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Generate QuizPolity – Fill in the Blank – GK Questions
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To be appointed as Judge of Supreme Court, a person must be a citizen of India and must have been a Judge of High Court for at least ______ years, or an advocate of High Court for at least 10 years.
- 3
- 5
- 7
- 10
Answer: 5
Article 124(3): Qualifications for SC Judge: (a) citizen of India, and (b) either: Judge of HC for 5+ years, OR advocate of HC for 10+ years, OR distinguished jurist in President's opinion. These criteria ensure appointees have substantial legal experience and expertise for apex court responsibilities.
Article 167 requires the Chief Minister to communicate to the Governor all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to administration of State affairs and proposals for ______.
- judicial appointments
- legislation
- international treaties
- financial audits
Answer: legislation
Article 167(a-b): CM shall communicate to Governor all Council decisions on State administration and legislative proposals; furnish information called by Governor. Ensures Governor (nominal executive) stays informed while CM/Council (real executive) governs. Reinforces cooperative executive functioning at State level.
The Chief Minister holds office during the pleasure of the ______, which effectively means as long as they command majority in Legislative Assembly.
- President
- Governor
- Prime Minister
- Speaker
Answer: Governor
Article 164(1): Ministers hold office during pleasure of Governor. Since Governor acts on CM's advice (Article 163), this effectively means CM can dismiss ministers anytime. CM's own tenure depends on commanding Assembly majority; loss of majority typically leads to resignation or dismissal.
Governor can exercise 'Suspensive Veto' by returning a Bill (except Money Bill) for reconsideration, but if Legislature repasses it, Governor ______ give assent.
- may
- must
- cannot
- should
Answer: must
Article 200: Governor has three veto types: (a) Absolute veto - withhold assent, (b) Suspensive veto - return Bill for reconsideration (if repassed, Governor must assent), (c) Reserve for President. Unlike President, Governor has no pocket veto; must act within reasonable time on Bills.
The Chief Minister is the ex-officio Chairman of the State ______, which advises Governor on appointments to State Public Service Commission.
- Cabinet
- Legislative Assembly
- Planning Board
- Police Commission
Answer: Cabinet
Article 316: Governor appoints SPSC Chairman/members after consulting State Cabinet (headed by CM). CM also chairs State Development Council, Disaster Management Authority, and other key bodies. CM's leadership centralizes policy coordination at State level, mirroring PM's role at Union.
The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 limits State Council of Ministers to ______ percent of Legislative Assembly strength, with minimum of 12 ministers.
- 10
- 15
- 20
- 25
Answer: 15
Article 164(1A), inserted by 91st Amendment (2003): State Council strength cannot exceed 15% of Assembly strength (minimum 12 for small States). Also bars defectors from being appointed ministers until re-elected. These curb horse-trading and excessive ministerial berths at State level.
The Chief Minister of a State is appointed by the Governor, but by convention, the leader of the majority party in the ______ is appointed.
- Legislative Council
- Legislative Assembly
- Parliament
- Cabinet
Answer: Legislative Assembly
Article 164(1): Governor appoints CM, but convention dictates appointing leader of majority party/coalition in Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha). In hung assemblies, Governor exercises discretion to appoint person most likely to command majority. CM then advises Governor on appointment of other ministers.
Under Article 213, Governor can promulgate ordinances when State Legislature is not in session, but such ordinances must be approved within ______ weeks of reassembly.
- 4
- 6
- 8
- 10
Answer: 6
Article 213: Governor's ordinance power mirrors President's under Article 123. Ordinances have same force as State Acts but cease to operate 6 weeks after Legislature reassembles, or earlier if disapproved. Governor cannot issue ordinance without Cabinet advice except in rare discretionary situations.
The Governor holds office during the pleasure of the ______, and normally serves a term of 5 years.
- Prime Minister
- President
- Chief Minister
- Parliament
Answer: President
Article 156: Governor holds office during pleasure of President (can be removed anytime without reasons), but normally serves 5-year term. Can resign by writing to President. Supreme Court in BP Singhal case (2010) held that pleasure doctrine is not arbitrary; removal must be for compelling reasons.
The Public Accounts Committee consists of ______ members, with majority from Lok Sabha and Chairperson traditionally from Opposition.
- 15
- 22
- 30
- 45
Answer: 22
Public Accounts Committee (PAC): 22 members (15 from Lok Sabha, 7 from Rajya Sabha), elected by proportional representation. Chairperson from Opposition by convention (since 1967-68). Examines CAG reports on government expenditure, ensuring financial accountability. Oldest parliamentary committee (established 1921).
