Legislature Flashcards
1
Q
A
2
Q
A
3
Q
Who appoints the members of the Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee, and for how long?
A
The Speaker appoints them for a period of one year.
4
Q
What is the primary function of the Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee?
A
To examine complaints of unethical conduct against Lok Sabha members referred by the Speaker and make recommendations.
5
Q
Can any person directly file a complaint with the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee?
A
No, a complaint must be filed through another Lok Sabha MP, with evidence and an affidavit (unless the complaining MP is the one lodging the complaint).
6
Q
Can the Ethics Committee take up matters that are sub-judice (under judicial consideration)?
A
No.
7
Q
Which Article deals with the special procedure for Money Bills?
A
Article 109.
8
Q
In which House must a Money Bill be introduced?
A
Only in the Lok Sabha.
9
Q
What is the maximum time limit for the Rajya Sabha to return a Money Bill to the Lok Sabha with or without recommendations?
A
14 days.
10
Q
Does the Lok Sabha have to accept the recommendations made by the Rajya Sabha on a Money Bill?
A
No, the Lok Sabha can either accept or reject all or any of the recommendations.
11
Q
Who causes the Annual Financial Statement (Budget) to be laid before both Houses of Parliament under Article 112?
A
The President.
12
Q
Whose recommendation is required before a demand for a grant can be made (Article 113)?
A
The President’s recommendation.
13
Q
Which Constitutional Amendment Act reserves one-third of seats for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies (‘Nari Shakti Adhiniyam’)?
A
The 106th Amendment Act, 2023.
14
Q
When will the women’s reservation under the 106th Amendment Act come into effect?
A
After a delimitation exercise is undertaken based on the first census after the Act.
15
Q
For how long will the reservation for women under the 106th Amendment Act continue?
A
For a period of 15 years.
16
Q
Does the women’s reservation include seats reserved for SCs and STs?
A
Yes, one-third of seats reserved for SCs/STs will be reserved for women from those communities.
17
Q
Who has the power to prorogue the Houses of Parliament under Article 85?
A
The President (acting on the advice of the Council of Ministers).
18
Q
What is ‘prorogation’ of a House of Parliament?
A
The termination of a session of the House by an order of the President.
19
Q
When the Lok Sabha is dissolved, what generally happens to bills pending in the Lok Sabha?
A
They lapse.
20
Q
When the Lok Sabha is dissolved, what happens to a bill passed by the Lok Sabha but pending in the Rajya Sabha?
A
It lapses.
21
Q
Does a bill awaiting a notified joint sitting lapse upon Lok Sabha dissolution?
A
No, if the President notified the joint sitting before dissolution, the bill does not lapse.
22
Q
Can the Speaker preside over the Lok Sabha when a resolution for his removal is under consideration?
A
No.
23
Q
Can the Speaker vote during the consideration of a resolution for his removal?
A
Yes, but only in the first instance, not in the case of an equality of votes (tie).
24
Q
Under which list in the Seventh Schedule does the subject ‘Prisons’ fall?
A
State List.
25
Which Act primarily governs the management of prisons in India, along with State Prison Manuals?
The Prisons Act, 1894.
26
In which House must a Financial Bill (I) be introduced, and whose recommendation is required?
Only in the Lok Sabha, on the recommendation of the President.
27
Can the Rajya Sabha reject or amend a Financial Bill (I)?
Yes (but amendments other than reducing/abolishing tax require President's recommendation).
28
Is the provision for a joint sitting applicable to Money Bills?
No.
29
Is the provision for a joint sitting applicable to Constitutional Amendment Bills?
No.
30
Is the provision for a joint sitting applicable to Financial Bills?
Yes.
31
Does a Constitutional Amendment Bill require the prior permission of the President for introduction?
No.
32
What happens after a Constitutional Amendment Bill is passed by both Houses with the required special majority?
It is presented to the President, who must give his assent (since the 24th Amendment, 1971).
33
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34
Who votes in the election of the President of India (forming the electoral college)?
Elected members of both Houses of Parliament and elected members of the legislative assemblies of all States (including Delhi and Puducherry).
35
Who are not eligible to vote in the Presidential election?
Nominated members of Rajya Sabha and State legislative assemblies.
36
What is the value of each MP's vote in the Presidential election?
A fixed value (mentioned as 700 in the text, though this can change post-delimitation).
37
How is the vote value of an MLA calculated in the Presidential election?
Based on the population of the State, hence it differs from state to state.
38
What is the minimum duration for which the Speaker of a Legislative Assembly typically holds office?
For the duration of the assembly (usually 5 years), continuing until the first meeting of the next assembly.
39
Under what circumstances does a Speaker vacate office earlier?
If he ceases to be a member of the assembly; if he resigns by writing to the Deputy Speaker; or if removed by a majority resolution of the assembly.
