Prelims 2013

1. With reference to Indian History, the Members of the Constituent Assembly from the Provinces were

1. directly elected by the people of those Provinces
2. nominated by the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League
3. elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies
4. selected by the Government for their expertise in constitutional matters

Easy question, Read in modern history. They were elected by provincial assemblies, princes nominated them.

Learning – Evolution of constitutional scheme esp. Morley Minto, GOI act 1919, GOI act 1935, Cabinet mission plan, Constituent assembly, interim govt and interim parliament <cabinet mission has been asked infinite times>

2. ‘Economic Justice’ the objectives of Constitution has been as one of the Indian provided in

1. the Preamble and Fundamental Rights
2. the Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy
3. the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy
4. None of the above

Repeat question.

Preamble – justice -social, economic and political, DPSP is all about socio economic democracy, welfare state

Learning – Can’t repeat, learn DPSP, FRs, FDs, Preamble by heart

3. According to the Constitution of India, which of the following are fundamental for the governance of the country?

1. Fundamental Rights
2. Fundamental Duties
3. Directive Principles of State Policy
4. Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties

Repeat. DPSPs like instrument of instruction of GOI 1935. Not enforceable but fundamental to governance

Learning – can’t repeat enough but FRs v/s DPSP , Conflict b/w FRs and DPSPs

4. Consider the following statements

1. An amendment to the Constitution of India can be initiated by an introduction of a bill in the Lok Sabha only.
2. If such an amendment seeks to make changes in the federal character of the Constitution, the amendment also requires to be ratified by the legislature of all the States of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

• Indirect Repeat – Primacy of RS v/s LS, LS prevails only in cases of money bill and type 1 financial bill and in ordinary bill in joint sittings. CAB can be introduced in either house but not in states
• Statement 2, all gives it away, consent of half the states is required

Learning – Repeating again primacy of LS v/s RS, passage of different bills, Art 368, cases where assent of states required, amendments not considered under article 368, Parliamentary legislation on state list 

5. In the context of India, which of the following principles is/are implied institutionally in the parliamentary government?

1. Members of the Cabinet are Members of the Parliament.
2. Ministers hold the office till they enjoy confidence in the Parliament.
3. Cabinet is headed by the Head of the State.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

• Repeat. All 3 options repeated.
• Statement 3 is wrong. Cabinet headed by PM, remove it and answer. Actions taken in the name of President. Statement 1 repeat, Cabinet members of legislature , ministers responsible to LS (not parliament )

Learning – Presidential v/s parliamentary system, Cabinet v/s CoM, different categories of ministers

6. Consider the following statements:

1. The Council of Ministers in the Centre shall be collectively responsible to the Parliament.
2. The Union Ministers shall hold the office during the pleasure of the President of India.
3. The Prime Minister shall communicate to the President about the proposals for Legislation.

1. only 1
2. only 2 and 3
3. only 1 and 3
4. 1, 2 and 3

Internal repeat <same paper> right.

CoM responsible to LS not parliament. Eliminate it, you get the answer. Yes pleasure but PM recommends when to remove the pleasure. Statement 2 is too innocuous to be false.

Learning – Solve question papers, read titbits

7. Attorney General of India can

1. take part in the proceedings of the Lok Sabha
2. be a member of a committee of the Lok Sabha
3. speak in the Lok Sabha
4. vote in the Lok Sabha

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 4
3. 1, 2 and 3
4. 1 and 3 only

• Option 4 is obviously incorrect as only members can vote <even VP can’t vote as he is not a member >.
• Doubt rests on statement 2 as it’s obvious if he can sit in the house, he would not sit there to observe, he can observe on the TV. Obviously he would sit there to speak if required.
• Whoever can take part in proceeding can be a member but without again right to vote

Learning – AG qualification, appointment, removal, reference to AG

8. Which one of the following statements is correct?

1. In India, the same person cannot be appointed as Governor for two or more States at the same time
2. The Judges of the High Court of the States in India are appointed by the Governor of the State just as the Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President
3. No procedure has been laid down in the Constitution of India for the removal of a Governor from his/her post
4. In the case of a Union Territory having a legislative setup, the Chief Minister is appointed by the Lt. Governor on the basis of majority support

