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UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) General Studies Paper I — Polity, Governance & Social Justice Syllabus

The General Studies Paper I — Polity, Governance & Social Justice syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) in full: 4 chapters, 15 topics and 35 sub-topics, every one listed below, plus 51 General Studies Paper I — Polity, Governance & Social Justice flashcards with answers.

4Chapters
15Topics
35Sub-topics
51Flashcards

General Studies Paper I — Polity, Governance & Social Justice syllabus: all 4 chapters

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

  1. Constitution of India

     4 topics
    • Historical Evolution and Making
      • Constituent Assembly and framing process
      • Sources and borrowed features
      • Preamble: philosophy and significance
    • Fundamental Rights, Duties and DPSP
      • Six Fundamental Rights and writ jurisdiction
      • Directive Principles of State Policy
      • Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)
    • Basic Structure and Amendments
      • Amendment procedure under Article 368
      • Kesavananda Bharati and basic structure doctrine
    • Federalism and Centre-State Relations
      • Legislative, administrative and financial relations
      • Inter-State Council and disputes
      • Emergency provisions and their impact on federalism

  2. Union and State Executive, Legislature, Judiciary

     4 topics
    • Union Executive
      • President and Vice-President: election and powers
      • Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
    • Parliament and State Legislatures
      • Composition, sessions and law-making process
      • Parliamentary committees and devices of control
      • Anti-defection law (Tenth Schedule)
    • State Executive
      • Governor: role, discretion and controversies
      • Chief Minister and State Council of Ministers
    • Judiciary
      • Supreme Court and High Courts: jurisdiction
      • Judicial review, activism and PIL
      • Judicial appointments and collegium system

  3. Constitutional and Statutory Bodies

     3 topics
    • Constitutional Bodies
      • Election Commission of India
      • UPSC and State Public Service Commissions
      • CAG and Finance Commission
    • Statutory and Regulatory Bodies
      • NHRC, CIC and Lokpal
      • NITI Aayog and erstwhile Planning Commission
    • Quasi-Judicial Bodies
      • Tribunals and administrative adjudication
      • Central Vigilance Commission and ombudsman mechanisms

  4. Governance, Local Government and Social Justice

     4 topics
    • Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies
      • 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments
      • Finances and functioning of local bodies
    • Governance Mechanisms
      • Citizen charters, RTI and e-governance
      • Civil services and administrative reforms
    • Welfare Schemes and Vulnerable Sections
      • Schemes for SCs, STs, women and children
      • Mechanisms and institutions for protection
    • Role of Civil Society and NGOs
      • SHGs, pressure groups and associations

UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) General Studies Paper I — Polity, Governance & Social Justice flashcards — 51 questions with answers

  1. Which Act introduced the office of Viceroy and ended the rule of the East India Company in India?

    The Government of India Act, 1858, which transferred power to the British Crown and created the office of Viceroy (Lord Canning was the first).

  2. How many sources contributed to the Indian Constitution, and from where was the idea of Fundamental Rights borrowed?

    Fundamental Rights were borrowed from the Constitution of the United States (Bill of Rights).

  3. Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly, and when was the Constitution adopted and enforced?

    Dr. B.R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee. The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950.

  4. On whose motion was the Objectives Resolution moved in the Constituent Assembly, and what did it later become?

    It was moved by Jawaharlal Nehru on 13 December 1946 and later formed the basis of the Preamble.

  5. How many Fundamental Rights are currently provided in the Constitution, and which one was removed?

    Six Fundamental Rights (Articles 12–35). The Right to Property was removed as a Fundamental Right by the 44th Amendment (1978) and made a legal right under Article 300A.

  6. 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 and Educational Rights (29–30), and Right to Constitutional Remedies (32).

  7. What are the five writs available under Article 32, and what does 'Habeas Corpus' mean?

    Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo Warranto. Habeas Corpus means 'to have the body' — a court directs production of a detained person to test the legality of detention.

  8. How many Fundamental Duties exist and which amendment added them?

    Eleven Fundamental Duties (Article 51A). The first ten were added by the 42nd Amendment (1976) on the Swaran Singh Committee recommendation; the 11th was added by the 86th Amendment (2002).

  9. Which article makes the Directive Principles fundamental in governance but non-justiciable?

    Article 37 — the DPSPs (Part IV, Articles 36–51) are fundamental in the governance of the country but are not enforceable by any court.

  10. Which article was called the 'heart and soul of the Constitution' by Dr. Ambedkar?

    Article 32 (Right to Constitutional Remedies).

