Q1. Rajya Sabha is dissolved once in
(a) 2 years
(b) 3 years
(c) 6 years
(d) It is never dissolved
Answer: (d) It is never dissolved
Explanation: The Rajya Sabha, or Council of States, is a permanent body and is never dissolved. However, one-third of its members retire every two years, ensuring continuity and renewal.
Q2. In which of the following legislatures can a non-member be the Presiding Officer?
(a) Lok Sabha
(b) Rajya Sabha
(c) Vidhan Sabha
(d) None of these
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (b) Rajya Sabha
Explanation: In the Rajya Sabha, the Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman, even though they are not a member of the House. This is a constitutional provision, making Rajya Sabha unique in allowing a non-member to preside.
Q3. The Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha can be removed by a resolution
(a) Passed by a two-thirds majority of its total members at that time
(b) Passed by a simple majority of its total members at that time
(c) Moved by Rajya Sabha but passed by Lok Sabha
(d) None of the above
(UPSC Prelims 1985)
Answer: (b) Passed by a simple majority of its total members at that time
Explanation: The Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha can be removed by a resolution passed by a simple majority of the members present and voting, provided it meets the quorum requirements.
Q4. Representation of any State in Rajya Sabha, is according to
(a) Population of the State
(b) Area of the State
(c) Fixed number of candidates for each State
(d) Number of representation in Lok Sabha from that State
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Answer: (a) Population of the State
Explanation: The number of seats in Rajya Sabha allotted to each state is based on its population, ensuring proportional representation. This balances the interests of larger and smaller states in the federal structure.
Q5. Parliament can legislate matters in the State List
(a) By wish of the President
(b) If Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by 2/3rd majority
(c) Under any circumstances
(d) By asking the legislature of the State concerned
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Answer: (b) If Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by 2/3rd majority
Explanation: Under Article 249, Parliament can legislate on State List matters if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by two-thirds majority, declaring it necessary in national interest. This provision enables central intervention in exceptional cases.
Q6. The maximum gap between two sessions of the Parliament can be of
(a) Six months
(b) Three months
(c) Nine months
(d) Twelve months
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Answer: (a) Six months
Explanation: As per Article 85, the maximum interval between two sessions of Parliament must not exceed six months, ensuring regular legislative activity and oversight.