• Option 3 common knowledge – Governor till pleasure of president. But it’s a difficult question if you don’t directly reach this option.
• Can be appointed governor of 2 states, in fact even LG of UTs, High court judges appointed as well as removed by president, CM appointed by President not LG <in states governor appoint>

Learning – again Discretionary powers of governor appointment and removal, LG v/s governor, Qualification, Appointment and Removal of Judges

9. The Parliament can make any law for whole or any part of India for implementing international treaties

1. with the consent of all the States
2. with the consent of the majority of States
3. with the consent of the States concerned
4. without the consent of any State

Common sense – India is not that federal to require state permission here

Learning – Instances where parliament can make laws on state list with or without their permission <discussed in titbits>. Has been asked multiple times i.e Parliamentary legislation on state list

10. Consider the following statements: The Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts (PAC)

1. consists of not more than 25 Members of the Lok Sabha
2. scrutinizes appropriation and finance accounts of Government
3. Examines the report of CAG.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct? `

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Repeat. Only Committee on estimates has members only of LS. All others have members both of LS and RS. Isn’t it clear from the name it would scrutinize accounts. Statement 2 correct, 1 incorrect

Learning – Again committees are imp. 3 committee , PAC, CoE, CoPU. Appointment, removal and independence of CAG. Types of audits conducted by CAG

11.  Consider the following statements:

1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.
2. While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

• Chairman VP not a member, Vice Chairman from amongst the members
• Presidential election – Only elected members of both the houses plus legislative assemblies, VP election – all the members of both the houses

Learning – Powers, appointment and removal of chairperson and speaker, Appointment and removal of President and VP <discussed in titbits>

13.  What will follow if a Money Bill is substantially amended by the Rajya Sabha?

1. The Lok Sabha may still proceed with the Bill, accepting or not accepting the recommendations of the Rajya Sabha
2. The Lok Sabha cannot consider the Bill further
3. The Lok Sabha may send the Bill to the Rajya Sabha for reconsideration
4. The President may call a joint sitting for passing the Bill

Repeated n number of times. RS can’t amend the money bill.

Learning – Money bill v.s finance bill. Passage of different bills. Primacy of LS v/s RS

14.  Consider the following statements:

1. National Development Council is an organ of the Planning Commission.
2. The Economic and Social Planning is kept in the Concurrent List in the Constitution of India.
3. The Constitution of India prescribes that Panchayats should be assigned the task of preparation of plans for economic development and social justice.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1,2 and 3

• NDC and PC have been abolished now. NDC used to advise PC on planning and included all CMs and union ministers etc. Eliminate statement 1, only option left
• Statement 2 and 3 are common sense, planning has to be in the concurrent list

Learning – Niti Ayog

15. Who among the following constitute the National Development Council?

1. The Prime Minister
2. The Chairman, Finance Commission
3. Ministers of the Union Cabinet
4. Chief Ministers of the States

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. 1, 3 and 4 only
3. 2 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

What would chairperson FC would do? FC is not involved in planning. Repeated question next year.

Learning – FC, Niti Ayog

16. Which of the following bodies does not/do not find mention in the Constitution?

1. National Development Council
2. Planning Commission
3. Zonal Councils

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

NDC and PC easily incorrect. Even zonal councils aren’t in the constitution <they are statutory>

Learning – Inter state council, Zonal Council

17. The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in 1996. Which one of the following is not identified as its objective?

1. To provide self-governance
2. To recognize traditional rights
3. To create autonomous regions in tribal areas
4. To free tribal people from exploitation

• Common sense – Panchayat is for self governance so 1st has to be correct. 5th schedule and 6th schedule has been asked multiple times and 6th schedule is create autonomous region, so option 3 has to be incorrect.
• Also option 2 and 4 would have to be correct or incorrect simultaneously as recognize their traditional rights, you free them of exploitation

18. Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both?

