Polity 2020

Question 1

What is a Parliamentary System of Government?

Answer 1

A system where the Government is responsible to the Parliament and can be removed by it

This system is prevalent in countries like Britain, Japan, Canada, and India.

Question 2

What articles in the Indian Constitution pertain to the Parliamentary system at the Center?

Answer 2

Article 74 & 75

These articles outline the roles and responsibilities of the executive in relation to the legislature.

Question 3

Who is the nominal executive officer in the Indian Parliamentary System?

Answer 3

The President

The President serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the de facto executive officer.

Question 4

What is the principle of Collective Responsibility in the context of the Indian Parliamentary System?

Answer 4

Ministers are collectively accountable to the entire parliament

This principle ensures that they function as a united group.

Question 5

In the Indian Parliamentary System, who has the authority to dissolve the Lok Sabha?

Answer 5

The President, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister

This allows the Prime Minister to call for new elections before the end of the term.

Question 6

What do the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution signify?

Answer 6

They are fundamental in the governance of the country but are not enforceable by courts

These principles guide the state in making laws aimed at promoting welfare.

Question 7

What is the relationship between Gandhism and Marxism regarding society?

Answer 7

Both aim for a stateless society

Gandhi’s concept of Ramarajya aligns with Marx’s vision of a communist society.

Question 8

What role does bureaucracy play in India?

Answer 8

An agency for the implementation of public policy

Bureaucracy translates government policies into action and ensures their execution.

Question 9

What is the legal status of the Preamble to the Constitution of India?

Answer 9

A part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts

The Preamble reflects the core values of the Constitution but cannot be enforced in court.

Question 10

Which part of the Constitution of India includes the Directive Principles of State Policy?

Answer 10

Part IV

This part outlines the ideals that guide the governance of the state.

Question 11

What is required for a person to become a minister in a State in India?

Answer 11

They must be elected to the State Legislature within six months of appointment

This is necessary even if the individual is initially not a member of the legislature.

Question 12

How many sessions of Parliament does the Constitution of India provide for in a year?

Answer 12

Three sessions

However, it is not mandatory for all three sessions to be conducted.

Question 13

True or False: The Constitution of India defines its ‘basic structure’ explicitly.

Answer 13

False

The basic structure is a judicial innovation and not explicitly defined in the Constitution.

Question 14

What is the concept of Judicial Review in the Indian Constitution?

Answer 14

It supervises the exercise of power by government bodies to ensure constitutionality

Judicial Review is integral to maintaining the rule of law and checks and balances.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: The President administers the ministers’ oath of _______.

Answer 15

secrecy

This ensures confidentiality in the workings of the government.

Question 16

What are the features of the Directive Principles of State Policy?

Answer 16

They are:
* Non-Justiciable
* Aim for a Welfare State
* Promote Good Governance
* Resemblance to ‘Instrument of Instructions’
* Aid Judiciary

These principles guide the government in policy formulation.

Question 17

Who has the authority to summon a session of the Parliament in India?

Answer 17

The President of India

Article 85(1) of The Constitution empowers the President to summon each House of Parliament.

Question 18

Is it mandatory for the Indian Parliament to conduct three sessions each year?

Answer 18

No, it is not mandatory

It is by convention that Parliament meets for three sessions in a year.

Question 19

What is the minimum number of days the Indian Parliament is required to meet in a year?

Answer 19

There is no minimum number of days

The number of days that Parliament meets has reduced over the years.

Question 20

Which statements about Aadhaar data storage are correct?

Answer 20

2 and 4 only

The Supreme Court ruled that Aadhaar metadata cannot be stored for more than six months and that Aadhaar is mandatory for benefits funded from the Consolidated Fund of India.

Question 21

What did the Supreme Court decide regarding Aadhaar’s constitutional validity?

Answer 21

The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of The Aadhaar Act

The Court determined that Aadhaar’s design does not establish a surveillance state.

Question 22

What are some limitations and concerns related to Aadhaar?

Answer 22

• Biometric authentication issues
• Unreliable demographic details
• Security risks and data breaches
• Lack of informed consent
• Exclusions from social benefits
• Privacy concerns
• No exit option from UIDAI database

Question 23

In which matters does the Rajya Sabha have equal powers with the Lok Sabha?

Answer 23

• Constitutional amendment bills
• Election and impeachment of the President
• Approval of ordinances and proclamations of emergencies
• Consideration of reports from constitutional bodies

Question 24

What is the special power of the Lok Sabha regarding money bills?

