2026 · GS Paper 2 · Q14 · 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.
In short
India fuses the executive with the legislature while keeping the judiciary independent, whereas the USA rigidly separates all three branches with mutual checks. A Prime Minister with a stable majority, aided by the anti-defection law, often wields more effective authority than a US President facing a hostile Congress.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 299 words
Fusion vs division
Indian ministers sit in Parliament and are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha under Article 75(3); US executives cannot sit in Congress.
Overlap
India's executive legislates through ordinances under Article 123, while US checks run through the veto, the two-thirds override and Senate confirmation.
Judiciary
India adds the basic structure limit of Kesavananda Bharati (1973) and the collegium; US judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
Prime Minister's edge
With a majority, the Prime Minister controls the executive and the legislative agenda, and the Tenth Schedule makes party whips binding.
President's edge
The US President is head of state and government with a secure four-year term.
Limits on each
A hostile Congress can stall the President, as in the 2018-19 shutdown, while coalitions and no-confidence can unseat a Prime Minister, as in 1999.
Restore scrutiny
Stronger committees and ordinance discipline after Krishna Kumar Singh (2017) would balance a dominant Indian executive.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.