Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
2. The Basic Structure Doctrine acts as a safeguard against potential threats to constitutional democracy in India. Examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article argues that the Basic Structure Doctrine, which holds that certain fundamental features of the Constitution cannot be amended, played a crucial role in preventing the erosion of fundamental rights during the Emergency in India in the 1970s.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the importance of doctrine of basic structure and its criticism.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
To write about the importance of doctrine of basic structure.
Body:
First, write about the various features of doctrine of basic structure – rule of law, parliamentary form of government, secularism etc.
Next, write about how the above is important in upholding the supremacy of the Constitution and preventing authoritarian rule by a single party.
Next, write a critique of the basic structure doctrine.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced opinion.