Answer 24

A money bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha

The final power to decide if a bill is a money bill rests with the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

Question 25

What is the objective of the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS)?

Answer 25

To enable MPs to recommend works of developmental nature ## Footnote Emphasis on creating durable community assets in areas like drinking water, education, and health.

Question 26

What categories of Fundamental Rights protect against untouchability?

Answer 26

Right to Equality ## Footnote Article 17 of the Constitution abolishes the practice of untouchability.

Question 27

What Directive Principle of State Policy enjoins the separation of judiciary from the executive?

Answer 27

Article 50 ## Footnote This aims to ensure the independence of the judiciary.

Question 28

What is mandated by the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003?

Answer 28

Presentation of three statements before the Parliament ## Footnote These include the Macro Economic Framework Statement, Medium Term Fiscal Policy Statement, and Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement.

Question 29

Fill in the blank: The Supreme Court ruled that Aadhaar metadata can only be stored for _______.

Answer 29

six months

Question 30

True or False: The Rajya Sabha can amend or reject a money bill.

Answer 30

False

Question 31

Fill in the blank: The MPLADS scheme was announced in _______.

Answer 31

December 1993

Question 32

Which Article of the Constitution provides for the Right to Constitutional Remedies?

Answer 32

Article 32 ## Footnote It allows individuals to seek enforcement of their Fundamental Rights.

Question 33

What does the FRBM Act, 2003 aim to achieve?

Answer 33

Institutionalize financial discipline, reduce fiscal deficit, improve macroeconomic management, and manage public funds.

Question 34

What are the three statements required to be placed before the Parliament each financial year under the FRBM Act?

Answer 34

* Medium Term Fiscal Policy Statement * Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement * Macro Economic Framework Statement

Question 35

What is the purpose of the Macro Economic Framework Statement?

Answer 35

It provides the macroeconomic framework for the financial year, outlining growth prospects, fiscal policy strategy, and key fiscal measures and targets.

Question 36

Which article of the Constitution of India mandates the Annual Financial Statement?

Answer 36

Article 112

Question 37

What is defined as a Money Bill under Article 110 (1) of the Constitution?

Answer 37

A Bill that contains provisions dealing with specific matters related to taxes, government borrowings, and funds of India.

Question 38

Which article mandates the estimates of expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India to be included in the Annual Financial Statement?

Answer 38

Article 113

Question 39

What is a constitutional government by definition?

Answer 39

Limited government

Question 40

What does constitutional government seek to regulate?

Answer 40

Political power

Question 41

What is the core element of constitutional government?

Answer 41

Existence of a Rule-of-Law or set of basic laws.

Question 42

What are the main components of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)?

Answer 42

* Right to life, liberty, and security * Freedom from torture and cruel treatment * Recognition before the law * Freedom of thought and expression * Right to work and education * Right to participate in government

Question 43

Which parts of the Constitution of India reflect the principles of the UDHR?

Answer 43

* Preamble * Directive Principles of State Policy * Fundamental Duties

Question 44

What does the Preamble to the Constitution of India reflect?

Answer 44

Commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Question 45

What do the Directive Principles of State Policy aim to achieve?

Answer 45

Create a social and economic framework reflecting the rights outlined in the UDHR.

Question 46

What do the Fundamental Duties urge citizens to do?

Answer 46

Perform duties essential for the national interest.

Question 47

Who is eligible for free legal services under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987?

Answer 47

* Person with an annual income of less than Rs. 1,00,000 * Transgender with an annual income of less than Rs. 2,00,000

Question 48

Is free legal aid available for all senior citizens?

Answer 48

No

Question 49

Which sections of society are entitled to free legal services as per Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act?

Answer 49

* Member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe * Victim of trafficking or beggar * Woman or child * Mentally ill or disabled person * Person in circumstances of undeserved want * Industrial workman

Question 50

Fill in the blank: The FRBM Act was enacted to institutionalize financial _______.

Answer 50

discipline

Question 51

True or False: The Macro Economic Framework Statement is not mentioned in the FRBM Act.

Answer 51

False

Question 52

Which article states that a Bill is deemed a Money Bill if it deals with six specific matters?

Answer 52

Article 110 (1)

Question 53

Fill in the blank: The core element of constitutional government is the existence of a _______.

Answer 53

Rule-of-Law

Question 54

True or False: The Directive Principles of State Policy are enforceable by any court.

Answer 54

False