Unit X · UGC NET Law PYQComparative Public Law and Systems of Governance

80 previous year questions, arranged topic by topic. The correct option is marked in green.

Topic 1Comparative Law – Relevance, methodology, problems and concerns in Comparison

17 questions · Open this topic on its own page

June 2019 · Q96Assertion–Reason

Read both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) and give the correct answer by using the code given below

Assertion (A): The Council of Ministers is the hub of the parliamentary form of government

(A): nye

Reason (R): The Council of Ministers (Cabinet) is constituted from the majority party

  1. (a)Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
  2. (b)Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)✓
  3. (c)(A) is correct but (R) is wrong
  4. (d)(A) is wrong but (R) is correct
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

June 2019 · Q97

Which one of the following is NOT correct?

  1. (a)Judicial review tends to elevate the judiciary to the rank of super legislature
  2. (b)The scope of judicial review is limited as it emphasises on the 'procedure established by law' rather than 'due procedure of law'
  3. (c)Judicial review is indispensable to a federal system of government
  4. (d)Judicial review does not include judicial competence to review executive enforcement of legislative enactments✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) Judicial review does not include judicial competence to review executive enforcement of legislative enactments

Dec 2020/June 2021 · Q4Sequence / order

The trend towards codification of the British constitution in whole or in part is a movement during the past decade from eminent quarters. Arrange them in chronological order

(1) Northern Ireland Act

(2) Referendum Act

(3) Scotland Act

(4) European Communities Act

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)(1), (4), (3), (2)
  2. (b)(2), (3), (1), (4)
  3. (c)(4), (1), (2), (3)✓
  4. (d)(3), (2), (4), (1)
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) (4), (1), (2), (3)

Passage for Dec 2021/June 2022 Q96–Q100

Read the given passage carefully and answer the question (96-100) that follow

"In England justice goes to the people; in India the people had to come to justice (The litigant) had to find his way to this strange tribunal in an unknown land as best he could, in charge of the police, whose tender mercies he dreaded, or alone." If he went alone, it was not for long. Around the Courts were swarms of petty lawyers who had their touts on the roads and in the villages. Longer he came within hail of the Court he had been fastened upon by several of these, and persuaded that his only chance of success was to put himself in their hands; say what they bade him; pay what, when, and to whom they told him; and above all, to beware of telling the truth; it would never be believed. In those strange cases there was no common ground. What ever one side asserted that other denied; all the witnesses were tutored; and whether true or not to begin with the case as presented on both sides was invariably concocted. I for one came to the conclusion that nearly all, save a few of the graver cases, were episodes in some dispute not before the Court. The parties were not the real parties, but puppets of others, who remained in the back ground paying for and directing the proceeding. Most of the genuine disputes never reached our Courts at all, but were settled at some earlier stage in other ways. While we dispensed justice as best as we could to those who came before us, we knew that an enormous number of injured persons never came to us at all. Many were deterred by difficulties in the way, many dared not come for fear of offending the local despot, who by threats of injuries - threats which he could carry out was able to prevent them from complaining and to stop the mouths of their witness"

W os

Dec 2021/June 2022 · Q96Sequence / order

Many injured persons never came to the courts because of the following reason

  1. (a)The were deterred by difficulties in the way✓
  2. (b)They had no interest
  3. (c)They were not sure to win
  4. (d)The could not arrange witnesses
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) The were deterred by difficulties in the way

Dec 2021/June 2022 · Q97

Whether, in the strange cases, there were any common grounds?

  1. (a)There was no common ground✓
  2. (b)All grounds were common
  3. (c)Witnesses were not tutored
  4. (d)All witnesses were tutored
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) There was no common ground

Dec 2021/June 2022 · Q98

What are the chances of success of any litigant?

Choose the most appropriate answer

  1. (a)The chance of success work only if he puts the hands of petty lawyers and touts✓
  2. (b)He need not beware of telling the truth
  3. (c)Cases on both sides were usually not concoted
  4. (d)There were no difficulties and the injured person could approach the court easily
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) The chance of success work only if he puts the hands of petty lawyers and touts

Dec 2021/June 2022 · Q99

In the passage, it is said that all the genuine disputes never reached the courts. Choose the correct answer

  1. (a)Most of the genuine disputes never reached the courts✓
  2. (b)parties to the cases were not the real parties in many cases
  3. (c)Many witnesses are not the real witnesses
  4. (d)Real parties were puppets of others and not the real parties
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) Most of the genuine disputes never reached the courts

Dec 2021/June 2022 · Q100

What are the challenges for a litigant to seek justice in India and England? Choose the best option from the following

  1. (a)There are no challenges. The passage is silent about this
  2. (b)There are many challenges that are difficult to summaries
  3. (c)In England, justice goes to the people. In India, the litigant faces many difficulties in approaching the strange tribunal to seek justice✓
  4. (d)The way to the tribunal is easy and the litigant in India need nor dread at all
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c)

December 2022 · Q32

Comparative public law is

  1. (a)A principle of law
  2. (b)A body of written rules
  3. (c)A method of studying law✓
  4. (d)A system of law in various jurisdictions especially recognized by United Nations
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) A method of studying law

December 2022 · Q33

"We the People" words are found in the

constitution of

  1. (a)India and USA
  2. (b)India Only
  3. (c)India and Canada✓
  4. (d)India, USA and Canada
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) India and Canada

December 2023 · Q75

Which among the following expressly contain a provision for 'right to bear arms' as fundamental right?

