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The Tenth Schedule was added by the ______ Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985.
Answer: 52nd
The 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985 added the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law) to curb political defections motivated by lure of office or similar considerations. It was a response to the 'Aya Ram, Gaya Ram' phenomenon of the 1960s-70s. The law was later strengthened by the 91st Amendment (2003) removing the 'split' exception.
The Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is appointed by the ______ and can be removed by the ______ on grounds of misbehaviour.
Answer: President, President
Article 316 states that UPSC Chairman and members are appointed by the President. For removal, Article 317 requires: (1) Presidential reference to Supreme Court for inquiry, (2) Supreme Court report confirming misbehaviour/incapacity, (3) Presidential order of removal. This ensures independence while maintaining accountability for constitutional office-holders.
A 'No-Confidence Motion' can be introduced only in the ______ and requires the support of at least ______ members for admission.
Answer: Lok Sabha, 50
Rule 198 of Lok Sabha Rules allows a No-Confidence Motion against the Council of Ministers only in Lok Sabha (not Rajya Sabha), as the government is collectively responsible to Lok Sabha (Article 75(3)). It requires support of at least 50 members for admission. If passed, the government must resign. This is a key tool of parliamentary accountability.
In the Rajendra Singh Rana case (2007), the Supreme Court held that the Speaker must decide disqualification petitions under the Tenth Schedule within a ______ timeframe.
Answer: reasonable
In Rajendra Singh Rana v. Swami Prasad Maurya (2007), the Supreme Court held that while the Tenth Schedule doesn't specify a time limit, the Speaker must decide disqualification petitions within a 'reasonable timeframe' to prevent political uncertainty. Delayed decisions can be challenged for violating constitutional morality, though courts avoid dictating exact timelines to respect legislative autonomy.
Article ______ provides for grants-in-aid to States in need of assistance, as determined by Parliament.
Answer: 275
Article 275 empowers Parliament to make grants-in-aid to States that are in need of financial assistance, particularly for welfare of Scheduled Tribes or development of backward areas. These grants are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India (not voted). The Finance Commission recommends the principles for such grants under Article 280.
The Estimates Committee, the largest parliamentary committee, has ______ members, all from the ______.
Answer: 30, Lok Sabha
The Estimates Committee has 30 members, all elected from Lok Sabha by proportional representation. It examines estimates included in the Budget and suggests economies, improvements, and administrative reforms. Unlike PAC, it cannot question policy, only examine expenditure efficiency. Its reports are advisory but carry significant weight.
The Tenth Schedule does not apply to a merger if at least ______ of the members of a legislature party agree to merge with another party.
Answer: two-thirds
Paragraph 4 of the Tenth Schedule provides an exception to disqualification: if 2/3rd of a legislature party's members merge with another party, neither the merging members nor those who remain face disqualification. This provision balances party discipline with democratic realignment, though the 91st Amendment (2003) removed the 'split' exception (1/3rd members).
The Election Commission of India is a ______ member body as per the Constitution, though currently it functions with ______ members.
Answer: multi, three
Article 324 originally envisaged a multi-member Election Commission, but for decades it functioned as a single-member body (Chief Election Commissioner). After the 1993 amendment to the Election Commission Act, it became a three-member body (1 CEC + 2 ECs). Decisions are taken by majority vote, with the CEC having casting vote in case of tie.
A 'Cut Motion' in Parliament can be moved during the discussion on Demands for Grants to reduce the amount of a demand by ______.
Answer: Rs. 100
Cut Motions (Rule 173 of Lok Sabha Rules) allow MPs to reduce a Demand for Grants by Rs. 100 to express disapproval of policy, economy, or specific grievances. Types: Policy Cut (oppose policy), Economy Cut (reduce expenditure), Token Cut (specific grievance). While rarely passed, they enable legislative scrutiny of executive spending.
The decision on disqualification of a member under the Tenth Schedule is taken by the ______ of the House, whose decision is subject to judicial review as held in ______ case.
Answer: Speaker/Chairman, Kihoto Hollohan
Paragraph 6 of the Tenth Schedule empowers the Speaker/Chairman of the House to decide on disqualification petitions. In Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992), the Supreme Court upheld the Speaker's role but made their decision subject to judicial review on grounds of mala fides, perversity, or violation of constitutional mandates. This balances legislative autonomy with constitutional supremacy.
Article ______ of the Constitution mandates that no tax shall be levied or collected except by authority of law.
Answer: 265
Article 265 establishes the principle of 'no taxation without law'. It states: 'No tax shall be levied or collected except by authority of law.' This ensures that taxation requires legislative sanction, protecting citizens from arbitrary executive taxation. It applies to both Union and State taxes.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examines the audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and has ______ members from Lok Sabha and ______ from Rajya Sabha.
