Civics-The Union Legislature Flashcards

1
Q

What is meant by Parliament ?

A

Parliament is the legislative organ of government. It controls the executive and finances of the nation.

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2
Q

What is meant by federal structure of government?

A

In a federal structure, there are two sets of governments The Union government and the State government.

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3
Q

Name the two Houses of the Indian
(Union) Parliament.

A

1.The Lok Sabha

2.The Rajya Sabha

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4
Q

Name the three components of the Indian Parliament.
Or
Mention the three constituents of the Indian Parliament.

A

(a)The President of the Union

(b) The Rajya Sabha (ie. the Upper House)

(c) The Lok Sabha (ie, the Lower house)

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5
Q

What are the names of the Houses of the Parliament in Hindi and English?

A

In Hindi, the Council of States is called Rajya Sabha while the House of People is called the Lok Sabha

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6
Q

Why is the Lok Sabha called the Lower House and the Rajya Sabha as the Upper House ?

A

The Lok Sabha is called the Lower House as its members are directly elected by the people of India.

The Rajya Sabha is called the Upper House as it represents the States of the Union of India

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7
Q

What is the strength of the Rajya Sabha for elected and nominated members?

A

The Rajya Sabha consists of 238 elected and 12 nominated members.

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8
Q

Who is the ex-officio chairperson of the Rajya Sabha ?

A

Vice-President.

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9
Q

How are the Rajya Sabha members elected?

Or

Name the body which elects Rajya Sabha .

A

The members of the Rajya Sabha from each State are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly ( the Lower House) of the State. This is done by means of proportional and representation called the Single Transferable Voting System.

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10
Q

On what basis are the seats allotted to the States for the Rajya Sabha of membership?

A

The seats are alloted to the States for the Rajya Sabha membership on the basis of the population of the State

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11
Q

Mention the qualifications of the members of the Rajya Sabha.

A

1.He/She should be a citizen of India,

2.He/She should be minimum 30 years of age,

3.He She should have such other qualifications as may be prescribed by law from time.

4.He/She should ordinarily be the resident of the State or Union Territory from where he/she is seeking election

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12
Q

Mention the disqualification of the
members of Rajya Sabha.

A

1.If he/she holds an office of profit at the Centre or State, except being a Minister or any other office exempted by law

2.f he/she is of unsound mind

3.If he/she is an undischarged insolvent

4.If he/she is an alien

5.If he/she is disqualified under any law of the Parliament

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13
Q

What is the term of the Rajya Sabha ? Can it be dissolved?

A

The Rajya Sabha is a permanent House, hence it cannot be dissolved Each member is elected for a term of six years 1/3rd of its total members retire at the end of every two years, and the equal number of new members are elected to fill the vacancies caused by the retirement of 1/3rd members.

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14
Q

Who presides over the Rajya Sabha meetings? Who elects the Deputy Chairman?

A

The Vice-President presides over the Rajya Sabha meetings. The Deputy Chairman is elected by the members of the Rajya Sabha.

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15
Q

Who presides over the meetings of the Rajya Sabha in the absence of the Vice- President?

A

Deputy Chairman.

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16
Q

What is the quorum of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha?

A

The quorum of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha is of one tenth of its total members.

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17
Q

What is the time limit within which the Rajya Sabha must return a Bill?

A

The Rajya Sabha can delay the passing of an Ordinary Bill for four months but the Money Bill for 14 days only.

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18
Q

Discuss the powers of the Rajya Sabha over the Executive. Can it dismiss the government from power?

A

The Raiva Sabba exercises some control over the Council of Ministers by asking questions, moving Adjournment Motion and by debates. But it cannot dismiss the government from power

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19
Q

What are the exclusive powers of the Rajya Sabha ?

A

(a)To declare that a subject of State List have become a subject of national importance and request the Parliament to legislate on it.

(b) Creation of a new All India Service in the national interest.

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20
Q

Why cannot we say that the Rajya Sabha is a superfluous House?

A

a superfluous House?

Q.28. V

(a) It is a national body of elders and distinguished persons in Art, Literature, Science and Social Service.

(b) It revises bills and thus checks hasty legislation.

(c) It shares legislative load with the Lok Sabha.

(d) Being a permanent House, it is free from the din and noise of the Lok Sabha general elections.

(e) When the Lok Sabha stands dissolved, the Rajya Sabha can debate an urgent matter

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21
Q

What are the advantages of the Rajya Sabha?

A

(i)The Rajya Sabha is a permanent chamber.

(ii) It represents States.

(iii) It serves as a check upon hasty or rash legislation.

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22
Q

Discuss the composition of the Lok Sabha.

A

The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha provided by the Constitution is 552. Out of these 530 represent the states and not more than 20 represent the Union Territories. 2 members are Q.3 nominated by the President.

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23
Q

How many members can the President nominate to the Lok Sabha ? What is the An criteria for the nomination?

A

The President can nominate two members of the Anglo-Indian Community in case the President feels that the community has not been adequately represented.

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24
Q

How are the members of the Lok Sabha elected?

A

The members of the Lok Sabha are elected by direct election on the basis of universal adult franchise. Each State and Union Territory i divided into various constituencies and each constituency elects one member.

