Polity 2015 Flashcards
(40 cards)
What do the provisions in the Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India aim to protect?
The interests of Scheduled Tribes
The Fifth Schedule deals with scheduled areas and tribes in states excluding Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, while the Sixth Schedule pertains to tribal areas in these northeastern states.
Which Article applies the Fifth Schedule provisions to Scheduled Areas in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram?
Article 244 (1)
Article 244 (2) applies the Sixth Schedule to Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
What is the fundamental objective of the Panchayati Raj system?
People’s participation in development and democratic decentralisation
Establishment of Panchayati Raj Institutions does not automatically lead to political accountability.
What does the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 establish?
A three-tier system of decentralized self-governance in rural areas
It includes gram panchayat, panchayat samiti, and Zilla parishad.
Which document enshrines the ideal of a ‘Welfare State’ in the Indian Constitution?
Directive Principles of State Policy
The concept aims for social, economic, and political justice as per Articles 38 and 39.
Are the provisions of the Directive Principles of State Policy enforceable by courts?
No, they are non-justiciable
Unlike Fundamental Rights, they cannot be legally enforced.
Which states in India have a Legislative Council?
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh
Only 6 out of 28 states have a Legislative Council.
What is the tenure of a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC)?
Six years
One-third of the members retire every two years.
Which body is responsible for the dissolution of the Lok Sabha?
The Prime Minister can recommend dissolution to the President
This illustrates the executive’s authority over the legislature in a parliamentary system.
Can the Rajya Sabha amend or reject a Money Bill?
No
The Rajya Sabha must return the Money Bill to the Lok Sabha within 14 days.
What is required for a bill to be passed in a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament?
A simple majority of members present and voting
This mechanism resolves deadlocks between the two Houses.
Which Article provides for the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament?
Article 108
The joint sitting is called by the President and presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
What is the role of the State Finance Commission?
To review the financial position of panchayats and make recommendations
This includes the devolution of funds, grants-in-aid, and taxes to panchayats.
What does the term ‘non-justiciable’ in the context of Directive Principles mean?
They cannot be enforced by courts
Governments cannot be compelled to implement them.
Which body elects the Chairman of the Legislative Council?
The members of the Legislative Council
The Governor does not nominate the Chairman.
What is the primary role of the Council of Ministers in the Indian parliamentary system?
Responsible to the Lok Sabha
This establishes the principle of collective responsibility in the government.
Which body has the power to initiate a move for the removal of the Vice-President?
Rajya Sabha
This is a special power of the Rajya Sabha.
Which Articles of the Indian Constitution delineate the Directive Principles of State Policy?
Articles 36 to 51
These principles guide the State in legislative and policy matters.
What is the minimum size of the Legislative Council as per Article 171?
40 members
The size cannot exceed one-third of the Legislative Assembly.
What is a joint sitting of the Parliament?
An extraordinary machinery provided by the Constitution to resolve a deadlock between the two Houses over the passage of a bill.
Article 108 of the Indian Constitution provides for the joint sitting.
Who calls for a joint sitting of both Houses?
The President of India.
The joint sitting is presided over by the Speaker or, in their absence, by the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
What are the conditions that constitute a deadlock?
A deadlock is deemed to have occurred if:
* The bill is rejected by the other House.
* The Houses have finally disagreed on amendments to the bill.
* More than six months have elapsed since the bill was received by the other House without it being passed.
To which types of bills does the provision of joint sitting apply?
Ordinary bills or financial bills only.
It does not apply to money bills or Constitutional amendment bills.
What is the quorum required for a joint sitting?
One-tenth of the total number of members of the two Houses.
