Daily Static MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams
Subject : Polity
1. Consider the following statements regarding President’s rule that is imposed under Article 356 of the Constitution:
1. It cannot be imposed without the written recommendation of
the Governor of the concerned state.
2. Every proclamation of President’s rule must be approved by both the houses of
Parliament within a stipulated time.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (B)
Explanation:
- Article 356 empowers the President to issue a proclamation, if he is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of a state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. Notably, the president can act either on a report of the governor of the state or otherwise too (i.e, even without the governor’s report). Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
- A proclamation imposing President’s Rule must be approved by both the Houses of Parliament within two months from the date of its issue. If approved by both the Houses of Parliament, the President’s Rule continues for six months. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
2. Which of the Acts passed by the British Parliament introduced an open competition system of selection and recruitment of civil servants in India before independence and a separate legislative wing for the Governor-General?
(a) Charter Act of 1853
(b) Indian Councils Act of 1861
(c) Indian Councils Act of 1892
(d) Charter Act of 1833
Answer: (A)
Explanation:
- Charter Act of 1853 introduced an open competition system of selection and recruitment of civil servants. The covenanted civil service was thus thrown open to the Indians also. Accordingly, the Macaulay Committee (the Committee on the Indian Civil Service) was appointed in 1854.
- (Before this the Charter Act of 1833 attempted to introduce a system of open competition for selection of civil servants, and stated that the Indians should not be debarred from holding any place, office and employment under the Company. However, this provision was negated after opposition from the Court of Directors.) Hence, option (a) is correct.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the Speaker Pro Tem:
1. He is elected by the Lok Sabha from amongst the members of
the house.
2. He is responsible for chairing the meetings of Lok Sabha until the new
elected Speaker becomes acquainted with the Parliamentary procedures.
3. The Speaker Pro Tem has all the powers of the Speaker.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (A)
Explanation: As provided by the Constitution, the Speaker of the last Lok Sabha vacates his office immediately before the first meeting of the newly elected Lok Sabha. Therefore, the President appoints a member of the Lok Sabha as the Speaker Pro Tem. Usually, the seniormost member is selected for this. The Speaker Pro Tem has all the powers of the Speaker. He presides over the first sitting of the newly elected Lok Sabha. His main duty is to administer oath to the new members. He also enables the House to elect the new Speaker. When the new Speaker is elected by the House, the office of the Speaker Pro Tem ceases to exist. Hence, this office is a temporary office, existing for a few days. Hence, only statement 3 is correct.
4. Which of the following Parliamentary committees does not witness any participation from Rajya Sabha?
(a) Public Accounts Committee
(b) Committee on Empowerment of Women
(c) Committee of Privileges
(d) Estimates Committee
Answer: (D)
Explanation: Estimates Committee: The Rajya Sabha has no representation in this committee. These members are elected by the Lok Sabha every year from amongst its own members, according to the principles of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. Hence, option (d) is correct.
5. Consider the following statements regarding the procedure for the amendment of the Constitution as laid down in Article 368.
1. A bill to this effect can only be introduced in the Lok
Sabha first.
2. Such a bill must be introduced by a minister.
3. In case of a disagreement between the two Houses, a joint sitting of the two
Houses is held for the purpose of deliberation and passage of the bill.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (D)
Explanation: An amendment of the Constitution can be initiated only by the introduction of a bill for the purpose in either House of Parliament and not in the state legislatures. The bill can be introduced either by a minister or by a private member and does not require prior permission of the president. The bill must be passed in each House by a special majority, that is, a majority (that is, more than 50 per cent) of the total membership of the House and a majority of two-thirds of the members of the House present and voting. Each House must pass the bill separately. In case of a disagreement between the two Houses, there is no provision for holding a joint sitting of the two Houses for the purpose of deliberation and passage of the bill. Hence, all statements are incorrect.
