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Generate QuizPolity – Fill in the Blank – GK Questions
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The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, 1992 gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies by adding Parts ______ and IXA respectively.
- VIII
- IX
- X
- XI
Answer: IX
73rd Amendment (1992): Added Part IX (Articles 243-243O) for Panchayats. 74th Amendment (1992): Added Part IXA (Articles 243P-243ZG) for Municipalities. Together institutionalized democratic decentralization: mandatory elections, reservations, State Finance Commissions, functional devolution (11th/12th Schedules). Transformed grassroots governance in India.
The 24th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1971 was enacted to overcome the Supreme Court's judgment in ______ case (1967), which held Parliament cannot amend Fundamental Rights.
- Golaknath
- Kesavananda Bharati
- Minerva Mills
- Indira Gandhi
Answer: Golaknath
Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967): SC held Parliament cannot amend Fundamental Rights (Part III). 24th Amendment (1971) added clause to Article 13 clarifying 'law' does not include constitutional amendment under Article 368, and added clause to Article 368 affirming Parliament's amending power including FRs. Set stage for Kesavananda Bharati compromise.
Amendments affecting federal provisions like election of President, extent of executive power, Supreme Court/High Courts, distribution of legislative powers, representation of States in Parliament, or Article 368 itself require ratification by legislatures of not less than ______ of States.
- one-third
- one-half
- two-thirds
- three-fourths
Answer: one-half
Article 368(2) proviso: Amendments affecting federal structure require ratification by legislatures of not less than half of States (by simple majority). Protects States' interests by ensuring Union cannot unilaterally alter federal balance. Examples: 7th Amendment (State reorganisation), 73rd/74th Amendments (local government).
The President can revoke any type of Emergency proclamation at any time by a subsequent proclamation, without requiring ______ approval.
- Parliamentary
- Cabinet
- Judicial
- State Legislature
Answer: Parliamentary
Articles 352(2)(b), 356(1)(c), 360(2)(b): President can revoke Emergency proclamation anytime by subsequent proclamation. No Parliamentary approval needed for revocation (only for imposition/extension). Enables executive to restore normalcy promptly when crisis abates, without legislative delay.
The report of the Governor under Article 356 for imposition of President's Rule is not binding on the ______, who makes the final satisfaction.
- Prime Minister
- President
- Chief Justice
- Parliament
Answer: President
Article 356(1): President may act on Governor's report 'or otherwise'. Governor's report is important but not binding; President forms independent satisfaction based on all available material. However, SR Bommai case mandated that satisfaction must be based on objective material, not subjective opinion, and is subject to judicial review.
President's Rule under Article 356 can remain in force for a maximum period of ______ years, subject to Parliamentary approval every 6 months and Election Commission certification after one year.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Answer: 3
Article 356(5), inserted by 44th Amendment: Maximum duration of President's Rule is 3 years. Extensions beyond 1 year require: (a) National Emergency in India or that State, AND (b) Election Commission certification that elections cannot be held. Prevents indefinite suspension of State democracy; ensures return to normalcy.
National Emergency under Article 352 has been proclaimed ______ times in India's history: 1962 (China war), 1971 (Indo-Pak war), and 1975 (internal disturbance).
- two
- three
- four
- five
Answer: three
National Emergency proclaimed thrice: (1) Oct 1962 - China aggression (lifted Jan 1968), (2) Dec 1971 - Indo-Pak war (lifted Mar 1977), (3) Jun 1975 - 'internal disturbance' (lifted Mar 1977). 1975 Emergency was controversial; led to 44th Amendment safeguards. State Emergency (Article 356) used over 120 times; Financial Emergency never used.
In which landmark case did the Supreme Court hold that imposition of President's Rule under Article 356 is subject to judicial review?
- Golaknath case (1967)
- Kesavananda Bharati case (1973)
- SR Bommai case (1994)
- Indira Sawhney case (1992)
Answer: SR Bommai case (1994)
SR Bommai v. Union of India (1994): 9-judge bench held: (a) Presidential satisfaction under Article 356 is not absolute; subject to judicial review, (b) Proclamation can be struck down if mala fide or based on irrelevant grounds, (c) Assembly dissolution should not be automatic, (d) Floor test is primary method to test majority. Landmark judgment curbing misuse of Article 356.
Under Article 356, President's Rule can be imposed in a State if the President is satisfied, on receipt of report from the ______ or otherwise, that State government cannot function per Constitution.
- Chief Minister
- Governor
- Chief Justice
- Speaker
Answer: Governor
Article 356(1): President may issue Proclamation if satisfied (on Governor's report or otherwise) that State government cannot be carried on per Constitution. 'Or otherwise' allows President to act on other information, but SR Bommai case (1994) mandated objective material and judicial review to prevent arbitrary use.
Under Article 352(7), if Lok Sabha passes a resolution disapproving continuation of Emergency by ______ majority, the President must revoke the Proclamation.
- simple
- two-thirds
- three-fourths
- absolute
Answer: simple
Article 352(7), inserted by 44th Amendment: If Lok Sabha passes resolution disapproving Emergency by simple majority, President must revoke it. Additionally, if 1/10th of Lok Sabha members give notice to Speaker, special sitting must be held within 14 days to consider revocation. Empowers legislature to check executive Emergency power.