  11. What is the Basic Structure Doctrine and in which case was it propounded?

    It holds that Parliament cannot amend the Constitution so as to destroy its basic features. It was propounded in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973).

  12. Under which article is Parliament empowered to amend the Constitution, and what are the three modes of amendment?

    Article 368. The three modes are: (1) simple majority, (2) special majority, and (3) special majority plus ratification by half the state legislatures.

  13. Which Amendment is called the 'Mini-Constitution' and why?

    The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, because it made wide-ranging changes including adding 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity' to the Preamble and Fundamental Duties.

  14. Which case overruled the view that Fundamental Rights cannot be amended, and which case held Article 31C valid only partly?

    Golaknath (1967) said FRs cannot be amended; Kesavananda Bharati (1973) overruled it. The Minerva Mills case (1980) struck down parts of the 42nd Amendment, reaffirming the basic structure.

  15. Name three features that the Supreme Court has held to be part of the 'basic structure'.

    Supremacy of the Constitution, judicial review, separation of powers, federalism, secularism, rule of law, and free and fair elections (any three).

  16. What type of federation does the Indian Constitution establish, and which article describes India as a 'Union of States'?

    A quasi-federal (federal in form, unitary in spirit) system. Article 1 describes India as a 'Union of States'.

  17. How are legislative powers divided between the Centre and States, and in which Schedule?

    Through three lists in the Seventh Schedule: Union List (97 subjects), State List (66 subjects), and Concurrent List (47 subjects). Residuary powers rest with the Union (Article 248).

  18. Which article allows Parliament to legislate on a State List subject in the national interest, and which body must pass the resolution?

    Article 249 — Parliament can legislate on a State subject if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by a two-thirds majority that it is necessary in the national interest.

  19. Which body recommends the distribution of tax revenues between the Centre and States, and under which article?

    The Finance Commission, constituted by the President under Article 280 every five years.

  20. What does Article 356 deal with, and what is it commonly known as?

    Imposition of President's Rule (State Emergency) when the constitutional machinery in a State fails; commonly known as President's Rule.

Show the other 31 General Studies Paper I — Polity, Governance & Social Justice flashcards

  1. Who is the executive head of the Union, and under which article is the executive power vested?

    The President of India; executive power of the Union is vested in the President under Article 53.

  2. How is the President of India elected, and what is the method called?

    By an electoral college of elected MPs and elected MLAs, through proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote (system of proportional representation).

  3. What is the qualification age and term of office for the President of India?

    Minimum age 35 years; term of five years, eligible for re-election.

  4. Under which article can the President declare a National Emergency, and on what grounds?

    Article 352 — on grounds of war, external aggression, or armed rebellion (the term 'internal disturbance' was replaced by 'armed rebellion' by the 44th Amendment).

  5. What is the role of the Prime Minister under Article 74 and Article 75?

    Article 74 provides a Council of Ministers headed by the PM to aid and advise the President; Article 75 states the PM is appointed by the President and ministers are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

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

    Lok Sabha: maximum 552 members (530 from states, 20 from UTs, formerly 2 nominated Anglo-Indians now removed by 104th Amendment). Rajya Sabha: maximum 250 (238 elected + 12 nominated).

  7. What is the difference in tenure between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha?

    The Lok Sabha is dissolved every 5 years (or earlier); the Rajya Sabha is a permanent house that is never dissolved — one-third of its members retire every two years.

  8. What is a Money Bill, and which article defines it? Can the Rajya Sabha reject it?

    Defined under Article 110; it deals with taxation, borrowing, or the Consolidated Fund. It can only originate in the Lok Sabha; the Rajya Sabha can only suggest amendments within 14 days and cannot reject it.

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

    One-tenth of the total number of members of that House (Article 100).

  10. Who decides whether a Bill is a Money Bill, and who presides over a joint sitting of Parliament?

    The Speaker of the Lok Sabha decides whether a Bill is a Money Bill; the Speaker also presides over a joint sitting (Article 108).

  11. Who is the constitutional head of a State, and under which article is the executive power of a State vested?

    The Governor; executive power of the State is vested in the Governor under Article 154 and exercised by the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister.

  12. How is the Governor appointed, and what is the term of office?

    Appointed by the President (Article 155); holds office during the pleasure of the President, normally for a term of five years.

  13. What are the discretionary powers of the Governor? Give two examples.

    Reserving a Bill for the President's consideration, recommending President's Rule, and appointing a Chief Minister when no party has a clear majority (any two).

  14. What is the structure of the Indian judiciary, and which article establishes the Supreme Court?

    An integrated single hierarchy: Supreme Court at the apex, High Courts in states, and subordinate courts below. The Supreme Court is established under Article 124.

