Q1. In a parliamentary system the executive is responsible
(a) Directly to the people
(b) To legislature
(c) To judiciary
(d) None of the above
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (b) To legislature
Explanation: In a parliamentary system, the executive (Council of Ministers) is accountable to the legislature, particularly the lower house. It must retain the confidence of the majority to remain in power, ensuring democratic oversight.
Q2. A candidate to become a member of Lok Sabha should not be less than
(a) 21 years
(b) 25 years
(c) 30 years
(d) 35 years
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (b) 25 years
Explanation: To contest elections for the Lok Sabha, a person must be at least 25 years old, as per Article 84 of the Constitution. This age criterion ensures maturity and responsibility in national legislative roles.
Q3. Who is authorised to decide over a dispute regarding disqualification of a member of Parliament ?
(a) Election Commissioner
(b) Speaker of the Lok Sabha
(c) President of India
(d) A committee set up by the Parliament
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (b) Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Explanation: Under the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law), the Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the authority to decide on disqualification of members. This ensures internal discipline and party integrity within the legislature.
Q4. Council of Ministers of the Union of India is responsible to the
(a) Parliament
(b) President
(c) Prime Minister
(d) Chief Justice
(UPSC Prelims 1980)
Answer: (a) Parliament
Explanation: The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, which is part of the Parliament, ensuring accountability in a parliamentary democracy.
Q5. A candidate to become a member of Lok Sabha should not be less than
(a) 21 years
(b) 25 years
(c) 30 years
(d) 35 years
(UPSC Prelims 1980)
Answer: (b) 25 years
Explanation: As per the Constitution of India, the minimum age to contest Lok Sabha elections is 25 years, ensuring maturity and civic understanding.
Q6. What is the maximum period during which Parliament may not meet?
(a) Six months
(b) One year
(c) Two years
(d) Three years
(UPSC Prelims 1980)
Answer: (a) Six months
Explanation: The Constitution mandates that there should not be a gap of more than six months between two sessions of Parliament, ensuring regular legislative activity.
Q7. Parliament consists of
(a) Prime Minister and other Ministers
(b) President, Prime Minister and other Ministers
(c) President, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha
(d) President, Chief Justice and Lok Sabha
(UPSC Prelims 1981)
Answer: (c) President, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha
Explanation: The Indian Parliament is composed of the President, the Rajya Sabha (Upper House), and the Lok Sabha (Lower House), forming the legislative framework.
Q8. How many members can be nominated to the Lok Sabha by the President ?
(a) 2
(b) 4
(c) 5
(d) 12
(UPSC Prelims 1982)
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The President of India can nominate 2 members to the Lok Sabha, specifically from the Anglo-Indian community, if he/she feels they are not adequately represented. This provision was part of efforts to ensure inclusive representation.
Q9. Which is correct ?
(a) Lok Sabha cannot be dissolved before 5 years
(b) Rajya Sabha lasts only for 6 years
(c) Lok Sabha can be dissolved before 5 years
(d) Life of Lok Sabha can be extended indefinitely
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (c) Lok Sabha can be dissolved before 5 years
Explanation: The Lok Sabha has a maximum term of 5 years, but it can be dissolved earlier by the President on the advice of the Council of Ministers, especially in case of political instability or loss of majority.
Q10. In which of the following States in India, the number of electorate is the highest ?
(a) Bihar
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Karnataka
(d) Rajasthan
(UPSC Prelims 1985)
Answer: (b) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh has the largest population among Indian states, resulting in the highest number of registered voters or electorate. It plays a crucial role in national elections. (Licchavi Lyceum)
Q11. In a Parliamentary System of Government
(a) The parliament is responsible to the executive
(b) The parliament is responsible to the judiciary
(c) The executive is responsible to the parliament
(d) The judiciary is responsible to the parliament
(UPSC Prelims 1985)
Answer: (c) The executive is responsible to the parliament
Explanation: In a Parliamentary System, the executive (Council of Ministers) is collectively responsible to the legislature (Parliament). This ensures accountability, and the government must retain the confidence of the majority in the lower house.
Q12. A Parliamentary bill passed by the Lok Sabha is sent to the President for assent. The President sends it back to Lok Sabha for reconsideration. If the Lok Sabha again sends it back to the President without making any changes, the President
(a) Must give his assent to it
(b) Can again send the bill for reconsideration
(c) Can take help of the Supreme Court
(d) Can arrange referendum
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Answer: (a) Must give his assent to it
Explanation: Under Article 111 of the Indian Constitution, if the President returns a bill and it is passed again by Parliament, the President is bound to give assent. This ensures legislative supremacy in the democratic process.