Question 1

Parliamentary committees (functions): Parliament works through its committee system—what do these committees primarily do? Consider policy support and continuous oversight over executive actions and expenditure. Choose the best description.

Accepted Answer

Given data Committees assist the Houses in handling complex, technical and voluminous work. Concept/Approach Department-related and financial committees scrutinise demands for grants, policies and bills, provide specialist inputs to policy formulation, and maintain continuous executive oversight—hence (a) and (b) together capture the core functions. Reasoning • (a) Policy inputs: subject-matter examination → recommendations.• (b) Oversight: regular, detailed scrutiny beyond plenary time constraints.• (c) While committees promote procedural compliance, absolute enforcement is shared across presiding officers, rules, and judicial review—not solely committees. Final Answer Both (a) and (b)

Question 2

Name of the Union (Article 1): What name is given to the Union in the Constitution of India? Quote-style: The Constitution states, “India, that is Bharat”. Choose the correct naming pair.

Accepted Answer

Given data Article 1(1) of the Constitution names the Union. Concept/Approach The official constitutional formulation is: “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.” Thus, the correct naming pair is India or Bharat. Common pitfalls Using historical/cultural terms like Hindustan or Bharatavarsha that are not the constitutional names. Final Answer India or Bharat

Question 3

Rajya Sabha elections (electoral college): How are members of the Rajya Sabha elected? Focus on the indirect election method used by states and certain Union Territories. Choose the correct electorate.

Accepted Answer

Given data Council of States members are not directly elected by the people. Concept/Approach Rajya Sabha members are chosen by the elected MLAs of State/UT Assemblies via proportional representation by the single transferable vote. Legislative Councils do not elect Rajya Sabha members. Final Answer By the members of the State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs)

Question 4

Lok Sabha tenure: Members of the Lok Sabha hold office for what normal term? Assume the ordinary tenure unless sooner dissolved or extended under special provisions. Choose the correct duration.

Accepted Answer

Given data Normal tenure question for the Lower House. Concept/Approach Under Article 83(2), the Lok Sabha's normal term is five years from its first meeting, unless dissolved sooner; it may be extended during a national emergency. Final Answer 5 years

Question 5

National symbols (music): Who wrote India's national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'? Distinguish from the national song 'Vande Mataram'. Choose the correct author.

Accepted Answer

Given data Asks the author of the national anthem. Concept/Approach Rabindranath Tagore composed Jana Gana Mana. By contrast, the national song Vande Mataram was authored by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. Final Answer Rabindranath Tagore

Question 6

Writ jurisdiction (India): How many distinct writs can be issued by the Supreme Court and High Courts under the Constitution? Recall the names: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo Warranto. Choose the correct count.

Accepted Answer

Given data Asks the number of writs recognised in Indian constitutional law. Concept/Approach The Constitution empowers courts to issue five writs: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo Warranto—to protect fundamental rights and ensure lawful exercise of public power. Final Answer 5

Question 7

Quorum in the Lok Sabha: What is the minimum number of members required to constitute a sitting of the Lok Sabha? Use the constitutional/quorum rule as a fraction of the total membership. Choose the correct requirement.

Accepted Answer

Given data Asks for the quorum needed to transact business. Concept/Approach The quorum for either House is one-tenth of the total number of members of the House, including the presiding officer for counting purposes. If at any time there is no quorum, the sitting is to be either adjourned or suspended. Common pitfalls Assuming a fixed headcount (e.g., 100) or 50% attendance; the rule is a proportion, not an absolute number. Final Answer One-tenth of the total membership of the House

Question 8

Parliamentary committee system (reforms): In what way does the newer committee system improve upon the earlier one? Think of the 1990s department-related standing committees and their budget scrutiny role. Choose the most accurate improvement.

Accepted Answer

Given data Asks for the key advantage of the newer department-related standing committee system. Concept/Approach The major improvement introduced by the Department-related Standing Committees is detailed, subject-wise and ministry-wise scrutiny of Demands for Grants, bills and policies—work that is hard to accomplish on the floor due to time constraints. Reasoning Committees analyse estimates, performance and policy in depth → enhances legislative oversight and budgetary control. Common pitfalls Assuming the improvement is that demands are accepted without scrutiny (the exact opposite). While proportional party representation is a feature, the most distinctive improvement is comprehensive, detailed grant examination. Final Answer It enables Parliament to examine the grants of all ministries and departments in detail

Question 9

Parliamentary oversight over the Executive: Which item below is wrongly listed as a method for Parliament to control the Council of Ministers (the real executive)? Recognize that multiple procedural tools exist to scrutinize and hold the executive a…

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? Identify whether any listed device is not a method of parliamentary control over the executive. Given data Questions during Question Hour Supplementary questions that follow starred questions Adjournment motions to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance Concept/Approach All three listed items are standard, well-recognized instruments for legislative oversight and executive accountability in the Indian Parliament. Therefore none of them is wrongly listed. Step-by-step reasoning • Questions → seek information/clarifications; compel ministerial responsibility.• Supplementaries → follow-ups that press for precision and candour.• Adjournment motion → an extraordinary device to censure or draw urgent attention. Common pitfalls Mistaking supplementary questions as informal or non-procedural; in fact, they are integral to Question Hour. Final Answer None of the above