(A) The Constitution Act, 1867 (Canada)

(B) Amendment II of US Constitution

(C) Constitution (108th Amendment) Act (India)

(D) Human Rights Act, 1998 (UK)

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)(A), (B) Only
  2. (b)(A) Only
  3. (c)(B) Only✓
  4. (d)(C), (D) Only
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) (B) Only

December 2023 · Q96

Which country does not provide any written constitutional guarantee of fundamental freedoms?

  1. (a)UK✓
  2. (b)UK and USA
  3. (c)UK and India
  4. (d)USA
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) UK

December 2023 · Q120Statements

Consider the following statement

(A) Fundamental rights are expressly provided in the US Constitution

(B) Restrictions on fundamental rights are expressly provided in the US Constitution

(C) Fundamental rights and Human Rights are same in India

(D) Directive principles in Indian Constitution are not enforceable by courts

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)(A), (C), (D) Only
  2. (b)(A), (D) Only✓
  3. (c)(A), (B), (C), (D)
  4. (d)(A), (B), (D) Only
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) (A), (D) Only

June 2025 · Q50Sequence / order

Arrange the following constitutional documents in the order of their enactment (ascending)

A. West German Constitution

B. British North America Act

C. Australian Constitution Act

D. Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union

  1. (a)D, B, C, A✓
  2. (b)A, B, C, D
  3. (c)B, A, C, D
  4. (d)D, C, B, A
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) D, B, C, A

Explanation: • Articles of Confederation: 1777

• British North America Act: 1867

• Australian Constitution Act: 1900

• West German Constitution: 1949

31 Dec 2025 (Shift 1) · Q87Assertion–Reason

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R

Assertion A: In England, due to historical reasons British Parliament is a judicial as well as legislative body

Reason R: There is no written Constitution to limit the authority of the Parliament in Britain. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

  1. (a)Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A✓
  2. (b)Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
  3. (c)A is correct but R is not correct
  4. (d)A is not correct but R is correct
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A

31 Dec 2025 (Shift 1) · Q107Assertion–Reason

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R

Assertion A: United States of America is a recognized example of entrenched constitutional tradition

Reason R: US Constitution is the oldest still functioning and longest written Constitution of the world. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

  1. (a)Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explantion of A
  2. (b)Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
  3. (c)A is correct but R is not correct✓
  4. (d)A is not correct but R is correct
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) A is correct but R is not correct

31 Dec 2025 (Shift 1) · Q128Assertion–Reason

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R

Assertion A: A written Constitution is intended to operate as a limitation upon the powers of the various organs of a State

Reason R: Under those Constitutions where judicial review exists, the guardianship of the Constitution belongs to the courts. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

  1. (a)Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
  2. (b)Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A✓
  3. (c)A is correct but R is not correct
  4. (d)A is not correct but R is correct
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A

Topic 2Forms of governments – Presidential and parliamentary, unitary and federal

7 questions · Open this topic on its own page

June 2019 · Q91

In India, 'the machinery of government is essentially British and the whole collection of British Constitutional Conventions has apparently been incorporated as conventions' is the observation of

  1. (a)A.V. Dicey
  2. (b)Sir Ivor Jennings✓
  3. (c)S.A. de Smith
  4. (d)Wade and Phillips
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) Sir Ivor Jennings

June 2019 · Q92

Which one of the following is not an essential of parliamentary form of government?

  1. (a)The presence of a nominal executive head of the state who acts exclusively on the advice of cabinet
  2. (b)The cabinet, which is the real executive, consists of leaders of a party, who have the support of the majority in the legislature
  3. (c)The responsibility of the cabinet is collective
  4. (d)The President appoints ministers and assigns to them their offices✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) The President appoints ministers and assigns to them their offices

June 2020 · Q20

In the Presidential form of government

A. The chief executive is relatively free from sectional and party disputes

B. The chief executive is free to choose his team of ministers from the best talent available

C. The term of the chief executive is not fixed

D. It discourages the disease of defections

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)A, B, and C only
  2. (b)A, B, and D only✓
  3. (c)B, C, and D only
  4. (d)A, B, C and D- All
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) A, B, and D only

June 2020 · Q23

In a parliamentary form of government the British convention of 'Ministerial Responsibility has been explicitly codified in the Indian Constitution under

  1. (a)Article 74 (1) 74(1)
  2. (b)Article 74 (2) 74(2)
  3. (c)Article 75 (2) 75(2)
  4. (d)Article 75 (3) 75(3)✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) Article 75 (3) 75(3)

December 2022 · Q78

Which among the followings most appropriately reflects the constitutional system for India and USA?

