Q1. Which of these South Asian nations is/are constitutional monarchy?

1. Nepal

2. Bhutan

3. Myanmar

4. Maldives

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

A. 1 and 2 only 

B. 2 only 

C. 1 and 4 only

D. 2 and 4 only 

·        Explanation:

·        Statement 1: It is now a constitutional democracy. Statement 2: Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary form of government. The political system grants universal suffrage. It consists of the National Council and the National Assembly. Executive power is exercised by the Council of Ministers led by the prime minister. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the National Assembly. Judicial power is vested in the courts of Bhutan. Statement 3: It recently transformed from a military rule to a democracy. Democratic elections have been held in Myanmar with India’s assistance. However, the polity has been disturbed lately due to internal feuds, coups and authoritarianism.

Q2. Which of the following enhances transparency in governance?

1. Production and Dissemination of White Papers

2. Citizen’s Charters & Service Charters

3. Publishing Annual Performance Report

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 1 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

·        Explanation:

·        Transparency means that decisions are taken and their enforcement are done in a manner that follows rules and regulations. It also means that information is freely available and directly accessible to those who will be affected by such decisions and their enforcement. Transparency ensures that enough information is provided and that it is provided in easily understandable forms and media.

·         Transparency is widely recognised as a core principle of good governance. Free access to information is a key element in promoting transparency. Removal of bottlenecks in the way of free flow of information to the citizens can enhance transparency. This requires the following:

·        Publication of white papers on all importance governance matters concerning the public-by-public bodies. Preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Citizen’s Charters to make government accountable. Also, the implementation of citizen’s charters must be monitored publicly and public service report cards be published to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. An Annual Paper reporting Performance during the year could be contemplated keeping in view targets and performance during the financial year in terms of measurable indicators. Public financial accountability and transparency, through proper records management, accounting and external Auditing governments can achieve congruence between public policy, its implementation and the efficient allocation of resources. Fiscal Responsibility Legislation to improve and enhance accountability in the conduct of fiscal policy by specifying principles of responsible fiscal management by strengthening the reporting requirements of the Government and for other purposes.

Q3. Social Accountability engagement of civic organizations to express demand for public services, and exact accountability from local service providers. Which of the following tools enhance social accountability?

1. Participatory Budget Analysis

2. Community Scorecards

3. Citizen Charters

4. Social Audits

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A. 1, 3 and 4 only

B. 2, 3 and 4 only

C. 1 and 2 only

D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

·        Explanation:

·        Social accountability has been defined as an approach towards ensuring accountability that relies on civic engagement, i.e., in which ordinary citizens and citizen groups participate directly or indirectly in exacting accountability. Social accountability mechanisms can contribute to improved governance, increased development effectiveness through better service delivery, and citizen empowerment. In recent years, the expanded use of participatory data collection and analysis tools, combined with enhanced space and opportunity for citizen and civil society engagement with the state, has led to a new generation of social accountability practices. These methods and tools are being increasingly used across different parts of India are:  Participatory Planning and Policy Formulation; Participatory Budget Analysis; Participatory Expenditure Tracking System; Citizens’ Surveys/Citizen Report Cards; Citizen Charters; and Community Scorecards o social audits etc. 

Q4. Consider the following statements with reference to the National e-Governance Services Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) framework:

1. It emphasizes on the quality of the eGovernance service delivery mechanism from the citizen’s perspective.

2. The framework covers services under G2B (especially to small businesses) and G2C segments across all sectors of the economy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

·        Explanation:

·        While many successful initiatives have been undertaken by Central Ministries and State/UT Governments to improve overall e-Government development, it is necessary to evaluate the overall effectiveness of service delivery mechanism from a citizen’s perspective. The National e-Governance Services Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) framework was conceptualized and launched in August 2018. The assessment framework emphasizes on the effectiveness/quality of the governance service delivery mechanism from the citizens perspective. Hence, statement 1 is correct. The initial framework of NeSDA was based on the Online Service Index (OSI) of UNDESA eGovernment Survey and customized for the Indian federal structure and e-Governance landscape of the States and UTs. The final framework was agreed upon by all stakeholders (Central Ministries, States and UT’s) through consultative workshops.

