SSC CHSL Topic Wise Study Material – General Awareness – Indian Polity
Contents
SSC CHSL Study MaterialSSC CHSL Previous PapersSSC CHSL Practice Workbook
Indian Polity is also an essential ingredient of the question paper of the General Awareness. The questions from this subject are related to the following topics
The making of Indian Constitution along with the Form, Nature and its key Features, Union and its Territory, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Fundamental Duties, President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Union Council of Ministers, Parliament, Supreme Court, Executive of the State Governor, State Legislature etc.
Reference Corner
1. Article-32 of the Indian Constitution “Remedies for enforcement of rights conferred by this Part deals with SSC (10 + 2) 2017
(a) the Union government
(b) the State government
(c) the Fundamental Rights of the Indian citizen
(d) the directive principles of States policy
2. Which factor is necessary for the development of democratic institutions? SSC (10+2) 2015
(a) Respect for individual rights
(b) Strong military forces
(c) A one-party system
(d) An agricultural economy
3. How many states are there in the Indian Union? SSC (10+2) 2015
(a) 30
(b) 27
(c) 29
(d) 28
4. Universal adult franchise shows that India is a country which is SSC (10+2) 2014
(a) democratic
(b) sovereign
(c) secular
(d) socialist
5. How many fundamental duties are there in our Indian Constitution? SSC (10+2) 2014
(a) 12
(b) 8
(c) 11
(d) 9
6. In which year was Anti-Defection Bill passed by the Indian Parliament? SSC (10 + 2) 2014
(a) 1990
(b) 1995
(c) 1980
(d) 1985
7. Which Article of the Constitution enjoins the State to establish Village Panchayat? SSC (10 + 2) 2014
(a) Article 44
(b) Article 57
(c) Article 32
(d) Article 40
8. In which year were the states reorganized on a linguistic basis? SSC (10 + 2) 2014
(a) 1951
(b) 1947
(c) 1950
(d) 1956
9. Who has got the power to create All India Services? SSC (10 + 2) 2014
(a) Supreme Court
(b) The Parliament
(c) Council of Ministers
(d) Prime Minister
10. In the provisional Parliament of India, how many members were there? SSC (10 + 2) 2014
(a) 296
(b) 313
(c) 318
(d) 316
Answers
1. (c)
2. (a)
3. (c)
4. (a)
5. (c)
6. (d)
7. (d)
8.(d)
9. (b)
10. (a)
Framing of the Constitution
» “The Constitution is a set of Fundamental Principles according to which states or other organization are governed.”
» The Indian constitution was framed by the Constituent Assembly of India setup under Cabinet Mission Plan of May 16, 1946.
Composition of Constituent Assembly
» The Constituent Assembly consisted of 3 85 members, of which 292 were elected by the elected members of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies while 93 members were nominated by the Princely States. To these were to be added a representative each from the four Chief Commissioners Provinces of Delhi, Ajmer-Marwar, Coorg and British Baluchistan.
» BN Rao was appointed the constitutional advisor of the Assembly.
» The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly took place on December 9, 1946 with Dr. Sachhidananda Sinha as its interim President. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as its President on December 11, 1946.
» The Drafting Committee prepared the draft of the Constitution.
» It was finally passed and accepted on November 26, 1949. The last session of the Assembly was held on January 24, 1950, which unanimously elected Dr. Rajendra Prasad as the President of India. In all, 284 members of the Assembly signed the official copies of the Indian Constitution which cam? into effect on January 26, 1950, known and celebrated as the Republic Day of India.
» Constituent Assembly took 2 years, 11 months, 18 days to complete the Constitution.
» Originally it had 395 articles (444 at present) and 8 schedules (12 at present).
» Constituent Assembly adopted our National Flag on July 22, 1947. It was designed by Pingali Venkaiah of Andhra Pradesh.
Preamble to the Constitution
» It is a preface or the introduction to the Constitution. The interpretation of Constitution is based on the spirit of Preamble.
» The ‘Objective Resolution’, proposed by Pandit Nehru and passed by the Constituent Assembly, ultimately became the Preamble.
» The words ‘Socialist, ‘Secular’ and ‘Unity’ & ‘Integrity’ were added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976.
» Preamble is not enforceable in a court of law.
Timeline of States and Union Territories
» In 1956, there were 14 States and 6 Union Territories. Andhra Pradesh was created in 1953 and Kerala in 1956.
» In 1956, Karnataka, was created.
» In 1960, Bombay was bifurcated into Gujarat and Maharashtra.
» In 1962, Nagaland was created as separate state.
» In 1966, Haryana was carved out of Punjab and Chandigarh became a Union Territory.
» In 1970, the Union Territory of Himachal Pradesh was elevated to the status of a state.
» In 1971, Manipur, Tripura and Meghalaya were granted statehood.
» In 1974, Sikkim became an associate state of the Indian Union. By the 36th Constitutional Amendment Act (1975), Sikkim became a full fledged State of the Indian Union.
