← All questionsGS2 · 2026 · Polity ·Separation of Powers — India vs USA
QUESTION 14
GS2
15 marks

Examine how the separation of powers is practised in India compared to the rigid presidential model of the United States of America. In this context, compare the actual authority of the Indian Prime Minister with that of the President of the USA.

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11 min
250 words

What the examiner wants

Compare institutional separation in parliamentary India and presidential USA, then compare actual—not merely formal—authority of PM and President.

Examine · CompareAnswer exactly what the question asks.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Fusion/separation of executive-legislative personnel and accountability≈65 words
  2. 2Checks, judicial review and institutional overlap in both systems≈65 words
  3. 3Actual authority shaped by party control, legislative dependence, cabinet, federalism and fixed/majority tenure conditions≈65 words

Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.

Answer plan

System comparisonOperational checksPM vs President authority matrixContextual judgment

Where marks usually go

  • Writing textbook separation-of-powers features without 'actual authority'
  • Assuming the US President is always stronger solely because the system is presidential

Value addition

  • India vs USA comparison table
    → Draw it in the body, next to the point it supports.

Verified value additions

These are verified official-source additions selected for this exact PYQ. Use only the point that strengthens your argument.