·        The NeSDA framework primarily assessed all the service portals (State/UT and Central Ministry service portals) on 7 key parameters, viz. Accessibility, Content Availability, Ease of Use, Information Security & Privacy, End service Delivery, Integrated Service Delivery and Status & Request Tracking. The framework covers six sectors, viz. Finance, Labour & Employment, Education, Local Government & Utilities, Social Welfare (including Agriculture & Health) and Environment (including Fire) sectors. The framework covers services under G2B (especially to small businesses) and G2C segments, in these six sectors. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. The current NeSDA framework has addressed most of the requirements of the e-Governance assessment from an efficiency and effectiveness perspective. While this is the first-of-its-kind benchmark exercise for the year 2018-19, DARPG intends to conduct this periodically for improving the States and Central Ministry service parameters.

Q5. Which of the following are the functions of the National Center for Good Governance?

1. To be a think tank for governance & policy reforms, cutting across administrative, social, economic, and financial spheres.

2. To function as a national repository on information on best practices, initiatives, and methodologies that promote Good Governance.

3. To promote sharing and replication of innovative ideas and best practices in Governance.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

·        Explanation:

·        The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) is an autonomous institute under the aegis of Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Government of India. Its head office is at New Delhi and branch office at Mussoorie.

·         The NCGG has been set up to assist in bringing about governance reforms through studies, training, knowledge sharing and promotion of good ideas. It seeks to carry out policy-relevant research and prepare case studies; curate training courses for civil servants from India and other developing countries; provide a platform for sharing of existing knowledge and pro-actively seek out and develop ideas for their implementation in the government, both at the National & International Level.

·         Functions/ Objectives of National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) include: To be a think tank for governance & policy reforms, cutting across administrative, social, economic and financial spheres; To function as a national repository on information on best practices, initiatives and methodologies that promote Good Governance, e-Governance, innovation & change management within the government; To initiate and participate in action research and capacity building on various aspects of regulatory and development administration, public policy, governance and public management at National/State & local levels; To advise on key issues in governance and develop synergy across various Ministries/ Departments of GoI, and State Governments; To promote sharing and replication of innovative ideas and best practices in Governance; To interact with national and international organizations, in and outside government, engaged in research and capacity building in the above spheres; To engage in the provision of consultancy services in and outside the country.

Q6. What could be the possible reasons for democracy being the most prevalent and better than other forms of government?

1. It provides for most stable form of government.

2. It ensures quick and correct decision making.

3. It extracts accountability from the government.

4. It ensures the elimination of income inequalities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 3 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

·        Explanation:

·        Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. Democracy is the most prevalent form of government in the world today and it is expanding to more countries

·        Generally, there are two types of democracy: direct and representative. In a direct democracy, the people directly deliberate and decide on legislature. In a representative democracy, the people elect representatives to deliberate and decide on legislature, such as in parliamentary or presidential democracy.

·         Arguments for democracy: A democratic government is a better government because it is a more accountable form of government. Hence statement 3 is correct.  Democracy is based on consultation and discussion. Through discussions and debates, it is possible to point out mistakes in any decision. Thus, it improves the quality of decision-making. Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts by peaceful and participative resolution of differences of opinions and interests. Democracy is based on the principle of political equality, on recognising that the poorest and the least educated has the same status as the rich and the educated. Hence, it enhances the dignity of citizens. It allows for the correction of mistakes either by the leaders or by the people through a change of leadership.

·         Limitations of democracy: Democracy leads to frequent changes in leadership. Sometimes this can set back big decisions and affect the government’s efficiency. Hence statement 1 is not correct.  Involving the people in decision making leads to delays in decision making. Also, it does not guarantee that participative decisions will be good. Hence statement 2 is not correct. Democracy does not ensure economic equality. Despite being the largest democracy, it has not ended poverty in our country and in other parts of the world.

Q7. Why India is described as a ‘Union of States’ rather than a ‘Federation of States’?

