10/20/2014

Mrunal CSAT 2014 Answerkey: Polity with explanation for all sets

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[Answerkey] CSAT-2014: Polity Questions with explanations for

all booklets
Posted By On 25/08/2014 @ 10:16 pm In answerkey | 337 Comments

1. Polity Analysis: vs CSAT 2013

1. Polity: Analysis vs other exam
2. Polity Brief Analysis: CSAT 2014 itself
2. How to approach Polity in CSAT-2015?
3. Answers: Polity Executive (2MCQ)
1. Presidents Powers
2. Governors discretionary power
4. Answers: Legislature related (3MCQ)
1. No Confidence motion
2. Parliament Committees
3. 10th Sch. Anti-defection
5. Answers: Judiciary related (2MCQ)
1. SC jurisdiction
2. SC No. of Judges
6. Answers: Organizations (2MCQ)
1. Five year Planning
2. Cabinet Secretariat, Functions of
7. Answers: Constitution- Basics (2MCQ)
1. DPSP
2. Constitutional Government

Polity Analysis: vs CSAT 2013

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Mrunal CSAT 2014 Answerkey: Polity with explanation for all sets

CSAT 2013
18 MCQ from Polity
no current affairs
majority were easy and could be
solved from Laxmikanth
majority MCQs from executive,
legislature and Constitution-basics
http://mrunal.org/2014/08/answerkey-csat-2014-polity.html/print/

2014
Only 11. Drastic reduction to make space for
environment and agriculture (perhaps for IFoS?)
same
same
same
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Mrunal CSAT 2014 Answerkey: Polity with explanation for all sets

Question involving NDC and Planning

commission
DPSP list item
Governor removal
bodies asked

Yes
Yes
Governor power
yes

Polity: Analysis vs other exam

Among CDS, CAPF and CSAT conducted this year, You can see some continuity and some
divergence.
CDS & CAPF 2014
CAPF 2014:Consider the following
statements about Constitutional
Government:
1. It is a form of limited
government
2. One where Constitution is the
basis of public authority
3. One where Monarch is the
formal Head of the State
4. One where there is always
universal adult franchise

CSAT-2014 (prelims)

CSAT 2014: Consider the following statements : A

Constitutional Government is one which
1. places effective restrictions on individual liberty
in the interest of State Authority
2. places effective restrictions on the Authority of
the State in the interest of individual liberty
Then you had to find out correct statements.

Then you had to find out correct

statements.
CAPF: asked about functions of
governor

Yes they too asked.

Asked name of Largest Committee. (So in a way,

although ascending-descending order type MCQs did
not come in Economy but that type of question came
here in polity.
Asked current affairs based polity e.g. Nothing from current based polity- election,
Expenditure limit in Lok Sabha
representation of peoples act, VVPAT etc. nothing
Ventured into ULB, PRI
Did not
Ventured into more details of
parliamentary procedures, powers of
Did not.
Dy.Speaker etc. beyond whats given
in Laxmikanth.
Thats evergreen topic, just like Buddhism, Jainism.
Asked questions from Chapters on
Here too, questions came from President and
President and Parliament.
parliament.
Asked about Bodies (e.g.
some
membership in NHRC)
Some questions from NCERT political
science (e.g. correct meaning of
Nope.
democracy)
Both CDS and CAPF asked questions
about function of parliamentary
Committee.

Polity Weightage: CDS, CAPF and CSAT

2014
CDS(I)
CAPF
CSAT
Polity MCQs
23
20
11
Total MCQs
120
125
100
% wise
19%
16%
11%
Compared tolast yearof the same exam Drastic Increase Increased decreased

Polity Brief Analysis: CSAT 2014 itself

Debatable. Depends on preparation level
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Mrunal CSAT 2014 Answerkey: Polity with explanation for all sets

9 out of 11 questions, could be solved DIRECTLY from the book M.Laxmikanths book,
Therefore putting them under Easy to Moderate level difficulty.
Q
President
power
Gov.power
no
confidence

difficulty
Easy
Easy but prone to silly mistakes.
Easy / debatable depending on how you interpret only

Moderate. In the pre-CSAT era, Public Administration players used to religiously

Largest
mugup Committee membership tables for prelims. But in the recent years,
Committee players would have stopped bothering with trivial highest-lowest, ascendingdescending orders.
10th
Ridiculously easy. Some serious players may have even felt this MCQ to be an
Schedule
insult to their intelligence.
Sc
Same as above
jurisdiction
DPSP
international Same as above
peace
SC no. of
Easy. Although some may have got confused about president instead of
judges
parliament. thinking that President signs and appoints them so he decides.
Bodies
associated
Easy / debatable depending on how your interpret planning
with
planning
Detailed explanation scroll down to see individual MCQs
Outside Laxmikanth

Cabinet
Secretariat

Easy / Moderate
One can solve it through logic as well, but usually players hesitate doing
that in UPSC (which is a good thing otherwise because as such gutfeeling=grave digging.)
Half of the answer given in India Yearbook 2014, Chapter2 Polity. But its
silent on cabinet agenda.
Verbatim answer given in Laxmikanths Public Administration book.

