Polity 2017 Flashcards
(130 cards)
1
Q
A
2
Q
What is the Election Commission of India?
A
An autonomous constitutional body responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India
Established on 25th January 1950.
3
Q
How many members does the Election Commission of India currently have?
A
Three members: one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.
4
Q
What articles of the Constitution deal with the Election Commission?
A
Articles 324 to 329.
5
Q
Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners?
A
The President of India.
6
Q
What is the fixed tenure for the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners?
A
Six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
7
Q
True or False: The Election Commission of India has the power to decide election schedules.
A
True.
8
Q
What is the main feature of Indian federalism regarding representation in the Rajya Sabha?
A
The federating units have unequal representation based on population.
9
Q
What does federalism refer to?
A
A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units.
10
Q
Is India considered a purely federal system?
A
No, it has more tilt towards a unitary system.
11
Q
What is Article 1 of the Indian Constitution?
A
‘India, that is Bharat, shall be a union of states.’
12
Q
What are the three lists outlined in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution?
A
- Union List
- State List
- Concurrent List
13
Q
What does local self-government refer to?
A
Management of local affairs by elected local bodies.
14
Q
What are the two core guiding principles of local self-government?
A
- Decentralization
- Grassroots empowerment
15
Q
What is the Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI)?
A
A system of rural local self-government in India.
16
Q
When was the Panchayati Raj Institution constitutionalized?
A
Through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
17
Q
What is the primary focus of local self-government?
A
Democratic decentralization.
18
Q
What does a Constitutional Government restrict?
A
The Authority of the State in the interest of individual liberty.
19
Q
What are the two main types of constitutional governments?
A
- Unitary
- Federal
20
Q
What is a unitary constitutional government characterized by?
A
A strong central government with no real regional governments.
21
Q
Which country is an example of a unitary government?
A
France.
22
Q
Which objective is not embodied in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?
A
Economic liberty.
23
Q
What does the Preamble to the Indian Constitution reflect?
A
The nation’s identity, democratic ethos, and foundational principles.
24
Q
What key features does the Preamble include?
A
- Source of the Constitution
- Nature of Indian State
- Statement of its objectives
- Date of its adoption
25
What are the three elements of social justice as per the Indian Constitution?
* Social Justice
* Economic Justice
* Political Justice
26
What does the term 'Equality' in the Indian Constitution imply?
No section of society has any special privileges.
27
What does 'Liberty' refer to in the context of the Indian Constitution?
Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.
28
What does Economic Justice mean?
No discrimination based on wealth, income, and economic status. Equal pay for equal position and opportunities for all.
29
Define Political Justice.
All people have an equal, free, and fair right to participate in political opportunities without discrimination.
30
What is the definition of Equality?
No section of society has special privileges; all individuals have equal opportunities without discrimination.
31
What does Liberty entail?
Freedom for individuals to choose their way of life and political views within the limits set by law.
32
What is meant by Fraternity?
A feeling of brotherhood and emotional attachment with the country and all people, promoting dignity and unity.
33
What is the importance of the objectives of justice?
They provide a way of life, integrating fraternity, liberty, and equality as notions of a happy life.
34
True or False: Liberty can be divorced from equality.
False
35
What is the Right to Vote in India classified as?
Constitutional Right
36
What are rights meant to safeguard?
Individuals from irresponsible and arbitrary use of power by the state or ruling class.
37
What does the Constitution of India contain?
Fundamental rights, directive principles of state policy (DPSP), and fundamental duties.
38
At what age do citizens in India have the constitutional right to vote?
18 years
39
What is NOTA?
None of the Above, a right not to vote.
40
What are constitutional rights?
Rights specifically stipulated in the Constitution of a nation, conferred on every citizen.
41
List the four categories of constitutional rights.
* Civil rights
* Political rights
* Economic rights
* Social rights
42
What are civil rights?
Rights conferred on citizens by virtue of being citizens, regardless of personal characteristics.
43
What was established in the case of Hussainara Khatoon and Ors. v. Home Secretary?
The right to speedy trials is part of Article 21.
44
List examples of civil rights guaranteed under the Indian Constitution.
* Right to vote (Articles 325 and 326)
* Right to a fair trial (Articles 20 and 21)
* Right to be part of government services (Article 309)
* Right to public education (Articles 21A and 45)
* Right to use public facilities (Article 21)
45
What are political rights?
Rights that allow citizens to participate in the political management of the country.
46
What do economic rights ensure?
Economic security for every citizen.
47
What are social rights?
Rights important for fulfilling societal demands and promoting social inclusion.