1. State Forest Department
2. District Collector/Deputy Commissioner
3. Tahsildar /Block Development Officer / Mandai Revenue Officer
4. Gram Sabha

FRA is addition to PESA. So obviously community i.e Gram Sabha would do it.

Learning – PESA v/s FRA

19.  With reference to National Legal Services Authority, consider the following statements :

1. Its objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society on the basis of equal opportunity.
2. It issues guidelines for the State Legal Services Authorities to implement the legal programs and schemes throughout the country.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

General knowledge. Appear true. NLSA act 1987. But if you didn’t know, you could mark it incorrect thinking may be not free but at low cost. But remember free legal aid is DPSP.

• Bottom line – 10/18 absolute joke
• 4/18 Tricky – AG being member of Committee, Election of president and VP, no procedure for removal of Governor, Zonal council not constitution
• NLSA, FRA, NDC require some limited knowledge

Learning – UPSC asks a lot of questions from a few topics every year which are doable

Pre 2012

1. In India, other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for intended purpose, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)?

1. CAG exercises exchequer control on behalf of the Parliament when the President of India declares national emergency/financial emergency.
2. CAG reports on the execution of projects or programmes by the ministries are discussed by the Public Accounts Committee.
3. Information from CAG reports can be used by investigating agencies to press charges against those who have violated the law while managing public finances.
4. While dealing with the audit and accounting of government companies, CAG has certain judicial powers for prosecuting those who violate the law.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 3 and 4 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution – CAG is asked again and again.

• 4th is clearly wrong as obviously only judiciary can prosecute people not CAG or other bodies not even Human rights commission
• Only options 2 and 3 left i.e statement 3, Cummon information from any imp report can be used to press charges. Judiciary will determine if charges stick or not <it was the time of 2g scam>
• CAG -PAC asked multiple times,
• CAG only audits, he is not comptroller in INdia <statement 1 is wrong>

Learning – Reading options carefully, applying brain , Again role of CAG, types of audits

2. The Prime Minister of India, at the time of his/her appointment: 

(a) need not necessarily be a member of one of the Houses of the Parliament but must become a member of one of the” Houses within six months

(b) need not necessarily be a member of one of the Houses of the Parliament but must become a member of the LokSabha within six months

(c) must be a member of one of the Houses of the Parliament

(d) must be a member of the LokSabha

Manmohan Singh was from RS. Ministers can be from either house so can the PM. Ministers can become members w/i 6 months so can PM.

Learning – Qualification. Disqualification to be elected to LS and RS including recent SC judgement (section 8 (4))

3. With reference to the Delimitation Commission, consider the following statements :

1. The orders of the Delimitation Commission cannot be challenged in a Court of Law.
2. When the orders of the Delimitation Commission are laid before the LokSabha or State Legislative Assembly, they cannot effect any modifications in the orders.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

You must know oudelimitation commission. Both are true

Learning – Delimitation commission, composition, powers, last delimitation, next delimitation 

4. According to the Constitution of India, it is the duty of the President of India to cause to be laid before the Parliament which of the following?

1. The Recommendations of the Union Finance Commission
2. The Report of the Public Accounts Committee
3. The Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General
4. The Report of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

3rd is obviously incorrect as committee’s report is tabled by the chairperson of the committee. Other 3 bodies would submit the report to president.