Constitutional
Difficult because multiple interpretations. I could not locate Verbatim answer.
Government

How to approach Polity in CSAT-2015?

Yes, after all the purpose of doing this answerkey majoori is not cut-off speculation but to fine
tune strategy for next year.
1. NCERT Political science must be read. Even though no questions came from CSAT2014), but it has its utilities.
2. Indian Polity by M.Laxmikanth (Tata Macgrawhill Publication) must be used as Base-book
for polity theory. All chapters, appendix must be prepared in thorough detail, all mock
questions must be solved. Although recent exams have been mainly focused President,
parliament and DPSP chapters and overall easier nature of question compared to last
year. BUT you cannot take anything for granted in UPSC.
3. India Yearbooks Chapter 3 (Polity) must be read.
4. Polity Current affairs must be prepared throughout the year, from TheHINDU.
5. Because, even though current polity not asked in CSAT-2014, but Mains-2013 GS paper
II descriptive questions on polity, had the current flavor.
6. Besides Current Polity important for interviews and backup exams (SSC, CAPF) etc.
anyways.

Answers: Polity Executive (2MCQ)

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Mrunal CSAT 2014 Answerkey: Polity with explanation for all sets

Presidents Powers
Q1. Consider the following statements:
1. The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of
the Government of India, and for the allocation among Ministers of the said business.
2. All executive actions of the Government of India shall be expressed to be taken in the
name of the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
A.
B.
C.
D.

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

Ref: Laxmikanth 4th edition. Pg 17.7 Topic: Executive Powers of President.

1. Statement 1 is correct. (Article 77(3) uses the same wording Shall).
2. All executive actions of the Government of India shall be expressed to be taken in the
name of the PRESIDENT (not prime minister). Therefore, statement 2 is wrong.
Therefore, Answer: (a) 1 only

Governors discretionary power

Q2. Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a
State?
1. Sending a report to the President of India for imposing the Presidents rule
2. Appointing the Ministers
3. Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President
of India
4. Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A.
B.
C.
D.

1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only.
2, 3 and 4 only.
1, 2, 3 and 4

We must use elimination method, otherwise there is good chance of making silly mistakes.
Ref. Laxmikanth Page26.10, bottom lines: The governor has Constitutional discretion in
following cases:
Reservation of bill for consideration of the President.
Recommendation of the imposition of Presidents rule.
Therefore, statement 1 and 3 are definitely right. Eliminate all choices, that donot have (1 and
3) together.
A.
B.
C.
D.

1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only.
2, 3 and 4 only.
1, 2, 3 and 4

Now we are left with B and D. Lets focus attention to statement 2. Appointing the Ministers
As per Laxmikanth Chapter chief minister, Page 27.2, last section.
The chief minister enjoys following powers.Governor only appoints those persons as
ministers who are recommended by the Chief Minister.
In other words Governor doesnt have Discretion in appointment of the minister.
Therefore, #2 is wrong. Eliminate choices involving number 2.
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Mrunal CSAT 2014 Answerkey: Polity with explanation for all sets

A.
B.
C.
D.

1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only.
2, 3 and 4 only.
1, 2, 3 and 4

Therefore, B is the final answer.

Answers: Legislature related (3MCQ)

No Confidence motion
1. Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in India:
1. There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India.
2. A Motion of No-Confidence can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only.
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
A.
B.
C.
D.

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) both 1 and 2

Ref: Laxmikanth chapter on parliament, Page 22.15
Art 75 says that the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to Loksabha. In
other words, Lok Sabha can remove them by passing a no-confidence motion. But the
word no confidence motion itself is not given in Constitution itself, it comes from Rule
198 of LokSabha Rules. Therefore statement 1 is right, NCM not in Constitution.
Same chapter page 22.29. Rajya Sabha cannot pass cannot remove council of ministers
by passing no-confidence motion. Meaning- statement 2 also correct- no confidence
motion can be introduced, only in Lok Sabha.
Therefore, Answer C Both 1 and 2 correct.
Counter view:
No confidence motion can be introduced in Vidhan Sabha therefore statement #2 is wrong.
because it uses the word only Therefore, answer is (B) only 2.
Final Answer? UPSCs official answerkey. sometimes they drag the only logic, sometimes
they dont. (as ive observed in some of the economy questions in past exam, so pendulum can
swing either way.)

Parliament Committees
Q2. Which one of the following is the largest Committee of the Parliament?
A.
B.
C.
D.

The
The
The
The

Committee
Committee
Committee
Committee

on
on
on
on

Public Accounts
Estimates
Public Undertakings
Petitions

Ref: Laxmikanth Chapter on Parliament. Page 22.30 to 22.33

Committee on No. of members
Public Accounts
22
Estimates
30
Public Undertakings 22
Petitions.
LS(15) , RS(10)
Therefore, largest Committee is Estimates, given its 30 members. Hence answer is (b)

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Mrunal CSAT 2014 Answerkey: Polity with explanation for all sets

10th Sch. Anti-defection

1. Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India contains
provisions regarding anti-defection?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Second Schedule
Fifth Schedule
Eighth Schedule
Tenth Schedule

Ans: (d) Tenth Schedule

Ref: Laxmikanth ch.67, opening paragraph
The 52nd Amendment act of 1985, added 10th schedule to the Constitution. This is often
referred to as anti-defection law.