» In 1986, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh came into being.
» In 1987, Goa came into existence.
» In 2000, three more new states : Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand were created.
» In 2014 new state : Telangana
Fundamental Rights
Directive Principles of State Policy
» Mentioned under Part IV of the Constitution covering Article 36 to 51.
» They tell about the aims that the State should strive to achieve.
» They are a unique blend of socialistic, liberal, democratic and Gandhian Principles.
Fundamental Duties
» Added by 42nd Amendment in 1976 on the basis of Swam Singh Committee report.
» There are eleven Fundamental Duties which are contained in Article 51 A.
» 11th was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002.
Citizenship
» A citizen is a person who enjoys full civil and political rights in the country.
» Citizens are different from aliens. Aliens do not enjoy full Rights.
» Indian Constitution deals with the citizenship under Articles 5-11 under Part II.
The President
» Executive Head of the State. First citizen of India.
» The Executive powers vested in the President are to be exercised on the advice of the Council of Ministers responsible to the Parliament. The 42nd Amendment to the Constitution has made it obligatory on the part of the President to accept the advice of the Council of Ministers.
Qualification
» Must be a citizen of India.
» Completed 35 years in age.
» Eligible to be a member of Lok Sabha.
» Must not hold any Government post
Election
» Indirectly elected through ‘Electoral College’ consisting of Elected members of both the Houses of Parliament and Elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States. (No nominated members).
» Takes OATH in presence of Chief Justice of India, or in his absence, senior-most judge of SC.
Impeachment (Article 61)
Can be impeached only on the ground of violation of Constitution.
Vacancy
» In case the office falls vacant due to death, resignation or removal, the Vice-President acts as President. If he is not available then Chief Justice, if not then senior-most judge of Supreme Court shall act as the President of India.
» The election is to be held within 6 months of the vacancy.
Powers
Executive Powers
» Appoints PM, Ministers, Chief Justice and judges of Supreme Court and High Courts, Chairman and members of UPSC, Comptroller and Auditor General, Attorney General, Chief Election Commissioner and other members of Election Commission and Governors.
» He directly administers the Union Territories through the Lt. Governor, Commissioner or Administrator.
Legislative Powers
» Can summon and prorogue the sessions of the 2 houses and can dissolve Lok Sabha.
» Nominates 12 members to Rajya Sabha.
Financial Powers
All money bills can originate in Parliament only on recommendation of President.
Judicial Powers
The President’s pardoning power comprises a group of analogous powers like pardon, reprieve, remission, respite and commutation.
Emergency Powers
1. National Emergency (Article 352) .
» On the grounds of security threats to India by war, external aggression or armed rebellion.
» It has been proclaimed three times so far- 1962, 1971 and 1975.
2. State Emergency (Article 356)
» Emergency due to failure of constitutional machinery in State.
3. Financial Emergency (Article 360)
» The President can proclaim Financial Emergency if he is satisfied that the financial stability or the credit of India or any part there of is threatened.
Military Powers
» He is the Supreme Commander of the Defense Forces of India.
» Appoints Chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force.
» Declares wars and concludes peace subject to the approval of the Parliament.
Vice-President
Article 63 of the Constitution provides for the Vice-President of India. Elected by both the houses (Electoral College) in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote. .
Criteria
» Citizen of India.
» More than 35 years of age.
» Possess the qualification for membership of Rajya Sabha.
Other Points
* Holds office for 5 years. Can be re-elected.
* He is the ex-officio chairman of Rajya Sabha.Since he is not a member of Rajya Sabha, he has no right to vote.
* Being the Vice-President of India, he is not entitled for any salary, but he is entitled to the salary and allowances payable to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
* Can discharge the function of President if the post falls vacant. (For maximum 6 months).
Prime Minister
» Real executive authority.
» Gets the same salary as other MPs. [in addition, he gets some other allowances].
» He is the ex-officio Chairman of the ‘Planning Commission, National Development Council, National Integration Council and Inter-state Council.
Powers
» The President convenes and prorogues all sessions of Parliament in consultation with him.
» Appoints the Council of ministers.
» He guides, directs, controls and coordinates the activities of all the ministers.
» Allocates portfolios. Can ask a minister to resign & can get him dismissed by President.
» Can recommend to the President to declare emergency on grounds of war, external aggression or armed rebellion.
» He advices the President with respect to the appointment of the officials like CAG, Attorney-General of India, Chairman and members of UPSC, Election commission, Finance Commission etc.
Parliament of India
According to Article 79, the Parliament consists of the President, the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the People (Lok Sabha). Though the President is not a member of either of the House, he is an integral part of it.
Lok Sabha [Article 81]
» Maximum strength – 550 + 2 nominated members. [530 – States / 20 – Union Territories]
» The Eighty Fourth Amendment, 2001, extended freeze on Lok Sabha and State Assembly seats till 2026.
» The normal tenure of the Lok Sabha is five years. The life of the Lok Sabha can be extended by the Parliament beyond the five year term, when a proclamation of emergency under Article 352 is in force. But the Parliament cannot extend the normal life of the Lok Sabha for more than one year at a time.
