Question 56 from UPSC CSE 2020 - POLITY & GOVERNANC E

Question

A constitutional government by definition is a

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. limited government

Strategy: *   Identify that the core idea of a constitutional government is the restriction of government powers by basic laws. It is not defined by legislature composition or party numbers.
*   The defining attribute is 'limitation,' which directly points to 'limited government' as the universally accurate definition.
*   Terms such as 'government by legislature,' 'popular government,' or 'multi-party government' do not, by themselves, ensure constitutionalism.

Key Info: A constitutional government is founded upon a constitution that defines and constrains the powers of government organs and protects individual rights.

Core features include:
*   **Limited government** -- Authorities can act only within prescribed constitutional limits, thereby preventing arbitrariness and despotism.
*   **Supremacy of law** -- The constitution is the highest law, and all governmental actions must conform to it.
*   **Separation of powers** -- Powers are divided among legislature, executive, and judiciary to prevent concentration.
*   **Judicial review** -- Courts can interpret the constitution and have the authority to invalidate actions that violate constitutional provisions.
*   **Rule of law** -- Government functions under established legal norms, ensuring equality and protection of rights.

The United States, India, and many modern democracies operate under constitutional governments. Notably, such governments may coexist with a variety of electoral or party frameworks, but constitutionalism foundationally requires government limited by law, rather than mere popular will, legislative power, or party multiplicity.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: government by legislature

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: popular government

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: multi-party government