48
Which rights are included in the Right against Exploitation?
* Prohibition of trafficking in human beings and forced labor
* Prohibition of employment of children in factories
49
What does Article 23 prohibit?
Traffic in human beings and all forms of forced labor.
50
What is 'forced labor'?
Compelling a person to work against their will using physical or legal force.
51
What does Article 24 prohibit?
Employment of children under the age of 14 in hazardous activities.
52
What is the implication of equality in society?
Absence of privileges.
53
Which principle was added to the Directive Principles of State Policy by the 42nd Amendment?
Participation of workers in the management of industries.
54
What did the Forty Second Amendment Act, 1976, add to the Preamble?
The words socialist, secular, and integrity.
55
What are rights essentially?
Entitlements or justified claims necessary for leading a life of respect and dignity.
56
List some civil rights.
* Right to life
* Right to property
* Right to work
* Right to contract
* Right to free movement
* Right to free expression
* Right to worship
* Right to language and culture
57
What are political rights concerned with?
Participation in the political arena of life.
58
What are civil rights essential for?
A free and progressive life
## Footnote
Civil rights concern the life and property of the individual. Without these rights, civilized life is impossible.
59
List some examples of civil rights.
* Right to life
* Right to property
* Right to work
* Right to contract
* Right to free movement
* Right to free expression
* Right to worship
* Right to language and culture
60
What are political rights?
Rights bestowed upon the citizenry to participate in the political arena
## Footnote
Examples include the right to vote, be elected, and petition.
61
What is the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)?
Guidelines for the state to frame policies and legislation promoting social and economic justice
## Footnote
They are unique to the Indian Constitution.
62
Are Directive Principles of State Policy enforceable by the courts?
No, they are non-justiciable
## Footnote
This means they cannot be enforced through the judiciary.
63
What do the Directive Principles aim to establish?
A Welfare State
## Footnote
They embody the ideals of Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
64
What is the relationship between rights and duties according to the Indian Constitution?
Rights are correlative with Duties
## Footnote
This means one cannot enjoy rights without fulfilling corresponding duties.
65
What are Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution?
A set of duties prescribed for citizens to uphold towards the nation
## Footnote
They remind citizens of their responsibilities alongside their rights.
66
How many Fundamental Duties are prescribed in Article 51A?
Eleven
## Footnote
Originally ten duties were prescribed, with one added through the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002.
67
Are Fundamental Duties enforceable by law?
No, they are non-justiciable
## Footnote
They serve as moral obligations rather than legal requirements.
68
What does the term 'non-justiciable' mean?
Not enforceable by law through the judiciary
## Footnote
This applies to both Directive Principles and Fundamental Duties.
69
What is the significance of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha?
Presides over the day-to-day functioning of the House
## Footnote
The Speaker is elected from among the Lok Sabha members.
70
What is the term of office for the Speaker of the Lok Sabha?
Usually five years
## Footnote
The Speaker continues till the newly elected Lok Sabha meets.
71
What power does the Speaker have regarding Money Bills?
Decides whether a bill is a money bill or not
## Footnote
The Speaker's decision on this question is final.
72
What happens if there is a tie in voting in the Lok Sabha?
The Speaker has a casting vote
## Footnote
This vote resolves a deadlock.
73
What is the role of the Deputy Speaker?
Performs the duties of the Speaker when the office is vacant
## Footnote
The Deputy Speaker is elected from among the Lok Sabha members.
74
What is one way the Deputy Speaker is privileged?
Automatically becomes chairman of any parliamentary committee he/she is appointed to
## Footnote
This is a special privilege of the Deputy Speaker.
75
What does Article 93 of the Constitution state about the Lok Sabha?
The House shall choose a Speaker and Deputy Speaker from its members
## Footnote
This Article governs the election of these offices.
76
What is the history of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker roles in India?
Originated in 1921 under the Government of India Act of 1919
## Footnote
The first Speaker was Frederick Whyte.
77
What is the significance of the President's rule in a State?
Can lead to the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly
## Footnote
However, this is not always a necessary consequence.
78
Which of the following is NOT a consequence of the President's rule? (1) Dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly (2) Removal of the Council of Ministers
Both are not necessarily consequences
## Footnote
The President's rule can be implemented without these actions.
79
What is the advance notice period required for moving a resolution to remove the Speaker?
14 days
80
Which article of the Constitution of India allows for the proclamation of President's Rule?
Article 356
81
What is a consequence of the proclamation of President's Rule in a state?
Removal of the Council of Ministers in the State
82
True or False: Dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly is a necessary consequence of President's Rule.