A Proclamation of National Emergency under Article 352 can be issued by the President only on the ______ recommendation of the Cabinet.
- oral
- written
- unanimous
- majority
Answer: written
Article 352(3), inserted by 44th Amendment (1978): President can proclaim Emergency only after receiving written recommendation of Cabinet (not just PM). This curbs arbitrary use by ensuring collective responsibility. Written record enables judicial review and parliamentary scrutiny of Emergency declaration.
The 15th Finance Commission (2020-25) used the ______ census data for population criterion in horizontal devolution, marking a shift from the long-standing use of 1971 census.
- 1991
- 2001
- 2011
- 2021
Answer: 2011
15th FC used 2011 census for population criterion (weight: 15%), while earlier FCs used 1971 census to avoid penalizing States that controlled population growth. Shift to 2011 data reflects demographic reality but raised concerns among high-fertility States. FC balanced this by giving weight to demographic performance (effort to control population) as separate criterion.
Under Article 149, Parliament may prescribe the duties and powers of CAG in relation to audit of accounts of bodies substantially financed by Union or State funds, which has been done through the ______ Act, 1971.
- Comptroller and Auditor General
- Right to Information
- Lokpal and Lokayuktas
- Whistle Blowers Protection
Answer: Comptroller and Auditor General
CAG (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971: Defines CAG's audit mandate: (a) Union/State accounts, (b) Bodies substantially financed by government funds, (c) Grants/loans to other bodies. Includes compliance, financial, and performance audits. Empowers CAG to access records, summon officials, ensuring comprehensive financial oversight.
Under Article 243K, the State Election Commission conducts elections to Panchayats and Municipalities, and the State Election Commissioner can be removed only on grounds and in manner as a Judge of ______.
- District Court
- High Court
- Supreme Court
- Administrative Tribunal
Answer: High Court
Article 243K(2): State Election Commissioner's removal conditions same as High Court Judge (Article 217): Presidential order after Parliament address with special majority. Ensures independence of State Election Commission from State executive, enabling impartial conduct of local elections. Critical for democratic decentralization at grassroots.
The President specifies the terms of reference for the Finance Commission, which typically include criteria for ______ distribution of tax revenues.
- horizontal
- vertical
- both horizontal and vertical
- sectoral
Answer: both horizontal and vertical
Article 280(3): FC recommends: (a) Vertical devolution: share of Union taxes to States (e.g., 41% by 15th FC), (b) Horizontal devolution: distribution among States using criteria like population (1971/2011), area, forest cover, income distance, demographic performance. Balances equity (needier States get more) and efficiency (rewarding reforms).
The reports of the CAG relating to Union accounts are submitted to the ______, who causes them to be laid before Parliament.
- Prime Minister
- Finance Minister
- President
- Speaker
Answer: President
Article 151(1): CAG reports on Union accounts submitted to President, who lays them before Parliament. Article 151(2): Reports on State accounts submitted to Governor, laid before State Legislature. Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examines CAG reports to ensure executive accountability for public expenditure. Critical for legislative financial oversight.
A member of UPSC can be removed by the President on grounds of misbehaviour only after the ______ has conducted an inquiry and reported that removal is justified.
- Supreme Court
- High Court
- Parliament
- Cabinet
Answer: Supreme Court
Article 317: UPSC member can be removed by President on grounds of: (a) insolvency, (b) engaging in paid employment outside duties, (c) infirmity of mind/body, (d) misbehaviour. For misbehaviour, President must refer matter to Supreme Court; removal only if SC upholds charges after inquiry. Ensures due process and protects members from arbitrary removal.
The Union Public Service Commission consists of a Chairman and such number of other members as may be determined by the ______.
- Prime Minister
- President
- Parliament
- Chief Justice
Answer: President
Article 315(1): UPSC comprises Chairman + members as President determines. Currently, UPSC has 1 Chairman + up to 10 members. Members appointed by President; half should be civil servants with 10+ years experience. Ensures expertise in recruitment while maintaining institutional independence from executive.
The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only in like manner and on like grounds as a Judge of the ______.
- District Court
- High Court
- Supreme Court
- Administrative Tribunal
Answer: Supreme Court
Article 324(5): CEC can be removed only by Presidential order after Parliament passes address with special majority (majority of total membership + 2/3 present and voting) on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity. Same procedure as Supreme Court Judge removal (Article 124). Other ECs can be removed only on CEC's recommendation. Ensures EC's independence from executive.
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj's ______ initiative aims to digitize Panchayat functions, improve transparency, and enable direct benefit transfers.
- e-GramSwaraj
- Digital India
- Smart Cities
- UMANG
Answer: e-GramSwaraj
e-GramSwaraj: Web-based platform for Panchayat planning, accounting, monitoring. Integrates with PFMS for direct fund transfers, GIS for asset mapping, and public dashboards for transparency. Part of Digital India initiative to strengthen grassroots governance through technology. Enhances efficiency, accountability, and citizen access to services.