1. The Indian federation is the result of an agreement among the states.

2. States have no right to secede from the federation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

·        Explanation:

·        Article 1 describes India, that is, Bharat as a ‘Union of States’ rather than a ‘Federation of States’. This provision deals with two things: one, name of the country, and two, type of polity. There was no unanimity in the Constituent Assembly with regard to the name of the country. Some members suggested the traditional name (Bharat) while other advocated the modern name (India). Hence, the Constituent Assembly had to adopt a mix of both (‘India, that is, Bharat’). Secondly, the country is described as ‘Union’ although its Constitution is federal in structure. According to Dr B R Ambedkar, the phrase ‘Union of States’ has been preferred to ‘Federation of States’ for two reasons:  The Indian Federation is not the result of an agreement among the states like the American Federation. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.  The states have no right to secede from the federation. Hence, statement 2 is correct. The federation is a Union because it is indestructible. The country is an integral whole and divided into different states only for the convenience of administration

Q8. Which of the following is/are the federal features in the Indian Constitution?

1. Single Constitution

2. Bicameralism

3. Integrated judiciary

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

·        Explanation:

·        The Constitution of India establishes a federal system of government. It contains many features of a federation, viz: two government division of powers written Constitution supremacy of Constitution rigidity of Constitution independent judiciary bicameralism. However, the Indian Constitution also contains a large number of unitary or non-federal features, viz. a strong Centre single Constitution single citizenship flexibility of Constitution integrated judiciary appointment of state governor by the Centre all-India services o emergency provisions, and so on. The term ‘Federation’ has nowhere been used in the Constitution. Article 1 describes India as a ‘Union of States’ which implies two things: one, Indian Federation is not the result of an agreement by the states; and two, no state has the right to secede from the federation.

Q9. In the context of the Constitution and Polity of a country, which of the following is/are correct?

1. A Constitution determines the relationship among people living in a territory and also the relationship between the people and government.

2. A country that has a constitution may not necessarily be democratic.

3. A constitution lays down limits on the powers of the government.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.   1 only

B.    2 and 3 only

C.   1, 2 and 3

D.   1 and 2 only

·        Explanation:

·        The constitution of a country is a set of written rules that are accepted by all people living together in a country. The constitution is the supreme law that determines the relationship among people living in a territory (called citizens) and also the relationship between the people and government. A constitution does many things:  It generates a degree of trust and coordination that is necessary for different kind of people to live together; It specifies how the government will be constituted, who will have power to take which decisions; It lays down limits on the powers of the government and tells us what the rights of the citizens are; and it expresses the aspirations of the people about creating a good society. All countries that have constitutions are not necessarily democratic. But all countries that are democratic will have constitutions. The drafting of the document called the constitution was done by an assembly of elected representatives called the Constituent Assembly. The Constituent Assembly represented the people of India. There was no universal adult franchise at that time. So, the Constituent Assembly could not have been chosen directly by all the people of India. It was elected mainly by the members of the existing Provincial Legislatures.

Q10. Consider the following statements:

1. In a federation, the powers of the federal and provincial governments are clearly demarcated.

2. In India, Union and State Governments have exclusive jurisdiction on their respective subjects under all circumstances.

3. The devolution of powers to the local government bodies has diluted the spirit of federalism in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.   1 and 2 only

B.    2 and 3 only

C.   1 only

D.   1, 2 and 3

·        Explanation:

·        Political scientists have classified governments into unitary and federal on the basis of the nature of relations between the national government and the regional governments. By definition, a unitary government is one in which all the powers are vested in the national government and the regional governments, if at all exist, derive their authority from the national government. A federal government, on the other hand, is one in which powers are divided between the national government and the regional governments by the Constitution itself and both operate in their respective jurisdictions independently. Hence, statement 1 is correct. The Constitution of India originally provided for a two-tier system of government, the Union Government and the State governments. Later, a third tier of federalism was added in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities. This further strengthened the spirit of federalism in India. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. As in any federation, these different tiers enjoy separate jurisdictions. The Constitution clearly provided a threefold distribution of legislative powers between the Union Government and the State Governments. Thus, it contains three lists, Union List, State List, concurrent list. While the Union government has exclusive jurisdiction over union list, union and state can legislate over concurrent list and union can also legislate on state subject under different conditions like emergency.