» Presiding officer is Speaker.
» The Speaker continues in office even after the dissolution of the Lok Sabha till a newly elected Lok Sabha meets.
» Speaker sends his resignation to Deputy Speaker.
Rajya Sabha (Article 80]
» Maximum Strength – 250
[Out of these, President nominates 12 amongst persons having special knowledge or practical experience in the fields of literature, science, art and social service],
» The Rajya Sabha MPs are elected for a term of 6 years, as 1/3rd members retire every 2 years.
» It is a permanent body and not subject to dissolution.
» Vice-President is the ex-officio chairman of Rajya Sabha. He presides over the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha.
» In Rajya Sabha any bill can originate, apart from money bill (including budget).
Quorum for Either House [According to Article 100(c)] is 1/10 of the total no. of members Contingency Fund of India
Contingency Fund in India
» Article 267 The Constitution authorized the Parliament to establish a ‘Contingency Fund of India’, into which amounts determined by law are paid from time to time. Accordingly, the parliament enacted the contingency, the Parliament enacted the Contingency Fund of India Act in 1950.
» This fund is placed at the disposal of the President and he can make advances out of it to meet unforeseen expenditure pending its authorization by the Parliament.
» The fund is held by the finance secretary on behalf of President.
Public Account of India
» Article 266 (2) provides that all other public moneys (other than those in the Consolidated Found of India) received by or on behalf of the Government of India or the Government of a State shall be audited to the Public Account of India or the Public Account of the State, as the case may be.
» This account is operated by executive action and payments from it do not need parliamentary approval.
Supreme Court of India
» Stands at the apex of the judicial system of India.
» Consists of Chief Justice and 30 other judges at present.
Appointment
The senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is appointed as the Chief Justice of India. Other judges are appointed by the President after consultation with such judges of the Supreme Court and of the High Courts as the President may deem necessary.
Qualification
» Citizen of India.
» Have been a judge of High Court for 5 years
The Governor
» Nominal executive head in States.
» Appointed by the President on the recommendations of Union Council of Ministers.
Qualification
(a) Citizen of India.
(b) Completed 35 years of age.
(c) Possess the qualification for membership of State Legislature.
(d) Mustn’t hold any office of profit.
» His term of office is 5 years.
» Salary from the Consolidated Fund of the State.
Powers
Executive Powers
» Appoints Chief Minister, Council of Ministers, Chairman and members of State Public Service Commission. Advocate General of the State and Election Commissioner of the State.
Legislative Powers
» Summons. Prorogues and dissolves the State Legislature.
» Appoints 1/6th members of Legislative Council.
» Nominates one member from the Anglo-Indian community (if not proper representation).
Financial Powers
» Ensures that the budget is laid. All money bills can be introduced on his recommendation only.
Judicial Powers
» Governor is consulted by President while appointing Chief Justice and other judges of High Court. Appoints judges of courts below the High Court and can grant pardon, reprieve or remission of punishment for offense against State laws. But he cannot grant pardon in cases of death sentences.
Emergency Powers
» Reports to the President if the State Government is not running constitutionally and recommends the President’s Rule (Article 356).
Chief Minister
» Real executive head of the Govt, at the State level.
» The position of Chief Minister at the State level is analogous to the position of the Prime Minister at the Centre.
» Appointed by Governor. Other Ministers are appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister.
» A person who is not a member of State Legislature can be appointed, but he has to get himself elected within 6 months otherwise he is removed.
» His salary and allowances are determined by the State Legislature.
State Legislature
Legislative Council
(Vidhan Parishad) (Article 171)
» Also Known as Upper House. Like Rajya Sabha, it is a permanent house and cannot be dissolved.
Strength
» The total strength cannot exceed 1/3rd of the strength of Legislative Assembly, subject to a minimum of 40 members. The strength varies as per the population of State.
Tenure
» 6 years term with 1/3rd members retiring every two years.
Qualification
» Same as that of Lok Sabha, except the age which is 30 years.
Legislative Assembly
(Vidhan Sabha) (Article 170)
Also known as Lower House, just like the Lok Sabha.
Strength
» Consists of not more than 500 members and not less than 60 members. The strength varies according to the population of the State concerned.
» Consists of directly elected representatives.
» Has a term of 5 years.
Qualifications
» Same as that of Lok Sabha or Legislative Council except that the minimum age is 25 years.
» The council of ministers is collectively responsible to the Assembly. The assembly chooses its own Speaker and Deputy Speaker who can be removed by Council of Ministers. The Chief Minister is the leader of the house.
High Court
» Each State has a High Court. It is the highest judicial organ of the State.
» Presently there are 24 High Courts in India.
» Consists of Chief Justice and other such judges as appointed by the President.
Appointment of Judges
The appointment of Chief Justice is made after consultation with the Chief Justice of Supreme Court & the Governor of the State by the President.