A. Federal

B. Presidential

C. Democratic form of government

D. Unitary

E. Rule of Law

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)A, B, E
  2. (b)A, C, E✓
  3. (c)B, D, E
  4. (d)A, B, C, E
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) A, C, E

December 2023 · Q100

Which among the following follow a parliamentary system of government?

  1. (a)India only
  2. (b)Australia only
  3. (c)India and Australia✓
  4. (d)UK and USA
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) India and Australia

December 2024 · Q66Statements

Which of the following statements are true in the context of form of government in USA and India?

(A) USA Constitution Sec. 7 gives President veto power over the bills passed by the Congress which can be further countered by 2/3 majority in both Houses

(B) U.S. and India strictly follow the doctrine of separation of powers

(C) The U.S. President is more powerful as compared to the Indian Prime Minister

(D) Removal method of USA President and Indian Prime Minister is technical and difficult

(E) U.S. President is not the member of legislature

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)(A), (C) Only
  2. (b)(A), (C), (E) Only✓
  3. (c)(B), (E), (D) Only
  4. (d)(A), (B), (C), (D) Only
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) (A), (C), (E) Only

Topic 3Models of federalism – USA, Canada and India

15 questions · Open this topic on its own page

June 2019 · Q93

In which one of the following cases the Supreme Court held that 'the federalism in India, is not a matter of administrative convenience, but one of principle'?

  1. (a)S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) . . (1994)✓
  2. (b)Raja Ram Pal v. Hon'ble Speaker, Lok Sabha (2007)
  3. (c)Madras Bar Association v. Union of India (2014)
  4. (d)State of West Bengal v. Committee for Protection of Democratic Rights, West Bengal (2010)
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) . . (1994)

December 2019 · Q16

The essential characteristics of Federation in USA are

1. Supremacy of the Constitution

2. Distribution of powers amongst the various organs of the federation and of regional units of the federation by the provision of constitution

3. Judicial review or enforcement of that supreme constitution as law

4. The Rule of Law

Chose the correct option

  1. (a)Only 1, 2 and 3✓
  2. (b)Only 1, 2 and 4
  3. (c)Only 2, 3 and 4
  4. (d)All 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) Only 1, 2 and 3

June 2020 · Q57

Which one of the following is the mandatory minimum requirement for a functional federation

  1. (a)States should be represented in the Upper Houses of the National Legislature
  2. (b)Judicial Review
  3. (c)Distribution of legislative and administrative powers between the two sets of Governments natioanl and state, so as to ensure the independence of the Government within their respective spheres✓
  4. (d)Distribution of legislative and administrative powers between the two sets of Governments nationa and state, so as to ensure the independent but coordinated exercise of powers of the Governments
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c)

Dec 2020/June 2021 · Q68Statements

Which of the following statements are correct?

(1) In Canada, the federation was not a voluntary union but was imposed by an Act

(2) In India, the act of 1935 created autonomous units and forged them into a federation

(3) The American Union was formed by voluntary agreement among a number of sovereign states

(4) Indian Constitution has been framed by the States and not by the people of India

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)(1), (2) and (3) only✓
  2. (b)(1), (2) and (4) only
  3. (c)(1), (3) and (4) only
  4. (d)(2), (3) and (4) only
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) (1), (2) and (3) only

December 2022 · Q4

In context of Center-State relationship, the residuary power rests with the center (Parliament) in which of the following countries

  1. (a)India and Canada✓
  2. (b)India and USA
  3. (c)Canada and USA
  4. (d)India Only
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) India and Canada

December 2022 · Q67Match the lists

Match List-I with List-II

List-I List-II

A. Limited Powers of the Parliament I UK

B. Residuary Power to the states II India

C. Unlimited powers of the parliament III US

D. constitutional Council IV France

I II

I -II

B. II

C. III

D. IV

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
  2. (b)A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
  3. (c)A-I, B-III, C-II, D-IV
  4. (d)A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV

December 2022 · Q74Match the lists

Match List-I with List-II

List-I List-II

A. British North America Act I 1787

B. Australian constitution Act II 1867

C. USA Constitution III 1689

D. UK Bill of Rights IV 1900

I II

I -II

B. II. 1867

C. III. 1689

D. IV. 1900

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III
  2. (b)A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III✓
  3. (c)A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
  4. (d)A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III

Passage for December 2022 Q91–Q95

Direction (Q. No. 91 to 95)

