Indian Polity and Governance
Indian Polity and Governance tests the Constitution’s structure, rights, institutions, federalism, and local government. Rajasthan-specific constitutional facts are also fair game.
Core rules
- Fundamental Rights are in Articles 12–35; DPSP in 36–51; Fundamental Duties in 51A.
- Article 32 empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs; Article 226 empowers High Courts. High Court writ jurisdiction is wider because it covers legal rights too.
- The President is elected under Article 54 and removed under Article 61.
- The Governor is appointed under Article 153 and acts as the state’s constitutional head.
- Rajasthan has a unicameral legislature: 200 Vidhan Sabha seats, 25 Lok Sabha seats, and 10 Rajya Sabha seats.
- The 73rd Amendment deals with Panchayati Raj; the 74th with urban local bodies.
Worked example
Question: “A state order violates a citizen’s fundamental right. Which writ and which article?” Reasoning: for enforcement of fundamental rights against a state, Article 32 (Supreme Court) or Article 226 (High Court) may be used. If the question asks which article empowers the High Court, the answer is 226, not 32. Mandamus compels action; certiorari quashes an order.
Traps
- Swapping Articles 32 and 226.
- Confusing DPSP with enforceable fundamental rights.
- Mixing 73rd and 74th Amendments.
- Assuming Rajasthan has a Legislative Council.
- Forgetting that the Governor is appointed, not elected.