Qualifications
» Must be a citizen of India.
» Should have been an advocate of a High Court or of two such Courts in succession for atleast 10 years or should have held judicial office in India for a period of atleast 10 years.
Term
A judge of High Court continues his office till 65 years of age.
Jurisdiction
» Court has power to punish for its contempt.
» Under Article 226 the High Courts are given powers of issuing writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights and for other purposes.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
» The members of the UPSC are appointed for a term of 6 years, or till they attain 65 years of age.
» Age of retirement for a member of Public Service Commission is 62 years.
» UPSC members can resign by addressing their letter of resignation to the President.
Functions
» To conduct exams for appointment to services under the union.
» Advise the President (not obligatory on him) in matters relating to appointment, promotions and transfers from one service to another of civil servants.
Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) (Article 148)
» Holds office for 6 years or till 65 years of age.
» He is the guardian of the public purse. His duties are 13 audit the accounts of the Union and the States and to ensure tha nothing is spent out of the Consolidated Fund of India or of the States without the sanction of the Parliament or the respective State Legislature.
» His sremoval process is similar to that of a judge of th e Supreme Court.
Election Commission (Article 324)
» Consists of Chief Election Commissioner and such other Commissioners as the President may from time to time, fix.
» Election Commissioners are appointed for a term of 5 years.
Functions
(a) Preparation of electoral rolls and keeping voters lists updated.
(b) Recognition of various political parties and allotment of election symbols.
Panchayati Raj
» Ensures the direct participation of people at the grass root level.
» In 1956, the National Development Council appointed a . committee under Balwant Rai Mehta, which submitted its report in 1957 in which it recommended
» A 3-tier structure consisting of Zila Panshad at the District Level, Panchayat Samiti at the Block Level and Gram Panchayat at the Village Level.
» The 3-tier system of Panchayat Raj was 1st adopted by Rajasthan (Nagaur District) on October 2. 1959. This was followed by Andhra Pradesh.
» Ashok Mehta Committee appointed m 1977 by Janta Government is also related to Panchayat! Raj Institution.
E-Governance
» E-governance simply means electronic governance. Governments are providing various information on their website about their working, citizen’s interaction with government becomes easier.
» The National E-Governance Plan was approved by the cabinet in May 2005.
» E-govemance has the potential to change the way governments govern and its impact would be definitely felt by the citizens of India.
India’s National Insignia
National Emblem
» The state emblem of India is an adaptation from the Sarnath Lion, capital of Ashoka the Emperor as preserved in the Sarnath Museum.
» The Government adopted the emblem or. 26th January, 1950, the day when India became a republic.
» The words, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ from the Mundaka Upanishad meaning ‘Truth alone triumphs’, are inscribed below the abacus in Devanagari script
National Flag
» The National Flag is a horizontal tri-colour of deep saffron (Kesariya) at the top, white in the middle and dark green at the bottom in equal proportion
» The ratio of the width of the flag to its length is two to three.
» In the centre of the white band is a wheel, in navy blue. Its design is that of the wheel (Chakra) which appears on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. Its diameter approximates the width of the white band. It has 24 spokes.
» The design of the National Flag was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 22nd July, 1947. Its use and display are regulated by a code.
National Anthem
» Rabindranath Tagore’s song Jana-gana-mana was adopted by the Constituent Assembly as the National Anthem of India on 24th January, 1950 and gave Vande Mataram-the national song equal honor.
» It was first sung on 27 December, 1911 at the Calcutta session of the INC.
» The National song Vande Mataram composed by Bankimchandra Chatterjee has an equal status with Jana-gana-mana.
Practice Exercise
1. In the interim government formed in 1946, the Vice-President of the Executive Council was
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Dr. S Radhakrishnan
(c) C Rajagopalachari
(d) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
2. Who among the following was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution?
(a) Rajendra Prasad
(b) Tej Bahadur Sapm
(c) C Rajagopalachari
(d) BR Ambedkar
3. How long did the Constituent Assembly take to finally pass the Constitution?
(a) about 6 months in 1949
(b) exactly a year since November 26, 1948
(c) about 2 years since August 15, 1947
(d) about 3 years since December 9,1946
4. Who among the following was the Constitutional adviser to the Constituent Assembly of India?
(a) Dr. BN Rao
(b) Dr. BR Ambedkar
(c) KM Munshi
(d) MC Setalvad
5. The most profound influence on the drafting of the Indian Constitution was exercised by the
(a) US Constitution
(b) British Constitution
(c) Government of India Act, 1935
(d) French ideals of Liberty and Fraternity
6. Match the following
7. Which of the following was adopted from the Mauiya dynasty in the emblem of Government of India?
(a) Four lions
(b) Chariot Wheel
(c) Horse
(d) words‘Satyameva Jayate’