40
What is the notice period required to move a resolution for the removal of the Speaker?
14 days' notice.
41
What is a 'Private Member' in Parliament?
Any Member of Parliament (MP) who is not a Minister.
42
Can nominated MPs introduce Private Members' Bills?
Yes.
43
Approximately how many Private Members' Bills have been passed by Parliament to date (according to the text)?
14
44
What is the purpose of an Adjournment Motion in Parliament?
To discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance, usually to censure the government for a recent act or omission with serious consequences.
45
What happens to the normal business of the House if an Adjournment Motion is admitted?
The normal business is set aside for discussing the matter mentioned in the motion.
46
When does the Question Hour take place in a typical sitting of Parliament?
At the beginning of every sitting.
47
Following which type of question can supplementary questions be asked?
Starred questions (which require an oral answer).
48
What is the minimum age requirement to contest an election to a Lok Sabha seat?
25 years.
49
Is a person detained under a preventive detention law automatically disqualified from contesting elections?
No, preventive detention is not listed as a disqualification under the Representation of People Act (1951) criteria mentioned.
50
What electoral system is adopted for elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies?
Territorial representation, also known as the First-past-the-post system.
51
In the First-past-the-post system, does the winning candidate need to secure at least 50% of the votes polled?
No, the candidate who secures the majority (most) of votes is declared elected.
52
Is there a mandatory rule or only a convention that the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha should be from the principal opposition party?
It is a parliamentary convention (since the 11th Lok Sabha), not a mandatory constitutional or statutory rule.
53
Name two conditions under which Parliament can make laws on subjects in the State List.
If Rajya Sabha passes a resolution in national interest; during a National Emergency; if two or more states request it; for implementation of international treaties.
54
Does the prorogation of a session affect bills pending before the House?
No, prorogation does not affect pending bills.
55
What happens to a Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha, which has not been passed by the Lok Sabha, upon dissolution of the Lok Sabha?
It shall not lapse.
56
What is the maximum permitted strength of a State Legislative Council relative to the Legislative Assembly?
It shall not exceed one-third of the total members in the Legislative Assembly.
57
What is the minimum permitted strength of a State Legislative Council?
Not less than forty members.
58
How are the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of a State Legislative Council chosen?
They are elected by the Council itself from among its members.
59
What majority is required to pass a bill in a joint sitting of Parliament?
Simple majority of the total number of members of both Houses present and voting.
60
What is the quorum required to constitute a joint sitting of Parliament?
One-tenth of the total number of members of the Houses.
61
Which parliamentary committee is the largest, consisting of 30 members all from Lok Sabha?
The Estimates Committee.
62
How many members does the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have, and from which Houses?
22 members (15 from Lok Sabha, 7 from Rajya Sabha).
63
How many members does the Committee on Public Undertakings (CoPU) have, and from which Houses?
22 members (15 from Lok Sabha, 7 from Rajya Sabha).
64
Who appoints the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)?
The Speaker of Lok Sabha.
65
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66
Upon dissolution of Lok Sabha, what happens to a bill passed by the Lok Sabha but pending in the Rajya Sabha?
It lapses.
67
Upon dissolution of Lok Sabha, what happens to a bill where disagreement occurred and a joint sitting was notified?
It does not lapse.
68
Can the Speaker preside over Lok Sabha proceedings when a resolution for his removal is under consideration?
No.
69
When a resolution for the Speaker's removal is considered, how can the Speaker vote?
Can vote in the first instance, but not in case of an equality of votes (tie).
70
'Prisons' is a subject under which list in the Seventh Schedule?
State List.
71
Which Act, along with State Prison Manuals, governs the administration of prisons in India?
The Prisons Act, 1894.
72
In which two aspects is a Financial Bill (Category I) similar to a Money Bill?
Both can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha, and only on the recommendation of the President.
73
Can the Rajya Sabha reject or amend a Financial Bill (I)?
Yes (but amendments other than reducing/abolishing tax require President's recommendation).
74
Can the Rajya Sabha reject or amend a Money Bill?
No, it can only make recommendations.
75
Within how many days must the Rajya Sabha return a Money Bill?
Within 14 days.
76
Is the provision for a joint sitting applicable to Money Bills or Constitutional Amendment Bills?
No, only applicable to Ordinary Bills and Financial Bills.
77
Why is a joint sitting not applicable for Constitutional Amendment Bills?
They must be passed by each House separately with the required special majority.
78
Can a Constitutional Amendment Bill be introduced by a private member?
Yes (either by a minister or a private member).
79
Is the President's prior permission required to introduce a Constitutional Amendment Bill?
No.
80
What majority is required in each House to pass a Constitutional Amendment Bill?
Special Majority (majority of total membership AND majority of 2/3 members present and voting).