If a copy of a Constitution is placed in the hands of a law student, it is sure that he will ask two questions. Firstly, what is the form of Government that is envisaged in the Constitution; and secondly what is the form of the Constitution? Form of the proposed Government is parliamentary. Form of the Draft Constitution is federal in as much as it establishes what may be called a Dual policy. This dual policy under the proposed Constitution will consist of the Union at the centre and the states at the periphery each endowed with sovereign powers to be exercised in the field assigned to them respectively by the Constitution. Some critics have taken objection to the description of India in Article 1 of the Constitution as a Union of States. It is said that the correct phraseology should be federation of States. It is true that South Africa, which is a unitary State, is described as a Union. But Canada, which is a federation is also called a Union. Thus, the description of India as a Union, though its Constitution is federal does no violence to usage. But Canada which is a federation is also called a union. Thus the description of India as union, though its constitution is federal does no vilence no usage. But what is important is that the use of the word union is deliberate. As Dr. Ambedkar has said, "I do not know why the word 'Union' was used in the Canadian Constitution. But I can tell you why the Drafting Committee has used it in context of India. The Drafting Committee wanted to make it clear that through India was to be a federation, the federation was not the result of an agreement by the States to join in a federation and that federation not being the result of an agreement, no state has the right to secede from it. The federation is a Union because it is indestructible. Though the country and the people may be divided into different states for convenience of administration the country is one integral whole, its people a single people living under a single imperium derived from a single source. The Americans had to wage a civil war to establish that the states have no right of secession and that their federation was indestructible. The Drafting committee thought that it was better to make it clear at the outset rather than to leave it to speculation or to dispute

December 2022 · Q91

Americans had to struggle very hard (to the extent of civil war) to establish to which of the following?

  1. (a)America had dual policy
  2. (b)Federation was indestructible✓
  3. (c)States have their own constitution separate from a federal constitution
  4. (d)States have right to secede
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) Federation was indestructible

December 2022 · Q92

Form of Government and Form of of the Constitution are

  1. (a)Same concepts
  2. (b)Obsolete concepts
  3. (c)Irrelevant concepts
  4. (d)Different concepts✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) Different concepts

December 2022 · Q93

Like Union, the states are endowed with sovereign powers. This sovereign power of states is

  1. (a)Unlimited
  2. (b)Determined by the constitution✓
  3. (c)Limited by International Law
  4. (d)Guided by Jurisprudence
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) Determined by the constitution

December 2022 · Q94

What did the Drafting Committee want to make clear at the outset?

  1. (a)The form of Government is parliamentary
  2. (b)The Constitution envisages dual polity
  3. (c)The States have no right to secession✓
  4. (d)Canada is a federation
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) The States have no right to secession

December 2022 · Q95

Article 1 of the Constitution of India uses the phrase "Union of States", though it is a "Federation". The correct phraseology need not be "Federation of States" because

  1. (a)"Union of States" phrase does not necessarily mean Unitary State
  2. (b)A federation need not necessarily use the terminology "Federation of States"
  3. (c)Canada is an established federation but uses the word "Union"
  4. (d)All the above✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) All the above

December 2023 · Q131

Which among the following countries do not follow the scheme of distribution of power?

  1. (a)India
  2. (b)USA
  3. (c)UK✓
  4. (d)Canada
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) UK

December 2024 · Q102

In Canada which document outlines the division of power between the Federal and Provincial governments?

  1. (a)Statute of Westminster, 1931
  2. (b)Meech Lake Accord, 1987
  3. (c)British North America Act, 1867✓
  4. (d)Charter of Rights and Freedoms, 1982
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) British North America Act, 1867

June 2025 · Q78

Which of the following Canadian legislations does not contain provisions related to Federation?

  1. (a)Law of Federation, 1802✓
  2. (b)British North America Act, 1867
  3. (c)Constitution Act, 1982
  4. (d)Constitution Act, 1867
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) Law of Federation, 1802

Explanation: The Law of Federation, 1802 is not a recognized Canadian statute. Federation in Canada stems from the British North America Act, 1867 and Constitution Act, 1982.

Topic 4Rule of Law – 'Formal' and 'substantive' versions

9 questions · Open this topic on its own page

December 2019 · Q65

Professor Dicey gave following three meanings of Rule of law

1. Absence of Arbitrary power or supremacy of the law

2. Equality before law

3. The constitution is the result of the ordinary law of land

Out of the above aspects which of the following apply to Indian system

  1. (a)1 and 2 only✓
  2. (b)2 and 3 only
  3. (c)1 and 3 only
  4. (d)All 1, 2 and 3
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

June 2020 · Q36Statements

Read the statement about 'rule of law'

  1. (a)Rule of law is an important and fundamental pillar of a liberal and substantive democracy✓
  2. (b)The rule of law is not merely public order, the rule of law is social justice based on public order
  3. (c)The substantive 'rule of law' is the rule of proper law which balance the needs of the society and the individual
  4. (d)Substantive and liberal democracy is based solely on formal democarcy

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)A, B and C only✓
  2. (b)A, C and D only
  3. (c)A, B and D only
  4. (d)A, B, C and D- All
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) A, B and C only

December 2022 · Q3

The concept of 'rule of law' contains three principles. These three principles in an organized form were propounded by

  1. (a)Aristotle
  2. (b)Manu
  3. (c)Prof. RWM Dias
  4. (d)Prof. AV Dicey✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) Prof. AV Dicey

December 2022 · Q54

Which among the following are the opinions of Prof. Dicey about rule of law?