8. Who among the following was the Chairman of the Union Constitution Committee of the Constituent Assembly?
(a) BR Ambedkar
(b) JB Kripalani
(c) Jawaharlal Nehru
(d) Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar
9. Who proposed the Preamble before the Drafting Committee of the Constitution?
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) BR Ambedkar
(c) BN Rao
(d) Mahatma Gandhi
10. Match the following
11. Which of the following features and their source is wrongly matched?
(a) Judicial review — British practice
(b) Concurrent List — Australian Constitution
(c) Directive Principles — Irish Constitution
(d) Fundamental Rights — US Constitution
12. Who said Preamble is the keynote to the Constitution?
(a) Ernest Barker
(b) KM Munshi
(c) BR Ambedkar
(d) D D Basu
13. Which of the following is not a basic feature of the Indian Constitution?
(a) Presidential Government
(b) Parliamentary Government
(c) Federal Government
(d) Independence of Judiciary
14. The Constitution of India is designed to work as a unitary government
(a) in normal times
(b) in times of emergency
(c) when the parliament so desires
(d) at the will of the President
15. What does Secularism imply?
(a) Suppression of all religions
(b) Giving minorities more freedom for their religion
(c) Seperation of religion from the state
(d) Not favouring any particular religion/faith
16. Which of the pairs is correctly matched?
(a) Republic Head of the State is hereditary Monarch
(b) Sovereign Constitution rests on people’s will
(c) Democratic Constitution does not recognize legal supremacy of another country
(d) Secular State is without any religion of its own
17. Which of the following rights was described by Dr BR Ambedkar as The Heart and Soul of the Constitution?
(a) Right of Freedom of Religion
(b) Right to Property
(c) Right to Equality
(d) Right to Constitutional Remedies
18. If an Indian citizen is denied a public office because of his religion, which of the following Fundamental Rights is denied to him?
(a) Right to Freedom
(b) Right to Equality
(c) Right to Freedom of Religion
(d) Right against Exploitation
19. Fundamental Freedoms under Article 19 are suspended during emergency caused by
(a) war or external aggression
(b) failure of constitutional machinery of a state
(c) internal armed rebellion
(d) financial crisis
20. The theory of Fundamental Rights implies
(a) sovereignty of the people
(b) equality of opportunity for all
(c) limited government
(d) equality of all before law
21. Who of the following constitutes a Finance Commission for a State in India?
(a) The President of India
(b) The Governor of the State
(c) The Union Finance Minister
(d) The Union Cabinet
22. The Cabinet Mission to India was headed by
(a) Stafford Cripps
(b) AV Alexander
(c) Lord Pethick Lawrence
(d) Hugh Gaitskell
23. The design of the National Flag was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India in
(a) July, 1948
(b) July, 1950
(c) July, 1947
(d) August, 1947
24. The members of the Constituent Assembly were
(a) elected by Provincial Assemblies
(b) elected directly by people
(c) nominated by the government
(d) only representatives of the princely states
25. Which one of the following made the Indian Legislature bicameral
(a) Indian Councils Act, 1909
(b) Government of India Act, 1919
(c) Government of India Act, 1935
(d) Indian Independence Act, 1947
26. Which one of the following is the subject of the Narasimhan Committee Reports of years 1991 and 1998?
(a) Administrative Reforms
(b) Banking Reforms
(c) Constitutional Reforms
(d) Electoral Reforms
27. Under which Article of the Constitution of India can the President of India be impeached?
(a) Article 61
(b) Article 75
(c) Article 76
(d) Article 356
28. Protection of the interests of the minorities is envisaged in which of the following articles?
(a) 14
(b) 19
(c) 29
(d) 32
29. Under which Article of the Constitution are the Cultural and Educational Rights granted?
(a) Article 29 and 31
(b) Article 29 and 32
(c) Article 29 and 30
(d) Article 30 and 31
30. Right to Constitutional Remedies comes under
(a) fundamental rights
(b) legal rights
(c) constitutional rights
(d) natural rights
31. The Fundamental Right to … has been deleted by the… Amendment Act.
(a) form associations; 44th
(b) property; 44th
(c) against exploitation; 42nd
(d) private property; 42nd
32. Who was the Chief Justice of India when Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was introduced to the Indian Judicial System?