Answers: Judiciary related (2MCQ)

SC jurisdiction
Q1. The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre
and the States falls under its
A.
B.
C.
D.

advisory jurisdiction
appellate jurisdiction.
original jurisdiction
writ jurisdiction

Laxmikanth Chapter on Supreme court. Page 25.5. Topic original jurisdiction.

As a federal court, the supreme court decides the disputes between centre and one or more
states.
Therefore, Answer (C)Original Jurisdiction

SC No. of Judges
Q2. The power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India is
vested in
A.
B.
C.
D.

the President of India

the Parliament
the Chief Justice of India
The Law Commission

Laxmikanth Chapter on Supreme court. Page 25.1 Topic organization of Supreme court:-
Parliament has increased number of judges from 10 in 1956 to..
Therefore, answer: (b) Parliament.

Answers: Organizations (2MCQ)

Five year Planning
Q1. Which of the following are associated with Planning in India?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The
The
The
The
The

Finance Commission
National Development Council
Union Ministry of Rural Development
Union Ministry of Urban Development
Parliament

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A. 1, 2 and 5 only
B. 1, 3 and 4 only
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Mrunal CSAT 2014 Answerkey: Polity with explanation for all sets

C. 2 and 5 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Approach 1:
Finance commission is involved in distribution of taxes and grants. It is not involved in
planning. So by just eliminating all options involving statement 1, we get answer [C] only 2
and 5 correct.

Approach 2 (just to cross check)

Laxmikanth chapter on National development council, Page 49.1
The draft five-year plan, prepared by the planning commission s first submitted to the union
Cabinet. After its approval, it is placed before the National development Council, for its
acceptance. Then, the plan is presented to Parliament, with its approval, it emerges as the
official plan and published in the official Gazette.
Therefore, 2(NDC) and 5(Parliament) correct. Answer [C]
Counter-argument:
all those are stakeholders and therefore involved. Hence answer (D) 1 to 5. Anyways, UPSCs
official answerkey=final judge.
Sidenote: there was also an MCQ on theme of five year plan but I classify it under economy.

Cabinet Secretariat, Functions of

Q2. Which of the following is / are the function/functions of the Cabinet
Secretariat?
1. Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings
2. Secretarial assistance to Cabinet Committees
3. Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A.
B.
C.
D.

1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 2 only
1, 2 and 3

Statement number 1 and 2 are correct. As per following resources

1. M.Laxmikanths Public Administration book, Chapter on Union Government page 427.
Both functions given verbatim.
2. Cabinet Secretariat Website :- http://cabsec.nic.in/about_functions.php
3. India yearbook 2014, Chapter 3 Polity, page 40. Accordingly statement #2 is correct.
(Although its silent on 1 and 3).
Statement #3 outside the realms of cabinet Secretariat. Financial resources are allotted to
ministries, as per the provisions in budget prepared by finance ministry. Therefore, answer C
only 1 and 2.

Answers: Constitution- Basics (2MCQ)

DPSP
Q1. In the Constitution of India, promotion of international peace and security is
included in the
A.
B.
C.
D.

Preamble to the Constitution

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
Fundamental Duties
Ninth Schedule

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Mrunal CSAT 2014 Answerkey: Polity with explanation for all sets

Ref: Laxmikanth Chapter 8 on Directive principles of State Policy, page 8.3

Article 51: to promote international peace and security and maintain just an honorable
relations between nations between nations; to foster respect for international law and treaty
obligations, and to encourage settlements of international disputes by arbitration.
Therefore, answer (B) DPSP

Constitutional Government
Q2. Consider the following statements : A Constitutional Government is one which
1. Places effective restrictions on individual liberty in the interest of State Authority
2. Places effective restrictions on the Authority of the State in the interest of individual
liberty
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
A.
B.
C.
D.

1 only
2 only.
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

While both statements are correct as such. But are both necessary to explain what is a
Constitutional government?
Viewpoint1
Answer C, both correct

Viewpoint2
Answer B, only 2

Art 19 State can put

reasonable restrictions.
Art22 Preventive detention
(but with caveats)=>1 is
right.
Art. 20, 21, 22, =>
protection against
excessive punishment, of
life, liberty, arrestdetection=>2 is right.

While both is right, no doubt. But which one of them

are essential to explain the term Constitutional
government?
Only second term: places effective restriction on the
authority of state.
Source: Indian Government and politics by Abbas
Hoveyda Page9. A state is a Constitutional state, if it
limits its powers and recognizes the rights of
individuals as fundamental for their development.

Final answer: official UPSC answerkey.

Any corrections, do post in comments but with reference source.

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