A. There should be absence of discretionary power because it makes room for arbitrariness

B. A person should suffer only for breach of law

C. Rights must flow from customs and traditions recognized by courts

D. There was Administrative Law in England

E. Dicey considered that special administrative courts in France reflected rule of law

Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

  1. (a)A, B, C, D only
  2. (b)B, C, D, E only
  3. (c)B, C, E only
  4. (d)A, B. C only✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) A, B. C only

Passage for June 2023 Q91–Q95

Read the following passage carefully and answer the question (91-95)

One is that power should not be exercised arbitrarily. This has meant it should be exercised for the which it has been conferred. It also means that power should be exercised with in the statutory ambit; and purported exercise of it would not just be ultra vires, but in true sense of the term arbitrary. Simple negation of arbitrariness is, however, not enough to preserve the Rule of Law values. Indian courts have gone further to insists on specific positive content of the Rule of Law obligations. These include the rules of nature justice which have to be followed not just in quasi-judicial action but often also in purely administrative action. The scope and content of the requirements of natural justice have varied from time to time according to the judicial interpretation, but the board insistence remains. In addition, access to information as to the grounds of decision has remained an important preoccupation of the Indian judiciary, as any impediments to it have the tendency of obstructing judicial review of administrative action. This means that the courts have from time to time insisted that exercise of administrative power be accompanied by reasons, although the exact status of the obligation to give reason is as yet indeterminate. The Rule of Law notion has been in addition consistently extended to secure for the individual fair dealing by the state in its economic activities

June 2023 · Q91

Rule of law is

  1. (a)Negation of arbitrariness✓
  2. (b)Oppsomal of arbitrariness
  3. (c)Simple negation of arbitrariness
  4. (d)Violation of natural justice
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) Negation of arbitrariness

June 2023 · Q92

Rule of Law notion is extended to secure

  1. (a)fair dealing by State in limited activities
  2. (b)fair dealing by State in all its activities✓
  3. (c)fair dealing by State only in the economic activities
  4. (d)State has no concern
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) fair dealing by State in all its activities

June 2023 · Q93

Rule of Law implies

  1. (a)No one is above law✓
  2. (b)Some people are above law
  3. (c)Everybody is above law
  4. (d)Only Government is above law
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) No one is above law

June 2023 · Q94

Under what circumstances powers should be exercised arbitrarily?

  1. (a)Under limited circumstances
  2. (b)Under unlimited circumstances
  3. (c)Under no circumstances✓
  4. (d)As per the policy of the government
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) Under no circumstances

June 2023 · Q95

Specific positive content of the rule of law is

  1. (a)Must be complied with✓
  2. (b)may not be complied with
  3. (c)Complied in limited content
  4. (d)Complied under modified circumstances
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) Must be complied with

Topic 5Separation of powers – India, UK, USA and France

8 questions · Open this topic on its own page

June 2019 · Q95

The Doctrine of Separation of Powers in its strict and technical sense is applied in

  1. (a)India
  2. (b)U.K
  3. (c)U.S.A✓
  4. (d)France
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) U.S.A

December 2019 · Q74

"In the British Constitution there is no such thing as the absolute seperation of Legislative

Executive and Judicial powers. In practice it is inevitable that they overlap. In the Constitution of France and U.S.A., attempts to keep the organs of the government rigidly apart have been made but have proved unsuccessful." This position of doctrine of separation of powers has been summed-up by

  1. (a)Prof. Ullman
  2. (b)Prof. K.T. Shah
  3. (c)Wade and Phillips
  4. (d)Donoghmore Committee✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) Donoghmore Committee

December 2022 · Q5

'Separation of Powers' and 'distribution of powers' are

  1. (a)The same concept
  2. (b)The different concepts✓
  3. (c)The same concepts in Australia and India
  4. (d)The same concepts in the USA but different in India
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) The different concepts

December 2024 · Q126

The doctrine of separation forms the basis of American constitutional structure. Which of the following provisions of U.S. Constitution exemplify the concept of separation of powers?

  1. (a)Article I
  2. (b)Articles I and II
  3. (c)Articles I, II and III✓
  4. (d)Articles II, III and V
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) Articles I, II and III

June 2025 · Q39

Which of the following is true about Separation of Powers in the Constitution of Canada?

A. Separation exists between only Judiciary and Parliament

B. Separation exists between executive and legislature

C. There is no general separation of power

D. Canadian Constitution has no parallel with Presidentialism

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)B, D Only
  2. (b)A, C Only✓
  3. (c)A, B Only
  4. (d)C, D Only
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) A, C Only

Explanation: Canada follows a parliamentary system where powers between executive and legislature overlap significantly, unlike a presidential system.