(a) M Hidayatullah
(b) AM Ahmadi
(c) AS Anand
(d) PN Bhagwati
33. Separation of the Judiciary from the Executive is enjoined by
(a) Preamble
(b) Directive Principle
(c) Seventh Schedule
(d) Judicial decision
34. In which part of the Constitution the concept of Welfare State finds elaboration?
(a) Preamble
(b) Fundamental Rights
(c) Fundamental Duties
(d) Directive Principles
35. Which one of the following does not constitute the electoral college for electing the President of India?
(a) Elected members of Rajya Sabha
(b) Elected members of Lok Sabha
(c) Elected members of the Legislative Assembly of each state
(d) Elected members of the Legislative Council
36. Who among the following enjoys the rank of a Cabinet Minister of the Indian Union?
(a) Deputy Chairman, Rhjya Sabha
(b) Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission
(c) Secretary to the Government of India
(d) None of the above
37. The Chief Minister of Union Territory where such a set up exists, is appointed by the
(a) President
(b) Prime Minister
(c) Lt. Governor
(d) Majority party in Legislature
38. The power of the Supereme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its
(a) advisory jurisdiction
(b) appellate jurisdiction
(c) original jurisdiction
(d) constitutional jurisdiction
39. Which of the following is not true regarding the payment of the emoluments to the President?
(a) They do not require any parliamentary sanction
(b) They can be reduced during a Financial Emergency
(c) They are shown separately in the budget
(d) They are charged on the Contingency Fund of India
40. Who acts as the President of India when neither the President nor the Vice President is available?
(a) Speaker of Lok Sabha
(b) Chief Justice of India
(c) Auditor General of India
(d) Seniormost Governor of a State
41. Which is true regarding the President of India?
I. He is the Chief Executive
II. He is the Supreme Commander of the armed forces
III. He is the titular head of the state
IV. He is part of the Union Legislature
(a) I and III
(b) I and II
(c) II, III and IV
(d)All of these
42. When the Chairman of Rajya Sabha acts as President, the duties of the Chairman are performed by
(a) himself
(b) a newly elected Chairman
(c) the Deputy Chairman
(d) a member of Rajya Sabha deputed by the Chairman
43. Disputes regarding the election of the President and Vice- President are settled
(a) in the Supreme Court
(b) by the Election Commission
(c) by a Parliamentary Committee
(d) in the Supreme Court of High Courts
44. The executive power is vested in the President but it is actually used by him on the advice of
(a) the Prime Minister
(b) the Council of Ministers
(c) Parliament
(d) None of these
45. An ‘office of profit’ which disqualifies a person from being a member of the Union or State Legislature does not include office held under
(a) the Government of India
(b) a State Government
(c) a local authority
(d) All of these
46. The power of judicial review in India is
(a) explicit
(b) implicit
(c) given by the President
(d) given-by the Parliament
47. The Ministers are individually responsible to
(a) the President
(b) the House of the people
(c) the Prime Minister
(d) the House of which they are members
48. Which one of the following powers can be exercised by both the President and the Governor?
(a) Power to pardon a sentence by court martial
(b) Power to remit a sentence in an offence relating to a matter on the State List
(c) Power to commute a sentence of death in certain circumstances
(d) Power to remit a sentence by court martial
49. What is the minimum percentage of seats a party should get to be recognized as the opposition party in the legislature?
(a) 20%
(b) 15%
(c) 10%
(d) No such limit
50. Amongst the following, for whose removal Parliament’s resolution is not needed?
(a) Chief Election Commissioner
(b) Governor of a State
(c) Judge of Supreme Court
(d) Comptroller and Auditor General
51. The first Lok Adalat was held in which year
(a) 1985
(b) 1986
(c) 1987
(d)1988
52. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected by
(a) all the members of Parliament
(b) the people directly
(c) all the members of Lok Sabha
(d) the members of the majority party in the Lok Sabha
53. Who is considered to be the guardian of the Public Purse?
(a) Parliament
(b) Comptroller and Auditor- General
(c) Public Accounts Committee
(d) The President
54. All money received by or on behalf of the Government of India are credited to
(a) the Consolidated Fund of India
(b) The Public Account of India
(c) the Contingency Fund of India
(d) Either (a) or (b)
55. A joint sitting may be called .
I. only in case of national emergency
II. to enable a Constitutional Amendment to be passed in a hurry
III. when taxes approved by one House are rejected by the other
(a) I and III
(b) II and III
(c) I, II and III
(d) None of these
56. Amongst the questions allowed by the Speaker, which one is regarded as the most important?
(a) Unstarred
(b) Starred
(c) Supplementary
(d) Short Notice
57. Which of the following non-members of Parliament has the right to address it?
(a) Solicitor-General of India
(b) Chief Justice of India
(c) Attorney General of India
(d) Chief Election Commissioner
58. Public interest litigation applies to any case of – public injury arising from
(a) the breach of any public duty
(b) the violation of a constitutional provision
(c) the violation of the law
(d) All of the above
59. The judges of the Supreme Court take an oath or affirmation before entering upon office, conducted by
(a) Chief Justice of India
(b) President or Vice-President
(c) President or some person appointed by him
(d) None of the above
60. To whom does a judge of the Supreme Court address his resignation if he wants to leave office before his term is complete?