Learning – NCSC – role wrt to OBC and Anglo Indians, UPSC – appointment and removal of members ,  independence of UPSC

5. A deadlock between the LokSabha and the RajyaSabha calls for a joint sitting of the Parliament during the passage of

1. Ordinary Legislation
2. Money Bill
3. Constitution Amendment Bill

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Has been repeated infinite times. Money bill no role of RS. CAB has to be passed separately by both houses with special majority

6. Which of the following is/are among the Fundamental Duties of citizens laid down in the Indian Constitution?

1. To preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture
2. To protect the weaker sections from social injustice
3. To develop the scientific temper and spirit of inquiry
4. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

• Repeated n number of times .
• Protecting weaker sections is DPSP not FD

7. What is the provision to safeguard the autonomy of the Supreme Court of India?

1. While appointing the Supreme Court Judges, the President of India has to consult the Chief Justice of India.
2. The Supreme Court Judges can be removed by the Chief Justice of India only.
3. The salaries of the Judges are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India to which the legislature does not have to vote.
4. All appointments of officers and staffs of the Supreme Court of India are made by the Government only after consulting the Chief Justice of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

• 2nd option is obviously incorrect as President removes judges. Repeated ad nauseum that both high court and supreme court judges are appointed and removed by president. 1 is definitely correct, even before 4 judges case <art 124> both in case of supreme court and high court
• Answer is clear from above. But what about statement 4 – very conveniently reversed, CJI appoints after consulting president not the other way around

Learning — Appointment, removal. Independence of judiciary

8. The distribution of powers between the Centre and the States in the Indian Constitution is based on the scheme provided in the

(a) Morley-Minto Reforms, 1909

(b) Montagu-Chelmsford Act, 1919

(c) Government of India Act, 1935

(d) Indian Independence Act, 1947

Repeated many times. GOI act 1935, 3 lists, provincial autonomy

Learning – all 4 acts mentioned in the options, Cabinet mission plan

9. In the Parliament of India, the purpose of an adjournment motion is

(a) to allow a discussion on a definite matter of urgent public importance

(b) to let opposition members collect information from the ministers

(c) to allow a reduction of specific amount in demand for grant

(d) to postpone the proceedings to check the inappropriate or violent behaviour on the part of some members

• Didn’t i say if 3 motions are to be learned – No Confidence, adjournment and calling attention
• Definite matter of urgent public importance, only in LS, extraordinary device, direct or indirect failure on the part of govt 

Learning – Learn all 3 motions, Primacy of LS v/s RS

10. Consider the following provisions under the Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined in the Constitution of India 

1. Securing for citizens of India a uniform civil code
2. Organizing village Panchayats
3. Promoting cottage industries in rural areas
4. Securing for all the workers reasonable leisure and cultural opportunities

Which of the above are the Gandhian Principles that are reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy?

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

How many times will they repeat DPSP. But here they asked Gandhian  2 and 3 are obvious. UCC clearly isn’t Gandhian but liberal.

Reading – Learn DPSPs. FDs, FRs, Preamble by heart plus broad classification of DPSP <covered in titbits>

11. Consider the following statements:

1. Union Territories are not represented in the RajyaSabha.
2. It is within the purview of the Chief Election Commissioner to adjudicate the election disputes.
3. According to the Constitution of India, the Parliament consists of the LokSabha and the RajyaSabha only.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 1 and 3

(d) None

We know Delhi is represented in RS. 3rd statement, only gives it away, president is also part of parliament, has to sign bills for them to become act. You can mark even if you don’t know about statement 2. What bout election dispute? Answer in comments please

Learning – Election Commission appointment, removal and independence, Election disputes

12. Regarding the office of the LokSabha Speaker, consider the following statements: 

1. He/She holds the office during the pleasure of the President.
2. He/She need not be a member of the House at the time of his/her election but has to become a member of the House within six months from the date of his/her election.
3. If he/she intends to resign, the letter of his/her resignation has to be addressed to the Deputy Speaker.

Which of the statements given above is /are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) None

• 3rd is so innocuous has to be correct, deputy writes to speaker, speaker writes to deputy. We know the removal procedure, has been asked multiple times (effective majority). Even if you don’t know about option 2, you can mark it correct.
• Has to be a member as he has to conduct the proceedings unlike minister who can function without being present in the house.