31 Dec 2025 (Shift 1) · Q99Statements

Which of the following statements are correct?

A. The idea of three branches of government was advocated by Montesquieu

B. The US Supreme Court decided the case of Marbury V/s Madison in the year 1803

C. Article 3 of the US Constitution is identified with independence of the judiciary

D. The Ninth Amendment to the US Constitution provides prohibitions against cruel and unusual punishment

E. The Eight Amendment to the US Constitution provides for rights retained by the people

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)A, C and E only
  2. (b)B, D and E only
  3. (c)A, B and C only✓
  4. (d)B, C and D only
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) A, B and C only

31 Dec 2025 (Shift 1) · Q125Match the lists

Match the LIST-I with LIST-II LIST-I (Feature) LIST-II (Application)

A. Executive Legislation I. Appointment and removal of Judges

B. Collective Responsibility II. Administrative adjudication

C. Quasi-Judicial Function III. Parliamentary form of government

D. Independence of Judiciary IV. Ordinance

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
  2. (b)A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
  3. (c)A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
  4. (d)A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I

June 2026 · Q139Statements

Consider the following statement relating to separation of power under the USA Constitution

A. The President cannot interfere in exercise of power by legislature

B. The President may exercise law making power by treaty making

C. The President has power to appoint Judges of the Supreme Court

D. The Congress may interfere with power of President through vote on budget

E. The Congress cannot interfere with judicial power by creating special courts

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)A and B only
  2. (b)A, B and C only
  3. (c)B, C and D only✓
  4. (d)B, D and E only
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) B, C and D only

Explanation: The Constitution of the United States strictly embodies the doctrine of Separation of Powers balanced by a system of Checks and Balances. Evaluating each statement:

• A. The President cannot interfere in exercise of power by legislature - INCORRECT:

The President can directly interfere in the legislative process using the Presidential Veto (Article I, Section 7). Furthermore, the President can recommend legislation to Congress (State of the Union address) and call special sessions of Congress.

• B. The President may exercise law making power by treaty making - CORRECT:

Under Article II, Section 2, the President has the power to negotiate and enter into treaties (with the advice and consent of two-thirds of the Senate). Under Article VI (the Supremacy Clause), treaties become part of the "supreme Law of the Land," functioning as lawmaking.

• C. The President has power to appoint Judges of the Supreme Court - CORRECT:

Under Article II, Section 2 (Appointments Clause), the President nominates and, with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoints Judges of the Supreme Court and other federal officers.

• D. The Congress may interfere with power of President through vote on budget CORRECT: Congress holds the "Power of the Purse" (Article I, Section 8 & Section 9). By approving, restricting, or denying budgetary appropriations, Congress effectively controls, oversees, and interferes with executive programs and policies.

•

E. The Congress cannot interfere with judicial power by creating special courts INCORRECT: Under Article I, Section 8, Clause 9 and Article III, Section 1, Congress is explicitly given the power to "constitute Tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court". Congress can create special legislative/statutory courts (e.g., U.S. Tax Court, Court of Federal Claims) and define/limit the jurisdiction of federal courts.

Topic 6Independence of judiciary, judicial activism and accountability – India, UK and USA

2 questions · Open this topic on its own page

December 2022 · Q1

In which country the Supreme Court has declared that independence of judiciary is a part of basic feature of the Constitution?

  1. (a)Canada and USA
  2. (b)USA
  3. (c)India✓
  4. (d)India and Switzerland
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) India

December 2023 · Q111

In which country the appointment of judges are made through the parliament?

  1. (a)UK
  2. (b)USA✓
  3. (c)India
  4. (d)All the above
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) USA

Topic 7Systems of constitutional review – India, USA, Switzerland and France

5 questions · Open this topic on its own page

December 2023 · Q137

Constitution of which of the country "expressly" states that the Constitution shall be the supreme law of the land?

(A) USA

(B) South Africa

(C) India

(D) UK

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)(A), (B) Only✓
  2. (b)(B), (C) Only
  3. (c)(A), (C) Only
  4. (d)(B), (D) Only
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) (A), (B) Only

June 2025 · Q18

The power of judicial review was first adopted/applied by the Supreme Court of the USA in which of the following case?

  1. (a)Marbury v. Madison✓
  2. (b)North Wales Police v. Evans
  3. (c)Minerva Mills v. State of Georgia
  4. (d)Reg v. Home Secretary
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) Marbury v. Madison

Explanation: Marbury v. Madison (1803) established the principle of judicial review in U.S. constitutional law, empowering the judiciary to invalidate unconstitutional laws.

June 2026 · Q104

In which of the following case Marshall C.J. of USA Supreme Court remarked that, "The Constitution we are expounding is intended to endure for ages to come and consequently, to be adopted to the various crises of human affairs"?