81
After the 24th Amendment (1971), can the President withhold assent to a Constitutional Amendment Bill?
No, the President must give assent.
82
Does the Constitution classify the members of the Council of Ministers into different ranks (like Cabinet Minister etc.)?
No, this is done informally based on the British pattern.
83
Which Article deals with the status of the Council of Ministers?
Article 74.
84
Which Article deals with the appointment, tenure, responsibility etc. of Ministers?
Article 75.
85
What is the maximum strength of the Council of Ministers as per the 91st Amendment Act, 2003?
Should not exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha.
86
Which House(s) must ratify a proclamation of National Emergency (Article 352)?
Both Houses of Parliament.
87
The Union Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to which House?
Lok Sabha.
88
How can the Lok Sabha cause the fall of the government?
By passing a no-confidence motion.
89
Can the process of impeaching the President (Article 61) be initiated in only one House?
No, it can be initiated by either House of Parliament.
90
How is the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha elected?
Elected by the Lok Sabha from amongst its members, after the Speaker's election.
91
Who fixes the date for the election of the Deputy Speaker?
The Speaker.
92
Is it a mandatory rule that the Deputy Speaker must come from the principal opposition party?
No, it is a parliamentary convention followed since the 11th Lok Sabha.
93
In which country is the principle of 'parliamentary sovereignty' (Parliament as the supreme legal authority) enshrined?
United Kingdom (UK).
94
Is the Indian Parliament considered a sovereign body like the British Parliament?
No, it is subject to constitutional limits and judicial review.
95
What is a 'Constitution Bench' of the Supreme Court?
A Bench of at least five judges that decides cases involving substantial questions of law on the interpretation of the Constitution.
96
In which matters are the powers and status of Rajya Sabha equal to Lok Sabha?
Introduction and passage of Ordinary Bills and Constitutional Amendment Bills.
97
Which Article gives Rajya Sabha the exclusive power to authorise Parliament to create new All-India Services?
Article 312.
98
Can the Rajya Sabha remove the Council of Ministers by passing a no-confidence motion?
No.
99
Name the three current All-India Services (AIS).
Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Forest Service (IFS).
100
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101
How many members does the Committee on Petitions (Lok Sabha) have?
15 members (nominated by the Speaker).
102
Can the Rajya Sabha reject or amend a Money Bill?
No, it can only make recommendations and must return the bill within 14 days.
103
If Rajya Sabha substantially amends a Money Bill, can Lok Sabha still proceed with the original bill?
Yes, Lok Sabha can accept or reject Rajya Sabha's recommendations and proceed with the bill as it deems fit.
104
Who elects the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
The Rajya Sabha elects the Deputy Chairman from amongst its members.
105
Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
The Vice President of India.
106
Do nominated members of Rajya Sabha have the same powers and privileges as elected members?
Yes, they enjoy all powers and privileges and can participate normally in proceedings.
107
Can nominated members of Rajya Sabha vote in the election of the President?
No.
108
Can nominated members of Rajya Sabha vote in the election of the Vice-President?
Yes.
109
Who constitutes the electoral college for the election of the Vice-President?
All members (elected and nominated) of both Houses of Parliament.
110
What are the two exclusive powers of the Rajya Sabha mentioned (under Articles 249 and 312)?
Authorise Parliament to make law on a State List subject; Authorise Parliament to create new All-India Services.
111
List three methods of Parliamentary control over public finance.
Laying Annual Financial Statement; Withdrawal from Consolidated Fund only via Appropriation Bill; Provisions of supplementary grants/vote-on-account; Finance Bills.
112
Does a Parliamentary Budget Office conduct mid-year reviews of government programs against forecasts as a control mechanism?
No (review done by Finance Ministry under FRBM Act).
113
In which House can an Adjournment Motion be introduced?
Only in the Lok Sabha.
114
Why is Rajya Sabha not permitted to use the device of an Adjournment Motion?
Because it involves an element of censure against the government, to whom Rajya Sabha is not directly responsible.
115
Do Union Territories have representation in the Rajya Sabha?
Yes (e.g., Delhi, Puducherry).
116
Who adjudicates election disputes in India?
The Judiciary (not the Chief Election Commissioner).
117
According to the Constitution, who are the three constituents of the Parliament of India?
The President, the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha.
118
Does the Speaker of the Lok Sabha hold office during the pleasure of the President?
No, the Speaker can be removed only by a resolution of the Lok Sabha.
119
How is the Speaker of the Lok Sabha elected?
Elected by the members of Lok Sabha from amongst themselves.
120
To whom does the Lok Sabha Speaker submit his/her resignation?
To the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha.
121
Withdrawal of money from the Consolidated Fund of India requires the passage of which Bill by Parliament?
Appropriation Bill.
122
What types of revenue received by the Union Government go into the Consolidated Fund of India?
