UPSC 2019 GS-IV · 10 marks · 150 words
What is meant by constitutional morality? How does one uphold constitutional morality?
What “Explain” demands
set out how or why something works, with the mechanism made explicit.
The characteristic failure: stating that it works without showing how.
What a top answer must contain
These are the checkable specifics from the marking standard for this question — the actual case, committee, datum or thinker, not an instruction to “give examples”.
- Meaning: fidelity to constitutional values — liberty, equality, dignity, fraternity — over popular or social morality
- Ambedkar quoting Grote in the Constituent Assembly; 'constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment, it has to be cultivated'
- Judicial use: Navtej Johar (2018), Sabarimala (2018), NCT of Delhi v. Union of India (2018)
- Upholding it: taking the oath seriously, due process even when unpopular, institutional restraint, protecting dissent
- The critique a top answer notes: indeterminacy, and the risk of judges substituting personal morality
The band thresholds and the pre-scored sample answers behind this standard stay private — they are the calibration your copy is placed against.
Now write it, and find out what you actually scored
Attempt this question — typed or photographed — and it is marked against the standard above in under a minute: six parameter scores, a blunt verdict, and the points you missed. 50 free credits on signup, no card.
More from UPSC GS-IV
- 2024 · 10 marksThe application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.
- 2024 · 10 marksThe Rules and Regulations provided to all the civil servants are same, yet there is difference in the performance. Positive minded officers are able to interpret the Rules and Regulations in favour of the case and achieve success, whereas negative minded officers are unable to achieve goals by interpreting the same Rules and Regulations against the case. Discuss with illustrations.
- 2024 · 10 marksEthics encompasses several key dimensions that are crucial in guiding individuals and organizations towards morally responsible behaviour. Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human actions and discuss how these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in the professional context.
- 2024 · 20 marksABC Incorporated's aggressive AI expansion has raised its greenhouse gas emissions 48% since 2019, colliding with its public net-zero-by-2030 commitment. As its newly appointed Chief Sustainability Officer, you must advise the board, which fears losing the AI race to competitors. Identify the ethical issues involved, the options available to you, and justify your recommended course of action.
- 2023 · 10 marksIs conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision making? Discuss.