(a) Chief Justice of India
(b) Prime Minister
(c) President
(d) Union Law Minister
61. If the President wants to resign from office, he may do so by writing to the
(a) Vice-President
(b) Chief Justice of India
(c) Prime Minister
(d) Speaker of Lok Sabha
62. In which of the following situations does the President act in his own discretion
(a) In appointing the Prime Minister
(b) In returning a proposal to the Council of Ministers for reconsideration
(c) All of the above
(d) None of the above
63. The President can directly disallow a State Legislation
(a) in case of any bill
(b) in case of money bills
(c) in case of bills reserved by the Governor for President’s assent
(d) Both (b) and (c)
64. The President can be removed by the way of impeachment which can be made only
(a) by the Supreme Court
(b) by the Rajya Sabha
(c) by the Members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
(d) cannot be impeached
65. Put in chronological order the following names of Presidents of India.
I. Dr. S Radhakrishnan
II. W Giri
III. Dr. Zakir Hussain
IV. Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy
(a) I,II,III, IV
(b) I, III,II,IV
(c) II,I,III,IV
(d) I, III,IV,II
66. The President may appoint all the following except
(a) Prime Minister
(b) Governor
(c) High Court judges
(d) Rajya Sabha Chairman
67. The President may send the advice received from the Council of Ministers on a matter back to them for reconsideration. This power can be exercised by him … on the same matter.
(a) once
(b) twice
(c) thrice
(d) any number of times
68. An ordinance promulgated by the President
(a) has an indefinite life
(b) is workable only if the Lok Sabha is dissolved
(c) must be laid before Parliament when it reassembles
(d) is a parallel power of legislation available to the President even when Parliament is in session
69. The time gap between two sessions of the Parliament should not exceed
(a) 3 months
(b) 6 months
(c) 9 months
(d) 1 year
70. One-third of the members of the Rajya Sabha retire after every
(a) one year
(b) second year
(c) third year
(d) fifth year
71. Rajya Sabha is less powerful than Lok Sabha in terms of its financial powers because
(a) it does not participate in the passing of money bill
(b) No money bill can be introduced in Rajya Sabha
(c) All of the above
(d) None of the above
72. The Rajya Sabha has a life of
(a) 2 years
(b) 6 years
(c) 7 years
(d) Permanency
73. When the Governor receives a Bill passed by the State Legislative Assembly, which of the following courses would be most appropriate for the Governor as an agent of the Centre?
(a) Give assent to the Bill
(b) Refer the Bill to the President
(c) Keep the Bill pending
(d) Exercise veto over the Bill
74. Which of the following cases cannot be filed directly in the Supreme Court?
(a) Disputes between two or more States
(b) Cases against encroachment on Fundamental Rights
(c) If one’s property is forcefully occupied by the other
(d) Both (a) and (b)
75. Which one of the following comes under the jurisdiction of both the High Court and the Supreme Court?
(a) Disputes between the Centre and the States
(b) Disputes between the States
(c) Protection of the Fundamental Rights
(d) Protection against the violation of the Constitution
76. Salaries of the Judges of the Supreme Court are drawn from the
(a) Grants-in-aid
(b) Contingency Fund
(c) Consolidated Fund
(d) Public Accounts
77. The Contingency Fund of the State is operated by the
(a) President
(b) Chief Minister
(c) Governor
(d) Council of Ministers
78. The Supreme Court was set up under
(a) Pitt’s India Act,
(b) Regulating Act
(c) Indian Councils Act, 1861
(d) Indian Councils Act, 1892
79. The oath to a High Court judge is administered by the 9
(a) Chief Justice of India
(b) Chief Justice of that High Court
(c) Governor
(d) President
80. The High Courts in India were first started at
(a) Bombay, Madras, Calcutta
(b) Delhi and Calcutta
(c) Bombay, Delhi, Madras
(d) Madras and Bombay
81. Which of the following is not a qualification for a person to be the Chief Justice of High Court?
(a) He should have been a Judge in any court of India for not less than 10 years
(b) He should be a distinguished jurist
(c) He should be a renowned writer in the field of law
(d) None of the above
82. The High Court which has the distinction of having the first woman Chief Justice is
(a) Allahabad High Court
(b) Delhi High Court
(c) Himachal Pradesh High Court
(d) Guwahati High Court
83. The pension of a High Court Judge is charged to the
(a) Consolidated Fund of India
(b) Consolidated Fund of the State where he last served
(c) Consolidated Funds of the different States where he has served
(d) Contingency Fund of India
84. The Central Government’s exclusive powers are enumerated in the
(a) Concurrent List
(b) State List
(c) Union List
(d) Federal List
85. Under the Constitution, the residuary powers vest with the
(a) President
(b) Supreme Court
(c) Union Government
(d) State Governments
88. The executive power relating to concurrent subjects remain with
(a) the States
(b) the Centre
(c) the Constitution
(d) the President
87. The Union list contains
(a) 47 subjects
(b) 97 subjects
(c) 63 subjects
(d) 92 subjects
88. The States in India can borrow from the market
(a) at their discretion
(b) only through the Centre
(c) only with the consent of the Centre
(d) under no circumstance
89. The Union Territories are administered by the
(a) Parliament
(b) Union Council of Ministers
(c) President through administrators appointed by him
(d) Prime Minister
90. Recognition to a political party is accorded by
(a) the Speaker of the Lok Sabha in the case of national parties and the Speaker of legislative assemblies in the case of regional parties
(b) the Election Commission
(c) the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
(d) a Committee of Whips
91. The conditions of service and tenure of the Election Commissioner is prescribed by
(a) the Constitution
(b) Parliament
(c) the President
(d) Government
92. Who can cast their votes by postal ballot?
I. Members of the Armed Forces
II. Officials on election duty
III. Foreign Service personal when posted abroad
(a) I and III
(b) II and III
(c) Only III
(d) All of these
93. The declaration which outlines the future programme and policy of a political party issued on the eye of a general election is called
(a) white paper
(b) manifesto
(c) yellow paper
(d) mandate
94. The Parliament can make any law for the whole or any part of India for implementing international treaties
(a) with the consent of all the States
(b) with the consent of the majority of the States
(c) with the consent of, the States concerned
(d) without the consent of any States
95. Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?
