UPSC Prelims 2023 Q33: Indian Polity – Constitutional Framework & Development
- (a) It determines the objective for the making of necessary laws.
- (b) It enables the creation of political offices and a government.
- (c) It defines and limits the powers of government.
- (d) It secures social justice, social equality and social security.
Answer: (c) It defines and limits the powers of government.
Explanation
Chief Purpose of a Constitution
A constitution serves multiple purposes but its chief, primary purpose is:
| Option | Assessment |
|---|---|
| 'Determines objectives for making laws' | Secondary purpose — laws can be made without this |
| 'Enables creation of political offices and government' | Instrumental purpose — a means, not the chief end |
| 'Defines and limits the powers of government' | PRIMARY PURPOSE — constitutionalism's core meaning is LIMITED government |
| 'Secures social justice, equality, security' | Important but derivative — achieved through limited, accountable government |
Constitutionalism = the principle that government power must be defined, limited, and accountable.
Without limitations on government power, there is no constitutional government — only arbitrary rule.
All other purposes flow from or require defined and limited government powers.
Answer: (c) It defines and limits the powers of government.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. While a constitution sets objectives, this is a secondary function. A constitution without limiting government powers would be ineffective regardless of its stated objectives.
- (b) Incorrect. Creating political offices is procedural/structural — it is a means to the end of organised governance, not the chief purpose.
- (c) CORRECT. The defining and limiting of government powers is the core of constitutionalism — it prevents tyranny and ensures rule of law.
- (d) Incorrect. Social justice outcomes are achieved through the constitutional framework — but the framework itself exists primarily to limit government power and prevent its abuse.
Key point
Constitution's CHIEF purpose = defines and limits government powers. This is the essence of constitutionalism. Without limits on power, a constitution is meaningless. All other goals (justice, equality, offices) flow from this foundation.
Remember
The chief purpose of a Constitution is to define and limit the powers of government. This is the core of constitutionalism — preventing arbitrary rule and ensuring the government operates within prescribed boundaries.
Common mistakes
- Selecting social justice as the chief purpose — social justice is an important goal but depends on limited, accountable government to be realised.
- Choosing 'creation of government' as chief purpose — the existence of government precedes the constitution historically; the constitution's role is to limit it.
- Confusing the American vs Indian constitutional emphasis — India's constitution is more explicit about social goals, but even so, the structural purpose is to limit government power.
Exam tip
Constitution = limit on government power. Every answer except 'defines and limits powers' describes a downstream benefit of constitutionalism. Think: why was Magna Carta (1215) written? To LIMIT the king's power. Same principle today.
Sources
- NCERT Political Science Class 11 — Chapter 1: Constitution: Why and How?
- Constitutional Theory — A.V. Dicey on Rule of Law