Question 54 from UPSC CSE 2021 - Polity & Governance

Question

Constitutional government means

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. a government limited by the terms of the Constitution

Strategy: Focus on the core feature: a constitutional government is fundamentally about having its powers limited and defined by a constitution. Ignore federal structure or distinctions about the Head's powers, since these are characteristics of only some constitutional governments, not a defining element. The only universally correct choice is government limited by constitutional terms.

Key Info: **Definition**: A government whose powers, functions, and organization are limited and regulated by a constitution, whether written or unwritten.

**Core Principles**:
- Ensures checks and balances.
- Prevents the arbitrary exercise of power.
- Upholds the rule of law.

**Connection to Constitutionalism**: The concept is tied to constitutionalism, which advocates for a limited government and guarantees protection of citizen rights.

**Key Characteristics**:
- The essence is the limitation of government by constitutional provisions.
- It can exist in unitary or federal states.
- It can have various executive structures, such as parliamentary or presidential.
- Features like separation of powers, checks and balances, and judicial review all serve to limit government authority.

**Examples**:
- USA
- India
- UK (to an extent)

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: a representative government of a nation with federal structure

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: a government whose Head enjoys nominal powers

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: a government whose Head enjoys real powers