A constitutional government by definition is a
- (a) government by legislature
- (b) popular government
- (c) multi-party government
- (d) limited government ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• A constitutional government is one whose powers are defined and restrained by a constitution — by definition a limited government — option (d).
• Constitutionalism means rule of law, separation of powers, protected rights and judicial review that prevent arbitrary exercise of power.
• Government by legislature (a), popular government (b) and multi-party government (c) describe who governs or how they are chosen, not the limitation of power; an elected majority can still be unlimited without constitutional restraints.
• Hence option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) government by legislature
- Legislative government is a form, not the defining feature.
- (b) popular government
- Popular election does not by itself limit power.
- (c) multi-party government
- Multi-party systems are about competition, not constitutional limits.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.