(a) President
(b) Prime Minister
(c) Parliament
(d) Chief Justice of India
96. Who appoints the Chairman of the UPSC?
(a) President
(b) Chief Justice of India
(c) Prime Minister
(d) Speaker of Lok Sabha
97. Which of the following is an extra Constitutional and non-statutory body?
(a) Election Commission
(b) Finance Commission
(c) Planning Commission
(d) Union. Public Service Commission
98. UPSC submits its annual report on its work to
(a) the Parliament
(b) the Union Home Minister
(c) the President
(d) the Chief Justice of India
99. Which of the following is a source of income of the Gram Panchayats?
(a) Income tax
(b) Sales tax
(c) Professional tax
(d) Levy duties
100. The UPSC conducts examinations for
I. Centred Services
II. All India Services
III. State services
IV. State services for two or more States jointly
(a) I, II and III
(b) II and IV
(c) Only I
(d) I and II
101. Finance Commission is constituted by the President every
(a) two years
(b) three years
(c) five years
(d) four years
102. Term of Comptroller and Auditor General of India is
(a) 6 years
(b) 65 years of age
(c) 6 years or 65 years of age whichever is earlier
(d) None of the above
103. The Prime Minister, Union Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers and Council of Ministers are all members of
(a) Planning Commission
(b) National Development Council
(c) Zonal Council
(d) Regional Council
104. National Development Council is
(a) political body
(b) non-political body
(c) statutory body
(d) None of the above
105. Father of local self government in India is
(a) Lord Mayo
(b) Acharya Vinoba Bhave
(c) Lord Ripon
(d) Mahatma Gandhi
106. Panchayati Raj has received constitutional status with the Amendment Act.
(a) 72nd
(b) 73rd
(c) 74th
(d) 75th
107. The Panchayati Raj system was adopted to
(a) make people aware of politics
(b) decentralise the power of democracy
(c) educate the peasants
(d) None of the above
108. Panchayati Raj was started in the country in
(a) 1957
(b) 1952
(c) 1959
(d) 1951
109. Who is to conduct the elections to the Panchayats and Municipalities?
(a) State Government
(b) Central Government
(c) State Election Commission
(d) Central Election Commission
110. Which of the following is regarded as an essential function of the State?
(a) To run schools for education
(b) To provide defense against external attacks
(c) To prevent diseases
(d) To maintain good roads
111. The three tier system of Panchayats
(a) is uniformly applicable to all states
(b) is applicable only to states with population above 50 lakh
(c) need not be strictly followed in states with population below 20 lakh
(d) has been replaced with a four tier one
112. Which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India makes a specific mention of Village Panchayats?
(a) Article 19
(b) Article 21
(c) Article 40
(d) Article 246
113. The powers of the Election Commission are given in which of the following Articles of the Constitution?
(a) 286
(b) 356
(c) 324
(d) 382
114. The Election Commission does not conduct the elections to the
(a) Lok Sabha
(b) Rajya Sabha
(c) Local bodies
(d) President’s elections
115. The first Law Officer of the Government of India is
(a) Chief Justice of India
(b) Law Minister
(c) Attorney General
(d) Auditor General
116. Who is the highest Law Officer of a State?
(a) Attorney General
(b) Advocate General
(c) Solicitor General
(d) Secretary General Law Department
117. The local self governing institution for a town with a population of twelve thousand and above is known as
(a) Municipal Corporation
(b) National Area Committee
(c) Municipal Committee
(d) Zila Parishad
118. Mayor of a Municipal Corporation holds the office for a period of
(a) 1 year
(b) 3 years
(c) 5 years
(d) 4 years
119. Who is entitled to initiate a Bill for Constitutional amendments?
(a) State Legislative Assemblies
(b) Lok Sabha only
(c) Either House of Parliament
(d) Rajya Sabha only
120. The decision of the Supreme Court in the Golakh Nath case was that
(a) Judiciary is independent of Parliament
(b) Fundamental Rights could not be amended or abridged
(c) the Constitution is supreme
(d) the basic structure of the Constitution should not be changed
121. The office of Lokpal and Lokayukta in India is based on which one of the following?
(a) Parliamentary Commissioner of UK
(b) Ombudsman in Scandinavia
(c) Procurator General of Russia
(d) Council of State in France
Answers
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