False
83
What must happen within two months of the declaration of President's Rule?
Approval in both Houses of Parliament
84
The President's Rule can be extended for how long after initial approval?
Three years with parliamentary approval
85
What is the role of the Governor during President's Rule?
Carries on the state administration on behalf of the President
86
What is the Cabinet in a parliamentary democracy?
The highest decision-making body in the government
87
Who is typically a member of the Cabinet?
Prime Minister and senior ministers
88
What is the principle of collective responsibility?
All members of the cabinet are jointly responsible to the Lok Sabha
89
Fill in the blank: The Cabinet acts as an advisory body to the _______.
President
90
What is the main function of the Cabinet in India?
Formulating government policy at the Central level
91
What is a Private Member's Bill?
A bill presented by a Member of Parliament who is not a minister
92
True or False: A Private Member's Bill can be discussed any day of the week.
False
93
What is required for a Private Member's Bill to be introduced?
At least a month's notice
94
What is the main advantage of the parliamentary form of government?
The executive remains responsible to the legislature
95
What does political homogeneity refer to in a parliamentary system?
All cabinet members are from the same political party
96
Fill in the blank: A candidate for the Lok Sabha must be a citizen of India whose name appears in the _______.
electoral roll of a constituency
97
What is the security deposit amount for a Lok Sabha election?
Rs 25,000
98
Which article of the Constitution mentions the Cabinet?
Article 352
99
What is a Kitchen Cabinet?
An informal group of trusted advisors to the Prime Minister
100
What is one of the demerits of the parliamentary system?
Unstable Government
101
What is the maximum initial period for which President’s Rule can be declared?
Six months
102
What happens if the ruling party loses its majority in a parliamentary system?
The Head of State can invite the opposition party to form the government
103
What is the composition of the Cabinet in a parliamentary democracy?
Prime Minister and other senior ministers
104
True or False: A Government Bill can be introduced only on Fridays.
False
105
What is the main purpose of a Private Member’s Bill?
To draw attention to issues requiring legislative intervention
106
What is the role of the parliamentary committee on Private Member’s Bills?
Classifies bills based on urgency and importance
107
Which amendment added the word 'cabinet' to Article 352 of the Constitution?
44th Constitutional Amendment Act
108
What is required for the revocation of President's Rule?
Subsequent proclamation by the President
109
What does the cabinet represent in a parliamentary system?
The leader of the legislature as well as the executive.
110
Why is the parliamentary system considered inefficient?
Ministers are not experts in their fields.
111
What limits the Prime Minister's choice in selecting ministers?
The selection is restricted to the members of Parliament.
112
What system did the Constitution-makers in India adopt due to familiarity?
The parliamentary system.
113
What balance did the Constituent Assembly seek between stability and responsibility?
The American system gives more stability while the British system gives more responsibility.
114
What was a key reason for avoiding legislative-executive conflicts?
To prevent conflicts common in the US Presidential system.
115
How does the parliamentary system reflect the nature of Indian society?
It offers greater scope for representation of various sections, interests, and regions.
116
What is the primary purpose of an adjournment motion in Parliament?
To draw attention to a recent matter of urgent public importance.
117
What are 'starred questions' in the Indian Parliament?
Questions that require oral answers from ministers.
118
What is the role of the Judiciary in judicial review?
To pronounce upon the constitutionality of laws and executive orders.
119
What principle does judicial review represent?
The review of executive and legislative actions by the judiciary.
120
What are the two important functions of judicial review?
* Legitimizing government action
* Protecting the constitution against encroachment.
121
What does judicial review allow the courts to do?
Examine the actions of the legislature and executive for constitutional compliance.
122
What is a significant consequence of judicial review?
It can declare government actions unconstitutional.
123
What are the types of judicial review?
* Reviews of Legislative Actions
* Review of Administrative Actions
* Review of Judicial Decisions.
124
Why is judicial review important?
* Maintains supremacy of the Constitution
* Checks misuse of power
* Protects rights of the people.
125
What are some problems associated with judicial review?
* Limits government functioning
* Violates set limits of power
* Can harm public trust.
126
What does Article 372 (1) establish?
Judicial review of pre-constitution legislation.
127
What does Article 13 declare regarding laws?
Any law contravening Fundamental Rights shall be void.
128
What role do Articles 32 and 226 play in judicial review?
They entrust the protection of fundamental rights to the Supreme and High Courts.
129
What does Article 251 state about laws?
In case of inconsistency, state law shall be void.
130
What is the significance of Article 137?
It gives the Supreme Court the power to review its own judgments.
