the phrase 'We, the People of India' in the Preamble signify?

    It signifies popular sovereignty - that ultimate authority of the Constitution rests with the people of India, who are the source of the Constitution.

  10. Which Articles of the Constitution deal with the Union and its territory?

    Articles 1 to 4. Article 1 declares India as a 'Union of States'; Article 3 deals with formation of new states and alteration of boundaries.

  11. Under Article 3, who has the power to create new states or alter areas/boundaries/names of existing states, and what is the President's role?

    Parliament has the power by ordinary law (simple majority). A bill requires prior recommendation of the President, who refers it to the concerned state legislature for its views (not binding).

  12. Why is India described as a 'Union of States' rather than a 'Federation of States' (per Dr. Ambedkar)?

    Because the Indian federation is not the result of an agreement among states, and no state has the right to secede from the Union; the Union is indestructible.

  13. Which Articles of the Constitution deal with citizenship, and what is the nature of Indian citizenship?

    Articles 5 to 11 deal with citizenship. India has single citizenship - i.e., citizenship of India only, not of states.

  14. Name the ways a person can acquire Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Act, 1955.

    By birth, by descent, by registration, by naturalisation, and by incorporation of territory.

  15. How can Indian citizenship be lost under the Citizenship Act, 1955?

    By renunciation (voluntary), by termination (acquiring foreign citizenship), and by deprivation (compulsory by the government).

  16. How many Fundamental Rights are there now, and which one was deleted as a Fundamental Right and made a legal right?

    Six Fundamental Rights. The Right to Property (Article 31) was removed as a Fundamental Right by the 44th Amendment (1978) and made a legal/constitutional right under Article 300A.

  17. List the six Fundamental Rights with their Article ranges.

    Right to Equality (14-18), Right to Freedom (19-22), Right against Exploitation (23-24), Right to Freedom of Religion (25-28), Cultural & Educational Rights (29-30), and Right to Constitutional Remedies (32).

  18. What did Dr. Ambedkar call Article 32, and what are the five writs available under it?

    He called it the 'heart and soul of the Constitution'. The five writs are: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo Warranto.

  19. What is the difference between the writs of Prohibition and Certiorari?

    Prohibition is issued to a lower court/tribunal to stop proceedings exceeding its jurisdiction (issued during pendency). Certiorari is issued to quash an order already passed or to transfer a case (issued after a decision).

  20. Where are the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined, and from which country were they borrowed?

    DPSP are in Part IV, Articles 36 to 51, borrowed from the Constitution of Ireland (which took them from Spain). They are non-justiciable.

Show the other 31 Indian Polity, Constitution and Governance flashcards

  1. How many Fundamental Duties are there, by which amendment were they added, and on whose recommendation?

    There are 11 Fundamental Duties in Article 51A, Part IVA. Originally 10 were added by the 42nd Amendment (1976) on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee; the 11th was added by the 86th Amendment (2002).

  2. What are the qualifications and term of the President of India?

    Must be a citizen of India, at least 35 years old, qualified for election to the Lok Sabha, and not hold any office of profit. Term is 5 years.

  3. How is the President of India elected and by whom?

    By an electoral college consisting of elected members of both Houses of Parliament and elected members of State and UT (Delhi & Puducherry) Legislative Assemblies, through proportional representation by single transferable vote.

  4. Before whom does the President take the oath, and to whom does the President submit a resignation?

    The President takes oath before the Chief Justice of India (or the senior-most SC judge in absence). The President resigns by writing to the Vice President.

  5. Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and how is the Vice President elected?

    The Vice President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He is elected by an electoral college of members of both Houses of Parliament (both elected and nominated) by proportional representation/STV.

  6. Under which Articles is the Council of Ministers constituted, and what is the maximum size limit?

    Article 74 (CoM to aid and advise President) and Article 75. By the 91st Amendment (2003), total ministers (incl. PM) cannot exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha.

  7. To whom is the Council of Ministers collectively responsible, and what does collective responsibility mean?

    The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (Article 75). It means if the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion, the entire council must resign (they sink or swim together).

  8. What is the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha as per the Constitution?

    Lok Sabha: maximum 552 (530 from states + 20 from UTs + 2 nominated Anglo-Indians, the nominated provision lapsed in 2020). Rajya Sabha: maximum 250 (238 elected + 12 nominated).

  9. What is the normal term of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?

    Lok Sabha: 5 years (can be dissolved earlier). Rajya Sabha: permanent body, never dissolved; one-third of members retire every 2 years (each member's term is 6 years).

  10. What is a Money Bill, who certifies it, and what is the Rajya Sabha's power over it?

    A Money Bill (Article 110) deals only with taxation/expenditure matters; it is certified by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. It can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha. Rajya Sabha can only recommend changes within 14 days, which the Lok Sabha may accept or reject.

  11. What is the quorum for a sitting of either House of Parliament?

    The quorum is one-tenth (1/10) of the total number of members of that House.

  12. How is the Governor of a state appointed, and what is his term/qualification?

    Appointed by the President (holds office during the pleasure of the President). Must be a citizen of India and at least 35 years old. Normal term is 5 years.

  13. What are the discretionary powers of a Governor?

    Reserving a bill for the President's consideration, recommending President's Rule (Article 356), appointing CM when no party has a clear majority, and dismissing a Council of Ministers that has lost majority confidence.