Question 10

State Public Service Commission (removal): Who removes members of a State Commission on a report of misbehavior? Focus on the constitutional safeguard that requires a judicial inquiry before removal. Choose the correct removing authority.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The constitutionally correct removing authority for members of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC) on the ground of misbehavior. Given data Removal requires a prior judicial inquiry. Concept/Approach On a reference from the President, the Supreme Court conducts an inquiry into alleged misbehavior. If the Court reports that the member should be removed, the President effects the removal. The Governor does not remove SPSC members on his own authority. Step-by-step reasoning • Misbehavior alleged → Presidential reference to Supreme Court.• Supreme Court inquiry → adverse report, if proved.• Removal order issued by the President. Common pitfalls Confusing SPSC with other state bodies where the Governor plays a direct role. Final Answer President on a report by the Supreme Court

Question 11

Sessions of Parliament (summon/prorogue): In consultation with whom does the President convene and prorogue sessions of Parliament? Understand the role of aid and advice in India’s parliamentary system. Choose the correct advising authority.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? Who advises the President on summoning and proroguing sessions of Parliament. Concept/Approach Under the Cabinet system, the President acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. The Speaker presides over the House but does not advise on summoning/prorogation. Step-by-step reasoning • Council of Ministers → constitutional advisors.• Prime Minister → principal channel of advice to the President. Final Answer The Prime Minister

Question 12

Parliament legislating on a State List subject: Under what condition may Parliament legislate on a matter in the State List? Consider the Article 249 mechanism via the Council of States (Rajya Sabha). Choose the correct enabling condition.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The constitutionally valid route for Parliament to legislate on State List subjects. Concept/Approach Article 249 empowers Parliament to legislate on matters in the State List if the Rajya Sabha declares by a resolution, supported by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting, that it is necessary in the national interest. Step-by-step reasoning • Identify the correct Article → 249.• Required majority → 2/3 of members present and voting in the Rajya Sabha.• Purpose → national interest. Common pitfalls Assuming a presidential order or a Supreme Court authorization can substitute the Rajya Sabha resolution (they cannot, in this context). Final Answer If the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by two-thirds in the national interest

Question 13

Contingency Fund advances: Can the President spend from the Contingency Fund of India without prior parliamentary approval? Understand the advance mechanism and subsequent recoupment through appropriation. Choose the correct statement.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? Whether advances from the Contingency Fund require prior approval. Concept/Approach The Contingency Fund of India is placed at the President’s disposal to make advances for urgent, unforeseen expenditure. After the advance, Parliament authorizes the expenditure and the Fund is recouped from the Consolidated Fund via an appropriation. Step-by-step flow • Urgent need arises → advance drawn from Contingency Fund.• Parliament later passes appropriation → reimbursement to the Fund. Common pitfalls Thinking the Fund can be used only for calamities (it covers any unforeseen urgent expenditure). Final Answer Without the approval of Parliament

Question 14

Qualifications for Lok Sabha: What is the minimum age to qualify for election to the Lok Sabha (House of the People)? Answer in years as prescribed by the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act. Choose the correct age.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The minimum age to be elected as a Lok Sabha member. Concept/Approach Article 84 and the Representation of the People Act require a candidate for the Lok Sabha to be not less than 25 years of age. Final Answer 25 years

Question 15

Bicameralism (definition): What does the term ‘‘bicameral legislature’’ mean in constitutional studies? Identify the correct structure implied by bicameralism. Choose the best definition.

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? The meaning of a bicameral legislature. Concept/Approach Bicameralism denotes a two-chamber legislature—typically a lower house (popular chamber) and an upper house (reviewing chamber). It does not, by itself, imply whether the system is parliamentary or presidential. Final Answer A legislature consisting of a lower and an upper chamber

Question 16

Residuary powers (interpretation): Who finally decides whether a matter falls within the residuary field (not enumerated in any of the three lists)? Distinguish between allocation of residuary power and the interpreter of constitutional entries. Cho…

Accepted Answer

What is being asked? Which organ ultimately determines if a subject is residuary. Concept/Approach While residuary power of legislation is vested in Parliament (Article 248; List I Entry 97), the final interpreter of whether a particular matter is covered by specific list entries—or is truly residuary—is the Judiciary, through constitutional adjudication. Final Answer Judiciary

Question 17

Who proposed the Preamble before the Drafting Committee of the Constitution

Accepted Answer

Jawaharlal Nehru

Question 18

Who is the guardian of fundamental Rights enumerated in Indian Constitution?

Accepted Answer

The Judiciary is the guardian of fundamental Rights enumerated in Indian Constitution. In a criminal case, the judge has the power to decide whether the accused's rights have been violated. As with most disputes, the courts decide when a right has been violated. They then have the power to act in order. Here the Supreme Court is tyhe Highest of the Judiciary in India.

Question 19

Union Budget is always presented first in ________

Accepted Answer

The Lok Sabha

Question 20

The Constitution of India borrowed the scheme of Indian Federation from the constitution of

Accepted Answer

Canada

Indian Politics Questions