Parliament can create or abolish Legislative Councils in States under Article 169, if the State Legislative Assembly passes a resolution by ______ majority.
- simple
- two-thirds
- three-fourths
- absolute
Answer: two-thirds
Article 169: Parliament can create/abolish State Legislative Council (upper house) by law, if State Assembly passes resolution by special majority (2/3 of members present and voting). Council is permanent body with 1/3 members retiring every 2 years. Currently, 6 States have Councils: UP, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh.
The first hour of every parliamentary sitting is devoted to ______, during which members ask questions and ministers give answers.
- Zero Hour
- Question Hour
- Legislative Business
- Budget Discussion
Answer: Question Hour
Question Hour (first hour of sitting) allows MPs to ask questions (starred, unstarred, short notice) to ministers about administration. Zero Hour (informal, post-Question Hour) allows raising urgent matters without prior notice. Both are crucial tools for executive accountability and public grievance redressal.
The Annual Financial Statement (Budget) is presented to Lok Sabha under Article ______, and demands for grants are voted by Lok Sabha only.
- 110
- 112
- 113
- 114
Answer: 112
Article 112: President causes Annual Financial Statement (Budget) to be laid before Parliament. Article 113: Demands for grants are voted by Lok Sabha only; Rajya Sabha can discuss but not vote. Article 114: Appropriation Bill authorizes expenditure from Consolidated Fund. This upholds 'no taxation without representation' principle.
Article 120 allows business in Parliament to be transacted in Hindi or English, and members can address the House in any language included in the ______ Schedule of the Constitution.
- Seventh
- Eighth
- Ninth
- Tenth
Answer: Eighth
Article 120: Parliamentary business in Hindi/English; members may speak in any Eighth Schedule language with presiding officer's permission. Eighth Schedule originally had 14 languages; now 22. This balances national integration with linguistic diversity in legislative proceedings.
In case of deadlock between Houses on an ordinary bill, President can summon a joint sitting under Article 108, which is presided over by the ______.
- Vice President
- Prime Minister
- Speaker of Lok Sabha
- Chief Justice
Answer: Speaker of Lok Sabha
Article 108: Joint sitting resolves deadlocks on ordinary bills (not Money Bills or Constitutional Amendment Bills). Presided by Speaker; in absence, by Deputy Speaker or Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha. Decision by simple majority of members present and voting. Used only thrice: 1961, 1978, 2002.
The Speaker of Lok Sabha is elected by members of Lok Sabha from amongst themselves, and can be removed by a resolution passed by a ______ majority of members present and voting.
- simple
- two-thirds
- three-fourths
- absolute
Answer: simple
Article 94: Speaker can be removed by Lok Sabha passing resolution by majority of all then-members present and voting. 14-day notice required. Speaker doesn't vote in first instance, only exercises casting vote in tie. This ensures Speaker remains accountable to House while maintaining impartiality.
The maximum strength of Rajya Sabha is 250, of which 238 represent States and Union Territories, and 12 are nominated by the President for their expertise in literature, science, art, and ______.
- politics
- social service
- economics
- law
Answer: social service
Article 80: Rajya Sabha max strength 250 (238 elected + 12 nominated). Nominated members are persons with special knowledge/practical experience in literature, science, art, and social service. Current strength is 245. Nominations ensure expert voices in legislation without electoral politics.
Before entering upon office, Ministers must take an oath of secrecy and allegiance administered by the ______.
- Prime Minister
- President
- Chief Justice
- Speaker
Answer: President
Article 75(4) and Third Schedule: Ministers take oath before President. Oath includes: (a) bear true faith to Constitution, (b) uphold sovereignty and integrity of India, (c) faithfully discharge duties, (d) not disclose confidential information. This formalizes constitutional commitment and confidentiality obligation.
The President can exercise 'Pocket Veto' by simply ______ a bill without taking any action, as there is no time limit for giving assent.
- returning
- approving
- withholding
- amending
Answer: withholding
Article 111: President has three veto types: (a) Absolute veto - withholding assent, (b) Suspensive veto - returning bill (except Money Bills), (c) Pocket veto - taking no action indefinitely. Pocket veto was used in 1986 for Indian Post Office (Amendment) Bill. This passive power checks hasty legislation.
Article 361 grants immunity to the President from criminal proceedings during their term of office, and no court can issue process for arrest or imprisonment of the ______.
- Prime Minister
- Vice President
- President
- Chief Justice
Answer: President
Article 361: President (and Governors) enjoy immunity: (a) no criminal proceedings during term, (b) no arrest/imprisonment, (c) civil proceedings allowed with 2-month notice. This ensures head of state can perform duties without harassment, but doesn't grant impunity post-tenure.