All revenues: direct taxes (income tax, corporate tax), indirect taxes (GST, customs, excise), dividends/profits from PSUs, disinvestment receipts, loan recoveries etc.
123
What happens if the Annual Budget (which is a Money Bill related to the CFI) is defeated in the Lok Sabha?
The government loses the confidence of the House and must resign.
124
When is an Interim Budget presented?
When the government doesn't have time for a full budget, or if elections are near.
125
What is the primary purpose of a 'Vote on Account'?
To allow the government to meet its expenditure for a part of the financial year until the full budget is passed.
126
What is the key difference between a 'Vote on Account' and an 'Interim Budget'?
Vote on Account deals only with expenditure; Interim Budget includes both receipts and expenditure.
127
Which body is primarily responsible for preparing the Union Budget?
Budget Division of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) in the Ministry of Finance (in consultation with Niti Aayog/other ministries).
128
What is the constitutional term for the Union Budget?
Annual Financial Statement (Article 112).
129
What is the maximum number of members allowed in a State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) as per Article 170?
500 members.
130
What is the minimum number of members required in a State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) as per Article 170?
60 members.
131
What is the minimum age qualification for a person to be chosen as a member of a State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)?
Twenty-five years of age.
132
What is the minimum age qualification for a person to be chosen as a member of a State Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad)?
Thirty years of age.
133
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134
Does the Speaker of the Lok Sabha hold office during the pleasure of the President?
No, the Speaker can be removed only by a resolution of the Lok Sabha.
135
How is the Speaker of the Lok Sabha elected?
Elected by the members of Lok Sabha from amongst themselves.
136
To whom does the Lok Sabha Speaker submit his/her resignation?
To the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha.
137
Withdrawal of money from the Consolidated Fund of India requires the prior approval of Parliament through which type of Bill?
Appropriation Bill.
138
What types of receipts go into the Consolidated Fund of India?
All revenues (direct/indirect taxes), dividends/profits from PSUs, disinvestment receipts, loan recoveries etc.
139
What is the consequence if the Annual Budget (considered a Money Bill) is defeated in the Lok Sabha?
It implies a loss of confidence in the government, which must then resign.
140
When might a government present an Interim Budget instead of a full budget?
When there isn't enough time to present/pass a full budget, or if General Elections are near.
141
What is the purpose of a 'Vote on Account'?
To allow the government to meet its expenditures for a part of the financial year until the full budget is passed.
142
How does an Interim Budget differ from a Vote on Account?
A Vote on Account only covers expenditure, while an Interim Budget includes both the government's receipts and expenditures for the interim period.
143
Which nodal body within the Ministry of Finance is responsible for producing the Union Budget?
Budget Division of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA).
144
What is the term used in the Constitution (Article 112) for the Union Budget?
Annual Financial Statement.
145
What period does the financial year cover in India?
1st April to 31st March of the following year.
146
Besides estimates of receipts and expenditure, what other elements does the Budget contain?
Ways to raise revenue, actuals of the closing financial year (with reasons for deficit/surplus), and economic/financial policy for the coming year.
147
What is the maximum and minimum number of members prescribed for a State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) under Article 170?
Maximum 500, Minimum 60.
148
What is the minimum age required to be a member of a State Legislative Assembly?
25 years.
149
What is the minimum age required to be a member of a State Legislative Council?
30 years.
150
Which Article empowers Rajya Sabha to authorize Parliament to create new All-India Services?
Article 312.
151
Which Article empowers Rajya Sabha to authorize Parliament to make a law on a subject in the State List?
Article 249.
152
While resolutions approving all types of emergencies must be passed by both Houses, a resolution for discontinuing which type requires only Lok Sabha's approval?
National Emergency.
153
Is an Appropriation Bill considered a Money Bill?
Yes.
154
When is the Appropriation Bill introduced in the Lok Sabha?
After discussions on Budget proposals and Voting on Demand for Grants.
155
The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to which House?
Lok Sabha (Article 75).
156
How can the Lok Sabha enforce the collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers?
By passing a no-confidence motion.
157
What does 'adjournment sine die' mean?
Terminating a sitting of Parliament for an indefinite period, without naming a day for reassembly.
158
Who has the power of adjournment and adjournment sine die?
The presiding officer of the House (Speaker/Chairman).
159
What constitutes a 'session' of Parliament?
The period spanning between the first sitting of a House and its prorogation (or dissolution for Lok Sabha).
160
Who summons and prorogues Parliament, and dissolves Lok Sabha?
The President.
161
Does the Lok Sabha automatically dissolve at the end of its five-year term?
Yes, even if no formal order is issued by the President.
162
Does the Speaker of the Lok Sabha vacate office immediately upon the dissolution of the House?
No, the Speaker continues in office until immediately before the first meeting of the newly elected House (Article 94).
