PYQ Astra UPSC CSE

UPSC Mains GS 2 PYQ: Parliament & State Legislature (2013–2026)

Every question on Parliament & State Legislature asked in UPSC Mains General Studies II from 2013–2026, 15 in all, newest first.

2026 · Q3 Parliament & State Legislature · 10 marks

Examine whether the constitutional office of the Lok Sabha Speaker has become vulnerable to partisan politics under the current anti-defection regime. What institutional changes are required to ensure the neutrality of the Lok Sabha Speaker in managing a polarised House?

2023 · Q5 Parliament & State Legislature · 10 marks

Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices.

2023 · Q16 Parliament & State Legislature · 15 marks

Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalisation of Indian Parliament?

2022 · Q4 Parliament & State Legislature · 10 marks

Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

2021 · Q4 Parliament & State Legislature · 10 marks

To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India?

2021 · Q14 Parliament & State Legislature · 15 marks

Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations.

2021 · Q15 Parliament & State Legislature · 15 marks

Do Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples.

2020 · Q5 Parliament & State Legislature · 10 marks

'Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker'! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India?

2020 · Q14 Parliament & State Legislature · 15 marks

Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a 'useless stepney tyre' to the most useful supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible.

2019 · Q15 Parliament & State Legislature · 15 marks

Individual Parliamentarian's role as the national law maker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss.

2018 · Q4 Parliament & State Legislature · 10 marks

Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee.

2017 · Q5 Parliament & State Legislature · 10 marks

Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people.

2017 · Q13 Parliament & State Legislature · 15 marks

The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint session of the two Houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reason thereof.

2014 · Q3 Parliament & State Legislature · 12.5 marks

The 'Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and its Members' as envisaged in Article 105 of the Constitution leave room for a large number of un-codified and un-enumerated privileges to continue. Assess the reasons for the absence of legal codification of the 'parliamentary privileges'. How can this problem be addressed?

2013 · Q1 Parliament & State Legislature · 10 marks

The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law which was legislated but with a different intention?