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General Studies 2022 GS Paper II 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Critically examine

GS Paper II — Q14

Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected. (Answer in 250 words) 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

भारत और फ्रांस के राष्ट्रपति के निर्वाचित होने की प्रक्रिया का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए । (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)

Q14 of the 2022 UPSC Mains General Studies GS Paper II, as printed
The question as printed in the 2022 General Studies paper
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Model answer

Written by UPSC Answer Check against this question's marking rubric, to the 250-word length. UPSC does not publish answers for Mains — this is one way to score well, not an official key.

The electoral procedures of the Indian and French presidencies reflect their distinct constitutional architectures—parliamentary versus semi-presidential.

Electoral Procedures Under Article 54 of the Indian Constitution, the President is elected indirectly by an Electoral College comprising elected members of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies through proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote (PR-STV) via secret ballot. The system assigns weighted vote values based on population formulas (Article 55) to maintain federal parity between the Union and States. Conversely, France elects its President through direct universal adult suffrage via a two-round majoritarian system, instituted in 1962 under Charles de Gaulle. If no candidate secures an absolute majority in the first round, a runoff between the top two candidates determines the winner for a five-year term (reduced from seven in 2000).

Critical Evaluation The French direct mandate confers immense popular legitimacy, essential for a powerful executive head who steers foreign policy and national security. However, it entails enormous logistical costs and risks majoritarian polarization. Recent trends, such as declining voter turnout in the 2017 and 2022 French presidential elections, raise concerns over democratic fatigue.

In contrast, India’s indirect method prevents competing power centers between a directly elected President and the Prime Minister, reinforcing the President as a constitutional guardian rather than a real executive or mere "rubber stamp." While critics argue that indirect voting dilutes popular choice, it optimizes administrative costs, preserves stability, and integrates diverse regional aspirations. This was exemplified in the 2022 election of Droupadi Murmu, which highlighted inclusive federal consensus.

Verdict Both mechanisms are precisely suited to their institutional frameworks: France’s direct election legitimizes a dominant executive, whereas India’s indirect federal election harmonizes pluralism with parliamentary supremacy.

What "Critically examine" is asking you to do

Test the proposition the question puts to you and return a finding on how far it holds. Examine stems carry a claim, or ask whether something has happened, and expect evidence weighed both ways before the extent is stated — often with remedial measures attached. “Critically” is not a section added at the end: name the yardstick you are judging by — the evidence, the stated objective, a constitutional principle, a rival explanation — and let a verdict close each part of the body. Where the question quotes a claim, that verdict must land on the claim itself, accepted, qualified or rejected, and not on the theme in general.

Structure that answers it

Restate the claim as the question frames it → evidence that supports it → evidence that undercuts it → the conditions under which it holds → verdict on how far it stands

Where marks are lost

Merits in one paragraph, demerits in the next, and a conclusion calling for a balanced and holistic approach. That is a survey with the judgement left out and it holds the answer in the middle band. The opposite error is reading “critically” as permission to attack — and with the odd pairings, critically describe or critically explain, the exposition still carries most of the marks, the judgement being a layer on it rather than a substitute for it.

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How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

Framework: GS2 Paper 2: Comparative Constitutionalism. critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment Full marks: Sharp contrast of mandates with specific constitutional references and critical judgment on stability.

Key points expected

  • India: Indirect election via Electoral College (Art 54)
  • France: Direct election via universal adult franchise
  • Critical analysis of 'representative' vs 'popular' mandate
  • Comparison of voting systems (Proportional vs First Past the Post)

Evaluation rubric

Each sub-part is marked on its own, against the marks and word limit printed on the paper.

  1. The answer Compare election procedures of India and France, evaluating their constitutional logic and practical implications. 15 marks · 250 words

    critique— the claim → its strengths → its weaknesses → your judgment

    Must cover

    • India: Indirect election via Electoral College (Art 54)
    • France: Direct election via universal adult franchise
    • Critical analysis of 'representative' vs 'popular' mandate
    • Comparison of voting systems (Proportional vs First Past the Post)

    Loses marks

    • Reciting procedural steps without critical evaluation
    • Confusing the role of the President in both systems
    • Failing to link procedure to the nature of the mandate

    Earns more

    • Mention of 1952 Constitution Committee (India)
    • Reference to 1962 Constitutional Amendment (France)
    • Discussion of 'ceremonial' vs 'executive' role impact
    • Mention of 'double dissolution' or 'cohabitation' (France)

    Extra mark

    • Citing specific Article 55 (India) or Art 67 (France)
    • Reference to 2nd ARC or Law Commission on electoral reform

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