  15. How are Supreme Court judges appointed and removed?

    Appointed by the President (through the Collegium system); removed by the President after an address by both Houses of Parliament supported by a special majority, on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity (Article 124).

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

    Original (Article 131): disputes between Centre and States; Appellate (Articles 132–136): appeals from lower courts; Advisory (Article 143): President can seek the Court's opinion on questions of law or fact.

  17. What is judicial review and from which Constitution was it borrowed?

    The power of courts to examine the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions and declare them void if they violate the Constitution. The concept was borrowed from the United States.

  18. What is the retirement age of Supreme Court judges and High Court judges?

    Supreme Court judges retire at 65 years; High Court judges retire at 62 years.

  19. Name four Constitutional Bodies and the articles that establish them.

    Election Commission (Article 324), Comptroller and Auditor General/CAG (Article 148), Union Public Service Commission (Article 315), Finance Commission (Article 280), Attorney General (Article 76), and National Commission for SCs (Article 338) — any four.

  20. What is the role and tenure of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)?

    The CAG audits the accounts of the Union and States and reports to Parliament/legislatures (Article 148). The CAG holds office for six years or until age 65, whichever is earlier.

  21. Distinguish between a Constitutional body and a Statutory body, giving one example of each.

    A Constitutional body is created directly by the Constitution (e.g., Election Commission); a Statutory body is created by an Act of Parliament (e.g., National Human Rights Commission, established by the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993).

  22. Name three Statutory/Regulatory bodies in India and the laws creating them.

    NHRC (Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993), SEBI (SEBI Act, 1992), and the National Commission for Women (NCW Act, 1990) — others include RBI, TRAI, CIC.

  23. What is a Quasi-Judicial body, and give two examples in India.

    A body with powers resembling a court (it can adjudicate disputes and impose penalties) but is not a court. Examples: National Green Tribunal (NGT), Central Information Commission (CIC), Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, and CAT.

  24. What is the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), and under which article were administrative tribunals enabled?

    CAT adjudicates disputes regarding recruitment and service conditions of Central Government employees; it was set up under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985. Article 323A (added by the 42nd Amendment) enabled administrative tribunals.

  25. Which amendment gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions, and which Part and Schedule deal with them?

    The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992. It added Part IX and the Eleventh Schedule (29 subjects) to the Constitution.

  26. What is the three-tier structure of Panchayati Raj, and what is the term and minimum age to contest?

    Gram Panchayat (village), Panchayat Samiti (block/intermediate), and Zila Parishad (district). The term is five years; the minimum age to contest is 21 years.

  27. Which amendment gave constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies, and which Part and Schedule deal with them?

    The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992. It added Part IXA and the Twelfth Schedule (18 subjects), covering Municipalities, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats.

  28. What is e-Governance and name the four pillars/types of e-governance interactions.

    Use of ICT to deliver government services. The four types are G2C (Government to Citizen), G2B (Government to Business), G2G (Government to Government), and G2E (Government to Employee).

  29. What is the objective of the Right to Information Act, 2006? (year and key body)

    The Right to Information Act, 2005 empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities to promote transparency and accountability; it is overseen by the Central and State Information Commissions.

  30. Which scheme guarantees 100 days of wage employment, and what is the objective of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)?

    MGNREGA (2005) guarantees 100 days of wage employment per rural household per year. The NSAP provides financial assistance (old-age, widow, and disability pensions) to vulnerable sections below the poverty line.

  31. What role do Civil Society and NGOs play in governance, and which law regulates foreign funding of NGOs in India?

    They act as watchdogs, mobilize public participation, deliver services, and advocate for vulnerable groups. Foreign funding of NGOs is regulated by the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA).

UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) General Studies Paper I — Polity, Governance & Social Justice FAQ

What is in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) General Studies Paper I — Polity, Governance & Social Justice syllabus?

UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) General Studies Paper I — Polity, Governance & Social Justice is split into 4 chapters: Constitution of India, Union and State Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, Constitutional and Statutory Bodies and Governance, Local Government and Social Justice. Together they contain 15 topics and 35 sub-topics.

How many chapters are in UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) General Studies Paper I — Polity, Governance & Social Justice?

4 chapters, containing 15 topics and 35 sub-topics. The largest chapter is Constitution of India, with 4 topics.

Are there flashcards for UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) General Studies Paper I — Polity, Governance & Social Justice?

Yes — a 51-card General Studies Paper I — Polity, Governance & Social Justice 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.