Answer: 15, 7
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has 22 members: 15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha, elected by proportional representation. It examines CAG reports on government expenditure, ensuring accountability. The Chairman is traditionally from the Opposition party in Lok Sabha, enhancing impartial scrutiny.
Under the Tenth Schedule, a member of a House can be disqualified for defection if they voluntarily give up membership of their party or vote/abstain contrary to party directions without prior permission, unless the party condones the act within ______ days.
Answer: 15
Paragraph 2 of the Tenth Schedule specifies disqualification grounds. If a member votes/abstains contrary to party whip without permission, they can be disqualified unless the party condones the action within 15 days. The 91st Amendment (2003) removed the provision allowing splits (1/3rd members) as an exception, making the law stricter.
The Finance Commission is required to make recommendations on the distribution of net proceeds of taxes between Union and States for a period of ______ years.
Answer: five
Article 280 mandates that the Finance Commission be constituted every five years (or earlier) to recommend: (1) Distribution of net tax proceeds between Union and States, (2) Principles for grants-in-aid to States, (3) Measures to augment State Consolidated Funds for Panchayats/Municipalities. The 15th Finance Commission covered 2021-26.
The 'Guillotine' in Parliament refers to the closure of discussion on demands for grants and putting them to vote after the allotted time, as per Rule ______ of Lok Sabha Rules.
Answer: 173
Rule 173 of Lok Sabha Rules provides for the 'Guillotine' procedure. When time allocated for discussing Demands for Grants expires, the Speaker puts all pending demands to vote immediately without further discussion. This ensures the Budget is passed before the financial year ends (March 31).
Articles 379-392 contained temporary and transitional provisions for the first Parliament, provisional President, etc., and most of these provisions ceased to have effect after the first general elections in ______.
- 1950
- 1951-52
- 1957
- 1962
Answer: 1951-52
Articles 379-392 (Part XXI, Temporary Provisions): Enabled transitional arrangements: provisional Parliament (constituent assembly members), provisional President (Rajendra Prasad), adaptation of laws, etc. Most provisions ceased after first general elections (1951-52) and first Parliament constituted (1952). Illustrates Constitution's pragmatic approach: temporary mechanisms to ensure smooth transition to full constitutional democracy.
Under Article 338, a National Commission for Scheduled Castes is constituted to investigate and monitor safeguards for SCs, and its report is laid before ______.
- President only
- Parliament only
- President and Parliament
- State Legislatures only
Answer: President and Parliament
Article 338 (inserted by 65th Amendment, 1990; restructured by 89th Amendment, 2003): National Commission for SCs investigates/monitors safeguards, inquires into complaints, advises on planning, reports to President annually/specially. President lays reports before Parliament with action-taken memorandum. Similar provision for STs under Article 338A. Ensures institutional mechanism for marginalized communities' rights protection.
Under Article 393, the Union of India succeeds to all property, assets, rights, liabilities, and obligations of the ______ immediately before the commencement of the Constitution.
- British Crown
- Dominion of India
- Provincial Governments
- Princely States
Answer: Dominion of India
Article 393: Union succeeds to property, assets, rights, liabilities, obligations of Dominion of India (and each Province/Corresponding Indian State) as they existed immediately before Constitution commencement. Ensures legal continuity: contracts, debts, property titles, international obligations continue uninterrupted despite constitutional transformation. Foundation for state succession principles in Indian constitutional law.
Article 395 repeals the ______ and the Indian Independence Act, 1947, marking the complete transition to constitutional sovereignty.
- Government of India Act, 1919
- Government of India Act, 1935
- Indian Councils Act, 1909
- Regulating Act, 1773
Answer: Government of India Act, 1935
Article 395: Repeals Government of India Act, 1935 and Indian Independence Act, 1947. Subject to Articles 392 (transitional provisions) and 393-394 (succession to rights/liabilities). Marks legal break from colonial framework; Constitution becomes supreme law. However, many administrative structures, legal principles from 1935 Act continue by adoption, ensuring continuity amid constitutional transformation.
Article 371D empowers the ______ to issue orders for equitable opportunities for people of different regions of Andhra Pradesh in public employment and education.
- Supreme Court
- President
- Governor
- Parliament
Answer: President
Article 371D (inserted by 32nd Amendment, 1973): President may by order provide for equitable opportunities/facilities for people of different regions of Andhra Pradesh in public employment/education. Implemented via Presidential Orders (1975) creating local cadres, reservation for locals. Continues to apply to Telangana post-bifurcation (2014). Addresses regional imbalances within States through constitutional mechanism.