UPSC CSE Prelims 2020
(D) A constitutional government is fundamentally characterized by the limitation of governmental power. These limitations are imposed by a constitution, which acts as the supreme law. It ensures the rule of law, separation of powers, and protection of fundamental rights, thereby preventing arbitrary exercise of authority. Thus, a constitutional government is, by definition, a limited government.
Option (A) Government by legislature: A constitutional government operates under the framework of a constitution that limits the powers of all three branches: the executive, legislature, and judiciary. It is not solely defined by the legislature's role, as even the legislature's powers are circumscribed by the constitution.
Option (B) Popular government: While many constitutional governments are also popular governments (democracies), the concept of 'popular' refers to the source of authority or public support, not the limitation of power. A popular government, if unchecked by a constitution, could potentially exercise unlimited power or disregard constitutional provisions.
Option (C) Multi-party government: A multi-party system describes the number of political parties competing for power. While common in many constitutional democracies, it is a feature of the political system, not a definitional characteristic of constitutional government itself. A constitutional government can exist with a two-party system or even a dominant single-party system, provided the government's powers remain constitutionally limited.