13. Which of the following are included in the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?

1. A dispute between the Government of India and one or more States
2. A dispute regarding elections to either House of the Parliament or that of Legislature of a State
3. A dispute between the Government of India and a Union Territory
4. A dispute between two or more States

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 1 and 4

(d) 3 and 4

Repeat – Original jurisdiction. Original meaning originating in the supreme court, not on appeal. So obviously federal provisions i.e 1 and 4 <UT is not under federal relationship>

Learning – Writ of SC v/s high court, Original and advisory jurisdiction of SC

14. Which of the following is/are the principal feature(s) of the Government of India Act, 1919?

1. Introduction of dyarchy in the executive government of the provinces
2. Introduction of separate communal electorates for Muslims
3. Devolution of legislative authority by the centre to the provinces

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Repeat. 2 is definitely incorrect, Morley Minto introduced it. Statement 3 would be the clincher. If there was dyarchy meaning some powers to elected ministers so definitely some legislative authority also <autonomy in 1935 only>

Learning – Repeating nth time, 3 acts plus cabinet mission

15. Which of the following special powers have been conferred on the RajyaSabha by the Constitution of India? 

(a) To change the existing territory of a State and to change the name of a State

(b) To pass a resolution empowering the Parliament to make laws in the State List and to create one or more All India Services

(c) To amend the election procedure of the President and to determine the pension of the President after his/her retirement

(d) To determine the functions of the Election Commission and to determine the number of Election Commissioners

Simple

Learning – Repeating nth time Primacy of LS v.s RS

16. Which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India have a bearing on Education?

1. Directive Principles of State Policy
2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies
3. Fifth Schedule
4. Sixth Schedule
5. Seventh Schedule

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3, 4 and 5 only

(c) 1, 2 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

• DPSP – Early Childhood care and education, Rural and Urban – Primary education,  7th schedule- 3 lists, education in concurrent
• 5th and 6th schedule deals with schedule and tribal areas. No direct relationship to education

Learning – Learn all schedules, DPSPs

17. Which of the following are the methods of Parliamentary control over public finance in India? 

1. Placing Annual Financial Statement before the Parliament
2. Withdrawal of moneys from Consolidated Fund of India only after passing the Appropriation Bill
3. Provisions of supplementary grants and vote-on-account
4. A periodic or at least a mid-year review of programme of the Government against macroeconomic forecasts and expenditure by a Parliamentary Budget Office
5. Introducing Finance Bill in the Parliament

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only

(c) 3, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

There is no Parliamentary Budget Office in INdia

Learning – Passage of Budget, 3 Statements consequent to FRBM act

18. In the areas covered under the Panchayat (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, what is the role/power of Gram Sabha?

1. Gram Sabha has the power to prevent alienation of land in the Scheduled Areas.
2. Gram Sabha has the ownership of minor forest produce.
3. Recommendation of Gram Sabha is required for granting prospecting licence or mining lease for any mineral in the Scheduled Areas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

• PESA and FRA repeated again next year. Look at the statement 3, any gives it away. If under statement 2, Gram sabha has ownership over Minor forest produce, how is it possible for gram sabha to have ownership over any mineral. It should also be minor mineral, right.  Any is too sweeping. Pause and Think.
• Statement 1 is obviously correct

Learning – PESA and FRA

19. The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in consonance with which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India?

1. Right to healthy environment, construed as a part of Right to life under Article 21
2. Provision of grants for raising the level of administration in the Scheduled Areas for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes under Article 275(1)
3. Powers and functions of Gram Sabha as mentioned under Article 243(A)

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

1 is obviously correct, seems correct.  What has NGT to do with scheduled areas, gram sabha etc. It’s for all India.

20. With reference to consumers’ rights/ privileges under the provisions of law in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 

1. Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing.
2. When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid.
3. In case of death of a consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his/her behalf.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

You must know about this. Earlier we learnt free legal aid under NLSA but here it’s not free. 3 can not be wrong so answer 1 and 3 <in the next blog you would know that question related to consumer protection act had been asked earlier, importance of solving question papers>

Learning – Consumer protection act, amendment proposed, Food safety laws, FSSAI

Bottom Line – Most of the questions absolute joke