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25
Q

What is the normal term of the Lok Sabha?

A

5 yrs

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26
Q

What is a constituency?

A

It is a well-defined territorial area which is called upon to elect a member to represent it in the Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly.

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27
Q

What is the maximum period that shall not intervene between the two sessions of the Parliament ?

A

Six months.

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28
Q

Who is the leader of the House in the Lok Sabha, and who is the leader of the Opposition there?

A

The Prime Minister is the leader of the House in the Lok Sabha.

The leader of the Opposition in the House is the member of the party that gets the second largest membership after the largest party in the House and the membership is at least one-tenth of the total membership of the House.

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29
Q

How are the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha elected?

A

The Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha are elected by the members from amongst themselves.

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30
Q

Mention the status and facilities of the leader of Opposition in both the Houses of Parliament.

A

The leader of the opposition in both the Houses enjoys the same status and facilities as are enjoyed by a Cabinet Minister.

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31
Q

Mention three important powers and functions of the Lok Sabha Speaker.

A

(a) to regulate the proceedings of the House

(b) maintain discipline, and

(c) receive petitions and documents addressed to the House.

32
Q

What is the constitutional provision with regard to the representation of the Anglo- Indian Community in the Lok Sabha ?

A

The President of India can nominate two members of the community if it has not been adequately represented.

33
Q

What is Quorum?

A

A quorum is the minimum number of members required to be present in the Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabba before a meeting is allowed to begin. One tenth of the total members of the Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha must be present at the beginning of a sitting of the House, including the Presiding Officer

34
Q

Name the languages in which the business of the Parliament is transacted.

A

The business in Parliament is transacted in Hindi and English.

35
Q

Who summons each House of the Parliament to Session?

A

The President.

36
Q

Mention the occasion on which the President addresses a joint session of Parliament ?

A

When there is a deadlock between two Houses over an Ordinary Bill, the President summons a joint sitting of the two Houses.

37
Q

Name the three Lists which distribute the subjects of legislation between the Union and the States.

A

(i) The Union List
(ii) The State List
(ii) The Concurrent List.

38
Q

What is the Concurrent List of subjects?
Whose law final?

A

The Concurrent List contains all those subjects on which both State Legislature as well as the Union Parliament can make laws. If there is a conflict between the Union Parliament and State Legislature on any law on this List, the Union law will prevail.

39
Q

What are Residuary powers? To whom does the residuary powers, to make law, belong?

A

Matters which are not included in the division of powers are known as residuary powers. The residuary powers, to make law, belong to the Parliament

40
Q

Mention the two main circumstances in which the Parliament can legislate on State Subject.

A

(a) During the Proclamation of Emergency.

(b) When the Rajya Sabha declares by a
resolution passed by 2/3rd majority that a State List subject has assumed national importance.

41
Q

Mention two ways through which the Parliament exercises control on Finance.

A

(a)The Budget: The Parliament passes the Union Budget containing the estimates of receipts and expenditure of the Government for the financial year.

(b) Fixation of Salaries: The salaries and allowances of MPs and Ministers are determined by the Parliament

42
Q

In what three ways does the Parliament exercise control over the Executive (ie. the government in power)?

                                Or

Mention any two devices through which the Lok Sabha exercises control over the Council of Ministers.

A

a) The Question Hour: In this time (11am. to 12 noon) the House seeks information from the government about its policies and performances.

(b) Adjournment Motions: With the adjournment motion, the routine business of the House is postponed.

(C) Monetary Controls: The Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament keeps a check to ensure that public money is spent in accordance with Parliament’s decision.

43
Q

When does a Bill become an Act?

A

A Bill becomes an Act when the President gives his assent to the bill.

44
Q

Mention the period for which the Money Bill can be delayed in the Rajya Sabha.

A

It can be delayed for 14 days.

45
Q

How is the deadlock removed between the two Houses to pass the Ordinary Bill?

                           Or

What is the procedure that should be followed if there is a deadlock between the two Houses of Parliament over a Non- Money Bill?

A

If a deadlock arises between the two Houses, the President summons a joint sitting. The bill is placed before the joint sitting and the issue is decided by a majority vote.

46
Q

Who presides over the joint sessions of the Parliament?

A

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over the joint sessions of the Parliament.

47
Q

What options are available to the President when an Ordinary bill is sent to him?

A

When an Ordinary bill is sent to the President:

(a) He can give his assent.

(b) May not give his assent, in which case the bill goes back to the house of Parliament.

48
Q

What is a Money Bill? Who decides whether a Bill is a Money Bill or an Ordinary Bill?

A

A bill having a financial bearing is called a money bill. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha decides whether a Bill is a Money Bill or not.

49
Q

Name the Bill that cannot originate in the Rajya Sabha.

A

Money Bill.

50
Q

What is the consequence of that Money Bill, which is passed by the Lok Sabha, but not passed by the Rajya Sabha?

A

When a Money Bill is not passed by the Rajya Ans. The members of the Sabha within 14 days, the bill is deemed to have been passed by both the Houses.