  1. (a)Mcculoch v. Maryland✓
  2. (b)Marbury v. Madison
  3. (c)Dr. Bonham's Case
  4. (d)None of the above
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) Mcculoch v. Maryland

Explanation: In the landmark United States Supreme Court judgment McCulloch v. Maryland (17 U.S. 316, 1819), Chief Justice John Marshall made this famous observation while interpreting the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the U.S. Constitution:

"We must never forget that it is a constitution we are expounding... intended to endure for ages to come, and consequently, to be adapted to the various crises of human affairs." Legal Context & Significance

• Purposive & Organic Interpretation: Chief Justice Marshall laid down the foundation of the "Living Constitution" doctrine, establishing that a constitution outlines broad

• governance principles rather than rigid rules, enabling it to adapt to evolving socioeconomic conditions. Indian Constitutional Law Relevance: The Supreme Court of India has cited this famous dictum in landmark decisions-including Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) and Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017)-to justify the dynamic and organic interpretation of Fundamental Rights.

June 2026 · Q105Match the lists

Match List I with List II LIST I LIST II

A. Borwn v. Board of Education I. One Man One Vote

B. Plessey v. Ferguson II. Right of Accused during interrogation

C. Reynolds v. Sims III. Equal but not separation

D. Miranda v. Arizona IV. Separate but equal

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
  2. (b)A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I
  3. (c)A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I
  4. (d)A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II

Explanation: Matching each landmark United States Supreme Court decision from List I to its core doctrine or legal principle in List II:

• A. Brown v. Board of Education (1954) III. Equal but not separation:

The Supreme Court ruled that state laws establishing racial segregation in public schools were unconstitutional, explicitly holding that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal." It effectively overturned the Plessy doctrine, establishing that facilities must be equal, but not separate.

• B. Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) IV. Separate but equal:

This landmark case upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation laws for public facilities under the doctrine of "Separate but equal", provided the facilities for each race were equal in quality.

• C. Reynolds v. Sims (1964) I. One Man One Vote:

The Supreme Court ruled that state legislative districts must be roughly equal in population under the Equal Protection Clause, establishing the famous principle of "One man, one vote" (or one person, one vote).

• D. Miranda v. Arizona (1966) II. Right of Accused during interrogation:

The Court held that the Fifth Amendment protects the rights of an accused person during custodial police interrogation, mandating that suspects must be informed of their rights (the Miranda warning: right to remain silent, right to an attorney, etc.) prior to questioning.

June 2026 · Q137

The modern doctrine of judicial review is ascribed to which of the following case?

  1. (a)Dr. Borham's Case
  2. (b)Marbury v. Madison✓
  3. (c)Gideon v. Wainwright
  4. (d)Berger Congress v. The Supreme Court
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) Marbury v. Madison

Explanation: The modern doctrine of Judicial Review-the authority of the judiciary to review legislative and executive actions and declare them void if unconstitutional-was established in the historic U.S. Supreme Court decision Marbury v. Madison (1803).

• Marbury v. Madison (1803): Chief Justice John Marshall famously held that "It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is." This case laid the foundation for modern constitutionalism and the power of courts worldwide to invalidate unconstitutional acts of the legislature.

Topic 8Amendment of the Constitution – India, USA and South Africa

7 questions · Open this topic on its own page

June 2020 · Q77Sequence / order

Arrange in chronological order, the cases relating to U.S. Constitutional Amendments

A. Plessy v. Ferguson

B. Hawke v. Smith

C. Laser v. Garnett

D. U.S. v. Sprague

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)A, B, C, D✓
  2. (b)A, C, B, D
  3. (c)B, C, D, A
  4. (d)D, B, C, A
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) A, B, C, D

Dec 2020/June 2021 · Q10

Which one of the following is related to Amendment of The U.S. constitution?

  1. (a)Article III
  2. (b)Article IV
  3. (c)Article V✓
  4. (d)Article VI
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) Article V

Dec 2020/June 2021 · Q48

Amendment in the American constitution may by proposed by

(1) Congress with a 2/3 majority in both the Houses of Representatives and the Senate

(2) Congress with a 3/4 majority in both the Houses of Representatives and the Senate

(3) Constitutional convention called by two third of State legislatures

(4) Constitutional convention called by three fourth of State Legislatures

Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

  1. (a)(1) and (3) only✓
  2. (b)(2) and (3) only
  3. (c)(2) and (4) only
  4. (d)(1) and (4) only
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) (1) and (3) only

Dec 2020/June 2021 · Q90Match the lists

Match List I with List II

I -II

List-I/I List-II

A. Article-V -V (I) Presidential Election Nov. 7, 2012

B. Article-III/III (II) Congress on the eve of Presidential Election

C. Chapter-V/V (III) The Judicial power in American Supreme Court

D. Chapter-IV/IV (IV) Amendment of the Constitutions

Choose the Correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)(A)-(I), (B)-(II), (C)-(IV), (D)-(III)
  2. (b)(A)-(III), (B)-(I), (C)-(IV), (D)-(II)
  3. (c)(A)-(IV), (B)-(III), (C)-(II), (D)-(I)✓
  4. (d)(A)-(III), (B)-(IV), (C)-(II), (D)-(I)
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) (A)-(IV), (B)-(III), (C)-(II), (D)-(I)