  14. Who appoints the Chief Minister of a state, and to whom is the state Council of Ministers responsible?

    The Governor appoints the Chief Minister. The state Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha).

  15. What is the difference between the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council in a state?

    Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) is the lower house, directly elected, can be dissolved (5-year term). Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) is the upper house, indirectly elected, a permanent body that is not dissolved; one-third retire every 2 years.

  16. How can a Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) be created or abolished in a state?

    By Parliament passing a law, but only after the concerned State Legislative Assembly passes a resolution by a special majority (Article 169).

  17. On which lists do the Union and States legislate, and which level prevails on the Concurrent List in case of conflict?

    Three lists in the Seventh Schedule: Union List, State List, Concurrent List. On the Concurrent List, in case of conflict, Central law prevails over State law (Article 254).

  18. To whom do residuary powers belong in India, and under which article?

    Residuary powers (subjects not in any of the three lists) belong to the Union Parliament under Article 248 and Entry 97 of the Union List.

  19. Under which Articles can Parliament legislate on State List subjects, and give two such grounds.

    Article 249 (if Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by 2/3 majority in national interest) and Article 252 (when two or more states request it). Also during a National Emergency (Article 250).

  20. What is the composition and tenure of the Supreme Court of India?

    It has the Chief Justice of India and (currently) up to 33 other judges (34 total). Judges hold office until the age of 65 years.

  21. What is the qualification to become a Supreme Court judge?

    Must be a citizen of India and either: a judge of a High Court for 5 years, OR an advocate of a High Court for 10 years, OR a distinguished jurist in the opinion of the President.

  22. What is the difference between the original, appellate and advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?

    Original (Article 131): disputes between Centre and states/states inter se. Appellate (Articles 132-134): appeals from High Courts. Advisory (Article 143): President may seek SC's opinion on legal/public-importance matters (not binding).

  23. What is the retirement age of High Court judges, and who appoints them?

    High Court judges retire at age 62. They are appointed by the President (CJI and Governor are consulted; in practice via the collegium system).

  24. What is the composition of the Election Commission of India and how are its members appointed/removed?

    It is a multi-member body: the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners. They are appointed by the President. The CEC can be removed only like a Supreme Court judge (by impeachment).

  25. Under which Article is the Election Commission established, and what does it conduct?

    Article 324. It conducts elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice President (it does NOT conduct local body/panchayat/municipality elections - those go to State Election Commissions).

  26. What is the difference between UPSC and State Public Service Commission, and who appoints/removes their members?

    UPSC (Article 315) recruits for All-India and Central services; SPSC recruits for state services. UPSC members are appointed by the President; SPSC members by the Governor. In both cases, members can be removed only by the President (after SC inquiry).

  27. Who is called the 'Guardian of the Public Purse', and under which Article is the office established?

    The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), established under Article 148. He audits accounts of the Union and states and submits reports to the President/Governor.

  28. What is the tenure of the CAG, and how can he be removed?

    The CAG holds office for 6 years or until age 65, whichever is earlier. He can be removed only in the same manner as a Supreme Court judge (by impeachment for proved misbehaviour or incapacity).

  29. Who constitutes the Finance Commission, how often, and what is its main function?

    Constituted by the President under Article 280, normally every 5 years. Its main function is to recommend the distribution of tax revenues (net proceeds) between the Centre and the states (vertical and horizontal devolution).

  30. Who is the highest law officer of the country, under which Article, and what is his key limitation?

    The Attorney General of India (Article 76), appointed by the President. He is the chief legal advisor to the Government of India. Limitation: he cannot advise against the Government of India or take up cases against it (he is not a full-time/salaried government servant and can engage in private practice).

  31. Which body among NHRC, CIC, Lokpal and Lokayukta is a statutory body and which deals with corruption complaints against public functionaries?

    NHRC, CIC and Lokpal/Lokayukta are all statutory (non-constitutional) bodies. The Lokpal (at Centre) and Lokayukta (in states) deal with corruption complaints against public functionaries, established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. NHRC was set up under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, and the CIC under the RTI Act, 2005.

State PSC (e.g. BPSC / UPPSC / MPSC) Indian Polity, Constitution and Governance FAQ

What is in the State PSC (e.g. BPSC / UPPSC / MPSC) Indian Polity, Constitution and Governance syllabus?

State PSC (e.g. BPSC / UPPSC / MPSC) Indian Polity, Constitution and Governance is split into 5 chapters: Constitutional Framework, Union and State Government, Judiciary and Constitutional Bodies, Local Government and Federalism and Governance and Public Administration. Together they contain 20 topics and 11 sub-topics.

How many chapters are in State PSC (e.g. BPSC / UPPSC / MPSC) Indian Polity, Constitution and Governance?

5 chapters, containing 20 topics and 11 sub-topics. The largest chapter is Constitutional Framework, with 4 topics.

Are there flashcards for State PSC (e.g. BPSC / UPPSC / MPSC) Indian Polity, Constitution and Governance?

Yes — a 51-card Indian Polity, Constitution and Governance deck, printed in full in the flashcards section of this page and available in the Examius app with spaced repetition. The free plan covers one exam of your choice, including its flashcards; Examius Pro, a one-time purchase, unlocks every other exam and deck.