UPSC Prelims 2020 · Question 37 of 100
UPSC Prelims 2020 question on Constitutional Government Limited
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2020
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectPolity
- TopicBasic Concepts of Constitution
- DifficultyEasy
- TypeDirect
A constitutional government by definition is a
Show answer
Answer: D. limited government
Verdict
Correct answer: limited government → Option (d).
Analysis
Constitutionalism has a variety of meanings. Most generally, it is a complex of ideas, attitudes, and patterns of behavior elaborating the principle that the authority of government derives from and is limited by a body of fundamental law. Constitutionalism means limited government or limitation on government. It is the antithesis of arbitrary powers.
Constitutionalism recognizes the need for a government with powers but at the same time insists that limitation be placed on those powers. The antithesis of constitutionalism is despotism. A government that goes beyond its limits loses its authority and legitimacy.
Constitutionalism constitutes the following elements: government according to the constitution; separation of power; sovereignty of the people and democratic government; constitutional review; independent judiciary; limited government subject to a bill of individual rights; controlling the police; civilian control of the military; and very limited and strictly circumscribed state power to suspend the constitution.
Statement by statement
Option (a) – INCORRECT: Government by legislature is parliamentary government, not constitutional government per se.
Option (b) – INCORRECT: Popular government refers to democracy by definition, which can still be unlimited.
Option (c) – INCORRECT: Multi-party government refers to party system, unrelated to constitutionalism by definition.
Option (d) – CORRECT: A constitutional government by definition is a limited government.
Extra UPSC info
Constitution is the body of basic ordinances of the State, but constitutionalism is the philosophy of restraint on State power. A country may have a Constitution but not constitutionalism (e.g., authoritarian regimes with written constitutions).