June 2025 · Q10Sequence / order

Arrange the following in the order of their introduction in the American Constitution by way of amendment (ascending order)

A. 18-year-old suffrage

B. Black suffrage

C. Abolition of slavery

D. Women suffrage

  1. (a)A, B, C, D
  2. (b)B, C, D, A
  3. (c)C, B, D, A✓
  4. (d)A, C, B, D
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) C, B, D, A

Explanation: The chronological order of these amendments is:

• C. Abolition of slavery (13th Amendment, 1865)

•

•

•

B. Black suffrage (15th Amendment, 1870)

D. Women suffrage (19th Amendment, 1920)

A. 18-year-old suffrage (26th Amendment, 1971)

June 2025 · Q79Statements

Which of the following statements are not correct regarding the U.S. Constitution?

A. Mode of amendment is given in Article IV

B. 2/3 of both houses can propose amendments

C. It has to be ratified by 3/4 of state legislatures

D. Constitution cannot be amended by convention

  1. (a)A and B only
  2. (b)A and D only✓
  3. (c)C and D only
  4. (d)B and D only
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) A and D only

Explanation: Article V provides for amendments, and one of the valid procedures is through constitutional convention. Article IV deals with states.

31 Dec 2025 (Shift 1) · Q89

Which Amendment to American Constitution explicitly declared that powers not specifically delegated to Federal Government were part of sovereign authority of State Government?

  1. (a)Fifteenth
  2. (b)Sixth
  3. (c)Tenth✓
  4. (d)Fourth
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) Tenth

Topic 9Ombudsman – Sweden, UK and India

6 questions · Open this topic on its own page

June 2019 · Q99

The institution of ombudsman was firstly initiated in the year 1809 by

  1. (a)France
  2. (b)U.S.A
  3. (c)U.K
  4. (d)Sweden✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) Sweden

December 2019 · Q76Sequence / order

Starting from the earliest, arrange the following countries in chronological order where the office of Ombudsman was created

ie"ve ?

1. Sweden

2. United Kingdom

3. New Zealand

4. Finland

Choose the correct option

  1. (a)1, 2, 3, 4
  2. (b)1, 4, 3, 2✓
  3. (c)1, 3, 2, 4
  4. (d)1, 2, 4, 3
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) 1, 4, 3, 2

Dec 2020/June 2021 · Q19

The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013 came in to force in

  1. (a)March 2013
  2. (b)February 2013
  3. (c)January 2013
  4. (d)August 2013
Answer & explanation

Answer: no single key (NTA dropped this question or changed its answer key)

Dec 2021/June 2022 · Q1

The institution of Ombudsman was first developed in

  1. (a)India
  2. (b)UK
  3. (c)France
  4. (d)Sweden✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) Sweden

December 2022 · Q6

The institution of 'Ombudsman' was first developed in

  1. (a)Switzerland
  2. (b)Sweden✓
  3. (c)South Africa
  4. (d)Britain
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) Sweden

June 2025 · Q15

United States Ombudsman Association was founded in which year?

  1. (a)1977✓
  2. (b)1976
  3. (c)1956
  4. (d)1986
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) 1977

Explanation: The United States Ombudsman Association (USOA) was established in 1977 to promote and support public sector ombudsman institutions.

Topic 10Open Government and Right to Information - USA, UK and India

4 questions · Open this topic on its own page

Dec 2020/June 2021 · Q32

Section 8(1) of the RTI Act provides how many exemptions from the disclosure of information?

  1. (a)7
  2. (b)8
  3. (c)9
  4. (d)10✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) 10

Dec 2020/June 2021 · Q33

The right to information Act, 2005 explains the meaning of information under

  1. (a)Section 2(e)
  2. (b)Section 2(f)✓
  3. (c)Section 2(g)
  4. (d)Section 2(h)
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) Section 2(f)

December 2022 · Q2

Regarding Freedom of Information or right to information which among the following countries have passed an enactment?

  1. (a)India only
  2. (b)India and UK only
  3. (c)India, USA and UK only✓
  4. (d)USA and UK only
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) India, USA and UK only

June 2025 · Q20

What is the U.S. equivalent legislation to the Indian Right to Information Act, 2005?

  1. (a)Freedom of Information Act, 1966
  2. (b)Freedom of Information Act, 1954
  3. (c)Freedom of Information Act, 1924
  4. (d)Freedom of Information Act, 1967✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) Freedom of Information Act, 1967

Explanation: The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 1967, is the U.S. law that ensures public access to federal government records, analogous to India’s RTI Act, 2005.

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