51
Q

Mention two provisions under the
Constitution, which clearly establish the
supremacy of the Lok Sabha over the Rajya Sabha.

A

(a) Money Bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha.

(b) The Council of Ministers is only responsible to the Lok Sabha.

52
Q

Mention two ways in which the
Constitution can be amended.

A

(a) The amendment must be passed by each House by a majority of total membership and by a two- third majority of members present and voting.

(b) In certain cases, the amendment requires the ratification or approval of half of the Legislative Assemblies of the States.

53
Q

What is meant by the “Consolidated Fund of India”?

A

All revenues received by the government of India, all money raised by loans and all money received in repayment of loans shall form the “Consolidated Fund of India”

54
Q

Is there any part of the Union Budget which is not voted upon by the Parliament?

A

The Money Bill or Budget cannot be voted upon by the Rajya Sabha.

55
Q

Name the Presiding Officer of the Lok Sabha.

Or

What is the Presiding Officer or the Chairman of the Lok Sabha called?

A

The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha.

56
Q

Who presides over the Lok Sabha in the absence of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker?

A

In the absence of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, one of the six members of the Panel (or speakers) chosen by the Speaker, presides over the Lok Sabha.

57
Q

Mention one privilege of a member of Parliament.

A

The members of the Parliament have the freedom to give their views within as well as outside the Parliament.

58
Q

Mention two electoral functions of the
Union Parliament.

A

(i) The elected members of both the Houses of the Parliament alongwith members of the Legislative Assemblies constitute the Electoral College to elect the President of India.

(ii) It also elects its Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

59
Q

An adult Indian citizen holding an office of profit under the State Government wishes to contest for election to the Lok Sabha. Is he/she eligible? Give a reason to justify your answer.

A

No, he is not eligible because according to the constitution of India, an M.P. or M.L.A. cannot hold any office of profit under the goverment of India or of any state.

60
Q

What is motion? Mention two types of motions.

A

A motion is a formal proposal made by a member that the House ought to do something or express an opinion with regard to some matter of public importance.

Motions:

  1. Adjournment Motion
  2. Cut Motion
61
Q

What are the advantages of the Lok Sabha?

A

(1)Lok Sabha is considered the mirror and voice of the nation as its members are directly elected by the people.

(2) It is the Lok Sabha which makes, supports and throws out governments.

62
Q

How has the power of the president to declare an emergency been subject to the control of Parliament?

A

The emergency can remain effective only when it is approved by the parliament within a period of one month from the date of its proclamation.

63
Q

Name the agencies whose sanction is necessary before a bill becomes a law in the Union Legislature.

A

(i) The Lok Sabha
(ii) The Rajya Sabha
(iii) The President.

64
Q

(i) Mention any one matter where the Rajya Sabha enjoy equal powers with the Lok Sabha ?

(ii) Elections in India are held by the secret ballot. Give reason.

A

(i) In the election of the President and Vice- President.

(ii) So that voter can mark his/her choice
without any fear.

65
Q

Mention the body or bodies that have been granted exclusive powers to make laws on subjects in the (i) Concurrent List (ii) State List (iii) Union List.

A

(i) Concurrent List: Both central and the state governments.

(ii) State List: State governments.

(iii) Union List: Central government.

66
Q

Mention the body or bodies that have been granted exclusive powers to make laws on subject in the Concurrent List.

A

(i) Union Parliament.

(ii) State Legislatures.

67
Q

Whom does the President summon to form a government after the election to the Lok Sabha?

A

The leader of the majority party.

68
Q

Give two examples to show that the power of the Rajya Sabha is limited in regard to Money Bills.

Or

Mention one provision of the Constitution which clearly establishes the supremacy of the Lok Sabha with regards to money-bills.

A

(i) A money bill can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only and not in the Rajya Sabha.

(ii) The Rajya Sabha cannot reject a money bill It can give its suggestions and return it to Lok Sabha within 14 days.

69
Q

Which House of the Union Legislature had absolute power on Money Bills?

A

Lok Sabha

70
Q

How many persons may the President of India nominate as members of the Rajya Sabha and what qualifications, if any, should they possess for nomination to the Rajya Sabha ?

A

The President can nominate 12 members. They are nominated by the President from among persons having special knowledge or practical experience in matters such as Literature, Science, Art and Social Service.

71
Q

What is Question Hour?

A

The first hour on every working day of the House is reserved for questions unless otherwise decided by the Speaker.

72
Q

Mr. Gurudev was nominated by the President to the Rajya Sabha. Mention any one criterion on which the President would have nominated him.

A

He might be having special knowledge or practical experience in matters such as Literature, Science, Art and Social Service.

73
Q

When can the Vice-President cast a vote in the Rajya Sabha ?

A

Generally the Vice-President does not participate in voting. He participates only in case of tie.

74
Q

Name the two types of authority in a federal set up in India.

A

Union and State.

75
Q

What is meant by term Session ?

A

It is the time period during which the House meets to conduct its business.

76
Q

State the minimum of times the Lok Sabha must meet in a year.

A

Three Sessions.

(i) Summer Session (Feb.-May)

(ii) Monsoon Session (July-Sept.)

(iii) Winter Session (Nov.-Dec.)